Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about hiring a room in a Friends Meeting House that isn’t answered below, please contact the central Manchester office on 0161 834 5797 or and we’ll do our best to help!
How much does room hire cost?
Room hire cost depends on which room you want to hire and where. Rates vary by time of day, location, size of room, and how long you want it. You can find price information for each of our five meeting houses by clicking the links at the top.
Can I hire a room on a regular basis?
Yes - many of our room users do this. You may be entitled to a discount, and in Central Manchester and Sale you can hire storage facilities.
Is there catering?
There is in Central Manchester; other meeting houses do not have full catering but all except Eccles have tea- and coffee-making facilities. You may be able to bring in outside catering - ask when booking your room.
What are the terms?
We ask that you pay for your room in advance. Confirmed bookings are non-refundable. Full terms and conditions are available from each meeting house and from central Manchester. You can contact us on 0161 834 5797 or .
Who hires rooms at Quaker meeting houses?
All sorts of people and organisations. Some examples include:
- Charities and non-profit organisations
- Local authority and health service groups
- Community or campaigning groups
- Religious organisations
Events and activities held at Quaker Meeting Houses include:
- Meditation and exercise classes
- Training and exams
- Nursery groups
- Children’s parties
Can I bring anything into the meeting house?
We ask you to respect the meeting houses’ alcohol-free policy. Please be aware that gambling is not allowed in Quaker meeting houses. We aim to provide a safe environment for all our room users and request that anything you bring for your events is in keeping with this.
Is there disabled access?
There is wheelchair access at all meeting houses, including a disabled toilet. Exceptions are: Room 5 in Central Manchester (one step), balconies in Central Manchester (flight of stairs) and upper hall at Sale (flight of stairs). The basement in Central Manchester may require a warden to enable access (because it uses a different door).
Sale, Eccles and Central Manchester each have a hearing loop system.
Are there other Quaker meeting houses in Greater Manchester?
Yes, there are other Quaker meeting houses in:
- Cheadle Hume
- Disley
- Frandley
- Glossopdale
- Macclesfield
- Marple
- Stockport
- Wilmslow
- Bolton
- Rochdale
These meeting houses are not part of Quaker Trading so we don’t have any information on their rooms to hire. If you want to hire a room in one of these, look up their details on the national Quaker site here.
What’s the difference between ‘Quakers’ and ‘Friends’?
Nothing. The Religious Society of Friends is also known as Quakers, and we use both terms. Friends Meeting Houses and Quaker Meeting Houses are the same thing.
What’s a Quaker?
You can find out more about Quakers and Quakerism at our national site, www.quaker.org.uk. If you’re interested in what we’re doing in Greater Manchester, or you want to come to a meeting for worship, have a look at our area website, www.manchesterandwarringtonquakers.org.uk.