Access and Operating Area Requirements

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• It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure that appropriate access and operating space are available for the Mobile Climbing Tower:

  • Access gateway must be no narrower than 3m with a height of 3m.

  • A suitable turning circle to access the site from the road, suitable for a 4x4 vehicle and trailer of a combined length of 14m.

  • Access must be suitable for driving a 4x4 vehicle and heavy trailer, such as tarmac road, gravel trackway or firm grass. The access route must not be boggy or muddy.

  • Operating space required for the wall is, as a minimum a 15m x 10m area, to include space for kit-up and queuing.
     

• The Mobile Climbing Wall can be set up on any flat hard-standing or firm grass area, however it may not be set up on boggy or heavily sloping ground. It is the responsibility of the Hirer to ensure the intended location for the wall is suitable, and to confirm this with the Ferny Crofts Team prior to arrival.
   

• There must be no overhead obstructions below ten metres above the area to be used for climbing, or power lines within ten meters of the wall location.
   

• The Mobile Climbing Wall will be provided with a gazebo as a kit-up area and several meters of ‘soft’ barrier equipment (rope barrier or bunting). If any additional shelter or barrier/crowd control equipment is required by the site or event rules, it is the responsibility of the Hirer to provide this.

 

Instructor Requirements  

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• Anyone intending to self-lead the activity must hold a Scout Association Permit for Climbing, which as a minimum should be for top rope climbing, or a permit awarded specifically for the Hampshire Scouts Climbing Wall awarded after undergoing training led by the Ferny Crofts Team.
   

• At least one of the permit holders intending to self-lead the activity must have attended a training session at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre in advance (unless training on site at your event has been specifically arranged by Ferny Crofts).
   

• Permits held must be in date at the time of the activity taking place, which includes all Scout Association mandatory training being current and in-date.

 

• If Ferny Crofts Instructors are being utilised, it is a requirement that they are provided with at least one 30-minute break during a full day for lunch, as well as at least two further 5-10 minute comfort breaks during the day (eg mid-morning and mid-afternoon).

Participant Requirements

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• Participants must be wearing appropriate clothing at all times, in particular this means no flip-flops of open-toed shoes, and shorts/trousers which cover the skin to the mid-thigh. Hair must be tied back, and any long necklaces (including Scout neckerchiefs) must be removed prior to climbing.
   

• The minimum age for participants is 4 years old.
   

• The maximum weight allowance for any one participant using the Climbing Wall is 125kg

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Booking Terms

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• Bookings must be placed via Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre by completing a Mobile Climbing Tower Booking Form, which can be found on the Ferny Crofts website.
   

• The minimum notice required to request a booking is 30 days, however, please note that bookings made with short notice are unlikely to be fulfilled given the logistical and staffing requirements involved. 

 

• Submitting a booking request via the Ferny Crofts website is not confirmation that a booking has been made. Ferny Crofts staff will provide details of a provisional booking based on availability of the Climbing Wall, a driver, and instructing staff (if requested).
   

• Payment must be made in full to confirm the booking.
   

• The standard operating day is 7 hours, any variation of this must be agreed when placing a booking.
   

Weather Conditions

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• If a thunderstorm is evidenced with sight or sound, the activity must cease, and all persons must move away from the structure until the storm has passed. The storm is considered to have passed 30 minutes after the last instance of thunder or lightning is observed.
   

• The Mobile Climbing Tower can continue to operate in winds of up to 25mph. If winds above this speed are observed, then the activity must cease, and the Wall be lowered to horizontal position.

Cancellation Terms

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• For cancellations made by the Hirer:

  • Where bookings are cancelled with more than 6 months’ notice, the full fee will be refundable.

  • For bookings cancelled with less than 6 months’ notice, a fee equivalent to 25% of the full fee payable will be retained as a cancellation fee.

  • Where bookings are cancelled with less than 30 days’ notice, the full fee will be retained, less any staffing charges. However, staffing charges will be retained in full if less than 14 days’ notice is given of cancellation.
     

• From time to time it may be necessary for Ferny Crofts to cancel the booking due to unforeseen circumstances. In the case of this unlikely scenario, and where a cancellation is entirely the responsibility of Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre, a full refund will be provided.
   

• Where a booking cannot go ahead due to failure on the part of the Hirer to provide accurate information, a suitable location (including access) or instructors (in the case of a self-led booking) which means that a booking cannot go ahead on the day, the full fee will be chargeable.
   

• Where the activity cannot take place for any period of time due to inclement weather as detailed above, the full fee remains payable.

Use of equipment

 

• Unauthorised interference with any safety equipment, provided for the safe operation of the activity, is prohibited.
   

• Any damages found to have been caused deliberately or due to neglect by the Hirer, will be charged for in full.
   

• After delivery of Equipment to the Site of the Event, the Hirer is responsible for all security. If Equipment is to be left overnight, there must be adequate supervision provided including overnight. Any Health and Safety issues arising while Equipment is unattended by Ferny Crofts, following agreement with the Hirer, are the responsibility of the Hirer. This includes ensuring the equipment is not used or tampered with when instructors are on breaks.