Ruspidge Memorial Hall is a double storey building dating from the 1920s. It has a lower and upper hall, the latter being the larger and more suited for public events. THE UPPER HALL measures 14metres by 9.1 metres. It has a public entertainments licence and may accommodate 150 people (out of Covid Times!). It is equipped with a permanent stage with special lighting. The floor has recently been refurbished and is very suitable now for dancing. The hall is light with lovely period windows high in the walls. These are double glazed and fitted with blinds. There are 8 electrical sockets in the body of the hall. The heating was upgraded in September 2018 to gas central heating throughout the whole of the building. This has made the both halls more comfortable to use and the temperature can be tailored to heat the hall in advance of booked events We have also installed wi-fi which covers both the upper and lower halls making them suitable for business meetings and other events requiring Internet access There is a kitchen which has been enlarged and substantially equipped in 2020. It has an oven , hob and microwave for food preparation. There is also a refrigerator .There are stainless steel work surfaces and sink area with a double sink . A water boiler has been installed for making hot drinks. There is a large serving hatch from the kitchen to the hall. There is enough crockery and cutlery to provide drinks and food for about 40 people. The room is now equipped for larger scale food preparation but users may need to bring their own cutlery and crockery and glassware for a larger event, such as a party. There is also a supply of paper towels and a small number of tea-towels and users would also need to provide their own linen and more tea-towels for a larger event. There is also a small room which has been enlarged and which is now used for the storage of all tables and chairs. It is easily accessible via double sliding doors. New, more comfortable, chairs have been purchased in the last year thanks to the 200 club lottery (generously supported by local residents). At the end of the hall are toilets with facilities for ladies and gentlemen and there is a room equipped for disabled users. Improvements to the toilet facilities mean that they are more suitable for users with dementia . Disabled access into the hall is via a fire door at the side of the hall. The LOWER HALL measures 6.1metres by 9.1metres. It may accommodate 50 people but this is ambitious. It is situated under the main hall and is reached via a path down the side of the building. It was previously used regularly for an Early Learners group, which has since closed. The area is now centrally heated . This room is suitable for smaller meetings and group activities. There is one toilet and wash basin off the lobby of this hall. The lower hall has no kitchen but there is a kettle, a fridge and a sink at the end of the hall so that hot drinks could be provided for a small group. RESOURCES Both halls are well provided with tables and chairs - many of which have been replaced recently thanks to the generosity of the local community . All portable electrical items are PAT tested annually. If users wish to use their own electrical equipment within the hall, they should ensure that the items are safe and suitable for use within the hall and for members of the public |