Electrical trunking - any ideas please?

[UKMICKY]

You could render them to give them some strength and plaster over the top.

Also you could use the dreaded angle grinder to cut out the channels which should reduce the number of blows with the bolster but will cause major dust

 

[OwainDIYer]

I'd quickly considered and dismissed the pull-cord option as my first thoughts were that every bedroom would feel like a bathroom!

You can have embroidered tassels - it doesn't have to be polyester cord.