​Got a question? We’ve got you covered!
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to some of the most common queries about Great Ponton Village Centre and our events. Whether you’re wondering about booking the hall, event timings, or how to get involved in one of our groups, you'll find all the info you need right here. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch - we’re always happy to help!
How far in advance do we need to book?
Bookings must be made at least 2 weeks in advance, or 4 weeks for non-standard or larger events.
How long should we book for?
There is a minimum 2-hour booking period. However, you should consider carefully how long your event might take and make sure you include the time needed to set-up and clear away.
Are you open in the evening?
We are normally open after 18.00 Wednesday to Saturday evenings for the local community to take advantage of our licensed bar. If you wish to run an evening event, please email [email protected] and we will send you a form to complete, so the Trustees can decide whether to accept your booking.
Do you charge a deposit?
We charge a minimum deposit of £20 (Main Hall) and £10 (Meeting Room). This is returned if you leave the room clean and tidy, remove your rubbish and do not disturb the neighbours.
How much does it cost?
The hire charge depends on the room, length of time, if it is weekend or midweek, and whether you are a Great Ponton resident. Our hourly rates can be found HERE.
Is there a carpark?
There are approx. 30 accessible, off-street, parking spaces, providing ample parking facilities. The hall can accommodate events which require parking for a larger number of vehicles.
How do we get access?
A committee member or volunteer will meet you at the start of your hire period. You must be on time and be on site for the whole of your hire period. The committee member or volunteer will take you round and explain everything. At the end of your hire period, you will complete a checklist to show that you have checked and cleaned the hall and toilets and leave this for a committee member to check.
Do you have disabled access?
There is disabled access from the car park to the main door, and also from the carpark to the side entrances. Inside, there is an accessible disabled specific toilet.
What is the capacity of the hall?
The maximum capacity of the hall is 200 and we have tables and chairs for a large number. However, if you wish to have some tables to serve food, the capacity will be reduced.
Can we view the hall before booking?
We are happy to arrange a viewing. Please email [email protected] suggesting two or three times when the hall is free (check the bookings schedule online first), and you are available. One of our volunteers will get back to you to confirm the viewing time.
What do we do with our rubbish?
You must remove all your rubbish and recycling from the hall.
what first aid facilities do you have?
The Centre is equipped with a full first ad kit and has an emergency defibrillator contained in a box mounted on the wall at the Centre entrance.
Is there heating in the hall?
Yes, we have central heating. This will be turned on for you in advance and you will need to turn the thermostat down again before you leave.
Is there a music system?
Yes, we have a music system which can be linked to an ipod, phone or similar. If using this, you need to keep all external doors closed so the music does not disturb our neighbours.
Can we put up decorations?
Yes, you can put up decorations as long as they are removed at the end of the hire, and you ensure that you do not damage the walls etc. Damage to paint work would incur a deduction from your deposit.
Can we have a bouncy castle inside?
Yes, you can have a bouncy castle inside. There is no additional charge for this, but you must put down the protective mat first.
Do you allow animals?
Only guide dogs and similar service animals are normally allowed inside the hall. If you wish to have, for example, small animal petting for a party, you will need to seek explicit permission from the Trustees using our special form.
Can we live stream e.g. football matches etc?
Yes, our bar facilities have a wide screen TV for patrons to view sporting events.
Is there WiFi?
There is free WiFi for up to 15 users at one time. To access go to the Wifi settings on your device and choose the settings as displayed by the side of the bar, then follow the instructions on your device’s internet browser.
What fridge / freezer space is there in the kitchen?
We have one undercounter fridge plus a small fridge freezer.
Do you supply cutlery and crockery?
Yes, we have cutlery, crockery, and glasses as well as teapots, jugs, and trays etc.
Do you supply tablecloths and napkins?
No, you have to supply these yourself. Tea towels are included.
What sort of cooker do you have?
We currently have an electric cooker with 4 rings and an oven. There is a range of saucepans, oven trays and cooking utensils.
Can we have fireworks?
We do not allow fireworks or any other incendiary devices.
Can we have a marquee in the garden?
No, we do not allow marquees. You may, however, use small temporary structures such as gazebos.
Can we have a bouncy castle in the garden / car park?
Yes, but there is an additional charge for this.
Can we have tables and chairs in the garden?
We already supply outdoor garden seating, should you require additional seating, our indoor furniture is not suitable for outside use. If you need additional outdoor furniture, you will need to supply these yourself.
Is there an outside electricity supply?
There is no outdoor electric supply, so a generator is needed if you want to have a bouncy castle etc.
Can we bring mobile food vans into the car park / garden?
Mobile food vans, such as wood-fired pizza vans, are not allowed on the garden. It is permitted to park one in the car park outside the hall.
Can we serve alcohol?
Consumption of alcohol is permitted in the hall. The Village Centre is licensed for the sale of alcoholic beverages and has it's own designated bar facilities. We do permit you to bring your own alcohol for consumption on the premises, but reserve the right to charge a corkage fee.
Do you have a projector and screen?
The projector and screen are available to use with prior
approval only. If you wish to use these, please email [email protected] with
details of your intended usage and your request will be considered.
i've left something behind, what do it do?
Don't worry we'll try and put this aside for you to collect. Please don't ring us at unsociable hours. Email us at [email protected] to arrange.
do your prices stay the same each year?
We review our prices regularly taking into account the cost of running the Hall over previous years. If you've already booked then your price is locked in and won't rise.
Prices rises take into account that the hall costing us more per hour to run than we were making per hour. We've also tried hard to reduce costs by putting in more volunteer effort and shifting to more LED lighting and more efficient heating.
Prices rises take into account that the hall costing us more per hour to run than we were making per hour. We've also tried hard to reduce costs by putting in more volunteer effort and shifting to more LED lighting and more efficient heating.
can we sleep overnight in the hall?
Unfortunately not. Our building isn't setup for this with aspects such as required fire detection not in place.
do i need insurance?
If you're welcoming others to your sessions then you're responsible for their safety. Public liability is recommended and your professional body can usually advise on this.
You can email proof of your insurance to us at [email protected]
You can email proof of your insurance to us at [email protected]
do i need a first aider?
It's more than likely and depends on your risk assessment for the activity your undertaking. Our first aider isn't for your use as you're just hiring the space from us.
I ended my booked session early, do I get a discount?
Unfortunately not. We've held your session time just for you which means we've lost other potential hire revenue from that slot.
Can we fundraise for you?
That would be very kind of you! Everyone forgets village halls are charities and need support! Although we would welcome a discussion about how you intend to fundraise so that it's all done properly and in line with the Fundraising Code of Practice. Please email [email protected]
How do I join the committee?
The committee are trustees agreed at the AGM each July. We place an invitation for the AGM asking for trustee nominations at least 28 days before the AGM. The invitation is placed on our noticeboards and our website at /AGM
There are certain responsibilities of a trustee including that you stay up to date with charity law and practice (so this is a little more than attending some meetings) - but the information is well-communicated by the Charity Commission with useful online guides. You've a legal responsibility for the charity.
There are some scenarios where you can't be a trustee - for instance if you've previously been struck off as a company director.
For more on being a trustee see the Charity Commission website. If you're interested in joining us then get in touch [email protected]
There are certain responsibilities of a trustee including that you stay up to date with charity law and practice (so this is a little more than attending some meetings) - but the information is well-communicated by the Charity Commission with useful online guides. You've a legal responsibility for the charity.
There are some scenarios where you can't be a trustee - for instance if you've previously been struck off as a company director.
For more on being a trustee see the Charity Commission website. If you're interested in joining us then get in touch [email protected]
can i donate?
