Spider operator ‘jumps at chance' to go large with Hinowa

Work at height specialist Fletcher Access has placed an order for the new Hinowa Lightlift 40.18 - the biggest spider lift ever produced by Hinowa - as it renews its platform fleet.

The Worcester-based company has also taken delivery of a new Hinowa Lightlift 20.10 spider lift, putting it to good use on a maintenance project at a 19th Century Grade II listed Greek Revival country house.

Read more: Spider operator ‘jumps at chance' to go large with Hinowa

Conservation rooflights allow period house to become a 21st-century home

The Old Court House is located on a large farm in the West Midlands which is under private ownership. The farm had been purchased with a number of outline consents for the conversion of the various farm buildings into habitable dwellings and staff accommodation; but those consents were all linked to the repair of one particular building on the site: The Old Court House.

The house, which had been derelict for over 30 years, was close to collapse and on the Buildings at Risk Register. It was home to bats, newts, slow worms and badgers and its location on the edge of several Sites of Special Scientific Interest presented further challenges. In the words of the architect, it was ‘more ecosystem than building.’ 

Read more: Conservation rooflights allow period house to become a 21st-century home

Home restoration with successful handicapped bathroom refurbishment

Unlike normal remodelling, when you start planning a bathroom refurbishment for the use of a handicapped individual, you need to start thinking a little bit differently. What needs to be taken into account is that the whole world changes when you live it through a wheelchair and bathroom access can often be especially frustrating when you have to deal with smaller entry doors, tiny interiors and sometimes times features that can be downright unwelcoming.

Read more: Home restoration with successful handicapped bathroom refurbishment

A majestic May half term in store at Cadw sites across Wales

Cadw has released its packed May half-term schedule, offering unique activities for families to enjoy and bring Welsh history to life.

From 27th May to 4th June, Cadw sites – including an ancient fortress, abbeys, and castles - are playing host to a wide range of historical and cultural activities providing an exciting day out for the whole family.

Hinging on Wales’ ‘Year of Trails’, visitors are encouraged to curate epic adventures over the holidays. Cadw sites allow you to create your own experiences by transforming Wales’ history into engaging activities to inspire the next generation.

Read more: A majestic May half term in store at Cadw sites across Wales

Light Perceptions enters exciting era joining forces with CBG

CBG Consultants Ltd, one of the leading independent sustainability led MEP practices in the UK, has established a new lighting consultancy division with the acquisition of Light Perceptions Ltd, providers of specialist lighting design services for more than 20 years.

Light Perceptions’ experience covers landmark ecclesiastical and historic sites, private estates, museums and galleries, and other public buildings. Bruce Kirk, founder of Light Perceptions, has joined the CBG Board.

Read more: Light Perceptions enters exciting era joining forces with CBG

Paramount Platforms places biggest ever Hinowa order

Paramount Platforms Ltd, one of the UK’s leading spider rental specialists, has placed its biggest ever order for Hinowa spider lifts supplied by Access Platform Sales (APS).

Paramount Platforms is taking nine tracked spider booms in a deal worth over £1m.

They include bi-energy, lithium battery and diesel versions of the new Hinowa Lightlift 40.18 Performance IIIS.

Read more: Paramount Platforms places biggest ever Hinowa order

Roofing specialists help keep Durham’s jewel in good order

Durham Cathedral has a rich and varied history. Founded as a monastic cathedral at the beginning of the 12th century, it was built as both a place of worship and the home of a Benedictine community. Over the past century it has served a multi-use purpose and is a church of the Anglican Communion as well as being a shrine to St Cuthbert, the seat of the Bishop of Durham and a place of pilgrimage and spirituality.

A much-loved and cherished landmark in the North East of England, it also won the Reader’s Choice for Britain’s Best Building in a poll conducted by The Guardian, detailing its importance and recognition among the local community and wider public.

Read more: Roofing specialists help keep Durham’s jewel in good order

Ecclesiastical and Benefact Group launch the Movement for Good Awards 2023

Ecclesiastical is inviting people to nominate a heritage charity to receive £1,000 as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

Now in its fifth year, the Movement for Good Awards will once again see more than £1million gifted to charities up and down the UK and Ireland.  

Ecclesiastical is inviting people to nominate a heritage charity online at www.movementforgood.com.

Read more: Ecclesiastical and Benefact Group launch the Movement for Good Awards 2023

Specialist glazing units help period buildings stay ahead of the curve

Curved-in-plan glazing units have been around for some time, but over recent years there has been a significant surge in their popularity. The curved shape matches both contemporary and heritage aesthetics, creating a sense of flow and continuity. Internally, they help to enhance a feeling of light and spaciousness.

For conservation and listed properties, curved-in-plan units have a number of benefits. They can be designed to match the exact shape and size of the existing windows – a key consideration when it comes to preserving the historic and architectural integrity of the building – and as well as providing a sympathetic replacement for the original windows, curved-in-plan units provide enhanced thermal and acoustic performance. Curved-in-plan units help to reduce energy bills and lower the property’s carbon footprint.

Read more: Specialist glazing units help period buildings stay ahead of the curve

Two Heritage Heroes have been recognised for their exceptional service to the UK’s heritage sector

Two Heritage Heroes have been recognised for their exceptional service to the UK’s heritage sector. 

Sponsored by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical, the Heritage Heroes Awards, now in their 13th year, are the Heritage Alliance’s celebration of the outstanding contribution Britain’s heritage volunteers make to society.

Read more: Two Heritage Heroes have been recognised for their exceptional service to the UK’s heritage sector

Restoration of Darby’s Great Exhibition fountain nears completion

The fountain known as the Swan and Boy is currently displayed outside the Museum of Iron in Coalbrookdale, Shropshire: just in front of Abraham Darby’s original iron furnaces. It was cast by the Coalbrookdale Company in around 1850, originally for the Great Exhibition of 1851 organised by Prince Albert in Kensington, London. The foundry won an award at the Exhibition. Today it is Listed Grade Two by Historic England.

Read more: Restoration of Darby’s Great Exhibition fountain nears completion

Wells’ famous medieval clock restored and ready to spring forward this weekend

Wells Cathedral’s famous external clockface on the North Transept, which was feared to be irreparable if left in its current state, has been repaired and restored with a programme of work carried out by Cliveden Conservation and other heritage specialists. 

Since its fabrication in c. 1475, the clock has undergone many phases of redecoration and repair. With further deterioration becoming more apparent specialist conservators were contracted at the end of 2022 to carry out crucial repair work to preserve as much as possible of the historic painted layers and fabric of the clock.

Read more: Wells’ famous medieval clock restored and ready to spring forward this weekend