.jpeg)
Winterley Methodist Church and Community Hall has been a focal point in the community for over 190 years.
The building has provided an essential resource for the village of Winterley, however, it had been brought to the attention of the Church Council that the poor acoustics and reverberation in the hall were affecting many of the user groups, including people attending the weekly coffee morning, those attending Pilates and Yoga groups, plus the brass band rehearsals.
Neil Barnett - Vice-President of Winterley Methodist Brass Band, set about the task of sourcing specifications and quotes for potential acoustic treatment, with a view to solving the problem. Requiring three quotes to satisfy church regulations and already having two, Neil discovered Sound Reduction Systems (SRS) after an online search and made contact to see if they could help.
After sending the hall dimensions and some images of the walls and ceiling across by email, SRS were able to use their in house acoustic modelling software to prepare a detailed report, specification, and quotation for the treatment. Following on from this SRS offered to attend the site, where they were able to survey the room in detail, drop off samples, discuss layout options, and answer any questions.
After reviewing the three options, the Church Council agreed that the best overall service and proposal had been delivered by SRS, and they were instructed to undertake the work. SRS were able to fit around the existing decorating schedule Winterley had in place and install the panels on the day of their choosing.
Following the installation, Neil commented:
“Please can I take this opportunity to say how impressed I was with the way in which your fitter installed the acoustic panels in the hall at Winterley Methodist Church. He took his time to measure everything carefully, and was very conscious of the need to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome.
The first brass band rehearsal took place in the hall last night following the installation of the acoustic panels on Monday. There were thirty players present, and without exception everyone welcomed the difference that the panels have made to the acoustics in that space. After the rehearsal I made an effort to speak to one or two band members who I know were really struggling with the acoustics in the past. One of them said to me, ‘It is so much better …… I could actually hear myself playing my part tonight’.
From a personal perspective I have been very pleased with the way in which your company assessed the hall, offered computer models, a free sample, and enabled some of us to visit other installations you have undertaken. I will be very happy to recommend our experience of working with you to other people.
Thank you once again for your help with our project. It has been a huge success.”
Why It Matters
Village halls, schools and community buildings often suffer from poor acoustics due to hard surfaces and open-plan spaces. Sonata acoustic absorption panels offer a practical, cost-effective way to reduce echo and create a more comfortable environment for everyone using the space.
Need Help With a Noisy Hall?
If your hall, community centre, school or Scout hall has reverberation issues, SRS can help with expert advice, surveys, and tailored acoustic treatment solutions. SRS can be contacted in a number of ways including our mobile friendly 3 Step Estimator form by clicking here. Alternatively, you can send room dimensions and photographs by email or whatsapp and we'll get straight back to you.
