Essential Information for Hirers of Poppleton Tithe Barn
Background
Poppleton Tithe Barn is an historic building initially constructed in the sixteenth century to collect tithes following the dissolution of the monasteries. Tithes, agricultural produce, were effectively taxes paid to the Manor. Typically, they were a tenth of a tenant’s income.
By 1989 the Tithe Barn had become a dilapidated, Grade 2 listed, ‘Building at Risk.’ At this time the Friends of Poppleton Tithe Barn (Charity Number 1060767) was set up and restoration was completed in 2000. The Tudor Sensory garden behind the Barn was created in 2004.
The charitable aims of the Friends of Poppleton Tithe Barn are to preserve the building and make it available for certain functions such as craft fairs, art exhibitions, meetings, talks etc. In addition to this we let out the Barn for private functions such as lunches, dinners and wedding breakfasts.
Facilities
We provide a venue that can cater for up to 90 people sitting in comfort around tables within the Barn. A maximum of 100 to 120 people can be accommodated if the side benches are used. We provide tables and chairs, cutlery, crockery and glasses if required.
A small, recently refurbished, modern kitchen is available including fridge, wine cooler, microwave, oven, hob and a water heater..
Disabled access is available through the rear door and there is a disabled toilet.
Central heating is available as the Barn may feel cold in the winter months. There are vents in the walls and the heating system has to create benign conditions due to the historic materials used in its construction. A heating surcharge (currently £25 - £50) is recommended between 1st Oct to 31st March.
Tablecloths are available on request for a charge (currently £5 each) towards the cost of professional laundering . Tablecloths are not provided for weddings.
The Tithe Barn is a wonderful venue with the benefit of a Tudor style garden, set in a picturesque conservation area including a twelfth century church (Saint Everilda’s), the Millennium Green, a village pond and a riverside park. However, all requests to hire the Barn must follow certain restrictions.
Conditions of use
We welcome all enquiries from potential Hirers. However, the Barn is situated close to residential housing and is not insulated for sound. Noise travels easily through the fabric of the building and we need to respect our neighbours. Consequently, we are committed to minimising local disturbance by carefully managing the frequency and volume of our events. In particular, the number of events with music are limited, and the details are set out in our Terms and Conditions.
The Barn is not appropriate for children’s parties, due to the unforgiving stone floor and potential for excessive noise. For all other occasions, children are very welcome, in accordance with our Terms and Condition. For example, the Tudor Sensory Garden is not a suitable venue for children’s games and bouncy castles are not permitted.
Use of the Tudor Sensory Garden
The garden is primarily a place for quiet enjoyment and refection. Hire of the Barn includes use of the garden but furniture should not be removed from Barn and set up in the garden, without prior agreement of the Booking Trustee. Food and drink should be served from within the Barn. Guests are welcome to stroll around the garden and use the bench seating. It is also a good place for celebratory photographs.
Music in the Barn
We are able to accept a limited number of events with music. Any plans for music must be outlined and agreed with the Booking Trustee before an event is accepted, in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.
Bond
For certain events, such as weddings, the Trustees may require the Hirer to pay an refundable Bond at the time the hire fee becomes due, 6 weeks before your event. Its purpose is to cover the unlikely event that extra costs are incurred due to damage or additional cleaning attributed to a large event. Hirers are expected to vacate the Barn in the condition in which they found it, including the cleaning of all surfaces and the removal of rubbish. The Trustees reserve the right to retain part or all of the Bond if Terms and Conditions are breached.
And finally
Most events are workable within our Terms and Conditions, and the Booking Trustee will be able to discuss how your specific requirements can be managed. Testimony from previous hirers is that the Barn is a unique venue to hold your special event.
All events are care-taken by an experienced Trustee who will contact you a few weeks before your event, to finalise arrangements in accordance with your booking form. They will arrange to meet with you at the Barn before your event and help make sure that it runs smoothly and successfully. Please note that Trustees are unpaid volunteers and they will not be present throughout your event.
What Happens Next
If you wish to proceed with booking your event and a suitable date is available then you need to download and complete the booking form on the website. We can advise on caterers who have experience on using the Barn. If you would like to include music, subject to the above conditions, then it is essential that you give full details.
Final payment will become due six weeks prior to your event, and our cancellation terms will apply.
On behalf of the Trustees of Poppleton Tithe Barn we hope that, if the conditions are right for your event, you will go ahead with your booking. As mentioned further information is available on our website and specific questions can be answered by email. If you would like to request a visit this can be arranged by the Booking Trustee.