Down Ampney Village Hall Frequently Asked Questions

These notes are intended to provide additional guidance and do not supersede or replace the Terms and Conditions of Hire.

Can I just get in early?

No! First, in order to prevent overlap between consecutive bookings, you need to book your start time as the time you need access to the hall, regardless of the advertised start time of your party/meeting/event.

Second, the opening schedule is circulated to our ‘openers’ based on the booking form. We do not keep an extra schedule of requested opening times. For the same reason, you should be at the hall at the time you have booked the hall to meet whoever is opening for you.

Can I have a disco?

Yes, but you may not have a smoke machine. This will set off the fire alarm. Also doors and windows must be closed at 9pm, the volume reduced at 10pm, music finished by 11:30pm.

You must also ensure that equipment is not dragged across the floor.

Can I have a bouncy castle?

Yes, but you are entirely responsible for the safety of the children. If you have it inside, you must ensure that it is not too tall, and do not drag it across the floor (scratch marks!!!!)

My disco/bouncy castle etc. is arriving half an hour before my event, can you just run along and let it in?

No! Refer to the earlier answer. Additionally, you as the hirer are responsible for the hall, and you must be there. The disco/castle operator is not responsible.

Can I cook in the Servery?

Yes, but make sure you use the extractor fan; the fire alarm is sensitive. Also, you must turn down the water boiler after it has boiled to prevent clouds of steam setting of the fire alarm.

Can I leave food in the Servery, or in the fridge?

Generally, the answer is no; everything must be cleared at the end of your event. However, some regular groups have been allocated space in the cupboards. Non-perishable items may be stored within reason in sealed containers only. This means strictly mouse and ant proof, and that precludes cardboard boxes and loose bags. No exception is made for the fridge or on the worktops.

Can I offer alcoholic drinks to my guests?

Yes, but you may not sell them. Our licencee must be present when drinks are sold and we will willingly run a cash bar for you.

Do I have to tidy and clean up at the end?

Yes! The hall is run entirely by volunteers, and is let on the basis that you leave the hall as you would wish to find it. This means that you should allow enough time at the end of your event to tidy and clean up. If you have had a party or have served food, you will almost certainly have to mop the floor in the hall and server. You can arrange for us to clean the hall after you, but you must ask and pay the appropriate charge at the time of booking, and you must still tidy up.

I'm not quite ready to leave, can you just hang around for half an hour while I chat to my guests?

You’d be surprised how often this happens when we arrive to lock up at the end of a hire. You need to allow a realistic time at the end to finish your event and clean up. We are all volunteers giving our time to run this facility for the village, and such thoughtless and inconsiderate behaviour elicits a very frosty response. If you will not be ready to leave at the appointed tilme, please phone the person involved so that he can wait at home. It only takes a moment.

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