BURTON COURT RULES 2013/2014 Revised Summer 2013 Burton Court, Franklin s Row, London. SW3 4QJ 1. General RULES FOR SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL USE BY PASS HOLDERS 1.1 Burton Court is private property owned by The Royal Hospital Chelsea, and is designated for sporting activities. 1.2 The Royal Hospital has agreements with the Army (London District) to provide sporting facilities for teams subject to availability. Additional time slots for the cricket and football pitches may be hired by other organisations. 1.3 Access is provided by electronic pass card upon payment of a fee to individuals to use the tennis courts and to exercise and walk dogs. 1.4 Hire for other activities compatible with these uses will be considered. Separate arrangements will apply and application should be made to the Royal Hospital s Events Department (020 7881 5532). 2. Closure and limitations on use 2.1 The Commissioners of The Royal Hospital reserve the right to close Burton Court at any time, without notice, and to vary the times of opening. 2.2 A number of other uses are arranged in Burton Court each year that may require some limitations on access. The Royal Hospital will endeavour to advise users in advance. 3. Eligibility for individual use 3.1 On payment of the appropriate fee, the Royal Hospital issues passes permitting access to pass holders to allow them to exercise, walk dogs, play tennis and practice cricket skills. Access pass holders may not play organised games without prior approval and do not have the right to use the football pitches without prior approval.
3.2 Burton Court cricket nets may be used by pass holders only when there are no matches being played on the cricket grounds. Pass holders use the nets entirely at their own risk. Use of these is included in the pass fee. The nets are provided on a first come, first served basis and must only be used to practice cricket skills. Consideration is requested when other people are waiting to practice. Please note, pass holders are not allowed on the cricket pitch unless authorised by the Royal Hospital Chelsea. 3.3 The number of access passes is limited. New applications will be dealt with in date order and may be subject to a waiting list before a place being offered. 4. Access to use Burton Court 4.1 A Burton Court pass allows access to the following facilities: Walking and general exercise Dog walking (subject to pass type) Use of the tennis courts (subject to pass type) Use of the cricket nets Pass holders may also be able to book use of the other facilities subject to availability. 4.2 Application to use Burton Court should be submitted in writing/email to: The Commercial Department The Royal Hospital Chelsea Royal Hospital Road London SW3 4SR Tel: 020 7881 5324 sophia.sidney@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk Application forms can be downloaded from the website: www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/burtons-court. 4.3 Passes are valid for one year from the date of issue. 4.4 Charges for annual, or where relevant part year use, are set annually by the Royal Hospital. The Royal Hospital will advise Burton Court users when their pass is due for renewal and of the charge to be made. Payment of the appropriate fee by the due time will allow renewal of the pass electronically. It does not have to be returned to The Royal Hospital.
4.5 Payment is in advance and is accepted by cheque, credit or debit card (with the exception of American Express and Diners Club cards). Cheques should be made payable to Chelsea Pensioners (RH) Ltd. 4.6 The Access Pass remains the property of The Royal Hospital and must be surrendered on expiry and non-renewal or on demand. 4.7 The Royal Hospital reserves the right to require a deposit against the return of any Pass Card that is issued. 4.8 A reminder for the renewal of a pass will be sent out within a month in advance of the expiry date. Should payment not be received the pass will be deactivated and maybe re-issued to a new member on the waiting list. 4.9 The loss of a pass should be reported to the Events Department, Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR. A charge of 25.00 will be made for replacement. 5. Access arrangements 5.1 All access to Burton Court by Pass Holders is by means of an electronic access card. One is issued to each household in membership. It is not transferable. Members may bring a guest in with them, provided they remain with the guest at all times and have the access pass in their possession. Guests are not permitted to walk dogs in Burton Court. 5.2 The Access Pass can be used on the East Gate from St Leonard s Terrace to the Foreguard entrance to Burton Court. 5.3 Burton Court is normally open to the pass holders as follows: Monday to Sunday 1 st November to 28 th February 0830-1630 1 st to 31 st March 0830-1730 1 st to 30 th April 0830-1930 1 st May to 31 st August 0830-2030 1 st to 30 th September 0830-1930 1 st to 31 st October 0830-1730 If organised sporting events have been approved to continue later than the official closing time this does not indicate that the grounds remain open to other users. The electronic gate allows a period for users to exit after the closing time but then locks. 6. General conditions of access for Pass holders 6.1 The access pass provides entry to Burton Court for one household, living at an individual address during the opening hours as advertised. These provide access to Burton Court for light recreational use by pass holders, in order to walk, exercise dogs and use the tennis courts and cricket nets.
