Current Issue
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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Burial Authority Adviser
An interesting new part-time position has become available for a NAMM Burial Authority Adviser. This will be initially for a trial period of six months and for 2 / 3 days per week.
Saint Leonards Church, Cambridgeshire
This Parish Church, dedicated to St Leonard, dates from the 13th century and has many interesting features. It is a Grade 1 listed building located in Little Downham, Cambridgeshire.
We were called upon by Archimage Architects of Wilburton, Cambridgeshire, to convert the choir vestry into a disabled toilet facility.
Consider the alternative
The increasing costs of lead theft are leading building owners, estate managers and specifiers to consider viable alternatives. Zinc is one of the most likely choices, but can you be sure you choosing a green alternative? Jonathan Lowy, Product Manager at VMZINC, states that the answer is a resounding ‘Yes’.
Zinc is among the most sustainable metals used in construction today and has been used on the roofs of Paris for almost 200 years. VMZINC rolled zinc products are used in construction industries throughout the world for their sustainability, distinctive appearance and low maintenance requirements.
ATLAS continues to support apprenticeships
The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists (ATLAS) was delighted to support this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, which focussed on how ‘Apprenticeships Deliver’ to the benefit of both employers and individuals.Taking place for the sixth time, the event was an overwhelming success with employers across the UK pledging to recruit over 13,600 new apprentices.
ATLAS members continue to develop the skills of their workforces by investing in apprenticeships delivered by the industry’s Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group with the support of CITB.
Wales to host first one-day CRE on the Road
CRE’s first visit to Wales for many years will also be the inaugural ‘CRE on the Road’: a one-day extravaganza of the very best resources to equip and empower the churches of Wales for 2014 and beyond.
CRE Wales, at the All Nations Centre on 26 March, features 50 exhibitors offering everything from heating to healing, films to furniture and stages to schools work.
There will be a large shop stocking Bibles, Christian books and DVDs to resource every church for the year ahead. Lunchtime and teatime worship sessions with live music, prayer and bite-sized Bible nuggets will complement the seminars, workshops and talks by top speakers – all experts in their field.
The whole thing will be packed into five hours in Cardiff that no church can afford to miss!
Exhibitors will include many familiar faces and there will also be representatives from the churches in Wales – the UK’s longest-established Christian community. That representation will be in the form of the Bible College of Wales and the Welsh Christian Party.
In addition there will be experts on hand to help with church accounts, insurance, office equipment and even a relaxing cup of coffee!
• For more information, and to register online, visit www.creonline.co.uk/visitors/cre-wales-2014-visitors.
A lighting requirement? One church's perspective
Considerations other than cost need to be made when engaging a contractor for a church lighting project.
Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd has recently completed a project to install new lighting throughout Great Malvern Priory which is part of the Greater Churches Network. The priory is a Grade I listed building and is a focal point both in Malvern and in the Diocese of Worcester.
The priory receives over 30,000 visitors each year and has a large worshipping congregation. Services are held every day of the year and the building is extensively used by the local community. The challenge was to replace the 1960's lighting with a new energy efficient, low maintenance lighting installation, suitable for the many and varied activities that take place in the building, while minimising the disruption during the installation period.
A wide-ranging exercise was carried out by the Priory's Lighting Project Group to determine the requirements for the new lighting, including visiting several other churches with new lighting installations. The result was the production of a Design Brief that specified the various lighting requirements, and ensured that the primary purpose of the building as a place of worship was not lost in a desire to illuminate the features of the building.
The group considered employing separate lighting design consultants and installation contractors, but chose instead to seek a company that was capable of handling the whole process including both design and installation.
Proposals based on the Design Brief were received from three companies who offer a lighting design and installation service, and Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd was subsequently appointed. Anthony J Smith was formed in 1972 and specialises in lighting church and ecclesiastical buildings.
The new lighting installation was designed by Neil Blake, director of Anthony J Smith, and incorporated energy efficient, high performance, low maintenance equipment. The design followed the Design Brief and provided for the different uses of the building including highlighting various building features for visitors, lighting for performances in various locations, and an all-important, even, non-directional layer of light through the building for services and other activities.
Neil was also involved in many detailed discussions with the Lighting Project Group and the approving authorities including the Diocesan Advisory Committee, English Heritage and the priory architect. As the design was refined, Anthony J Smith offered technical support and demonstrations of the effects available by using different types of light fitting.
