Dogs Trust

Founded in 1891 by Lady Gertrude Stock and a ‘small party of gentlemen’ at the very first Crufts dog show, Dogs Trust, formerly known as the NCDL, has always campaigned on dog-welfare related issues to ensure a safe and happy future for our four-legged friends.

Hocken were approached with regard to supply and install audio visual equipment in a 17th Century converted barn at one of their recently opened sites in Harefield. Brian Child, IT Manager of Dogs Trust, chose Hocken to design and install two separate audio visual projects; a conference area and public fund raising area. The requirement was to have two ceiling-mounted projectors installed within a 17th Century barn.

The challenge was to blend the projectors and cables within the confines of the listed building regulations. Working closely with the main architect and contractors, Hocken were able to hide most of the cables and suspend the projectors from the oak beams using special long throw lenses in order to reach the required projection distance from the screen. The end result is now two rooms that have the capability of projecting for laptop computer, DVD player with hand held radio microphones for conferences with speakers that blend in with the character of the barn.

Brian Childs commented, “It was important when looking for an audio visual installer/supplier that they could meet our requirements. The difficulty was that we had to put 21st Century equipment into a 17th Century environment. As a listed building it was important that the aesthetics were kept and little or no damage would be caused to the basic structure”.

We’ve come a long way from Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci - technologists of the 17th Century, and are able to integrate modern technology to exist side by side with culture and heritage, this project at Dogs Trust proves not only is this possible but just how successful this ‘marriage’ has been.

“Hocken fulfilled our requirements, carried out to budget and on time. The installers were courteous and technically adept. We are extremely pleased with the installation, I felt that Hocken had the skills to carry out our wishes”.

Founded in 1891 by Lady Gertrude Stock and a ‘small party of gentlemen’ at the very first Crufts dog show, Dogs Trust, formerly known as the NCDL, has always campaigned on dog-welfare related issues to ensure a safe and happy future for our four-legged friends. With trusts all around the country Hocken were approached with regard to supply and install audio visual equipment in a 17th Century converted barn at one of their recently opened sites in Harefield. Brian Child, IT Manager of Dogs Trust, chose Hocken to design and install two separate audio visual projects; a conference area and public fund raising area. The requirement was to have two ceiling-mounted projectors installed within a 17th Century barn.