Parish Rooms Hire: Frequently Asked Questions

parishroomsnov2014-650-300x158Who can answer any questions I have?

Please contact us and our Parish Office will be touch to help you.

Who can hire the Parish Rooms?

Use should be suitable for a Church Hall.  The Parish Rooms are ideal for meetings, seminars, support groups and children’s parties (up to 10 year olds).

What rooms are available?

The main hall (12m x 6.3m) and its annex (5.9 x 5.3m) are both on the ground floor as are the kitchen and toilets.

The small rooms downstairs are approximately 6m square.  They have tables and chairs, and could comfortably accommodate a meeting of a group of up to 12 people around a table, or more if they were sat in rows.  There is a sink, kettle and crockery downstairs.

Can the available rooms be used by disabled people?

Yes.  The ground floor rooms are accessible to disabled people and there is also a toilet with disabled access.

For the small rooms downstairs disabled access could be by way of the emergency exit at the back of the parish rooms, otherwise access is via a flight of stairs.  There would be access to the toilets, but only via the staircase, so disabled access to those is not available.

What tables and chairs are provided?

There are 6 x six foot long tables and 6 x five foot long tables and 80 chairs.  In addition there are 8 children’s tables and 30 children’s chairs.

What is provided in the kitchen?

There is a six burner commercial oven, microwave, coffee percolator, two hot water urns, teapots, jugs, crockery and cutlery for 50.

How much does it cost to hire the Parish Rooms?

Charges are as follows - Jan 2023:

May – September
Main Halls £13.00 per hour
Kitchen £ 7.00 per booking
Downstairs (1 small room) £ 8.50 per hour

October – April
Main Halls  £15.00 per hour
Kitchen £ 7.00 per booking
Downstairs (1 small room)  £ 10.00 per hour

What about insurance?

Hirers are recommended to carry Public Liability Insurance to a minimum of £1 million and must indemnify the Church against any claims that might arise.

Are the Parish Rooms licensed for the sale of alcohol?

The premises are not licensed for the consumption or sale of alcohol.

What audio/visual facilities are available?

A voice enhancement system with hearing loop can be made available on request and the main hall has a pull down screen to project images onto.

Are there parking facilities?

Parking is very limited.  If the church is not being used there maybe two parking spaces available outside the North Chapel.   Hirers should ensure they or those attending their event do not block any pathways round the church with vehicles during the period of hire.

Is there any special guidance if my event involves children or vulnerable adults?

All groups hiring St Mary’s are required to confirm, as a condition of hire, that they have read and will abide by the Safeguarding Policy of the Diocese of Chelmsford (a copy of which can be obtained from the Parish Office or here ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected at all times, by taking all reasonable steps to prevent injury, illness, loss or damage occurring