Acoustic Panels for All Saints Centre 

We are delighted to announce that the Weston Suite, our main hall in All Saints Centre, has now been fitted with acoustic panels to address the very poor acoustics that we've experienced in there since the building was refurbished in 2001.

The results are very satisfactory - please see the links below to hear how much better the acoustics now are!

The Lansdown Hall before the panels were installed.

The Lansdown Hall after the panels were installed.

The Weston Hall before the panels were installed.

The Weston Hall after the panels were installed.

The Weston Suite, or Lansdown Hall and Weston Hall when the dividing screen is across, has suffered from echo/reverb particularly when the rooms are empty of furniture. It was not so bad once the areas were filled with chairs and tables with tablecloths, but for groups, such as youth clubs, dance and fitness activities, conferences and meetings the acoustics were difficult and for group leaders the sessions were draining. Hearing aid users particularly suffer in rooms with poor acoustics and some people did not attend activities because of the poor acoustics in the halls.

After some research, indications were that the cost of addressing the issue was going to be very expensive and prohibitive and so without funds no action was taken. A detailed acoustic survey was likely to cost in the region of £1000.00 and then with probable recommendations of supply and installation of panels the total cost could have been up to £10,000.00
Another issue was coming up with an attractive solution. The Weston Suite is a quality function suite used for wedding receptions, parties and conferences and we didn't want any possible cheaper solution that would compromise the decor.

In early 2019, Olivia Whitworth sent an email to Gary Oaten containing information, a recommendation and links to a company that provided acoustic solutions and Gary followed this up. The company, The Woolly Shepherd Ltd, provided a remote survey option, once detailed information on the rooms was submitted, and their results were positive, stating that they were confident that they could sort out the acoustic issues with an attractive solution. A detailed quotation that was then submitted for the supply of ceiling panels and the cost was over £9000.00 including fitting. After some negotiation and with further information on possibly fitting the panels ourselves to save some money, we had a final price of a little over £7000.00.

The cost was still prohibitive, but when Gary talked to Peter Heywood about it, he said he would try and look at grant funding to assist. Peter was successful in getting The Enovert Trust to agree to fund 90% of the cost, so we were able to then go ahead.

The Woolly Shepherd supplied the natural acoustic panels, made with sheeps wool, and we installed them in early December ready for the Christmas activities. We are delighted with the result. The acoustics in the rooms have improved dramatically. The panels are smart and are in keeping with the decor, possibly even enhancing the look of the rooms. We are very grateful to Peter Heywood, The Enovert Trust and The Woolly Shepherd in providing a brilliant solution to this long standing problem.

Please do come down to All Saints Centre and experience the difference for yourself. Groups are already experiencing a really positive difference and Lizzie Smith, one of our Dance group leaders has said that she has so much more energy now throughout her teaching sessions. Phil Day, our Children's Worker, is also delighted with the difference it makes to running sometimes noisy childrens' groups.

Booking enquiries for All Saints Centre can be made by email or by phoning 01225 470171