The installation was completed by Anthony J Smith's own experienced and qualified engineers in a series of localised areas which allowed normal Ôchurch life to continue with the minimum of disturbance. Working hours and break-times were varied to suit the services, weddings and funerals scheduled for each week, and the installation was carried out with considerable attention to detail and care in concealing the cables.
The new priory lighting has been received with great excitement by both the regular congregation, who can now clearly see their hymn books, and by visitors who marvel at the ceilings and other features that had not previously been visible.
Michael Angling, the priory project manager, commented: "This was an excellent example of the contractor and client being flexible to the needs of each other which allowed the project to be brought to a very satisfactory conclusion".
The staff at Anthony J Smith (Glos)Ltd are an as experienced team as can be found working in this niche market. They have been involved in the designing and installing of tailored lighting solutions in many of our fine listed buildings both large and small for a very long time. There is no substitute for experience when dealing with these most important buildings and a good design is only half of the challenge. A sensitive installation of cabling is also of utmost importance as many Church interiors are spoilt by an untidy and unsuitable installation of cabling. Value for money and use of suitable technologies for the exacting needs of each individual Church should also be established at every stage of the project.
For more information about this and other projects visit www.anthonyjsmith.co.uk
Church furniture specialists provide a Finer product
Fullers Finer Furniture is based in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset and was established in 1985. From humble beginnings they now design and manufacture church furniture on a national basis. Although they offer furniture both commercially and for the home, it is church furniture that they specialise in. From bespoke items to the award winning gas height adjustable Canterbury Lectern, right through to restoration work and complete reordering of church furniture, Fullers provide a high quality comprehensive service with distinctive attention to detail.
The award winning Canterbury Lectern and its big brother The York Lectern are gas height adjustable to suit the needs of any congregation. With its stylish design it comes in a number of finishes including oak, ash, beech, mahogany
and maple. Fitted with microphone sockets and the option of an LCD video monitor these fine portable lecterns will fit perfectly into any type of church building.
They are also able to design and make to order communion tables, fonts, A/V cabinets, table top lecterns, choir frontals, communion rails, flower stands and much more.
You can see a video demonstration of the Canterbury and York Lectern's by clicking here.
www.fullersfinerfurniture.co.uk
Church Signage, Noticeboards & Postercases
BEP Signs have been manufacturing bespoke Church Noticeboards for all denominations for over 20 years and these can be manufacture to any shape or size.
They also supply the highest quality aluminium Postercases which are weathersealed for exterior use, come lockable and have a magnetic backing for attaching your notices too. These can be purchased on their own or as part of a Noticeboard and the name of your church can also be applied to the postercases.
Other products supplied to churches are: Commemorative Boards - Memorial Boards – Welcome signs – Etched Window graphics and a new product on offer at BEP Signs is an alternative to stained glass windows where they use their speciality coloured vinyl films which give the effect of stained glass but at a fraction of the cost.
For further information on the best way of creating the perfect signage solution to suit your budget visit www.bepsigns.co.uk
Lighting Dynamics complete another stunning church lighting project
Lighting Dynamics UK, based in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, has recently designed and completed the installation of yet another stunning lighting project for the magnificent and sumptuous interior of St Augustine of Hippo Church in Edgbaston, Birmingham.
St Augustine's, a Grade II* building, has been a splendid Victorian landmark at the centre of the Conservation Area that bears its name since the church was first consecrated in 1868.
Gerry Browne of Lighting Dynamics said: 'The interior lighting upgrade at St Augustine's provided a real challenge, especially in terms of the correct type and levels of illumination for both the church's magnificent architectural and ecclesiastical features.'
Working closely with key members of the PCC, the DAC, the Church Architect, English Heritage and Birmingham Victorian Society, Gerry worked through all of the details and a final lighting design solution evolved.
The final lighting design included a variety of all modern, long life and energy saving light sources including LEDs, ceramic metal halide and low voltage tungsten, all of which are linked to a unique and bespoke dimming / lighting controls system.
These light sources are linked to a quality range of appropriate architectural light fittings all with the correct optics and the ability to take a complete range of lighting accessories, such as anti glare louvres, spread lenses, etc.
The client and all of the project team are delighted with the final result and a grand opening ceremony by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham has already taken place.
Lighting Dynamics continue to offer a totally independent, creative, unbiased lighting design and consultancy service and, where required, the supply of all associated/specified lighting equipment.
