Blazing a trail for creative storytelling
A scavenger hunt based on the nativity story introduces the birth of Jesus in a new, engaging way.
It’s all part of Tale Trails, an initiative to help churches develop work with families and young people.
‘I wanted to use my expertise to provide a series of events for use in church and school situations,’ said Kirsty Allen, a former primary school teacher with drama training. ‘My first activity – the scavenger hunt – went down extremely well in a trial with 40 to 50 children in my home district.’ Kirsty, 55, intends to produce a number of Tale Trails to encourage children and adults to delve deeper into biblical stories.
‘I will cover subjects such as Easter along with some more suitable for schools and community use,’ she said, ‘to introduce children to parts of the Bible and traditional tales such as Goldilocks.’
The Nativity Trail features eight original illustrations which participants in teams hunt for. They then scan the attached QR code using a mobile phone or iPad and watch a short and entertaining video about one of the characters from the story. They must work as a team to rise to the creative challenges set within the trail, such as making their own videos based on the story.
‘A smart device (iPhone or tablet) able to scan QR codes is necessary,’ explained Kirsty. ‘A second device that can take photos and videos will be useful. Each team will need one QR code-friendly device and one photo-friendly device.
‘Through this engaging activity, participants experience stories by hearing from the characters involved and learn along the way by answering questions to unlock the next clues. The project is suitable for ages four to 94, so great for all-age events.’
• Tale Trails will be on stand P13 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Crafted to be classic and contemporary
Every new chair at St. John the Divine in New York has been meticulously crafted to compliment the cathedral’s existing architecture – and even features a personalised dedication plaque.
‘We are truly humbled that Dean Patrick Malloy and his team chose to work with us,’ said Gavin Duignan, owner of CRE 24 exhibitor ICS Furniture and designer of the ICON 40 chair. ‘Each of the 2000 chairs not only meets functional requirements but is engraved with the cathedral’s memorable rose window emblem.’
Dean Malloy said: ‘Modern objects can be jarring in historic buildings, but the contrast between the classic and the contemporary, when done well, can be extremely pleasing and even evocative. Years of dynamic and exceptionally cordial dialogue between us and ICS has borne fruit. The chairs allow us to stage diverse events – music, visual arts, lectures, panel discussions, and, above all, the worship of God – efficiently and beautifully. We are delighted that the cathedral is ICS’ first major American commission.’
• ICS Furniture are on stand D7 at CRE 24
Photo: St. John the Divine, New York
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Moving forward, future proofed
Integrating technology into some of the UK’s most historic listed buildings – that’s the mission of first-time exhibitor FWD-IP at CRE 24.
Future-proofing buildings by enhancing network infrastructure, telecommunications and security, the firm designs and installs state-of-the-art CCTV camera systems, contributing significantly to health and safety protocols, security measures, visitor management and crowd control. Their door and gate access control, barrier systems and automatic number plate recognition technology help manage car parking and secure premises effectively.
In operation since 1992, FWD-IP has partnered with time-honoured institutions such as Ely Cathedral, The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge (OLEM), the Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge University.
‘We are thrilled to participate in our first CRE, where we will showcase our premier security solutions designed to safeguard places of worship and our national treasures,’ said FWD-IP director Will Everitt. ‘With many venues hosting an increasing number of large-scale events, our technology ensures seamless and secure operations, allowing them to focus on their mission and community.’
• FWD-IP are on stand C1 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
Speaksee set to ‘amaze’ at CRE 24
A ground-breaking technology that delivers live speech transcription directly to a mobile phone or AV system will be launched at CRE 24.
Iain Harvey-Smith, of DM Music, believes Speaksee will have church leaders amazed at how it can help deaf people and those who hard of hearing. ‘This is a brand-new product in the UK,’ he said. ‘Seeing Speaksee in action will provide a better understanding of its capabilities than any description I can offer!’
An added benefit of Speaksee is that it can also be an effective language-translation tool for those for whom English is not their native language
DM Music – established over 30 years ago as a dedicated church supplier and installer of sound equipment – is now one of the leading AV system installers with installations in over 3,000 churches.
Adam Lee, the UK regional director for the Dutch-based Speaksee company, will join Iain at CRE 24.
• DM Music are on stand A17 at CRE 24
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk
The long and winding road to Highgate House
The building may date back to the 17th century but it will meet the current demand for affordable, quality conferencing.
So said John Heasman, chief executive of the Christian Conference Trust, opening Highgate House in rural Northamptonshire.
As the newest member of the Christian Conference Trust (CCT) family, which also runs well-known High Leigh in Hertfordshire and The Hayes in Derbyshire, Highgate House is equipped with 16 conferencing spaces, fully-catered services and 82 en-suite bedrooms.
By opening a third centre, the trust has added 30 per cent more capacity for Christian groups to benefit from residential ministry. It expects to welcome more than 25,000 people each year to Highgate House, representing groups from all major denominations.
‘Today is the culmination of years of searching, planning and praying,’ said Heasman. ‘We pray the opening of this stunning country house will benefit thousands of believers in invaluable residential ministry.’
• CCT are on stand A6 at CRE 24
Photo: Highgate House, CCT’s stunning new conferencing centre
CRE 2025
To book a stand at CRE 25, contact:
James Batterbee
T: 0161 240 4500
E: james@creonline.co.uk