FAQs

Can I arrange a bouncy castle for my party?

No, bouncy castles and other inflatables are not allowed as the Hall Public Liability insurance policy does not cover them.

Can I drop things off before the booked time slot?

No, we ask that you stick to your allocated time as per your booking. If this creates an issue, please contact us via our website.

Can I open the windows?

Normally yes, the windows to the main hall do not open, however, there is a ventilation system provided.

Can I show a film?

Unfortunately no – not without the appropriate performing rights licence. You can, of course, apply for your own licence but we do not have a performing rights licence.

Can I start my event earlier than the time slot booked?

We ask that when making your booking, you allow enough time within your booking slot, to prepare the venue for your event, and time for cleaning up and tidying away at the end of the event. We ask that you stick to your allotted time as per your booking.

Can I visit the hall before I book to see it it’s suitable for my event?

Yes, please contact us via our website if you would like to arrange a visit. We’d be delighted to show you around our village hall and show you all our facilities.

Do I collect a key?

We have a key safe with a code that is regularly changed. Unless agreed otherwise, you can collect and leave keys there.

Do you have any restrictions as to who can hire the hall?

All bookings must be made by someone who is aged 21 or over. We do not allow any animals (with the exception of guide and assistance dogs) into the hall. All bookings are made at our discretion, so there may be events that we refuse to permit.

Does the hall have an outside garden which can be used?

The outside grounds are open for all to use. There are no private gardens areas.

Does the person who makes the booking have to be present at the event?

Yes, the person who made the booking should be at the event during the period of the booking.

How can I make a booking?

Bookings can be made via our online website, by clicking on the relevant links.

How do I cancel a booking?

Cancellation of bookings before the event should be notified in writing (we welcome email) or via our website, as soon as possible.

How many people can the main hall/ small hall / foyer accommodate?

The Fire Authority have stated that the maximum capacities for the various rooms in the village are as follows: small Hall – 80 persons; main hall – 240 persons; bar- 50 persons. We ask and expect that you will not exceed these maximum capacities.

How much cleaning up do you expect me to do?

You are responsible for cleaning and tidying up after your event, and ensuring everything is left in a clean and tidy condition. You should put everything back in its original place, including tables and chairs. If you use the kitchen, you should ensure that all crockery, utensils, the cooker, and the fridge are all left in a clean and empty condition. You should leave the hall in the condition that you found it in.

Can I pay for someone to clean up after my event?

Yes providing your event is taking place on a Saturday night. You can book a package which will cover some of the cleaning elements defined above. More details are available when you make a booking request

How much does it cost to hire?

A copy of our up to date hire charges can be found on our website.

Is the hall licenced for weddings / any civic ceremonies?

No, the village hall is not licenced to hold weddings/civil ceremonies.

Is the hall suitable for children’s parties?

Yes, the hall is suitable for children’s parties, as long as there is a supervising adult in attendance.

Is the kitchen included in my hire? What access is there to the kitchen?

The kitchen is not automatically included in your hire, but can be added to your booking via our website.

Is there a car park?

Yes, we have a car park at the front of the hall that can accommodate 13 cars, plus a bay for wheelchair users.

Is there any time allowed for setting up and or cleaning prior to/ after my event?

We ask that when making your booking, you allow enough time to prepare the venue for your event, and time for cleaning up and tidying away at the end of the event.

What if the hall cannot be used because of severe weather?

Please contact us using the website form or our email address, or the emergency contact number.

What insurance does the hall have?

We have Public Liability Insurance in place which covers accidents due to our negligence. It does require that users follow normal safe practices when operating any of the hall facilities.

What is the capacity of the hall?

Please see a copy of the floor plan which is on our website.

What parking is available?

We have a car park at the front of the hall that can accommodate 13 cars, plus a bay for wheelchair users.

What should I do with my rubbish?

Bulky waste shall be removed from the hall. Small amounts should be placed into the bags provided and put into the wheeled bin by the oil tank at the rear of the play area.

What time must we leave?

You must leave by the end of the time slot you have booked. All events must be completed by midnight, so that we comply with the terms of our Premises Licence.

What will I need to do at the end of my event?

You are responsible for cleaning and tidying up after your event, and ensuring everything is left in a clean and tidy condition. You should put everything back in its original place, including tables and chairs. If you use the kitchen, you should ensure that all crockery, utensils, the cooker and the fridge are all left in a clean and empty condition.

What’s the layout of the hall?

Please see the floor plan on our website

When do I pay for my hire?

All invoices are dealt with through our on-line booking system via our website; deposits are due at the time of booking and full payment should be made online 14 days before your event is due to take place.

When is the hall available?

Our online booking calendar shows when the village hall is free. If you wish to book the hall or if you have any enquiry, please contact us via our website or email address.

Can I advertise my event? Can you help me do this?

Once you have confirmed your booking, we can publish contact details and links to your website if you so wish. You must provide suitable content for us to use

Do I get my deposit back?

We reserve the right to charge a deposit to secure the hire of the hall. This is non-refundable, unless your event has to be cancelled by us in the circumstances set out in our terms and conditions.

I think I’ve left some property at the hall; what can I do about it?

If you think you have left something at the hall, please contact us via our email.

I’ve broken or damaged something belonging to the hall? Who should I report this to?

If you have broken or damaged something at the hall, you should contact us via our email (or, if urgent, via our emergency telephone number).

