Guidlines for
Guest Speakers & Temple Visits

Bookings

1. Although we try to accommodate last minute requests, please do book well in advance (preferably the term before) to avoid possible disappointment.
2. You can book by letter, phone, fax or e-mail.
3. Please initially supply the following information:

   	your name and position.
   	the name of your school or college, with telephone and fax numbers.
   	whether the proposed visit is to your school or to a temple.
   	the number and age of pupils/students/teachers.
   	proposed dates and times of visit.
   	the purpose and nature of the visits and your educational requirements.
   	your residential telephone number (only if you don't mind!)
   	any other information you feel to be relevant.

4. We request a re-confirmation (preferably by phone) four to seven days before a visit. Messages can be left on our answer-machine. Unless you so request, we do not return your confirmation call.
5. Please book your school visits though our IES office. This also applies to visits by college and University members. We cannot guarantee arrangements made though the central switchboard or other departments at Bhaktivedanta Manor, unless we have previously agreed on such a procedure.
6. We offer one month for settling payment / contributions but prefer to do so on the day.

All details of your visit can be discussed when finalising your booking

Visit to Your School / College

1. Please provide directions to your establishment, sending a map if necessary, and advising us on parking and reception arrangements.
2. For many visits we require the hall or classroom free one-hour before our presentation in order to set up equipment. When giving more than one presentation, it is better we use the same room rather than relocating.
3. You may wish to inform your secretary or other teachers of our visit.
4. Please do not be offended if we refuse tea or coffee. We drink herbal teas or fruit juice. We also avoid meat, fish, eggs, meat products, non-vegetarian cheese, garlic, onions, mushrooms and vinegar (just to make life simple!).

1. You may wish to consult our map and directions, print them and give copies to your driver(s). Even if they apparently know the way, check that they are aware of our new entrance (from 1996).
2. We suggest that visitors mode of dress be modest (e.g. no shorts or miniskirts) and functional (i.e. suitable coats and sturdy shoes in bad weather). We discourage fur-coats and leather jackets, though leather shoes are fine. All footwear is removed before entering the building. Heads need not be covered.
3. The temple and grounds form a no-smoking, no-drinking area. As a matter of religious etiquette (and since we provide lunch), we request you to avoid bringing your own food. We do make exceptions for dietary or religious reasons. Such food should be vegetarian and conform to the standards outlined in point number 4 of the last section. Please inform us if anyone in your group has allergies.
4. We do not allow chewing gum.
5. Cameras are allowed throughout (including the shrine).
6. You are advised to keep valuables on your person during your visit.
7. We ask that teachers and helpers maintain suitable standards of discipline within their groups.
8. Please arrive on time. If anything, be a little early. You can wait in comfort in the coach until we arrive at the scheduled time.
9. Upon arrival it is helpful if you have already allocated students to their respective groups for the tours (where applicable).
10. We are careful to ensure that we meet regulations specified by the Environmental Health Department. During the tours it is mandatory that any person touching the animals (cows, goats, etc.) wash their hands afterwards with soap and hot water. Also, upon arrival in the building, it is necessary that visitors wash their hands in the same way after removing their shoes. We request the teacher in charge to make this clear to students and to ask other teachers and assistants to re-emphasise this point.

Do feel free to contact us if you'd like to discuss these guidelines or related queries. Thanks!