Current Issue
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.
CRE Events
CRE South West at Westpoint, Exeter now rescheduled for February 23-24 2022
With a ban on large public gatherings in place for the foreseeable future, Christian Resources Exhibition have postponed CRE South West until early next year - the new dates are February 23-24 2022.
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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Stained Glass
A brief history of stained glass
The origins of the first stained glass windows are lost in history. The technique probably came from jewelry making, cloisonné and mosaics. Stained glass windows as we know them, seemed to arise when substantial church building began.
By the 10th century, depictions of Christ and biblical scenes were found in French and German churches and decorative designs found in England.
Back Issues
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.
Church Lighting
Light up your place of worship
The design of a lighting scheme and the light fittings themselves can have a positive impact on the way your building looks as well as being functional.
UK Roofing Awards
UK Roofing Awards 2020 finalists announced
The finalists for this year's The UK Roofing Awards 2020 have been announced. The NFRC will be reopening nominations later in the year for projects completed during 2020 and additional shortlisted projects will be added to create the full list of finalists for the combined 2020/21 awards event.
Live Streaming
Why live stream is now mainstream
The restrictions around the COVID-19 pandemic have led to many churches venturing into the online world in a much more comprehensive way than before. While most churches have had some kind of online presence and the Church of England has it’s a Church Near You site, the live streaming of services has become much more common. And modern AV equipment is perfectly suited to communicating via the internet.
Lead Contractors
Members offer 25 years peace of mind
The trade body that represents the leadworking industry – and guarantees quality in that industry – is the Lead Contractors’ Association (LCA). The LCA was formed in 1984 to promote quality standards in leadwork and now comprises over 70 specialist contractors committed, supported by 15 associate members who supply materials and ancillary services.
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Decorative Leadwork
Saving the artistry of early craftsmen
Beaten, twisted, cut or cast, ornate designs bear out the skill and artistry of early craftsmen. And surviving examples are under threat.
Heritage Roofing
Heritage Roofing Register - a helping hand for architects
A unique register of heritage roofing specialists is providing much needed help and assurance for architects and specifiers when working on heritage projects. The Register is the brainchild of the UK’s largest roofing trade association, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).
Promotional Videos
Watch the latest videos from the church & heritage sector here
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.
SEARCH OUR DIRECTORY
Olympic dig unearths ‘unknown London’
A flint axe over 4,000 years old was the cream of a crop of discoveries during a two-year archaeological investigation into the past of London’s Olympic Park. Archaeologists believe the unfinished prehistoric axe was placed in waterlogged ground on purpose, giving a unique insight into the first eastenders that lived and hunted in the area.
Blackfriars refurbishment will see new station
London’s 120-year-old Blackfriars Railway Bridge is to undergo a £6m refurbishment by industrial services group Pyeroy.
Excellence in Roofing: finalists announced
The National Federation of Roofing Contractors has announced the finalists in this year’s Excellence in Roofing Awards, including the popular Heritage category. The finalists have been selected based on demonstrated quality workmanship, technical difficulties encountered, problem solving, environmental qualities and aesthetics.What’s available and where
Preserving and maintaining the nation’s built heritage is also part and parcel of preserving the environment in which we live. That environmental husbandry extends to the materials we use in the restoration projects we undertake and new additions to the built heritage. Re-using and recycling is central to that work and is typified by the extensive use of architectural salvage.
Audio Frequency Induction Loops - The Law has changed
Did you know that in the UK it is now MANDATORY (Under the terms of the Disability Discrimination Act) for ALL public buildings to make adequate provision for the disabled (eg wheelchair access) and specifically, the hearing impaired?
Did you also know that the international standard (IEC118-4) has recently been revised and that your loop system now needs to be louder?
Listed Property Show returns to Olympia - 15th & 16th Feb 2014
The Listed Property Show has brought together the industry’s best. Find experts on listed property regulations, have a chat with conservation officers and meet with architects and planners.
You can also track down that elusive specialist builder or supplier of windows, doors, paints, flooring and more – all under one roof at London’s Olympia.
There’s no other event like it. It’s a unique opportunity for a stress free one-to-one conversation with Conservation Officers, who will happily talk you through any hypothetical plans that you may have about altering or extending your home.
Alongside are architects and planners, window and door manufacturers, craftsmen, and “caring” builders as well as practical demonstrations and informative talks.
Entry to the show is free to readers when applied for in advance; get your free invitation now from www.lpoc.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively ring 01795 844939.
If you own, or are thinking of buying a listed building, your first port of call should be the Listed Property Show!
How clients can benefit from Institute’s standards
One of the most important resources for those looking for specialist advice in the field of historic building conservation is the Historic Environment Service Provider’s Recognition (HESPR) scheme, part of the trading arm of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
HESPR has been described as “…a recognition and promotional service for companies and practices active in the historic environment, which work to the IHBC’s professional and ethical standards.
A memorial should be a fitting tribute
Erecting a lasting memorial is the final service we can perform for a loved one when they have deceased and we put a great deal of care into choosing the right one.
However, the same attention to detail needs to be given to the placing and erection of the memorial. Indeed, burial authorities – whether religious or secular – have a duty of care to all those using the site and in particular the qualifications and competence of those working there.
Carving out an enviable reputation
The Master Carvers Association was founded in 1897 as an employers association, by a number of companies who employed carvers, to enable national negotiations with the emerging unions.
In 1992 the rules of the Association were changed to enable individual self-employed carvers to become members.
Inspect and Protect with ATLAS
Lightning protection is widely used within the corporate sector but many churches and heritage buildings are unaware of the need for specialist lightning protection.
Are you ready to baroque and roll?
In 2009 the cultural world celebrates a year given over to the baroque: music, architecture, art and style. Baroque 09 brings together museums, galleries, orchestras and broadcasting organisations to celebrate the opulence and splendour of the period from the mid 17th to the late 18th centuries.
Stone industry honours its top projects
Projects in Scotland’s Isle of Cumbrae and in Birmingham, Yorkshire, Nottingham, Windsor and London were among the top award winners in the Stone Federation Great Britain’s 2008 national awards. The awards were presented at the beginning of December at a luncheon at Lord’s cricket ground compered by broadcaster Jim Rosenthal and the National Lottery’s ‘voice of the balls’ Alan Dedicoat.
