1. The Church has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and we require all users of the building to abide by it, this policy can be found here. We are anxious that all users of the building should feel comfortable, welcome, and well provided for. To this end, please do report anything which you find unsatisfactory so that we can give it our immediate attention. We would ask you to leave the premises in the same condition as you found them. Only in this way can we maintain a high standard for all users. In particular, make sure you:

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​​a) leave the premises clean, tidy and clear of rubbish​

b) The room(s) set out as you found them unless agreed otherwise) do not cause or permit to be caused, any damage to the premises, building or neighbouring property;

c) blutac (not sellotape) to be used to fix poster/sign to glass doors/window. Please remove after your booking. Do not attach anything to the brickwork (inside or outside)

d) Any damage incurred to either the fabric of the building or any equipment provided is the responsibility of, and must be paid for by, the hirer.​

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2. If your event involves collection of a payment, please arrange to do this at the point of delivery inside the building, not as an ‘entrance fee’ at the door. For example, payment for coffee should be made at the service hatch where it is supplied.

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3. ​Building Security. Please be aware of building security whilst your group is using the premises. This may involve locking the front door during your meeting. Fire doors should not be blocked in any way and remain closed under all normal circumstances. If you see one is open, please close it immediately, especially before you leave the building.

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4. Safeguarding Young People. Please inform the Bookings Secretary if your activity involves children under 18 years of age or vulnerable adults. Any group involving children under the age of 18 years or vulnerable adults should have its own safeguarding policy which  must comply with the Home Office ‘Safe from Harm’ Code of Practice, and will be required to sign a Safeguarding Declaration indicating that they understand this. The Methodist Church has also developed Safeguarding Policies in line with the government Code of Practice: St Pauls Methodist Centre Safeguarding Policy. If you are unclear what your responsibilities are, do not hesitate to ask. When such a group is using the building, parts of the premises will not be available for use by any other people and in some circumstance the entire building.

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5. Fire. There are fire extinguishers (water, foam and CO2) located on both floors of the building. Please make sure you know where fire appliances and emergency exits are. Please ensure that all emergency exits and routes are kept clear. Fire alarm control boxes are located by each exit from the building and can be used in an emergency to activate the alarm. An Evacuation Chair is located in the upstairs corridor. Please ensure that the fire brigade is called to any outbreak of fire however minor, and inform the bookings secretary as soon as possible. Please also read our ‘In the Event of an Emergency’ policy.

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6. Health and Safety. Please comply with any relevant health and safety provisions. In particular:

a) ensure that any electrical appliances brought onto the premises are PAT tested, safe, in good working order and used in a safe manner.

Please ensure cable covers are used. These are available from the store room nearest to the organ in the Main Hall.

b) do not bring any highly flammable substance onto the premises.

c) do not put up any decorations near light fittings or heaters.

d) do not bring heating appliances on to the premises without the consent of the managing trustees.

e) report all accidents involving injury to the public to the bookings’ secretary as soon as possible.

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7. Liability for Damage. The Church insurance policy provides limited cover for occasional use by non-church groups. Regular users should themselves hold public liability insurance throughout the period of use.

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8. Licences. If any licences are required in respect of any activity to be carried out at the premises in relation to the use of the Premises by the Hirer, the Hirer shall ensure that they hold the relevant licence.

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9. Kitchen. The kitchen is available for hire. You are welcome to use the crockery but you must bring your own food and drink. Any food and drink already in the kitchen is for use only by coffee bar staff. Please observe all relevant food health and hygiene legislation and regulations in relation to the preparation and serving of food. The telephone in the kitchen is for emergency use only.

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10. Restrictions. The premises must not be used for any purpose other than that of the booked event and, in particular, must not be used for any purpose which may conflict with Christian doctrine including, for example, the celebration of Hallowe'en. The Methodist Church Deed upon which the property is established includes the following restrictions, which must be complied with:

a) No alcohol may be brought onto the premises for any purpose, including sale, consumption or as a prize. Raffles must not include cash prizes and the total amount of money that can  be spent on prizes and the cost of organising the raffle should not exceed £50. This does not include donated prizes. Raffle tickets may only be sold on the premises and while the event itself is in progress.

b) In accordance with government legislation no smoking is allowed in any part of the building (including the toilets!).

c) Out of respect for our neighbours, loud music should not be played after 10pm.

d) The Hirer shall not allow any animals (including birds) into the building (except guide dogs, hearing dogs, or recognised assistance dogs) without the written approval of the Managing Trustees.

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11. Cancellations. If, after making a booking, you find that you have to cancel the arrangements, please let the bookings’ secretary know immediately. This is particularly important in the heating season, as you will appreciate. Cancellations require at least 48 hours notice otherwise charges may occur.

 

12. End of Hire.

a) We ask that any equipment/property brought to the premises by the hirer is removed at the end of the session. We take no responsibility for items left on the premises and such items will be disposed of after 14 days and any costs of disposal borne by the hirer.

b) Please empty any rubbish and recycling from the kitchen bins into the corresponding bins just outside the main hall fire exit (rubbish is collected on a Tuesday).

c) On leaving, please ensure that doors and windows are locked and secure, and all lights switched off. The last person to leave the building should lock the main door, leave the key in the key box, and exit via the downstairs corridor fire exit, closing it firmly behind them. (If there is a meeting still in progress upstairs and it is dark outside, then stair lights should be left on). Please also be considerate to groups meeting in other rooms by not making a noise when entering or leaving meeting rooms.​​

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13. Limitation of Managing Trustees Liability All bookings are subject to the agreement of the Managing Trustees Group.

13.1 Subject to clause 13.2, the Managing Trustees are not liable for:

a) the death of, or injury to the Hirer, its employees, customers or invitees to the Premises; or

b) damage to any property of the Hirer or that of the Hirer’s employees, customers or other invitees to the Premises; or

c) any losses, claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, costs or expenses or other liability incurred due to the use of the Premises by the Hirer or the Hirer's employees, customers or other invitees.13.2 Nothing in clause 13.1 shall limit or exclude the Managing Trustees’ liability for:

• a) death or personal injury or damage to property caused by negligence on the part of the Managing Trustees or their employees or agents 

• b) any matter in respect of which it would be unlawful for the Managing Trustees to exclude or restrict liability.

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If you would like to book a room please contact the Bookings Secretary on stpaulsbookings@gmail.com

Booking forms are here

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On Sunday mornings, there is public worship in both English and Welsh separately. You can be assured of a warm welcome if you wish to join the worship.