6.2 Passes are not transferable and may not be used by unaccompanied visitors. 6.3 Holding a pass does not allow use of the parts of the site reserved for team games. 6.4 Burton Court may not be used for private parties or similar gatherings without formal application and payment of any additional costs as advised by the Events Team (contact on 020 7881 5532 or sarah.preston@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk). 6.5 The named pass holder will be held responsible for any incident that takes place on Burton Court when their designated pass and number are used. 7. Revocation of access 7.1 In the event of failure to follow the rules or the instruction of Royal Hospital staff the Royal Hospital reserves the right to withdraw all right of access to any pass holder. This will be done electronically by cancelling the right of access. No refund of fee will be made if the right of access is withdrawn permanently but any deposit paid will be repaid on return of the access card to The Royal Hospital. Persons to whom right of access has been withdrawn may reapply for a new pass at a later date or may be added to the waiting list if appropriate. 8. Supervision and checking of right of access 8.1 All users are required to show their access card, on request, to any member of Royal Hospital staff, or their appointed representatives, who will be identified by uniform or ID card. Users must act in compliance with any reasonable instruction that may be issued. 9. Dogs 9.1 Areas allocated for dog walking are the Main Avenue, East Avenue, Franklin s Walk and the area linking them. Dogs are not allowed on the sports pitches or inside the tennis courts or the West Walkway. 9.2 Dogs are admitted to Burton Court on the clear understanding that they will be kept under reasonable control, by an adult, at all times. We expect all dog owners to show tolerance and understanding to all users of Burton Court, therefore, depending on the temperament of the animal it may be deemed necessary that they be kept on a lead or muzzled. This is particularly important as the area is often used by families with children and local schools. It is expected that dog walkers will be scrupulous about clearing up excrement. 9.3 Dogs are not permitted to foul any area near to the two Gate Lodges, the entrance or the guard house, particularly the railings, and this includes urinating, as these houses are occupied. All dog excrement must be cleaned up from the grounds and placed in the bins provided for this purpose. 9.4 No persons may walk dogs on Burton Court for commercial gain. 9.5 No liability is accepted by The Royal Hospital for any damage, nuisance or injury caused by or to any dog(s) while they are in Burton Court. Such matters must be dealt with between
pass holders. The Royal Hospital will not act as the arbiter in such disputes. 9.6 Pass holders are allowed to walk a maximum of three dogs at any one time. Should pass holders wish to walk more than this, they will need explicit written approval from RHC staff. 9.7 Failure to observe these rules may lead to the right of access being suspended or withdrawn. 10. Use of the tennis courts (subject to type of pass held) 10.1 The tennis courts will be available for play throughout the year except for any period for repairs and maintenance, which normally take place in March annually. Those Pass holders who have the correct reservation authority may book Tennis courts on the RHC web site. 10.2 The tennis courts are open from 08.30 until 10 minutes before the published closing time. Users must leave by the time that the Gate closes. 10.3 Pass holders may use one court with up to 4 players. A pass holder may permit access to three guests per tennis booking to fill a court. All guests are the responsibility of the pass holder who has provided the guest(s) with access and the pass holder must accompany them at all times. All individuals booking the tennis courts must be a Burtons Court pass holder and have their membership card to hand. Players are expected to wear appropriate tennis wear and footwear 10.4 Bookings are made on the Royal Hospital website at http://www.chelseapensioners.co.uk/tennis. 10.5 Tennis bookings are for a period of one hour per day, but may be exceeded if no one is waiting to use the court. Bookings may be made up to seven days in advance via the RHC web site. Pass holders who do not wish to use their court are required to cancel it online so that others may benefit from the opportunity to play. Pass holders are also required to cancel courts due to bad weather in the event that conditions improve (usage is monitored). 10.6 All those using the tennis courts are expected to behave correctly and not interfere with the enjoyment of others using the courts. 10.7 The Royal Hospital reserves the right to close the tennis courts to general use should they be required for Army sports activities. 10.8 No Shows Pass holders who find they are unable to honour a booking they have made should invariably cancel that booking so that other members may use the court. Cancellation should preferably be at least 24 hours in advance, although it is recognised this may not always be possible. Should a pass holder fail to cancel a booking they will be yellow carded, and an accumulation of 3 yellow cards will preclude them from booking a court for 3 months. Each yellow card will expire after 6 months.
