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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
Exhibitors enthuse over the CRE experience
By 4pm on the first day of CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, exhibitors Chris and Kim Dunphy had already had so many helpful and detailed conversations with visitors that they were “completely talked out”.
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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CRE National postponed for 12 months
With large-scale indoor events unlikely to be permitted in the autumn, CRE National at Sandown Park, Esher has been postponed for 12 months – until 12-14 October 2021.
‘Though October is still four months away, we thought it best to make this difficult decision sooner than later,’ said event director Brett Pitchfork. ‘Even if Government restrictions are lifted, we doubt enough people will feel confident about attending an event of this kind in the autumn. We have taken the decision with a heavy heart but feel it is the responsible thing to do and appreciate the thoughts and prayers of our visitors and exhibitors as we plot our way through these difficult times.’
Trees - A Church Guidance Note by Ecclesiastical
Many churchyards contain a large number of beautiful trees. They form a natural part of the overall landscape, bringing wide and many varied benefits as well as contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of your church premises.
However, trees, if not properly managed, can cause serious damage. In windy conditions, they may fall onto or lash against the church building itself, neighbouring property or cars. Root movement can cause the collapse of boundary walls. Roots can also absorb soil moisture causing foundations to move and walls to crack. They can also encroach upon the foundations of neighbouring buildings, causing subsidence or damage to drains.
Antenna reinforcement installation
Antenna reinforcement installation - The design will not only provide the ability to operate their radio microphones from the main West Door location, but also improve the coverage throughout key points of the cathedral, including the Lady Chapel and will replace their somewhat temporary existing antenna installation, not only improving performance, but also aesthetics (less equipment visible). Coverage is also required in the Lady Chapel area, not only so the radio microphones can work through the main PA system, but also, a future requirement where these existing radio microphones can be routed to the stand-alone Lady Chapel PA system. This will maximise their return on investment, since there will not be a need to purchase another set of radio microphones just for the occasional use in this area [Lady Chapel]
Radio frequencies in the 600-700Mhz range are highly directional and are easily attenuated by large objects such as pillars and other building structures. It is very important that antennas have a clear line-of-sight to the radio microphone transmitter, therefore satisfactory coverage of such a building with a single antenna array is rarely possible. In addition, as the frequency goes up, so do losses in the coax cable connecting the antennas to the receiver. The type of antenna, location and distance from receiver, are a careful balancing act to ensure losses in the system are kept to a minimum. Simply extending the coax cabling 100 meters to an antenna right besides the West Door say, will result in large losses and also not provide seamless coverage in the main areas as detailed in this document. A very high quality low-loss coax cable (expensive!) such as LMR 400 will still be required due to the distances involved.
Each antennas specified work on the mixed polarisation diversity principle, therefore will require 2 feeds of coax back to the main system rack.
- For coverage down to the West Door and up the main isle, an RF Venue Diversity Fin antenna will be positioned at [photo_1,jpg] location. This antenna will have a pickup area detailed in [photo_2.jpg]. A custom-made bracket will facilitate this antenna being discreetly mounted so it has a clear line-of-sight to the areas of interest. There will be approximately a 2x 50m run of coax needed and a pair of RF Venue In-Line Amplifiers will be required to take into account cable losses.
- For coverage in the area ahead of the above antenna and in front of the steps area, an RF Venue Diversity Architectural Antenna will provide an 180 deg omnidirectional coverage of the area, as the distance from microphone transmitter to antenna is a lot less. [photo_4.jpg]
- For coverage around the alter and choir stalls area, another RF Venue Diversity Architectural Antenna will provide an 180 deg omnidirectional coverage of the area, as the distance from microphone transmitter to antenna is a lot less.[photo_3.jpg]. A custom metal mounting bracket and plate will be fabricated so that the antenna can be supported from the wooden floor and "look over" the marble rail, since we are not allowed to mount anything directly to this marble rail! [photo_6.jpg]
- For coverage in the Lady Chapel area, another RF Venue Diversity Architectural Antenna mounted high up next to the loudspeaker. [photo_5.jpg]
These four diversity antenna systems will be combined into a single diversity output by an RF Venue 4 Zone and the output fed into the Cathedrals existing RF distribution amplifier. The RF Venue 4 Zone will be mounted in the main PA rack up at the balcony besides the exiting radio microphone equipment. Carry out a detailed RF analysis involving a spectrum analyser once the system is installed, to ensure that it meets the coverage requirements in the areas detailed.
The Cathedral installation was carried out, tested performance with team on site which they were very happy with, Radio mic signals are now rock solid throughout the Cathedral - including in areas where coverage requirement was not originally specified. Mics can even now be taken outside the West Door onto the steps where the receiver still registers a full signal strength. The signal picked up by antenna 4 (the fin firing down the Cathedral) was so strong that we have had to program in a few dBs of attenuation on the 4Zone combiner so as not to overload the receiver. Also attended Easter service on Friday to witness performance, which was solid for the whole system throughout. Took around 10 signal and 19 RF spectrum measurements around the Cathedral alongside Chris to demonstrate wholeness of performance from the system. Also to note that audio distortion from Radio Mics appears to have disappeared suspect due to weak signals and digital receivers struggling to error correct.
With regards to the 6 monthly maintenance, this is what is involved:
Description of Services:
- Carry out planned audio system maintenance on mutually convenient dates/times, first visit prior to Palm Sunday and second before the First Sunday of Advent.