There is some faulty equipment at the hall. What should I do?

Your booking confirmation email contains the emergency number to contact us should there be any faulty equipment at the hall.
What if there is an emergency during the event?

Your booking confirmation e mail contains the emergency number to contact us if there is an emergency at the hall. There is also information on our website, and around the hall as to what to do in an emergency.

What should I do in the event of a fire?

Before your event, you should familiarise yourself with the hall’s safety arrangements, including fire exits, fire alarm points, fire evacuation procedures, assembly points, external lighting, the location of fire appliances, aid kits and the location of the Comments book. You should practice an evacuation of the hall before your event and highlight anything of concern to us.

When will I get my damages deposit back?

We will refund your Damages Deposit within 7 days after your event, provided the hall has been left as you found it, and there is no damage, loss or breakages.

Will I receive a refund of my deposit if I have to cancel?

This is covered in our booking terms and conditions which sets out the situation regarding the when the deposit is refundable.
Are tables and chairs available to use?

Yes. They are stored in a room at the back of the main hall.

Are there facilities for the disabled?

The hall is accessible for wheelchairs users, with the sole exception of the stage. We have a separate wheelchair accessible toilet. If you have other needs, please contact us

As the organiser what responsibilities will I have?

You are responsible for making sure that your guests adhere to our terms and conditions.

Can I attach decorations to the wall and ceiling?

No, we ask that no decorations, whether temporary or permanent are fixed to the wall or any fixture or fittings. Blu-tack, nails, drawing pins, staplers and sellotape, or staples should not be used.

Do I have to bring my own crockery/glassware/serve ware or can it be included in the hire price?

We have plenty of crockery and cutlery, which is included if you have hired the kitchen. However, if you need glassware, please bring your own.

Do I have to share the kitchen facilities with other groups using the hall?

Daytime bookings will have to share the kitchen with other users, but evening bookings would normally have exclusive use of the kitchen. If you need exclusive use then please contact us.

Do I need to set up the rooms with tables and chairs myself?

Yes, you are responsible for setting up your own event.

Does the hall have baby and /or adult changing facilities?

Yes, the disabled access toilet has baby change facilities. There are no designated adult changing facilities but if this is required please contact us and we may be able to make arrangements.

Does the hall have disabled access & parking facilities?

Yes, we have a disabled parking space and a disabled toilet.

Does the hall have heating/air-conditioning?

Yes, the hall does have central heating and has an air extraction system for ventilation

Does the hall have wi-fi available?

Yes. It is provided as a free unsecured service to users of the hall.

Does the hall provide dishcloths and tea towels?

Yes.

Does the hall provide washing up liquid and products for the dishwasher?

Yes.

Does the hall provide table coverings/ linen?

No.

How many tables and chairs are there?

We have 22 tables measuring 6ft x 3ft and 10 tables measuring 4ft x 3 ft.

What appliances are available in the kitchen?

The kitchen is equipped with a fridge, cooker, hot water boiler and dishwasher.

What facilities does Long Bennington Village Hall have?

We have several rooms available for hire of various sizes, please see the facilities section of our website.

Can food be prepared in the kitchen?

Yes, you can prepare food in our kitchen but we would ask that you observe all food and hygiene regulations. If you want to use caterers you must ensure that they comply with all food and hygiene legislation.

Can I bring my own food to the hall?

Yes, you can bring pre-prepared food in to the hall but we would ask that you observe all food and hygiene regulations if reheating is envisaged. If you plan to use caterers, you must ensure that they comply with all food and hygiene legislation.

Can I have a BBQ?

No.

Does the hall provide tea, coffee, milk, sugar etc?

No.

Can I bring my own electrical equipment into the hall?

Yes, but all equipment brought onto the site must be PAT tested before use, and in good working order. Untested equipment should not be used in the hall.

Can I have a band?

Yes, subject to our terms and conditions regarding noise (nuisance).

Can I play amplified music in the hall?

Yes, subject to our terms and conditions regarding noise (nuisance).

Can I play music?

Yes, subject to our terms and conditions regarding noise (nuisance).

Is there a stage and sound equipment?

There is a stage and currently the hall does not have a PA system.

What facilities does the hall provide for playing music?

None. Most users prefer to bring and use their own equipment. Any equipment should be PAT tested before it is brought into the hall.

Can I bring my own alcohol to the hall?

The sale and consumption of alcohol is regulated by our Premises Licence. Whilst you can bring alcohol into the village hall, you should let us know in advance if you intend to sell, supply or consume alcohol.

Can I use a third party company to run my bar?

Yes, however you must tell us if you require this.

Can you provide alcohol for my event?

You should inform us in advance if you intent to serve, supply or consume alcohol at your event. We may be able to assist in providing a fully stocked bar – please contact us.

How long can the bar stay open?

Under the terms of our Premises Licence, the sale and consumption of alcohol and all entertainment should cease at midnight.

Is the bar fully stocked?

Yes, we have a fully stocked bar and we have a Premises Licence. If you would like to sell, supply or consume alcohol, then please contact us.

Can animals be taken into the hall?

We only permit trained guide/support dogs in the village hall.

Are there any water jugs at the hall?

There are supposedly 2 or 3 jugs available but apparently they can go missing so it might be worth you bringing your own to be sure you’ve got some