The following is taken from our 'Church Policy, Procedures and Good Practice Guide'

Health & Safety

Our church’s Health and Safety Officer is Paul Hurst, Tel  01455 634819, and any concerns about Health and Safety should be passed to him by entering the details of your concern in the Health & Safety Book which is attached to the notice board in the lower coffee lounge. Please make sure you enter the date of the entry when recording your concern.

Always keep an eye open for potential hazards so that we can make the building as safe as possible.

First Aid

• The First Aid boxes are located in the lower coffee lounge, the upper lounge and the kitchen.
• The Accident Books are kept with the First Aid boxes – all accidents should be recorded.
• It is recommended to have a first-aider on site when your group meets.

Security

• Be aware of the risk of a stranger entering the building without anyone noticing.
• Be aware of the risk of a child leaving without your knowledge.

Emergency Contact Details for Children and Young People

• Have these available at all times.

Fire

• Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to use them.
• Make sure that you know what to do in case of a fire.
  Fire Procedure
• Everyone leaves the building and assembles in the car park at the front of the church.
• One leader makes a last check of the building – especially the toilets.
• Take the register with you and check if anyone is missing.
• Phone 999 for the Fire Brigade.

Sound & Recording

All of our services are recorded and copied to cd's and tape which are then distributed to people who request a copy.

The services are also broadcast through our PA system and sometimes a video recording is made which is also displayed on the screen above the pulpit, this is very helpful during baptism services when the congregation are able to see the candidates pass through the waters of baptism clearly.

There is also a loop system for the hard of hearing.

Technical Support Group

It’s not that long ago that our church’s office equipment consisted of a typewriter, and a duplicator. We had an overhead projector and some sticky felt-craft figures, some crayons and an easel for when we needed to give a presentation. One of the main qualities for our minister was to have a loud voice as there was no such thing as a PA system.

How things have changed. Today we have a very sophisticated sound system, the ability to project words, pictures, videos, and PowerPoint presentations electronically and wirelessly onto a screen for everyone to see. We can record the morning or evening service and produce it onto a CD or tape. We also have an electric piano and lots of microphones so that everyone can be heard.

In the Church and Pathways Offices there are several computers and printers, a scanner, fax, photocopier and a highly sophisticated security system. Communication is usually by email and much use is made of the internet and we also have our own web site to tell the world what’s happening at HBC.

Technology is great when it’s working, but very frustrating when it’s not, and because everything electrical has a mind of its own and is prone to breakdowns the TSG group is there to help.

At the moment the webteam consists of one. Anyone interested in joining and helping to improve the site would be most welcome. Please contact Johnnie L.