The Parish Centre

ST MARY’S PARISH CENTRE

The recently re-named Parish Centre (previously St Mary’s Church Hall) is in the centre of Ponteland Town (Thornhill Road), situated opposite The Blackbird car park, just after the Vicarage on the left. Re-built 27 years ago (1995) mainly for the use of Church organisations and a meeting place for the church congregation each Sunday after morning worship to enjoy Christian fellowship (and a cup of coffee!).

We now also provide a venue for the wider community – a meeting place for fitness groups and a place for hirers to hold family parties – wedding receptions, baptism parties and birthdays. We have a welcoming entrance hall leading to a large main hall measuring 20m x 5.5m which can seat groups of up to 125. There is a small stage area with projection screen at one end and a sound system is in place with the availability of a microphone. Sound panels have recently been fitted to the ceilings to reduce excess noise. A fully fitted kitchen is available with a large serving hatch into the main hall. The kitchen houses a fridge freezer, dishwasher and commercial oven with six gas burners.

We also have a separate meeting room (The Bishop Merton Room – 5m x 6m) which can be used for smaller groups seating up to 25 people. Our Church Administrator’s office is situated up the stairs to the first floor and is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 11.00am. Please direct any enquiries regarding bookings to Mrs Ruth Holliday, telephone 01661 824470 or email: office@pontpcc.co.uk

Summary of the facilities

Main Hall: A large (1184 sq. feet) and well lit room, it is suitable for a seated audience of 125 or up to 100 for dancing, parties, and specialist activities. Tables and chairs can be flexibly arranged, with a raised stage and a PA system if required. It benefits from soundproof panels fitted in 2020.

Garden: there is a private gated garden at the rear of the hall which can be used when hiring the main hall.

Bishop Merton Room: a smaller (332 sq. feet), group room ideal for committees, families, or activities for up to 25 people.

Kitchen: large and well equipped with a gas range, utensils, and crockery. There are double sinks, a dish washer, fridge, and a hatch that opens into the main hall.

Toilet facilities available

Access – Steps from the pavement to keypad controlled door. Ramped from a designated disabled parking space