The company can also provide a complete electrical installation service via a dedicated team of NIC EIC registered electricians.
They have a number of very prestigious church lighting projects currently in progress with a further significant number at advanced stages of planning and design.
Gerry Browne believes that this is a very exciting time in the further development of church lighting, especially with such a great and diverse range of modern light sources now coming on stream.
He has found that customers are increasingly looking for someone with the flair and experience to provide a quality lighting design, whilst also specifying top grade lighting equipment and controls that will provide longevity and reliability for their particular project.
For more from this company visit www.lighting-dynamics.co.uk
New improved lighting at St John the Baptist
WHEN the Parishioners of St John the Baptist Parish Church in Longbridge decided that the existing lighting was in need of rejuvenation, church lighting design and installation specialists Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd were invited to discuss the needs and requirements for this vibrant community church.
The original lighting system was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and a greater degree of energy efficiency and increased lighting levels, together with a flexible switching arrangement were needed for the various liturgical and community activities that take place within the church.
A number of solutions were discussed with and demonstrated to the PCC and a bespoke borosilicate glass pendant was developed and manufactured.
The compact fluorescent lamps within the pendant are controlled through high frequency electronic dimmable control gear which allows them to be smoothly dimmed down to 10 per cent of their maximum output, whilst providing an expected life of 15,000 hours which equates to 15 years should the lighting be used for 20 hours per week.
The pendants combined with additional nave uplighting, new lighting for the Chancel, increased lighting levels for performances at the front of the nave and with all the switches located in one position, now allow for maximum flexibility in both lighting levels and ambiance.
Gordon Mills, the buildings fabric officer writes: “On behalf of the Parochial Church Council, we are very pleased with the new lighting system. The nave uplighting has introduced a new dimension into the Church which is appreciated by the congregation as is the enhanced lighting within the sanctuary. The work to install the new system was carried out in a very neat and professional manner”
For more information visit www.anthonyjsmith.co.uk
Autosave - New BIGGER, BETTER, EASIER website launched
Autosave, your trusted Christian car retailer with over 30 years’ experience have got some great news for car buyers. We are pleased to announce the launch of the brand new BIGGER, BETTER and EASIER TO USE website... www.autosave.co.uk.
“I’m really excited by our new website, it’s been a huge investment in both time and money, but it’s really paid off in terms of the massive improvement in not only the choice of vehicles available to view, but also in how much easier it is to interact with and use the website to find exactly what you are looking for, giving our customers the online experience they deserve”. Richard May, Operations Director, Autosave.
Start your search for your next car today. There are up to 4,000 vehicles available to view and compare and we check EVERY price, EVERY day (except Sunday) to ensure you pay the lowest price possible. Every vehicle available online has over thirty clear photographs, and the majority have a full 360º Video, allowing you to see exactly what’s on offer.
Of course, some things never change. The quality, service and benefits our Christian customers have come to expect are all still in place. Every vehicle is thoroughly checked and is fully guaranteed and has a comprehensive warranty. We’ll give you a fair price for your part-exchange and can arrange some of the best finance deals available. All this, and we still deliver the car to your door, it couldn’t be easier.
If you’re looking for a brand new car, Autosave can supply any make or any model, all at very competitive prices, take a look on our new website to find out more.
So, all that’s left to say is, come and check out our new site for yourself. If you’ve visited us before, prepare to be amazed at how far we’ve come to bring you a massively improved online experience. And, if you’re new to our site, then we’d like to welcome you into a Christian car buying experience, only Autosave can offer.
Autosave will be exhibiting at CRE Midlands on Stand D12 / D13.
Ancient and modern: hi-tech AV company returns to Sandown
The unique blend of ancient buildings and the latest technology that epitomises the modern church will be in evidence once more at the International Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park in May in the persons of audio-visual specialists DM Music and installation division DM Installation Projects.
The company will be presenting some of the latest audio-visual technologies particularly suited to church use, which this year will include iPad touch screen control systems from Crestron that allow complete wireless control of audio, including level control in different zones, remote audio playback and recording. Primarily, the systems allow for very simple operation of complex systems; but they also offer huge flexibility and lots of possibilities for system expansion in the future.
It’s not just audio, either; the systems can control electric screens, projectors, lighting, heating – you name it. Simple accessible control is just a fingertip away, anywhere in the church building.
