Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What rooms are available?
We have two general use rooms, the main hall with stage and the small hall (also known as the ‘committee room’). There is also a large kitchen, with a serving hatch through to the main hall, and the Lister Room which is a smaller room with a large conference table, suitable for meetings of up to around 10-12 people. 

There are two individual unisex toilets near the front entrance (off the small hall) and ladies, gents and disabled toilets at the rear of the building (accessed from the main hall).

What is the capacity of the hall?
The number of people who can be accommodated obviously depends on the type of event. The hall is licensed for 170 people maximum, however this would be very tight. As an indication, we suggest the following maximum numbers in the main hall:

  • 140 for theatre-style seating

  • 80-90 for a sit-down meal

  • 15-18 tables for a table-top sale or similar (this may mean using the stage area)

  • 80-100 for an informal party with some seating and a dance floor area (using both rooms)

    How big is the hall?
    Room dimensions are:

  • Main Hall 13.5 x 9.5m

  • Stage 5.5 x 3.5m

  • Committee Room 7.5 x 6.5m (7.5 x 4.0 if partition used)

  • Lister Room 6.0 x 4.0m

    Do you have parking available?
    We have parking for approximately 26 cars – or more if you are prepared to block each other in. There is also some parking available on local roads, though please ask attendees to ensure they do not block footpaths or driveways.
    What types of events are held at the hall?


The hall has been used for many different events over the years – parties, children’s activities, exercise and dance classes, wedding receptions, theatre and choir performances, table top sales, community events, club/society meetings, youth clubs, toddler groups, dog training classes, cycling event base... you name it, we’ve probably hosted it at some point! If you’re not sure if the hall would be suitable for your event, please contact the booking secretary to discuss.


Is the hall easy to get to? What is the postcode?
Rangeworthy is well located, with good access from Yate (5-10 minutes) and Thornbury (10-15 minutes).  Once you’re in the village, the hall is very easy to find. It’s the large, yellowish building on the corner of Wotton Road (the main road) and New Road. Our postcode is BS37 7LZ. 


Is the hall accessible?
The main entrance has ramp access. All rooms within the building are on the same level and doorways are wide enough for wheelchairs. There is also level access to the main hall via a fire door opening onto the car park, though there is a slight lip.

There is a disabled toilet next to the main toilets, accessible from the back corridor off the main hall. 

The main hall is equipped with a hearing loop system.
 

BOOKING, CHARGES AND PAYMENT

What are your hire charges?
Hire charges are reviewed annually. Our current charges (from January 2023) are:

  • £17.60/hour for exclusive use – main hall and small hall

  • £13.20/hour for use of the main hall only (there may be other users in the small hall – for safeguarding reasons, hires for children’s parties or similar must be for exclusive use)

  • £4.40/hour for the small hall only

  • £3.85/hour for the Lister Room

    Rooms must be booked for the full time you want to use the hall (i.e. for setting up and clearing away, not just for the duration of your event). For hires of a full day or more, there may be some flexibility in charges – please contact the booking secretary to discuss.

    What is included in the hire charge?
    All hires include:

  • Use of tables and chairs (hirers are responsible for putting these out and away)

  • Use of the kitchen & kitchen equipment

  • Heating, when required

    How do I pay?
    We prefer payment by bank transfer. Details will be included on your invoice. If you can’t pay by bank transfer, we can accept payment in cash or by cheque to “Rangeworthy Hall Fund”.

    Do I need to pay a deposit?
    We charge one-third of your hire cost up front as a booking deposit. You are of course welcome to pay the full cost at that stage if you prefer to do so.

    Depending on the type of event, you may also be required to pay a cleaning deposit of £50. This is payable, in cash, before you get the keys. It will be returned to you once the hall has been checked after your event and found to be in an acceptable state. Full details will be given if this applies to your booking.

    When do I need to pay the full amount?
    The full amount is due by the day of your event. 

    We are a charity / organising a fundraising event / live near the hall – can we have a discount?


