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Cumbrian Home Interiors and Renovation Exhibition showcases local expertise and craftsmanship this spring
A home interiors and renovation event showcasing independent businesses and wealth of artisan craftsmanship from in and around Cumbria will return this Spring. Media stars and upholsterers, Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke, (BBC’s Money for Nothing and the Discovery Channel’s Salvage Hunters: the Restorers) will bring their podcast ‘Sit on This’ live to the show.
The Home Interiors and Renovation Exhibition (HIRE Cumbria) will be held at The Castle Green Hotel, Kendal on Friday 20 March, 10am-4pm and Saturday 21 March 2026, 10am-3pm. Vicky and Ray will appear on Friday.
Restoration of a Victorian railway dining experience: the journey so far
Frank Holmes Fine Décor is a high-class heritage interior decorating business, founded in 1990. The company is run by husband-and-wife team Frank and Amanda Holmes and incorporates decorative artistry and traditional craftsmanship into its work.
Frank is a master wallpaper hanger. As one of the UK’s top approved Lincrusta installers and restorers Frank Holmes Fine Décor specialises in rescuing damaged heritage raised-relief wallpapers, dados, friezes and ceiling tiles, including Tynecastle, Anaglypta, Salamander and Lignomur. Frank can replicate, repair and re-finish existing installations or reproduce one-off vintage designs by commission from his extensive archive collection dating from the 1870s.
Read more: Restoration of a Victorian railway dining experience: the journey so far
Restoration provides high-quality sound with minimum visual impact
The Church of St Peter is the Anglican parish church of Ruthin – an ancient market town which lies within the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire. In 1282, when Edward I had completed his conquest of Wales, his close friend Reginald de Grey, Baron of Wilton created Ruthin as a chartered borough.
During the turbulent years of the fifteenth century, the church continued to serve the community, but suffered damage during the Owain Glyndŵr uprising, when the town of Ruthin was raided on 16 September 1400 and again in 1402, when the 3rd Lord de Grey was captured and ransomed by Glyndŵr.
Read more: Restoration provides high-quality sound with minimum visual impact
Help at hand with grant funding for your AV system
Easter is one of the most meaningful times of the year for places of worship. It’s a time when congregations come together to celebrate faith, community, and renewal. However, ensuring your services are engaging, inclusive, and accessible, especially for those who attend in person or online, depends heavily on the quality of your audio-visual systems.
For many churches, funding new AV technology can be a challenge. That’s where Vaughan Sound, part of the PAI Group of specialist AV integrators, steps in. With decades of experience working with worship spaces across the UK, we can help your place of worship apply for grant funding to make those planned upgrades and ensure your technology delivers when it matters most.
Read more: Help at hand with grant funding for your AV system
Streaming service brings the church to all
In an age when technology seamlessly integrates with spirituality, St Elphege’s RC Church in Wallington, Surrey, has taken a significant step forward by partnering with Scanaudio to introduce a state-of-the-art web streaming service. The groundbreaking initiative aims to bridge the physical and digital realms of worship, allowing the congregation to connect with their faith, irrespective of physical presence. The centrepiece of the technological marvel is the Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro video switcher and PTZ Optics Z Cam.
Why voice alarm knowledge matters in historic buildings
With increasing emphasis on emergency preparedness in public buildings, understanding voice alarm systems and speech intelligibility is becoming more important for those responsible for audio installations in churches, cathedrals and heritage properties.
Many historic buildings now host large congregations, concerts, community events and public gatherings. In an emergency situation, clear voice communication can be critical for ensuring occupants understand evacuation instructions and can respond safely.
Read more: Why voice alarm knowledge matters in historic buildings
Ebenezer Evangelical Church adopts live streaming solution
Thanks to the expertise of audio-visual integrator Vaughan Sound, Ebenezer Evangelical Church in Neath Abbey now benefits from an intuitive live streaming system – facilitating remote, online services.
Situated between junctions 43 and 44 of the M4 motorway, the church approached Vaughan Sound looking for a means of streaming their services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Lockdown guidelines and restrictions had greatly restricted the number of participants that could physically attend this small worship venue.
Read more: Ebenezer Evangelical Church adopts live streaming solution
Conservation of The Boat House at Cliveden
The boat house is a one-storey, Victorian building built in the 1860s in the estate style of G. Devey, which is used to store one large boat and other items such as tables, life jackets and building materials. It is adjacent to the River Thames and situated within the registered Grade II listed park and garden of Cliveden with woodland and cottages located nearby. It is in active use by visitors taking boat trips and is regularly maintained.
AuraCast technology improves accessibility at St Michael’s, Arlecdon
St Michael’s Church in Arlecdon, a beautiful historic building right at the heart of the local community, has recently taken a significant step forward in improving accessibility.
Working with the team from Blaydon Communications the church now has a cutting-edge AuraCast™ system, replacing the traditional induction loop technology to better serve members of the congregation with hearing difficulties.
Read more: AuraCast technology improves accessibility at St Michael’s, Arlecdon
Technical excellence in professional audio-visual engineering
Architecturally or acoustically demanding buildings benefit enormously from early involvement of experienced audio specialists. Careful product selection, sympathetic system design and a sound understanding of standards are essential when installing or upgrading systems in historic and sensitive environments.
The Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (ISCVE) is the specialist learned society and professional body for audio-visual, sound and communications engineers. Founded in 1948, ISCVE is an entirely independent organisation. All members work to a professional code of conduct, reflecting high ethical standards and a commitment to environmental, social and cultural responsibility.
Read more: Technical excellence in professional audio-visual engineering
ISCVEx 2026 Coombe Abbey Hotel, 17-18 March 2026
Professionals working in the sound, communications and audio-visual industries are invited to attend ISCVEx 2026, the two-day Exhibition and Seminar Event, organised by the Institute of Sound, Communications and Visual Engineers (ISCVE), taking place at the prestigious Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwickshire on 17-18 March 2026.
The two-day event brings together experts, manufacturers, distributors and installers to showcase the latest technologies and innovations in the industry.
With a packed schedule of seminars, discussions and networking opportunities, ISCVEx 2026 is a must-attend event for anyone working in the world of Sound, Communications or AV.
Illuminating contemplation: purpose, precision and sustainability in sacred and heritage spaces
In ecclesiastical and heritage buildings, lighting decisions are rarely about the present alone. Thoughtfully designed illumination becomes a long-term investment. A decision that shapes experience, protects historic fabric and supports environmental stewardship for generations to come.
In sacred and historic architecture, lighting is a defining element that shapes how space is perceived, how movement is understood and how moments of reflection are experienced. Carefully considered lighting reveals materiality, clarifies spatial hierarchy and supports wayfinding, while also reinforcing the stillness and reverence these environments demand.
Restoration provides high-quality sound with minimum visual impact
The Church of St Peter is the Anglican parish church of Ruthin – an ancient market town which lies within the Vale of Clwyd in Denbighshire.
In 1282, when Edward I had completed his conquest of Wales, his close friend Reginald de Grey, Baron of Wilton created Ruthin as a chartered borough.
During the turbulent years of the fifteenth century, the church continued to serve the community, but suffered damage during the Owain Glyndŵr uprising, when the town of Ruthin was raided on 16 September 1400 and again in 1402, when the 3rd Lord de Grey was captured and ransomed by Glyndŵr.
Read more: Restoration provides high-quality sound with minimum visual impact
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