As well as an installation in Wakefield Cathedral, DM recently completed a full sound system at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford: part of a £5.5m restoration of the historic church which saw the final sermon of Thomas Cranmer prior to his burning at the stake in 1556 and the launch of the 19th-century Oxford Movement by John Henry, later Cardinal, Newman.
The system includes a number of very discreet K-Array speakers and complete iPad control via a Crestron System. Such a success was the installation that the director of DM Music and DM Installation Projects were invited to the official re-opening service on 8 March.
For more information visit www.dmmusic.com/dmip/st-marys-oxford
Accepting the challenge at All Saints, Ockham
When ChurchPA.co.uk were approached by Martin Heijne of bch architects to help with a problematic church, they were glad to accept the challenge.
The problem was that All Saints at Ockham is an 11th century parish church, grade one listed, that needed its first sound system installation.
The brief was for a simple voice reinforcement system, with two tie clip microphones, a fixed lectern microphone plus MP3 record and replay facilities, and the ability to raise the volume of the small choir from the chancel area.
They were able to help with an exceptionally discreet system, where all the speakers are hidden at high level, black speakers on dark timber woodwork, and by using radio microphones and a fantastic wireless remote controlled mixer, they didn’t need to take any cables into the nave area.
The dual power amplifiers allowed a separate mix to go to the nave and chancel areas, allowing the choir to be “lifted” in the nave, without causing feedback from the chancel monitor speaker. The radio remote mixer is the hub of the system, giving 8 inputs, with remote bass treble and volume controls for each input, and individual mute controls.
Regrettably Martin Heijne did not live to see the completed installation, but the client is extremely happy with an effective, yet extremely discreet, system that saved considerably on the costs of alternatives, without needing any cables down to the rear of the church.
For further details visit www.ChurchPA.co.uk on 0845 430 9486 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Illuminating
Lighting Dynamics UK (incorporating Ecclesiastical Lighting), based in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, continue their development as one of the UK’s premier companies specialising in the interior and exterior illumination of cathedrals, churches and other places of worship.
The company is dedicated to offering a totally independent, creative and unbiased lighting design and consultancy service and, where required, they can supply all of the associated specified lighting equipment.
Lighting Dynamics has a long established reputation for creating practical and architecturally sympathetic lighting schemes. Wherever possible, discreet lighting equipment is specified and installed to produce suitable levels of task and ambient illumination and to highlight both ecclesiastical features and any special architectural details.
Their comprehensive range of modern, energy saving, long life lighting equipment is manufactured from the highest quality materials and takes into consideration many important factors such as reliability, durability, optical performance, overall efficiency, size, style and ease of maintenance, to name but a few.
The company is just about to launch a brand new family of the very latest bespoke LED fittings, specially designed for all types of ecclesiastical lighting tasks. This range of products has been under development for some considerable time and takes their overall lighting portfolio to the next level of technical innovation.
Lighting Dynamics also has an unrivalled knowledge and expertise of all modern intelligent dimming and lighting control systems.
Lighting Dynamics has a significant number of very prestigious church lighting projects currently in progress with a large number at advanced stages of planning and design.
Company founder, Gerry Browne commented: “This is a very exciting time in the further development of church lighting, especially with such a great and diverse range of modern light sources now coming on stream.”
He has found that customers are increasingly looking for a company with the flair and experience to provide a quality lighting design, whilst also specifying top grade lighting equipment and controls that will give longevity, reliability and overall flexibility for their ecclesiastical projects.
Gerry continued: “In the main, clients no longer wish to see their church lighting project looking like an extension of somebody else’s lighting showroom or lit with industrial style floodlights to resemble a railway marshalling yard. It can be a dedicated process which involves advising, informing and demonstrating what can be achieved.”
Lighting Dynamics has, if required, a fully qualified team of NIC EIC registered electricians able to carry out the installation of interior and exterior lighting systems to current electrical standards and regulations.
The company covers all of the UK and Ireland and provides a bespoke service for each individual church lighting project, from initial meeting right through to final focusing and commissioning. In Gerry’s words “Lighting Dynamics UK can provide the ultimate lighting service.”
Recently completed lighting design and supply projects include:
• St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham – one of the finest magnificent medieval churches in England.
A phased interior lighting upgrade including the latest ceramic halide and low volt tungsten light sources linked to analogue lighting control systems.
