Introduction
The Temple Committee has agreed to open the temple kitchen for use by community members under controlled conditions. As an integral part of our temple’s ecosystem, the kitchen is primarily used to prepare prasad for devotees every Sunday and during temple functions. To maintain the sanctity and operational efficiency of the kitchen, all activities must align with this purpose and adhere to the guidelines outlined below.
Kitchen Usage Guidelines
Restricted Access on Specific Days: The kitchen and community hall are not available for hire on Sundays or during temple functions, as it is reserved for the Kitchen Team to prepare prasad. These activities must remain undisturbed.
Supervised Use: Due to the complexity of the new kitchen setup, at least one designated member of the Kitchen Team will be present as a caretaker while hirers are using the kitchen.
Charges for Kitchen Hire
To ensure proper maintenance and sustainability of the kitchen, the following charges apply:
Hourly Rate: £125 per hour
Minimum Hire Duration: 3 hours
Security Deposit: A refundable deposit of £200 will be collected from the hirer.
Usage Timing: Hirers must specify their start and end times. Charges will be based on these timings. On the day, when you enter the community Hall, that time will be noted as a start time. When you finish cooking, please let the care taker know that you have finished so that he/she will turn off system ( gas/fan etc) and end time can be noted.
Community Hall Access: As part of community support, kitchen hire includes 4 hours of free Community Hall use for serving food and cleanup after the kitchen uses finished. Any additional hall usage beyond this period will be charged according to the Hall Hire Guidelines.
Hirer Responsibilities
Cleaning & Maintenance: Hirers are responsible for cleaning the kitchen after use and ensuring it is restored to its best condition. If professional cleaning is required, the hirer must cover the cost.
Supplies & Ingredients: Hirers must bring their own raw materials, disposables, and any necessary supplies for cooking and serving food.
Additional Facilities & Considerations
The following facilities will be available for use:
Kitchen Equipment: Temple’s Aata Machine, dishwasher (when available), and utensils.
Infrastructure Access: Temple’s toilets and general facilities.
This policy is designed to maintain the integrity of the temple kitchen while allowing controlled and fair access to community members. The Temple Committee reserves the right to amend this policy as necessary to ensure sustainability and proper management.