Reading West Seventh-day Adventist Church & Life Development Centre

24 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1EA

Last Updated: 30 September 2025

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before making your booking. By hiring our premises, you agree to be bound by the conditions outlined below.

1. Booking and Payment

1.1. Booking Confirmation All bookings are provisional until confirmed by a representative of Reading West SDA Church. We reserve the right to refuse any booking without explanation. Bookings must not extend past 11:00 PM unless a specific exception has been granted in advance.

1.2. Hire Charges & Concessions Hire charges are set at a standard rate. Special concessions may apply to:

• (a) Reading West SDA Church members
• (b) Individuals from other SDA Churches in the Reading area
• (c) Registered charitable organisations

1.3. Payment & Deposit A deposit may be required to secure your booking. The final balance of the hire charge is due at least three days before the event. Payments can be made by bank transfer to the following account:

• Account Name: Reading West SDA Church (RWSDAC)
• Bank: HSBC
• Sort Code: 40-38-04
• Account Number: 84304314

2. Hirer’s Responsibilities

2.1. General Conduct The hirer is responsible for the proper conduct of all persons attending their event. You must ensure that no one causes an inconvenience, nuisance, or annoyance to local residents or other building users. Noise must be kept to a reasonable level at all times.

2.2. Supervision of Children & Young People The hirer is responsible for the supervision and conduct of all children and young people attending the function.

• Parties for children and young people must be supervised by at least two responsible adults at all times.
• For safety reasons, children are not permitted in the kitchen at any time, except for feeding under supervision.

2.3. Room Capacity The hirer must ensure that the maximum permitted number of people for each room is not exceeded. These limits are set in accordance with fire regulations.

• Sanctuary: 250 people
• Main Hall (First Floor): 60 people
• Conference Room (Second Floor): 25 people
• Gallery (Second Floor): 30 people
• Rooms 1-5 (Second Floor): 10 people per room

2.4. Setup, Cleaning & Waste Disposal

• The hirer is responsible for setting up tables, chairs, and any other equipment for their event, and for clearing it away afterwards.
• The hall, kitchen, toilets, and any other rooms used must be left in a clean and tidy condition, ready for the next user. Cleaning materials are located in the cleaning cupboard on the first floor.
• On-site recycling facilities can be used for plastics, paper, and cardboard. All other refuse, including food scraps, bottles, and non-recyclable waste, must be removed from the premises by the hirer.

2.5. Decorations Decorations may be put up, but no nails, screws, or bolts may be driven into the walls or fixtures. Do not use adhesive tape. The use of products like Blu Tack is acceptable.

2.6. Damage to Property The hirer is responsible for all damage done to the venue (including fixtures, fittings, and furniture) during the period of hire. All damage and breakages must be reported immediately to the Church Clerk.

3. Prohibited Activities

3.1. Alcohol and Smoking The consumption or sale of alcohol is strictly forbidden anywhere on the premises. In line with UK law, smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside the building.

3.2. Flammable Substances Highly flammable substances are not to be brought into or used in any part of the venue. Internal decorations of a combustible nature (e.g., polystyrene, cotton wool) are not permitted.

4. Safety and Emergencies

4.1. Fire Safety The hirer must read and adhere to the Fire Safety Policy located in the foyer.

• All fire exits and emergency exits must be kept free from obstruction at all times.
• The hirer must ensure a minimum of two competent attendants (aged 18 or over) are on duty for the duration of the event to assist with any emergency evacuation.

4.2. First Aid & Accidents A first aid box is located in the kitchen. Any incident involving personal injury, however slight, must be recorded in the Accident Book at reception and reported to the Church Clerk.

4.3. Use of Electrical Appliances If the hirer brings any electrical appliances onto the premises, they must ensure these items are safe, in good working order, and used in a safe manner. The hirer may not make any modifications to the building’s electrical installations.

4.4. Emergency Contacts

• For reporting accidents/damage: Church Clerk on 07414 831 870
• For building emergencies ONLY: Warren Gore on 07810 051 192
• We recommend the hirer has a fully charged mobile phone on their person at all times during the function.

5. Legal and Insurance

5.1. Hirer’s Insurance The hirer must take out their own General Liability insurance cover for their event. Proof of this insurance must be provided to Reading West SDA Church at least seven days in advance of the hire date.

5.2. Child & Vulnerable Adult Protection The hirer is required to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected at all times by taking all reasonable steps to prevent injury, loss, or damage. The hirer is responsible for ensuring all necessary safeguarding checks (e.g., DBS) are undertaken for their event.

5.3. Disclaimer of Liability Reading West SDA Church, its Pastor, members, and officers shall not be liable for any personal injury or for damage to, loss, or theft of any property brought onto the premises. The hirer shall indemnify Reading West SDA Church against all claims made in respect of such damage, loss, or theft.

5.4. Parking All vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk. Reading West SDA Church accepts no liability for any loss, theft, or damage to vehicles parked on or near the premises.

5.5. Right of Access The Pastor, Church Board members of Reading West SDA Church, and any persons authorised by them shall have the right to enter any part of the venue at all times during the period of hire.

We thank you for your co-operation and hope you enjoy the use of our facilities.