30/01/2021
Pinewood Parish Council and Community Hall: A Hub for Local Events
The Pinewood Parish Council plays a pivotal role in the local community, most notably through its ownership and operation of the Pinewood Community Hall. This versatile venue, located at Laburnum Close, Pinewood, Ipswich, IP8 3SL, serves as a central point for a variety of local activities, celebrations, and private functions. The hall's management is entrusted to the Parish Council's dedicated Community Hall Management Committee, ensuring its smooth operation and continued service to the residents of Pinewood.
The committee comprises several elected Parish Councillors who volunteer their time and expertise to oversee the hall's affairs. These dedicated individuals are Cllr. Lois Barclay, who serves as the Chairman, Cllr. Brinsley Blackwood, Cllr. Marilyn Manning, Cllr. Robert Manning, and Cllr. Sandra Peartree. Their collective efforts ensure that the Community Hall remains a valuable asset for the local area.
About Pinewood Community Hall
Nestled between the Baptist Church on Shepherd Drive and the Shopping Centre in Laburnum Close, the Pinewood Community Hall is ideally situated for easy access. The hall is available for a wide range of purposes, from regular club meetings and activities to one-off celebrations such as birthday parties and wedding receptions. In a thoughtful gesture to support its local community, the Parish Council offers reduced hiring charges for residents of Pinewood and the Sprites Ward in Ipswich, making it a more accessible option for many.
Facilities on Offer
Pinewood Community Hall boasts a range of excellent facilities designed to cater to diverse event needs:
- MAIN HALL: This spacious area can accommodate up to 300 people in a theatre-style seating arrangement, or approximately 160 guests when tables and chairs are used. A stage is also present, making it suitable for performances and presentations.
- LOUNGE/BAR: A recently extended room, the Lounge/Bar area can comfortably seat between 60 and 80 people. It is available for meetings during the daytime and evenings, provided it is not in operation as a bar.
- KITCHEN: A well-equipped kitchen is available for hirers, featuring essential appliances such as an oven, microwave, and refrigerator. It also provides crockery, cutlery, and facilities for making tea and coffee, simplifying catering arrangements for any event.
- TOILETS: The hall includes good-sized male and female toilet facilities, complete with a separate baby changing station and a disabled toilet, ensuring convenience and accessibility for all users.
- CAR PARKING: Ample parking is available on-site, with 72 spaces available. This parking is shared with the users of the adjacent Church, so considerate usage is encouraged.
For those relying on public transport, convenient bus stops for services 7, 13, and 15 are located nearby, further enhancing the hall's accessibility.
Bar Membership and Opening
An exciting new initiative is the introduction of bar membership. Residents and visitors are invited to register and become Bar Members from Friday, 24th January 2025, between 4 pm and 8 pm. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet Louise Madley, the Hall & Events Co-ordinator. The bar will officially open its doors for members from Friday, 31st January 2025, offering a new social hub for the community.
Weekend Celebrations and Private Hire
The Community Hall is an ideal venue for weekend celebrations, including birthday parties and wedding receptions. For private hires of the main hall on a Saturday or Sunday, a fully staffed bar is available at no additional cost, provided your adult guest numbers exceed 50. This service is subject to prior arrangement and the discretion of the Hall & Events Co-ordinator, who also serves as the Designated Premises Supervisor, operating within licensed hours. A minimum hire period of four hours applies for such events.
To make your event planning as seamless as possible, the hall's team can assist with setting up the main hall. This includes arranging the stage if required, along with tables and chairs, allowing you to focus on personal touches like table decorations and room adornments such as balloons and banners. This service is designed to save you valuable hiring time.
End of Event Responsibilities
Upon conclusion of your party or event, the Parish Council kindly requests that hirers remove their personal decorations and bag up any leftover food. The hall staff will then take care of cleaning the venue and putting away the furniture as part of the hire agreement. This comprehensive service ensures that you can enjoy your event without the added stress of post-event cleanup.
Lounge Bar for Meetings and Conferences
The versatile Lounge Bar area is also available for hire. It is an excellent space for meetings, conferences, and training courses. When not in use as a bar, the furniture can be arranged to meet your specific requirements, offering a flexible and professional environment for business or educational gatherings. The use of the kitchen, if included in your hire, may be shared with other hall users and staff, so co-operation is key.
Shared Parking and Transport Links
As mentioned, the hall benefits from 72 shared car parking spaces with the neighbouring church. This facility is crucial for ensuring that attendees have a convenient place to park. Furthermore, the proximity of bus stops for services 7, 13, and 15 provides excellent public transport links, making the venue accessible for those without private transport.
Community Hall Management Committee
The success of Pinewood Community Hall is largely due to the diligent work of the Community Hall Management Committee. The members of this committee are:
- Cllr. Lois Barclay (Chairman)
- Cllr. Brinsley Blackwood
- Cllr. Marilyn Manning
- Cllr. Robert Manning
- Cllr. Sandra Peartree
These councillors are instrumental in the decision-making processes concerning the hall, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of the Pinewood community.
Booking and Enquiries
For any enquiries regarding hall hire, including availability and charges, please contact:
- Louise Madley (Hall & Events Co-ordinator)
- Tel. No.: 07599277108
- Email: [email protected]
You can also stay updated on upcoming events by visiting the hall's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/17mv9h4YmS/?mibextid=LQQJ4d. This provides a great way to see what's happening at the hall and to connect with the community.
Transform Your Party
The hall offers opportunities to enhance your event's atmosphere. Consider transforming your party with coloured lighting, a feature that can add a special touch to any celebration, making your event memorable for all the right reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Pinewood Community Hall?
Pinewood Community Hall is owned and operated by Pinewood Parish Council.
Who manages the Community Hall?
The Hall is managed by the Parish Council's Community Hall Management Committee.
Which councillors are on the Management Committee?
The committee consists of Cllr. Lois Barclay (Chairman), Cllr. Brinsley Blackwood, Cllr. Marilyn Manning, Cllr. Robert Manning, and Cllr. Sandra Peartree.
Are there reduced hiring charges for local residents?
Yes, residents of Pinewood and Sprites Ward in Ipswich benefit from reduced hiring charges.
What is the capacity of the Main Hall?
The Main Hall can accommodate 300 seated (theatre style) or approximately 160 seated with tables and chairs.
Is a staffed bar available for private hire?
Yes, a fully staffed bar is available for Saturday or Sunday hires if adult numbers exceed 50, subject to prior arrangement and discretion.
What is the minimum hire period for weekend celebrations?
The minimum hire for weekend celebrations is four hours.
What is included in the hire of the hall for private celebrations?
The hire includes setting up the hall with stage (if required), tables, and chairs. Post-event, the staff clean the hall and put away furniture.
How can I book the hall or make an enquiry?
You can contact Louise Madley, the Hall & Events Co-ordinator, via telephone on 07599277108 or by email at [email protected].
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