10.9 Pass holders who persistently cancel courts at less than 24 hours notice may also be yellow carded, for this habit prevents others from using the courts 11 Coaching Use of the BC coaches is only available to pass holders and members of their immediate family as defined above. It is not available to guests of pass holders. Each pass may be used to book a maximum of one hour s coaching a day. In order to manage their business and offer a consistent service to pass holders, coaches may book courts up to 4 weeks in advance. They must, however, release any sessions for which they do not have confirmed bookings by no later than 8 days in advance in order that other pass holders can take advantage of any spare capacity. Between 1 Apr and 30 Sep coaching may occupy up to 2 courts until 3 p.m. on weekdays, and one court thereafter. Between 1 Oct and 31 Mar coaching may occupy up to 2 courts until 1 p.m. and only one court thereafter. On weekends and public holidays coaching may occupy only one court at any one time. A Kids Academy will be run at the discretion of the senior coach during the Easter and School holidays. This will take place between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, and will use up to 2 courts. The third court will always remain free for other pass holders. No other coaches are allowed to operate on Burton Court. 12 Club Tennis Mornings When the weather is appropriate and only if there is sufficient demand, the coaches may run occasionally a free of charge Sunday Club Morning. NB. Should tennis pass holders wish to find a partner with whom they can play, more information can be found via http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/find-a-tennis-partner. 13. Facilities 13.1 Use of the Pavilion & WC s The pavillion, changing facilities and WCs are maintained by the Royal Hospital. For the use of teams, there are WC s which can be accessed by Burton Court pass holders when the pavilion is closed. The user should ensure that all facilities are switched off when leaving and that no damage has been caused. In the event that damage has been caused he/she should draw this to the attention of a Groundsman or his representative. 13.2 Use of the pitches: The cricket pitch: The cricket square is out of bounds at all times. Users must follow instruction from RHC staff, who may from time to time wish to close the area.
The football pitch: When the football pitch is not being used for organised games by either teams or schools, pass holders and their children are permitted to use the pitch for recreational purposes (picnics are not permitted and any litter must be removed). To protect the children it is strictly at all times a dog free zone, and users must ensure that they shut the gates behind them to ensure that this zone is maintained. From time to time it is necessary for the grounds staff to re-seed or undertake maintenance, during such activity the football pitch will be closed to pass holders. Signs on the gates clearly indicate whether the pitches are open or closed for recreational use. The goal posts must not be used as climbing frames, and we would be thankful if users avoided the grass areas in front of them which become bald quickly. At all times pass holders must follow the instruction of the RHC staff. 13.3 The Royal Hospital Chelsea does not provide medical materials to treat accidents that may occur during sporting events of all types. All hirers are responsible for bringing sufficient equipment to treat minor injuries that may occur. There is an emergency telephone to enable calls to be made for assistance if more serious injuries occur. 14. School use of pitches Certain schools have been granted access to Burton Court Football pitch for their sports curriculum. When they are using the pitches they are out of bounds to pass holders. 15. Other events The Royal Hospital will consider the hire of the grounds and pavillion for other events that are sports related within the Premises Licence Conditions, as long as sporting provision is not affected and the organiser receives the necessary approvals. Any organiser wishing to promote such an activity on the site should discuss the proposals with the Royal Hospital s Events Team. 16. Planning permission and other approvals Burton Court is primarily intended for sporting use. From time to time the Royal Hospital organises special sports events which require temporary marquees or gazebos. All such activity is authorised and organised through the events department at the Royal Hospital, no pass holder may erect or cause to be erected any such structure without agreement from the events department. 17. Liquor & Entertainment No excisable liquor may be brought in or consumed within the environs of Burton Court or its building without prior approval. Pass holders should understand that as a sporting facility Burton Court is not to be used as a recreational park for parties or barbeques. No music may be played on Burton Court without the written permission of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
18. Noise 19. Litter Users must ensure that no undue noise is generated that may be a nuisance to others. No PA systems, music or radios etc. can be used or played without the expressed permission of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. All users are to use the litter bins provided. They should remove all litter and anything brought on to the premises, and leave it in a clean and tidy state. Should the litter be removed by the staff of the Royal Hospital, the Events Team reserves the right to charge the user for reasonable costs incurred in removing the litter, and any pass holders identified by the staff for not clearing their litter or dog excrement may have their access revoked. 20. Security The grounds are patrolled by the Royal Hospital Chelsea s uniformed security staff who may from time to time wish to verify access passes, and who will direct usage of the grounds. Pass holder s cooperation with the RHC security teams is much appreciated in this process. 21. Access for those with impairment or disability Pass holders who are impaired and unable to enter using the electronic entrance, should contact the duty Gate Constable at the London Gate (020 7881 5239) before they plan to visit in order that access can be arranged. 22. Car parking Cars and other vehicles including motorcycles and scooters are not permitted to enter or park in Burton Court without the specific permission of the events department, and when such approval is given will be marshalled by RHC approved parking stewards. These provisions also apply to all contractors vehicles. 23. Insurance/Liability Pass card holders and their guests use Burton Court at their own risk. The Royal Hospital will not accept any liability for damage or injury caused to any user. 24. Complaints In the event that any user is dissatisfied about any matters relating to Burton Court please contact the Commercial Department during office hours on 020 7881 5324. Users are asked not to disturb the residents of the Lodges about such matters. Written complaints concerning Burton Court should be addressed to the Development Director of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
25. Canvassing, petition raising and attempts to sell anything in Burton Court are strictly forbidden. 26. Charges and payment The scale of charges is revised annually and is included in the membership renewal notice sent out to card holders.