• All Saints Church, Daresbury – a beautiful parish church set deep in the Cheshire countryside only a few minutes from Warrington. The church is well known for its connection with the Alice in Wonderland author Lewis Carroll.
As well as the complete interior lighting upgrade, the stained glass Lewis Carroll Memorial Windows (a must for visitors) have also been feature illuminated by new externally placed luminaires. A comprehensive lighting control / dimming system allows maximum flexibility.
• St George’s Church, Poynton, Cheshire – located between Stockport and Macclesfield, St George’s is positioned at the heart of the village and was built in the Victorian Gothic style.
Complete interior lighting upgrade incorporating colour change LED light sources linked to a DMX lighting control system.
• St Augustine of Hippo Church, Edgbaston, Birmingham – The building in a geometric Gothic style has numerous stone carvings and a striking painted chancel ceiling and is an outstanding Victorian landmark.
Complete interior lighting upgrade including the latest ceramic halide, LED and low volt tungsten light sources linked to analogue lighting control systems.
• St Michael and All Angels Church, Penkridge – A collegiate parish church set in a beautiful Staffordshire village.
Complete interior lighting upgrade including the latest ceramic halide and low volt tungsten light sources linked to analogue lighting control systems.
• St Agnes Church, Moseley, Birmingham – Sited on an island location in the heart of the beautiful conservation area of Moseley.
Exterior lighting upgrade of tower and four main elevations of the building utilising the latest ceramic halide and tungsten light sources housed in modern IP 68 rated in-ground recessed luminaires.
• Holy Trinity RC Church, Sutton Coldfield – A more modern style building with high arched windows and a beautiful wooden ceiling reminiscent of the ceiling depicted in Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Last Supper.
Interior and exterior lighting upgrade linked to complete lighting control.
Electrical installation of all of the above projects has been carried out by the Birmingham based NIC EIC registered electrical contractors A J Electrics (Coleshill) Ltd.
• For further information about Lighting Dynamics UK please visit www.lighting-dynamics.co.uk
From Humble Roots to International Distinction - J&M Sewing Service Ltd (stand number S103 / S103a)
In the beginning
Joyce Davison and Maureen Waterston first met late in 1979, when (with many years of individual experience in different areas within “the Rag-Trade”) they both applied for jobs at a local Theatre, making and mending Costumes for the 8-week Pantomime Season. When those time-limited jobs came to an end, the Theatre Manager suggested that they should set up in business together.
So they did – renting a room from the Local Authority in a building on Newcastle Quayside, in January 1980, without specifically thinking of creating a business specialising in anything. The idea was simply to establish a general sewing service – and it was only because a number of early customers happened to be in the Church, that Joyce and Maureen began to make items for them and so began to gain expertise in the area of making Church Robes.
Little work was turned away – and very soon the two Partners were creating their own patterns and designs, to accommodate requests they received. This was where their philosophy of providing the best possible personal attention was born, and this philosophy – of striving to provide excellent personal service – of course continues.
Joyce and Maureen's work began to expand to the extent that they had to take on staff to maintain production at the levels being demanded, but the number of staff taken on was at first limited – and a move of premises in 1990 saw the Partnership established in the present location at Charlotte Square in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Where we’ve got to
Further business expansion over the years led to the introduction of further staff and also a certain level of computerisation in terms of administration and embroidery.
In the early days, it was some time before any visits to Colleges were arranged, and then it was only on a small scale. However, regular visits are now made (wherever possible) to Theological Colleges, Diocesan Conferences and Christian Resources Exhibitions throughout the country.
In 2004 the business became incorporated, with Joyce and Maureen being joined by two new Directors – Theresa Tiffin who had been J&M’s Workroom Supervisor, and ex-Bank-Manager Stephen Wroe who had been running J&M’s Office. 
The Business currently provides employment in Newcastle for 21 people, all at the same location in Charlotte Square – and with the assistance of electronic communications, especially the firm’s web-site and e-mail correspondence over the Internet, the total Customer Base has now reached over 34,000 worldwide (including Individuals, Churches, Cathedrals, and well over 500 Choirs in some 41 Countries).
In 2007 the Company was awarded the Royal Warrant, in view of the garments we make on a regular basis for Chaplains to HM The Queen, and for the Choristers and Clergy of the Chapels Royal.
