FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are tablecloths available?
A: No. The hirer needs to bring their own..
Q: What size are the tables?
A: Large rectangular tables are 182cm x 69cm and seat 6 people comfortably.  Small rectangular tables are 91cm x 69cm and seat 4 people comfortably..
Q: How much does it cost to hire the Hall?
A: Please see Hall Tariff.
Q:  I have to set up for a party. When can I collect the keys?
A: The Hall is fitted with a smart lock.  You will be provided with a code tp open it, shortly before your booking.  The code usually allows a grace period of 15 minutes before and after your booking times.  The minimum hire period for a party is 3 hours because the set-up period must be included in this time.
Q: May I hire from, or stop at, a half-hour?
A: Our policy is to hire from the start of an hour (hh:00)  and end at the end of an hour (hh:59).  You will get an access code which will work from 15 minutes before your start time, and cease working 15 minutes after your end time.
Q: How much car parking is available?
A: Up to 25 cars; fewer if they are large cars.  It is possible to park more vehicles on the roadside by the nearby playing field.
Q: How much crockery and cutlery is there?
A: Settings for up to 100 people
Q: Are there facilities for making tea and coffee?
A: Yes, there are two electric kettles, and one large electric urn if you need to cater for large groups.  There are cups, saucers, teaspoons, sugar bowls and milk jugs for up to 100 people.  You will need to bring your own consumables (tea, coffee, sugar, milk etc).
Q: Can we get a bouncy castle inside the Large Hall?
A: A bouncy castle no taller than 11.5 feet may be installed at the far end of the Large Hall (see example here). Larger inflatables need to be in the garden.  The height limit of 11.5 feet is essential to avoid the risk of damage to the Hall projector and the play equipment potentially leading to costly claims.
Play inflatables must
i. have a current PIPA test certificate , and
ii. be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and
iii. supervised by a responsible adult when in use.
Penton Village Hall does not supply play inflatables; they must be obtained independently.

Q: Does the Hall have any soft play equipment for young children?
A: No.  You will need to bring your own.
Q: Is there a projector?
A: Yes, ceiling mounted in the Large Hall, with a ceiling-mounted projection screen.  It supports HDMI and VGA connectors.
Q: Is there WiFi?
A: Yes; free WiFi is available throughout the Hall.  Connect to PRC-Guest, the password of the month is printed on wall notices in both the Large Hall and Small Hall.
Q: Is the use of the kitchen included in the hire?
A: Yes, hire of either hall includes use of the kitchen at no additional charge.  This means, if both halls are being used, you may have to share the kitchen.  Please be sensitive about noise if the other hall is being used at the same time, because the kitchen has hatches into both halls which let sound through.
Q: How can I pay?
A: When you submit a Booking Request, we will send you an invoice for you to accept or cancel the booking.  This invoice enables you to pay by credit or debit card and includes details on how to pay by bank transfer, cheque or cash. 
Q: Do I need to pay a deposit?
A: Deposits are required for all parties and for wedding weekends.  All other bookings may be paid at any time of your choosing up to the Due Date on the invoice.
Q: Can I get access to the garden from the (Large / Small) Hall?
A: Yes, the garden is reached from the Large Hall directly through a side door in the right hand wall (behind pillar) as you look down the hall.   From the Small Hall the garden is reached through the verandah doors (fire exit).
Q: May BBQs be used outdoors in the garden?
A: Yes, though the responsibility for safety lies with you, and you must keep it supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Q: Is a BBQ available?
A: No.