posted on Tuesday, 7th March 2017 by Geny Caloisi
The AV community has once again demonstrated its kindness and commitment to philanthropy by joining forces to support ‘Together for Cinema’ in providing the children at Christopher’s children’s hospice in Guildford with a dedicated cinema room.
Christopher’s hospice, part of the Shooting Star Chase group, specialises in providing support for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions. The staff at the hospice support families from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement, with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.
Following an introduction to Christopher’s by Stuart Tickle at AWE in July 2014, Ian Morrish, founder of Together for Cinema, contacted the charity. At the time, it wasn’t viable to go ahead with the installation. However, fast forward to October 2015, and Ian was given the go-ahead to provide an ambitious, multi-purpose cinema room. Having previously shown interest in getting involved with the scheme and living fairly local to the hospice, Gary Lewis from Cornflake agreed to be the installer for this project.
In April, Cornflake visited the hospice with a lighting designer and a local contact from Philips Lighting in Guildford. At this meeting, the team drew up a required cinema product list, a lighting brief and a plan to secure automated blinds. At this planning stage, Cornflake was presented with its first challenge – the layout of the room. “It was obvious from our first visit that there were numerous challenges with the room chosen for the installation; namely where we could hang a projector with such a vaulted ceiling,” Gary Lewis, Cornflake. “The solution that was opted for was a short throw projector on an arm mounted above the electric drop-down screen. It was also apparent that the room would be in use throughout the day, which posed another challenge; the windows. It was a must that automated blinds be installed to ensure easy operation of the system.”
The install began in July 2016 with premium products kindly donated by Crestron, Middle Atlantic (via RGB Communications), Monitor Audio, NAD, Projector Point, Wyrestorm and Habitech. The specialist Panasonic short throw projector, and other supporting products, were provided via Cornflake.
A Philips Hue lighting system, installed by Future Light Design to feature wireless control, now provides the illumination and accessibility required for the room. Its infinite colour palate generates excitement and stimulation to the children who use the room, with configurations set for a party or cinema activity.
The Velux windows now feature fully motorised blinds with a control panel by the door. The side windows also feature automatic blinds, kindly donated by QMotion and installed by ACE Contracts. The result is a smart, intuitive and comfortable environment for the children, young adults, families and staff members to enjoy for many years to come. In December 2016, The Garden Room cinema officially opened.
“From the moment the Garden Cinema Room was officially launched, the children immediately began using it,” commented Geraldine Sheedy, Head of Care and Jane Magowan, Estates Manager, Christopher’s.
“The Garden Room has always had many uses, but with the addition of the multi-coloured remote blackout blinds, impressive surround sound and the stunning Hue Lighting, it means that the sensory effects we are now able to create, will add a whole new dimension to the important experiences we can give the children and young people. Our Teenage Youth Group can’t wait for their first movie night and the Tweenies Group is looking forward to using our Magic Carpet equipment in a much larger and darker space where they can all join in the fun! We are also planning to hold a monthly ‘Movie Night’ for the staff. The team here at Christopher’s are very excited to learn all about our wonderful new cinema and lighting system, which will bring many hours, days and years of enjoyment creating many special, long lasting memories for the children, young people and families who visit Christopher’s. A huge thank you to Together for Cinema!”
“All of us at Cornflake have found it an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a great cause and look forward to hearing how the system is being enjoyed to its full” comments Gary.
The total cost of the project was £42,000 (for an end user price). Cornflake has committed itself to all servicing and technical queries post install.
Kit list that was donated
On top of the list above, many other products and accessories were generously donated by Cornflake.
People involved:
Together For Cinema is currently looking for CEDIA installers to work on upcoming projects in Gloucester, Stoke and Norwich. If you would like to be involved please contact Ian Morrish at ian@ad-con.demon.co.uk.
AWE is a leading UK distributor to a range of high quality AV brands. Custom installers have direct access to URC home automation systems and Philips Dynalite lighting control, both of which are exclusive to AWE. Its impressive product portfolio stretches across numerous flagship manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Loewe, Denon, KEF, HDanywhere, Silent Gliss and many more.
AWE is renowned for its customer service, with award-winning free training, technical support and services, demo facility and competitive pricing. The company is able to supply the vast majority of its products nationwide, ex-stock for next day delivery.
Geny Caloisi is an accomplished technology journalist who has worked in a variety of AV industry publications.
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