Cathedral leads the way in streaming Mass in Norfolk

Many in the church have turned to live streaming services to maintain their communication with their congregations and others seeking worship during recent difficult times. There are many ways to achieve that; however, audio and visual specialist Darren Butler from Norfolk-based Audio Electronic Design (AED) saw, very early on in 2020, a future problem when it came to providing a permanent solution, with many lacking the technical and practical knowledge associated with operating the technology, coupled with a need to be very considerate to the building while carrying out a fixed installation.

Read more: Cathedral leads the way in streaming Mass in Norfolk

New report says embedding heritage-led regeneration key to historic towns' future

Embedding heritage-led regeneration within wider investment programmes aimed at revitalising high streets and enhancing local and regional infrastructure, will more effectively drive the growth and renewal of Britain’s historic town centres, says a new report from national planning and development consultancy, Lichfields.

The ‘Historic Opportunities’ report comes at a time of changing fortunes for the nation’s historic towns and sheds light on the environmental, economic and social contributions that heritage-led regeneration can deliver long-term for hundreds of locations across the country.

Read more: New report says embedding heritage-led regeneration key to historic towns' future

Ruling in favour of GRP rainwater goods on 600 year old church

The theft of lead roofing materials from churches, community halls and the like has become an increasing problem within the ecclesiastical fraternity, amounting to money being wasted in continual replacement of goods.

One church which experienced such theft after having installed replacement lead, under the guidance of the Diocesan Advisory Commission (DAC), was Knowle Parish Church situated in the village of Knowle, Solihull. It was after the latest theft that the church decided to fight back and press for the acceptance of a system that had the look of lead so to be in keeping with the heritage of the church but ultimately wasn’t and so of no interest to thieves.

Read more: Ruling in favour of GRP rainwater goods on 600 year old church

Looking for an audio-visual system to suit your style of worship?

APi Sound & Visual are leading designers and installers of audio-visual systems for churches, community centres and heritage buildings in the South West and beyond.

Founded in Exeter in 2003, the team at APi Sound & Visual pride themselves at making technology work for people. Specialising in the design and installation of projection, sound and streaming systems; they are also installers of hearing loop systems and CCTV.

Read more: Looking for an audio-visual system to suit your style of worship?

Up-to-date lighting shows off church’s stunning features

Dating back to around 1863, St Paul’s Church in Langleybury, Hertfordshire, is a Grade Two*-listed building in the Gothic Revival style, featuring tall proportions and a prominent spire. Inside, a wealth of features include carved angels, which adorn the springings of the arches within the nave, a beautiful carved stone chancel arch, wall paintings, memorials and a stunning timber roof.

Read more: Up-to-date lighting shows off church’s stunning features

Michelmersh wins four awards at the BDA’s Brick Awards 2021

Michelmersh is proud to announce that it won four awards and was highly commended for another four at Wednesday night’s 2021 BDA Brick Awards. With stunning trophies designed by award-winning designer, architect and researcher, Maria Gasparian, the 45th Brick Awards received a record number of entries. In her final year as Head Judge, Hilary Satchwell led a team of 14 esteemed judges with the unenviable task of selecting the best of the best.

All categories received superb examples of brickwork, taking friendly rivalries to a new level and showcasing the best talent the UK Brick industry has to offer.

Read more: Michelmersh wins four awards at the BDA’s Brick Awards 2021

Heating specialists look back on a year spiced with variety

As winter closes in and Christmas approaches a number of churches will be able to offer a welcome to their restricted congregations that will be somewhat warmer, in the literal sense as well as the metaphorical, than they could last Christmas – thanks to new or upgraded heating systems installed by Stoke-on-Trent specialists Mellor and Mottram.

Over the spring and summer, we reported on projects ongoing at two Grade Two-listed churches near the company’s base in Staffordshire – both of which trace their origins back to medieval times.

Read more: Heating specialists look back on a year spiced with variety

Video takes us on a lightning journey through 75 years of history

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS) – the trade body that represents the lightning protection and specialist access industry. To celebrate this poignant milestone in its history, ATLAS takes us on a journey through 75 years of history in a new video, comparing landmarks in its history to worldwide events.

They include England winning the World Cup and the first Concorde flight – starting back in 1946 when the federation was founded and taking us right through to the current day, demonstrating how much the industry has progressed over the past 75 years.

Read more: Video takes us on a lightning journey through 75 years of history

Lightning can be a benefit as well as a threat

To many people the idea of lightning being anything other than a threat to life and property would be unthinkable; but in a recent blog on their website, Nottingham-based Lightning Strike Ltd have pointed out that in many ways lightning can have a positive impact on the natural world.

The blogger reveals: “It may seem a strange statement, considering a direct lightning strike can destroy a tree, but it’s what happens afterwards that can benefit the land around it. While spring’s warm temperatures and rainfall both help to boost plants’ growth, bringing the landscape back to life, lightning gives nature an added boost, whatever the time of year.”

Read more: Lightning can be a benefit as well as a threat

The challenges of ensuring fire safety in heritage buildings

by DAVID WOODALL, South West Area Manager of Oculus Building Consultancy and the Assent Group

Fire and heritage sites don’t mix well. You need only think about significant fires at heritage sites in the past 40 years and you could probably name the three main ones that have made the news: Notre Dame, Windsor Castle and York Minster.

However, that only scratches the surface of the real story. Every year we lose heritage buildings to fire. Some are uninhabited or derelict, but many are in use today and the fires cause damage that is often irreversible, meaning that we lose more of our history.

Read more: The challenges of ensuring fire safety in heritage buildings

60 not out! David Armitage celebrates a lifetime in brick

David Armitage, the founder and chairman of the award-winning York Handmade Brick Company, is celebrating 60 unbroken years in the brick industry.

David joined the industry in 1961 as an apprentice fitter with his family firm George Armitage & Sons, based at Rothwell, near Wakefield. He moved into sales in 1963, eventually becoming Sales Director and later Marketing Director when the business boasted a £20m turnover.

Read more: 60 not out! David Armitage celebrates a lifetime in brick

Cadfael’s abbey has a ‘fine’ new sound system

Shrewsbury Abbey has a fascinating history dating back almost 1,000 years. It was founded in 1083 by Roger de Montgomery, one of William the Conqueror's principal counsellors. In the 20th century the Ellis Peters character Brother Cadfael was portrayed as a Benedictine monk and herbalist at Shrewsbury Abbey.

Read more: Cadfael’s abbey has a ‘fine’ new sound system