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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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SWA member helps to restore WW2 codebreaker building at Bletchley Park
Home to the World War Two codebreakers, Bletchley Park has this year completed an £8-million Heritage Lottery Fund financed restoration project to create a world-class heritage site. This has seen the transformation of the formerly derelict Block C codebreaking building into a vibrant visitor centre, a process that involved Steel Window Association member, Mike Honour Windows, renovating over 100 original window units.
Mike Honour Windows worked with Fairhurst Ward Abbotts, the specialist conservation contractor, carefully to remove the windows, many of which were large and made up of multiple units. This process involved numbering and labeling each window so that it could later be reinstalled into exactly the same position.
Revealing the roofs other surveys cannot reach
Tuffin Ferraby Taylor (TFT), a leading independent property and construction consultancy, has used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a roof inspection survey of two historic buildings in Windsor for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
TFT faced the challenge of providing a comprehensive roof survey of the listed Guildhall and Theatre Royal but roof access was limited by normal means. With the Changing of the Guard parade for close-by Windsor Castle passing the buildings daily, closing the road to allow access for a hydraulic platform to view the roofs was not possible in the timescale and inspection from roof hatches was limited.
Tudor wins "Best Roofing Product" award 2014
Tudor Roof Tiles Co Ltd, Britain's foremost independent handmade clay roof tile manufacturer, has won the prestigious 2014 ‘Build It Award’ in the category of ‘Best Roofing Product’.
The company received this accolade for its historically authentic range of handmade peg and plain clay tiles,which add value to new build projectsas well ascomplementing older styled or period properties in conservation areas.
Hidden 200 year-old Swiss Garden reveals its rare Regency treasures
A little-known Swiss Garden created in the heart of Bedfordshire in the early 1800s has been saved from decay thanks to a £2.8m Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, which has funded vital restoration to its crumbling fairytale-style landscape and buildings.
Looking as though it has stepped off the pages of a European children's storybook, its quirky buildings, bridges and ornamental structures, act as focal points on a magical journey along woodland paths, through grassy glades and past tumbling water. Its makeover has transported the nine-acre garden back to its Regency appearance, when its creator, Lord Robert Henley Ongley dropped this 'alpine' landscape into its unlikely Bedfordshire setting close to Biggleswade.
A 'magical' project by Sebastian Wakefield
This room was Georgian addition to a much earlier priory, the client had added dado panelling. They had used mdf and tulip wood, both cheap. Sebastian Wakefield was then employed to grain all the woodwork.
The room was furnished with the client's collection of Beidermeier furniture.
Busy heating installer is awarded multiple commissions
Back in 2012 Holy Trinity Church in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire (pictured), was in need of a replacement for its central heating system. After the job had been put out to tender, church heating specialists Mellor and Mottram of Stoke-on-Trent were appointed to carry out the installation. The job went well and the new heating system has proven to be a reliable and efficient system for the church and its parishioners.
What to consider when buying church chairs
Chairs are of the utmost importance to any church and will quite often see much heavier use than in most comparable environments. As such, it's in the best interests of any church to think carefully before investing in any chairs for public use, as the right folding chairs and furniture have the potential to last a lifetime.
Stained glass restoration by Classic Glass Studios
Stained glass window restoration is a four step process that involves the removal, disassemble, reassemble, and installation of the window. During this process the stone mullions are checked for possible damage or need for repair. The average window size would take about two weeks for a restoration.
A new life for Welsh chapels?
Judith Alfrey, head of conservation and policy at Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, explains how the physical survival of the Welsh chapel is as important for today’s society and future generations as it was for communities in the past. But, sometimes, for different reasons…
In Wales, you will never be very far from a chapel: they stud our towns and are often the focal points of remote upland settlements. These instantly recognisable nonconformist places of worship are a distinctive and familiar feature of the landscape.
Grants for the conservation of clocks by ChurchCare
All mechanical clocks in anglican churches in England are eligible, including early electro-mechanical clocks.
The project must involve overhaul and repair of the movement and/or dial motionwork. Repair and redecoration of the dial itself is only considered when the dial is ancient and of historical interest and the treatment is conservation-based.
Purcell completes Tower Bridge high level walkways
Tower Bridge has unveiled two new glass floors across its high-level walkways, enabling visitors to view a bridge lift from a wholly new and unique perspective. Purcell were the architects responsible for introducing the glass floors into the Grade I listed structure and improve the accessibility of Tower Bridge.
The £1m scheme, spearheaded by Bridge House Estates and the City of London Corporation, coincides with the 120th birthday year of the opening of Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge exhibition first opened in 1982, and the project has enabled its refurbishment, while the new glass floors provide an exciting addition to a remarkable historic landmark.
Historic Cumbrian church roof protected by ballistics-inspired anti-theft technology
An historic Cumbrian church which has been the target of lead thieves to its roof is now being “guarded” by ballistics-inspired technology.
St Michael and All Angels Church, in Beetham, has turned to Trace-in-Metal to help shield its lead roof and flashings from criminals, because its Grade 1 Listed status makes it difficult to protect due to strict planning controls.
George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory
When a client bought this lovely George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest in to the workshop of Somerset based Pye Antiques Restoration, it was in desperate need of restoration to its original glory.
The chest suffered from many problems. The top substructure was comprehensively split with bubbles and missing veneer. It was also off-kilter when open.
How drones can help heritage
Any regular traveller on the East Coast main line or the A1 will be familiar with the dramatic sight of the spire of St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley, sitting on top of its hill, visible for many miles across the flat landscapes of the fens – even more so at night when it is floodlight, writes Peter Slinger RIBA, CA of Cambridge UAV. Early last year, I was invited to become the quinquenial architect for St. Peter’s and together with the Churchwardens, started planning for the forthcoming inspection.
DRU Kamara wall heaters provide comfort and efficiency to rural village church
St Peter’s Anglican church is in the picturesque rural village of Stoke Lyne, near Bicester, Oxfordshire. It dates back to Norman times and still has several 12th century features. These include a priest’s doorway in the chancel, a chancel arch, three small lancet windows and the main south doorway.
Scotland rules the Murdoch Awards
Coming hot on the heels of the Referendum Vote, Scotland was once more the focus of attention at the Gala Dinner which traditionally concludes the Annual Conference of the Lead Contractors Association.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the Murdoch Award and Murdoch Sponsors Award, the ultimate accolade for those engaged in the historic craft of working with lead, whose skills remain so much in demand today.
Northcot Brick launches the 'Old Scotch Common'
Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s independent brick manufacturers, has launched the ‘Old Scotch Common’, a new line of traditional wire cut bricks, which replicates the appearance of the old ‘Giscol’ Scotch Common.
Widely used in industrial towns in the North of England, the original Giscol common brick, which was made from shale clays, was well known for its rough-cast hard burnt appearance, perforated surface and colour variation.
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