The Old Hall of the Knights Templar at Temple Balsall

Temple Balsall and its heritage

The Old Hall at Temple Balsall

Hiring the Old Hall | How to book | Application form (PDF)

Also known as Templars Hall, The Old Hall at Temple Balsall dates from the 13th Century. Though partly converted into a cottage, and with its original walls encased in brick, it is one of a very small number of mediaeval aisled halls, which survive. More history . . .

The Old Hall is the property of the Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson.

Hiring the Old Hall

The Old Hall is available to hire for a wide variety of functions. It's secluded location makes it idea for retreats and quiet days, as well as meetings and conferences, receptions and parties.

Please read through the notes, which follow. If you have any further questions or you would like to arrange a visit to discuss your particular needs, please phone Mrs Jen Jones on 01564 778022 or use the contact form.

Facilities
The facilities consists of an entrance hall (which can also be used for serving refreshments) and two conference rooms each with a seating capacity of about 50. The ground floor room is most suitable for lunches and dinners for up to 40. The kitchen is suitable for the preparation and service of three course meals. Toilets are on the ground floor.

The building is simply but adequately furnished and a variety of seating arrangements can easily be achieved.

The Old Hall is available on a daily basis from 9.30am until not later than 11.00pm. In practice this means that programmes should be timed to end not later than 10.30 pm to enable caterers and organisers to be clear by 11.00pm.

Because of the age of the Old Hall, and the fragile nature of some of its fittings the following guidelines must be observed:

1. No more than 100 persons may be in the Old Hall at any one time.

2. Amplified music is prohibited.

3. Smoking is prohibited in the building.

4. Candles, etc may only be used with special permission and the Master must be satisfied that adequate safety precautions are being adhered to.

5. No furniture or fittings may be removed from the building. Please ask the Master or the Verger beforehand if you need to move any of the oak tables.

Catering
At the present time we do not offer a full catering service ourselves and this leaves you free to make arrangements to suit your own needs. Please hand the detailed inventory and instructions regarding catering to the person who will be responsible. We can suggest a number of professional caterers who will be happy to cater for you in the Old Hall.

The Licensing Laws
A temporary licence can be obtained with notice for the sale or supply of alcoholic drink to persons attending functions in the Old Hall. It is accordingly an express condition of letting that any person applying to hire the Old Hall with such licence accepts full responsibility for compliance with the terms for the duration of the letting.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin
The 14th Century Church of St Mary the Virgin is a short distance away. Arrangements can be made for the church to be available. Please ask for details.

Quiet and Peaceful
Two of the major attractions of the Old Hall are its age and the quiet and peace, which surround it. Visitors are asked to respect these features and to remember those who live nearby. Area map . . .

Car Parking
There is no vehicular access to the Old Hall and car parking is restricted to the official car park, which is about 100 yards from the Old Hall. A trolley can be made available to help with carriage of your goods. Please book this beforehand if required.

How to book the Old Hall

Please feel free to discuss your requirements with us, or arrange a visit, before you decide. However, we advise you to discuss your dates with us before completing the application form. A provisional booking over the telephone will be held for you for 14 days unless otherwise agreed at the time.

Please complete the application as soon as possible after making your provisional booking, and post it to us together with a minimum deposit of 25% the full charge.

The fee to hire the Old Hall for a day or part of a day is £160.00. Tablecloths are available with a £10 laundry charge.

In the case of small, church based groups, a fund is available to cover part of the hiring charge. Apply with particulars of your group to the Master,

The Governors of the Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson will use their best endeavours to make the Old Hall available to you on the date and times agreed on your application. However circumstances beyond our control may make this impossible in which case our liability will be limited to not more than the amount paid by you.

It is a condition of the letting that those using the Old Hall will observe the guidelines for use and respect the presence of the residents of Temple Balsall. Failure to do so may result in the immediate closure of a function and in that event no liability for loss will be accepted.

The Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson
Registered Charity no. 213618
Temple Balsall, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 0AN

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