California Association Ratepayers Hall                 

   Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead, Berkshire. RG40 3RL

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to hire the hall?

A: Main Hall Casual usage Sunday to Friday - £35/hour, Saturday -£40/hour. The minimum hire is 2 hours. The rate includes 1 extra non-chargeable hour for set-up (Rates valid for 2024). Additionally we will need to hold a £200 damages deposit about 2 weeks before the event.  You will be refunded as long as the hall is left clean and no damage has occurred
You need to be 18 or over to hire the hall.

Q: Are there any special rates?

A: Weddings - £350 for the day, Committee Room only - £25 per session (Morning, Afternoon or Evening), Jumble Sales - £70 (finish by 5pm). 

Discounts for Block Bookings available on request

Q: How late can we book the hall?
A: The hall only has a premises license until 11:30pm at which time all guests must have left. We would therefore recommend finishing your event no later than 11pm to allow for this and clear up time.

Q: What is the capacity of the hall?

A: The main hall has a capacity of 200 when seated (like in a cinema), 120 otherwise. The committee room has a capacity of 20. 

Q: How many tables & chairs do you have?
A: We have 30x6' and 14x4' tables. We have 170 chairs.  Please note we do not have any childrens tables or chairs.

Q: What is the size of the hall?

A: The main hall size is 9.75m x 17m and can be viewed Here or Here. There is a stage at the far end of the main hall measuring 4.8m wide by 2.4m deep.  There are also 4 stage blocks that can be placed in front of the stage to increase the depth to 3.3m 

Q: What is the size of the Committee Room?
A: The Committee Room is approximately 6.5m x 3.5m and can be viewed Here

Q: Do you have a kitchen?
A: the kitchen is equipped with a fridge, a microwave, a double oven 4 ring cooker, auto-fill water boiler for large events of two kettles for the odd cuppa! There are plenty of cups, small glasses, saucers and side plates but nothing much else. You can view the kitchen Here

Q: Is there a PA system at the hall?
A: There is a background music system wich can be driven by a mini quarter inch stereo jack (phone or iPod)

Q: is there any parking at the hall
A: there are 13 spaces at the front of the hall and about 15 at the rear of the hall (parking on grass).

Q: Do you have waste disposal available at the hall
A: No - there is a large wheelie bin outside but that belongs to Wokingham Borough Council and is for the sole use of the Finchampstead Litter Warden.  All rubbish must be removed from the hall at the end of the session.

Q: Do you have any term time evening sessions available?
A: The hall is fully booked from 4pm every day and from 9am to 13:30pm each Saturday.  There is more availability during school holidays

Q: Is there a projector screen at the hall?
A: Yes, there are 2.  A large one on the stage and a smaller one in the Committee Room.  We do also own a projector.

Q: Can we have a Bouncy Castle in the hall?
A: For use inside the Hall, the bouncy castle should be no larger than 4m x 4m and must not be higher than 2.7m.  It should be installed with appropriate protection for the Hall floor.  Outside the rear of the Hall there is a fenced off childrens custom play surface measuring 6m x 10m (approx.).  There are no restrictions on the use of this area other than the physical size of the area.

 It is essential that you provide your own insurance for the castle as the California Association cannot be held responsible for damage or personal injury caused by the use of the Bouncy Castle within our premises.

Q: How do I book the hall?
A: After we have established availability for your event, I will need an address and contact number for you so I can send out a hire agreement. 50% of the hire fee should be returned with a signed copy of the agreement.  The remaining 50% will be due when you pick up the Hall key a couple of days before your event.