    Unfortunately, as we have a lot of charity and “good cause” events held at the hall, we have taken the decision not to offer any discounts as it was becoming very hard to know where to draw the line. Similarly, there is no residents’ discount. Instead, we try to keep hire costs as low as possible for all our users.

    How do I make a booking?
    If you would like to book the hall, please contact the bookings secretary to discuss availability. Once dates are agreed, a provisional booking can be held for up to two weeks. You will be sent a hire agreement for completion and return, and an invoice which will show details of payments required. If you do not return the hire agreement and pay any deposit within two weeks, your booking may be cancelled.  
    Can I make a regular booking? Would I still need to pay if ever I’m not using the hall?


    We welcome regular bookings for weekday (daytime or evening) slots, but do not normally take regular bookings at the weekend. Regular bookings are normally invoiced monthly in advance. If you have a regular booking but let us know at least 24 hours in advance that you won’t be using one of your usual slots, you will not be charged.  If you’ve already paid for the relevant slot, you will normally be given a credit against the following month’s invoice. Regular hirers are issued with a key so you won’t need to collect one each week.


    FACILITIES
    Do you have an audio/visual system?
    The main hall has an audio system. Phones can be connected via various adapters or via Bluetooth. A microphone is available. The system also contains a hearing loop for use with compatible hearing aids (with “T” setting). 

    There is a pull-down screen on the stage for use with projectors, but we do not have projection facilities.

    What furniture is available?

  • 16 large tables (approx 6’ x 2’)

  • 12 medium tables (approx 4’ x 2’)

  • 8 small tables (approx 2’6 square) 

  • 110 chairs, including 8 with arms

    Please note that hirers are responsible for setting up and putting away any furniture required.

    What kitchen facilities and equipment are available?

  • Crockery (large & small plates, bowls, mugs), cutlery and wine glasses for around 100 place settings

  • A range of other glasses, serving platters, teapots and jugs.

  • Two under-counter fridges and a freezer

  • Range cooker with electric oven and 5 rings

  • Commercial dishwasher

  • 2 kettles, a wall mounted water heater and a large hot water urn

  • Warming cupboard

  • Microwave

    Use of kitchen equipment is included in hire fees, but hirers must ensure that any items used are cleaned, dried and returned to the correct cupboards after use; this includes emptying the dishwasher and urn if used. Any breakages should be reported and may be charged.

    Do you have a bar?
    We do not have any bar facility.


    LICENSING AND RESTRICTIONS
    Do you have an alcohol licence? Can I bring my own alcohol?
    The hall is licensed for consumption of alcohol. If you are bringing alcohol for your own/guests consumption at no charge, this will be covered by the hall’s licence. If any alcohol is to be sold, further licensing requirements will apply – please contact the booking secretary for more details.

    Are there any restrictions on music?
    The hall is licensed for performance of live music until 10:45pm and for playing of recorded music until 10:30pm. If you wish to have music after these times, you will need to apply to South Glos Council for a temporary extension licence. Please contact the booking secretary for more details.


    Because we have neighbours close by, the hall is fitted with a noise limiter which will cut power to the stage if noise volumes breach the set decibel level. This is normally fine for lower volume acts (e.g. choirs, acoustic groups and similar) but can cause problems for louder acts (e.g. bands with electric guitars). You may wish to consider another venue for that type of event.


    OTHER
    Could I have a look round before I book?
    We would be glad to show you around the hall if you are genuinely interested in hiring. Please contact the booking secretary to arrange. Viewings are limited by availability of one of our volunteers and by existing bookings of the hall, but we will do our best to find a mutually convenient time.

    Will someone be there to let us in?
    Normally, you will get keys to let yourself in and lock up afterwards. You will be told a few days before your booking about arrangements for key collection. This will either mean picking up the keys from one of our volunteers, or accessing the key safe. 

    Can I hire in a bouncy castle?
    Small toddler-sized bouncy castles are fine in the main hall. However, as we have lots of lighting equipment mounted on roof beams, we do not allow bouncy castles over 2m high. Unfortunately, this rules out most of those suitable for older children.