Speen HQ conditions of use

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Conditions of Use for Users of Speen Scout HQ

Revision 2, approved 30 May 2022.

  1. Coleheath Bottom is an access road so please park considerately to avoid obstructing the lane. When parking on Chapel Hill, please allow sufficient space for traffic to exit Coleheath Bottom safely.
  2. Please do not drive onto the grass camping area. There is space for two cars immediately alongside the hut where there is grass-covered hardstanding delineated by marker posts.
  3. The front door now has a combination lock, the code for which will be communicated to you before your event.
  4. The mains water supply is turned off at the ball valve (right hand corner under the sink in the kitchen) when the building is not occupied. Please ensure that it is turned off when you leave (handle perpendicular to pipe).
  5. Electricity consumption by occasional users is charged according to use from 1 October to 31 March. Please take photos of the meter (located in middle cupboard at the rear of the hall) when you arrive and when you leave, to be sent to the Booking Secretary.
  6. There are heaters in the main hall and the kitchen that are operated on a timer switch but can be advanced manually as required; the switch is located at the back of the hall with instructions. Do not change the timed settings. When the heating is on, you may also have to turn on the hall heaters (separate switches adjacent to the timer) and there is a cord pull for the kitchen heater.
  7. The light switches for the main hall are located at the front and back of the hall. Please ensure that these are turned off when you leave.
  8. There are two outside lights by the entrance door. The switch for the flood light is to the left of the front door and illuminates the gateway: please ensure that this is turned off when you leave as this may cause nuisance to the neighbours. When leaving in the dark, there is a light above the door that is activated by a push-in type timer switch that is located to the right of the door with instructions.
  9. Despite the rural aspect of the building and grounds, it is very close to a residential area. Please be quiet after 11.00 p.m.
  10. The adjacent woodland is for the enjoyment of users but it is important not to trespass beyond the boundary markers as this is private land. Please consult the map in the hut.
  11. We try to maintain a good woodpile if users wish to have fires. Please ensure these are no larger than necessary. Avoid having fires when the weather if very hot and dry.
  12. We expect hall users to replace wood they have used for the benefit of the next group. Please keep the wood pile tidy.
  13. There may be some fallen dead wood to be found in our area of woodland. Do not damage living trees.
  14. There is a very active badger set in the woods; please respect it.
  15. Please note that there are no first aid facilities in the building. All users are expected to bring their own first aid kits, appropriate to the activity that they are undertaking.
  16. Sanitising hand gel dispensers and paper hand towels are provided.

On leaving the hut:

  1. Please walk-over the campsite to pick up litter and ensure that no tent pegs are left.
  2. Sweep the main room floor (hoover and brushes are provided in the middle cupboard at the end of the hall). Mop the floor if muddy (mop/bucket in kitchen).
  3. Clean and flush all toilets, brush and mop the floors as necessary, and clean the shower and sinks. Before you leave, ensure that all of the toilet lids are closed.
  4. Brush and mop the kitchen floor as necessary. Wipe over the kitchen surfaces, including the cooker, microwave, fridge and the sinks.
  5. It is important that no food is left in the building (to avoid encouraging vermin) when you leave. Crockery and cutlery must be put away clean and dry in the boxes provided with the lids shut.
  6. We do not have a rubbish collection so please take all rubbish away with you from the kitchen and washroom bins (black plastic bags are provided in the kitchen).
  7. Ensure that the water is turned off in the kitchen (handle perpendicular to pipe).
  8. Ensure that the heaters are turned off and photo of electricity meter is taken.
  9. Close all windows and lock the door.
  10. Close the double gates and ensure that the throw-over gate latch is secure.
  11. Report any damage or anything not working in the first instance to the Booking Secretary (Pauline, 01494 488372, 07771 573943, speen@chilternvalescouts.org.uk)

Fire precautions:

  1. Actions to be taken on discovering a fire and the Emergency Evacuation Plan are posted on the notice board. It the hirers’ responsibility to ensure that they familiarise themselves with the plan when they first enter the building.
  2. There are two fire extinguishers at either end of the main hall, and one extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen.
  3. The main fire exit is the front door and the secondary fire exit is at the rear of the hall. The rear fire exit is secured internally by two bolts (top and bottom of the left hand door); these must be released when you arrive and secured when you leave. Both fire exits are fitted with panic push bars.
  4. Both fire exits are indicated by illuminated fire exit signs.
  5. The use of liquid fuelled stoves is not permitted anywhere in the building. Suitcase gas stoves are allowed if used under adult supervision.
  6. It is strongly advised that group leaders familiarise themselves with the facilities and brief their group on the actions to take in the event of a fire.