Sadly, having been retired from the Business for only 6 years, Joyce passed away in October 2010 after a long illness – and so Maureen is now the only surviving original Partner.
What we do
We manufacture a wide range of reasonably priced, but high quality items, in our Workroom in Newcastle upon Tyne. All the items we make are made only to order, and our range includes a wide variety of garments for Bishops, Clergy, Lay-Ministers, Choirs, Servers, Vergers etc – plus Altar Linen and Soft Furnishings for Churches, such as Frontals, Falls and Banners.
As well as Cassocks, Surplices, Cottas, Albs, Cassock-Albs, Gowns, Cloaks, Clerical Shirts and Clerical Blouses – we manufacture a full range Vestments with a comprehensive choice of fabric possibilities, and with many different Embroidery Designs available. It is also possible for Customers’ own designs to be incorporated into Vestments etc – on enquiry.
Fabric samples, and our separate printed Price List, can be sent by post on request, without charge.
Although we welcome Customers to our Office/Showroom, we do not need to maintain an expensive “High Street” premises, as most of our Orders come into to us by “mail-order” or via our website – and so our overheads are lower then some other Clerical-Wear Manufacturers, enabling us to keep our prices as low as reasonably possible for the quality we provide.
In fact we only actually see a very small number of our Customers (only about 6% in fact, with the rest being really too far away to visit us) – and so we have become very experienced at dealing with Customers “at a distance” – giving guidance (where necessary, on measurements, styles and fabrics) by telephone or post, or these days “more often than not” by e-mail.
We manage to provide well-fitting garments for all these different Customers because of the attention and care that has gone into the design and manufacture of the range of garments we produce, and the efforts we make to maintain value for money and high levels of Customer Service.
Individual requirements (e.g. for people with physical disabilities) can usually be accommodated,because all the items we make are cut and sewn individually – and there are numerous comments from satisfied Customers posted as “Testimonials” on our website. http://www.jandmsewing.com.
Many of our new Customers come to us on the recommendation of friends and colleagues who have been satisfied with items we have supplied for them.
We usually provide the material for the items we make – but it is possible for Customers to provide their own fabric.
We are sometimes able to offer a refurbishment service, particularly for items of our own manufacture, and we have successfully “given new life” to articles dating back as far as 1939.
• Find out more about us at http://www.jandmsewing.com. Visit us at the CRE Sandown on stand S103 / S103a
Church seating that’s timeless, elegant & versatile
A well planned Church or Church hall helps you to get the very most from your space. The ability to change and adapt seating layouts allows you to cater for a whole range of activities: different services aimed at different groups of people, community events within the Church and wider community events.
Mogo Direct’s range of chairs is designed to be versatile, space-efficient, durable and easy to handle, from their comprehensive range of folding chairs and storage trolleys, to a selection of stacking chairs to suit all budgets and settings.
Launched at CRE Sandown 2011, the premium quality Jasper chair has since proved a popular choice with both Churches and architects. Admired for its contemporary yet timeless design that complements both traditional and modern Churches, as well as its stackability and range of options. Tested to BS EN 15373:2007 for strength and stability and backed by a 10 year guarantee, the Jasper has been designed and built to last.
You can see the Jasper chair on the Mogo Direct stand at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Sandown this May, as well as the rest of their range of stacking and folding furniture. If you can’t wait until then, get in touch with them for further information or to request a sample.
Stand S23-24
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.mogodirect.co.uk
t: 08456 447 955
Streams of Mercy
A small charity started in 2006, working in Uganda, Kenya, Zambia and DR Congo. 11 ministry trips have been undertaken, preaching the Gospel in prisons, teaching in schools, Sunday schools, and churches, and leading seminars for youth, elderly, leaders and other groups and over 3000 people, mainly prisoners, have made professions of faith. We also give financial and material aid to groups caring for HIV/AIDS families, orphans and other vulnerable people, as well as to those engaged in prison ministry, and have paid shipping for Sunday School materials and tools for vocational training.
Stand number: SS5
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
http://www.streamsofmercy.org.uk/
t: 01277 376 239
Positive mood at 2013 LCA directory launch
An audience of some 70 architects and contractors attended the launch of the 2013 LCA Directory at the Institute of Materials Minerals and Mining in London last month and heard a very upbeat message from several speakers.
