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Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Cathedral Care
Restoration and upkeep of cathedrals
There are some 42 Anglican cathedrals in the UK, not to mention 20 or so Catholic cathedrals. Cathedrals form the most important collection of historic buildings in England. The largest and most ancient are internationally famous, the smallest are usually among the most significant buildings in their region and even the most recent are architectural masterpieces.
Master Craftsmen
Championing our heritage with modern craftsmanship
Twenty years ago, English Heritage (now Historic England) published its first-ever Register of Buildings at Risk across England, which featured nearly 2,000 buildings and monuments that were ‘neglected, broken and unloved’. Recently Historic England was delighted to announce that over two-thirds of those buildings were now safe, in both urban and rural areas right across the country.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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CRE Events
After the Midlands, onward to Milton Keynes
"CRE Midlands reminded me of the giddy days when it first began – the venue was packed with exhibitors and visitors and there was a busy atmosphere. The whole thing looked great."
Insurance
You need to ensure that reasonable precautions are in place at your church to keep it safe for those who use it. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people.
You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to identify further action to prevent any danger. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
Church Maintenance
Church maintenance and repair: Calendar of Care
Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. Church Care offers a monthly guide in our coming issues Starting in Spring
We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.
Pest Control
Michael Palin warns of pest threat to churches
Michael Palin is supporting the future of the UK’s historic churches and chapels with a voiceover for a new animated film. The 80 second animation, produced for the National Churches Trust, highlights why churches are some of the nation’s best loved buildings.
Town Halls
The history of the great Victorian Town Halls of Northern England
From industrial squalor to civic pride, the story behind some of the most impressive buildings of the North involve a unique mix of economics, grand designs and noble sentiments within communities.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the oldest materials in the roofing industry and is still commonly used throughout the world today.
Lead roofing is a traditional roofing method which has been used in the industry for hundreds of years, and is therefore proven to be extremely reliable. Lead roofing, and sand-cast lead, in particular is ideal for old buildings such as churches or historical renovations, whereas milled lead roofing is a mass-produced alternative, used for precision and accuracy in homes and commercial buildings alike.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
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Transporter Clears Latest Lottery Funding Hurdle
Middlesbrough's iconic Transporter Bridge has been given the green light by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to work up plans ahead of a major improvement programme, it was announced today.
Development funding of £111,500 was awarded to help progress the plans towards a full bid for £2.03 million which will be used to create major improvements to the historic bridge which celebrates its centenary in 2011.
The HLF first-round pass means that the Transporter now progresses to the second stage of the HLF application process, when more detailed plans will be submitted for the full grant amount.
The Grade 2* listed Transporter, one of only a handful of working examples in the world, links Middlesbrough and Port Clarence and is a spectacular landmark on the River Tees.
The restoration project will feature improvements to the Bridge, with visitors not only enjoying the panoramic view but also gaining a greater understanding of the history of the Bridge and the surrounding industrial heartland.
Further planned enhancements include:
The installation of glass viewing lifts, giving visitors stunning views across the Tees Valley and a bird’s eye view of the former industrial heart of the region
Improvements to the walkway across the top to increase public access
Motor replacement to improve reliability, enhanced signage and improved lighting
Restoration work to the gondola, provision of a viewing area to the motor room, visitor centre upgrade
A 12-month programme of celebration events to raise awareness of the Bridge and the area’s heritage with a major celebration on its 100th anniversary
In recent years the Transporter has become a centre for extreme sports with regular events involving 1,500 visitors in bungee jumping, zip lining and abseiling from the structure.
Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Transport, said: “The Transporter Bridge is an iconic symbol for the region and a great tourist attraction for the town, so the confirmation that we’re a step closer to major funding is fantastic news.
“If we are successful in winning the full £2.3 million, the Transporter will get a major makeover in time for its centenary year.”
Ivor Crowther, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund North East, said: “Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge is an iconic structure, both defining the surrounding industrial heartland and acting as a major tourist attraction.
“We are pleased to be able to give our initial support for the Council’s ambitious restoration plans, particularly as preparations for the bridge’s centenary in 2011 begin in earnest.”
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