Revised Hiring Arrangements

For the last few years we have been working to significantly improve the Hall’s facility of a good ‘Meeting Room’. After installing a new entrance and toilet in March 2006 we have now refurbished the Meeting Room itself and are in the final stages of kitting it out. Many Users have commented with delight at the final result. Improved sound insulation has already allowed us to use the Meeting Room for a Meditation Class during Bowling evenings and a large Local History Social event. Similarly, Computer Classes during a Tea Dance.

As the images on the website (www.uptonbychestervillagehall.org.uk) show – the room can comfortably handle a seated group of around 25. This is enabling us to satisfy more of the community demand. Unfortunately we still have the constraint on car parking space but this is a matter of total numbers – not of the split between main hall and meeting room users. With two separate Groups we simply require a good community attitude to mutually agree car park allocations – ie the two Group Organisers to discuss their specific requirements.

The Hall Management have reviewed the facility with the objective of a fair arrangement for community needs. The conclusion is outlined below. The Booking Secretary is happy to clarify any points if needed.

· With effect from 1^st Jan 2008 the Meeting Room hire charge will increase to £8 for community use and £10 for commercial use. This rate covers a complete (or partial) morning, afternoon or evening.

· With immediate effect – Monday and Thursday evenings in the Meeting Room are being held for regular weekly bookings only and will not be let casually or irregularly.

· Where a new booking enquiry for the Meeting Room coincides with an existing Main Hall booking then the Main Hall User will be consulted first but the Hall Management decision over the new booking will be final.

· Main Hall bookings may, of course, use the Meeting Room at no additional hire charge if the Meeting Room has not been separately hired. However, the Main Hall booking can only guarantee its exclusive use of the full building by also hiring the Meeting Room and paying its hire charge.

· Hall bookings for major events open to the general public (such as drama productions, shows, exhibitions and sales) will not be affected by these new arrangements. Current booking arrangements and charges apply covering the full building.

· Saturday afternoons – not already committed to existing regular users – are being held for casual bookings of private children’s parties – these are proving very popular with high demand. The Meeting Room will not be separately let during these occasions.