How to book the church
The church has been hired for concerts, quiz nights and group evenings. Hiring of the church includes use of the Dorset Aisle, the Nave area, the Lady Chapel if requested and a steward. Hire of the church costs £30/hr without heating, which is charged as an optional extra.
Step - 1
Before making a booking, please check the church’s availability calendar to ensure it is open and available on the day and time.
Step - 2
Please read our Church Lettings Policy.
Step - 3
Please complete the booking form below, which will give you an indicative cost. The Parish Administrator will then contact you to confirm your requirements and provide a proper quote in the form of a Hiring Agreement.
Step - 4
Sign and return the Hiring Agreement.
Step - 5
Provide two weeks prior to the event either a completed and signed church risk assessment form or your own risk assessment form, a copy of your 3rd party insurance and a Temporary Event Notice if your event has to be licensed under the Licensing Act 2003.
Step - 6
Pay the invoice presented at the event within 28 days.
The fees for optional extras are correct as of January 1st 2025.
Organ hire - £50
Our Organ was built in 1969 by Eustace & Alldridge Exeter, and restored in 1990 by Michael Farley, who is an organ builder as well as the incumbent organist at St Mary’s. The parish Administrator will put you in contact with Michael so you can discuss your music choices.
Grand piano hire - £25
The church has a grand piano of German origin, manufactured by Carl Ecke. The piano has the markings: Carl Ecke, Berlin Dresden Posen suggesting it was made after 1910.
The Ecke grand pianos are recognised for their splendid tone, their precise touch and solid build.
Heating
If you would like heating for your event, this is an extra charge per hour on top of the base rate of hire of the church.
Event duration up to 2 hours – £30/hr
Each additional hour thereafter – £20/hr
Audio visual hire - £10/hr
The church has an Audio/Visual system to enable people to hear and see wherever they are seated around the church.
The sound system supports CD’s, memory sticks and several microphones (on stands and radio-connected); and is managed through a sound desk.
Visually we have two static mounted cameras, which can be rotated by remote control. Visual output is routed to two TV displays, and one projector/screen. The system supports running slide shows and videos from a laptop.
The audio/visual system must be manned by a technician from the church, and therefore its hire is subject to staff availability.
Staff attendance at rehearsal - £10/hr
Relating to performance events, should you require one or more of our church staff to attend during your rehearsals, this will be subject to availability and the additional hourly fees.
Use of kitchen facilities - £20
For basic use of the cups, plates, cutlery and tea/coffee making facilities within the church.
Setting out chairs - £20
If you have a large event that requires additional chairs in the Dorset Aisle and/or bell tower, these can be set out for you and then put away afterwards.
Use of display boards - free
You can use our display boards throughout the church to display papers and images (with velcro fixings only).