- Inspect all items of equipment within the equipment rack and test for correct operation and functionality
- Check the interior of the equipment rack for cleanliness, taking high levels of dust accumulation in the cathedral into account – dismantle and clean where necessary
- Inspect each of the installed loudspeakers for condition and functionality. Periodically test intelligibility (Sti) using calibrated test equipment
- Inspect and test the radio microphone receivers for condition and functionality
- Inspect the wired microphones and cables for condition and functionality
- Inspect the beltpack radio transmitters for condition and functionality
- Test all aspects of the overall system as required by the Cathedral custodians including electrical safety of the system
- Check the settings of the microphone mixer and digital signal processor
- Test the induction loop system for the hard of hearing for correct functionality and accordance with prevailing requirements in respect of the Disability Discrimination Act
- Using Computerised Smart real time analyser test system equalization and other crucial parameters to ensure maximum gain before feedback etc where necessary
- Consult with staff and clergy to ensure that all is in order
- Respond to reports of suspected faults and to be available by telephone and email
- Two emergency attendances provided within the contract period during working hours (Monday – Friday, 08:30 – 17:30 excluding bank holidays).
Integration of ancient and modern is the aspiration
Low carbon consultancy MTA is a practice that specialises in the sympathetic conservation of culturally significant buildings during the integration of modern services.
With over 20 years of experience, the team at MTA have a comprehensive understanding of the complex rivalry between historical architecture and modern comfort. With an aspiration to ‘repair rather than replace’ they aim to preserve the historic fabric of these important structures.
Stained glass repairs at St. Martin on-the-Hill, Scarborough
J Goodwin Stained Glass carried out repairs to the windows at the church of St. Martin on-the-Hill, Scarborough after a painstaking period producing what was described as ‘a stunning piece of work’.
St. Martin’s is the perfect High Victorian Church and was built in response to the rapid urban development of the South Cliff that had taken place since 1845.
Traditional windows - their care, repair and upgrading
The loss of traditional windows from our older buildings poses one of the major threats to our heritage. Traditional windows and their glazing make an important contribution to the significance of historic areas.
A brief history of artificial lighting at Ely Cathedral
Light Perception, specialist lighting consultants for historic buildings, has recently been appointed as lighting consultants to Ely Cathedral and, having designed a new scheme for the octagon – featured on the front cover of our latest issue – is now designing a new scheme for the interior.
This article, by director Bruce Kirk, describes some of the earlier artificial lighting schemes in the cathedral and explains what lessons have been learned from understanding the work of past designers.
Forever together - bespoke memorial lead urns
Forever together lead urns by Turners Memorial Leadwork are designed to capture lasting memories of your loved one’s, displayed in attractive centre pieces fit for any home or garden that will last for a thousand years.
The lead urns have double compartments, so you and your partner can stay together and be cared for by your family and future generations as a lasting legacy of your life, with the peace of mind that you will be forever looked after and not forgotten.
Aesthetic audio solutions
Modern audio solutions often mean function over form – where cutting edge audio quality and distribution may not sit happily in the aesthetic surroundings of a traditional church. This is precisely the challenge mounted and overcome by Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) in their equipment selection and overall system design – providing the latest technology whilst respecting the décor of, in most cases, grade-listed buildings.
Historic colliery boiler gets some TLC
The Califat boiler in Swannington, Leicestershire, gets its name from its association with the Califat Colliery, also known as Coleorton No 2 colliery. It sits in the Califat Spinney to the north of the village and is of national significance. The boiler is a rare survivor of the first type of commercially successful steam engine, the Newcomen atmospheric engine. Only six are currently known to survive.
Webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork
Not to be deterred by COVID-19 in their quest to bring you the benefit of their expertise, on June 3 National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) are holding a new webinar on assessing the condition of heritage ironwork.
New contract furniture helps Salford church cater for variety of events
Elmwood Church is a large family church in the heart of Salford with both a lively and friendly mix of people of all ages who welcome visitors and newcomers.
With a rich history, dating back to 1889, Elmwood embarked on an ambitious project to build a new Church in 1987, moving to the current site on Eccles Old Road. With over 30 years of ministry in the building, the Church has gained new members – both as Christians but also as believers from a variety of church backgrounds.
Historic bottle kiln works by Horizon
Horizon was called in by the operators of this disused historic bottle kiln to offer a solution to ‘temporary job’ undertaken by others in order to weather seal the kiln.
Previously the open top kiln had been covered over by plastic sheeting in order to help prevent rain and wind from damaging the inside of the kiln. The added issue with this job was not only did a permanent solution to the capping need solving but as the kiln is now a specialist shop / museum the entrance to the building takes you directly under and through the old kiln itself.
James Stone Masonry transform courtyard at Lancaster Castle
Lancaster Castle, often known as John O’ Gaunt’s Castle is one of the most historically fascinating surviving buildings in the country. Its beginnings date back to Roman times when, from its commanding position on the hill overlooking the town of Lancaster and the River Lune, it stood as a bastion against the marauding forces of the ancient Picts and Scots tribes.
Identifying and sourcing stone for repair
England is fortunate to have such a wide variety of historic and older stone buildings. However, there has been a marked decline in the range of natural stones that are being actively quarried.
When the time comes to replace stone, we need to understand its characteristics. The replacement will need to replicate the original's chemical, physical and mineralogical properties. Only with that understanding can we select compatible materials to replace it with.
Historic England has produced advice on how to obtain matching stone for repairing a historic building or monument.
A Dickens of a job for York Handmade
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a significant role in a £1 million restoration project with a strong connection to Charles Dickens.
York Handmade have been working in conjunction with York Conservation Trust to renovate 69-71 Micklegate in the city.
The building was once the office of 19th century railway engineer John Birkinshaw, whose clerk Richard Chicken was a famous eccentric regarded by many, including respected York historian Hugh Murray, as the inspiration for Mr Micawber.
Call in professionals if nesting birds pose a problem
Birds can cause a range of issues during nesting season, but interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution, a national trade body has warned.
British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging Parochial Church Councils to seek professional advice if birds are becoming a problem.
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