Douglas Weston CBE, CEO of the Lead Sheet Association was particularly buoyant about the industry’s fight back against the general severe downturn in construction, compounded for the lead sheet sector by high London Metal Exchange
Solid growth for Stone leads to investment
Darlington-based restoration, high level and general maintenance experts, Stone Technical Services, have invested thousands of pounds as the company prepares to grow and enter new markets.
Stone started 2013 by investing around £20,000 in its marketing and, in addition to taking on a new member of staff, has now launched a new website - www.stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk - to improve its presence on search engines as it continues to grow around the UK.
A Case of Carp, Concrete & Clean Water!
Siltbuster Limited’s newly launched fully integrated HD unit has been used to help Colwell Groundworks and Construction protect a lake housing £1m of fish, while the construction company repairs the lake’s retaining wall.
The three acre lake, containing carp, perch, roach and rudd is in the grounds of Eastnor Castle, a high profile stately home and visitor attraction which nestles in the Malvern Hills.
Liverpool Central Library, Liverpool
The Liverpool Central Library and Archive Project is a unique and prestigious scheme within the heart of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site. The project provides a new 8000m2 library and specialist archive and restores 4000m2 of Grade II * Listed historic buildings on William Brown Street.
The project has created a world class Library within this group of internationally important civic buildings.
Carmelite Monastery, Liverpool
A purpose built new monastery for the Carmelite Sisters in Liverpool. The layout embodies the daily cycle of prayer, manual labour, communal mealtimes and private reflection. The design is a modern interpretation of the monastic tradition. Silence and light articulates the architecture which is calm, ordered and uplifting.
The community includes a chapel, cloister, refectory, community room, library, workspaces, guest house, 24 cells, 2 hermitage cells and 6 fully accessible infirmary cells. As a home it is comfortable and modest, befitting the Carmelite philosophy.
Saint-Gobain Weber Monocouche render brings new life to Gosford Castle
Modern monocouche render by Saint-Gobain Weber, the leading manufacturer and formulator of innovative materials for the construction industry, has been specified in the exceptional restoration project of 19th century Gosford Castle, County Armagh.
Once the largest private houses in Ireland, the Castle has been rescued from dereliction and is now an exclusive community of 23 individually designed homes created within the fabric of the original building.
Imperial War Museum North illuminated by SILL
The Imperial War Museum North is now illuminated at night, enhancing its status as an architectural landmark in Salford Quays. The lighting for the iconic building’s exterior has been supplied by Sill Lighting UK, a leading manufacturer of high performance and energy efficient luminaires.
The multi-award winning museum, the youngest of the Imperial War Museums’ (IWM) five branches, is the first UK building to be designed by the world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind. The design explores the concept of a world destroyed by conflict, which is represented in the architectural form of a shattered globe reassembled in three interlocking shards.
Is your church or heritage building ready for the storms?
Churches have always suffered form the effects of lightning. Golde (1977), for example, notes that the campanile of San Marco in Venice was struck and severely damaged or completely destroyed nine times between 1388 and 1762.
Even in an era when skyscrapers and cell towers overshadow the tallest church steeple, it’s crucial for churches to be intentional about lightning protection. A single lightning strike can not only sear church roofs and steeples, but it can also ruin computers, sound systems, alarms, and other electronics.
Let's Imagine creates a difference for The Salvation Army
Let's Imagine is a branding consultancy and has creative curiosity for finding interesting and innovative ways to communicate through design.
They believe that design should have a great idea at its heart, and should 'simply' engage, inform and influence.
Martin-Brooks honoured for heritage skills
Sheffield based roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, has received national industry recognition for the quality of its work in the heritage sector.
Martin-Brooks is shortlisted for this year’s National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) heritage award for the complete re-roof of a grade II listed church in Derbyshire.
NE company’s commitment to young recruits
One of the UK’s leading lightning protection companies, based in Darlington, has created a number of new opportunities for local young people as the company experiences continued growth.
Stone Technical Services has seen an increasing demand for its lightning protection services in the last year – counting the likes of St Paul’s Cathedral amongst its clients- and, as a result, has recruited two apprentices and a junior manager.
Tread carefully with your carbon footprint
With an increasingly high profile focus on the Green Agenda and the clamour to reduce energy consumption and wastage through improved insulation, a word of caution when it comes to considering properties where traditional metal roofs are being installed.
The demands for thermal insulation, particularly in the roof space has led to the increasing specification for a warm roof design in both large and small projects.
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