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 Midlands – vibrant before the virus
Organisers of CRE Midlands, held at Stoneleigh Park on 4-5 Mar, were encouraged by a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike after fearing the worst from coverage surrounding the coronavirus.
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
Products Showcase
New products help to conserve our heritage
Whilst visitors to this website operate in the sector committed to restoring and conserving the historic buildings and artefacts belonging to the past, they are non the less reliant on the very latest products on the market place to perform this task.
Showcased here you will find some of the latest and most innovative new products and services currently available to help us preserve and maintain our heritage for the enjoyment of generations to come.
Ironwork
A guide to architectural metalwork, wrought iron and its restoration
Our next issue will feature a fascinating insight, exploring metallurgy, production techniques, its architectural and historical context and best practice conservation.
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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).
Drone Surveys
Your surveys no longer need to be done on a wing and a prayer
The use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is rapidly expanding as the carers and keepers of old buildings and churches learn how much easier and more cost-effective completing surveying and maintenance projects can be with the professional use of drones.
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.
Tree Care
Tree care and planting in the church and heritage sector
According to a report in The Independent the UK will have to plant 1.5 billion trees if it is to tackle climate change. The London Tree Officers Association has this to say on the subject: "Future Governments are committed to planting trees to reduce carbon emissions, however there is concern that some of these proposals are focussed on a rapid increase without considering the intricate steps that are required to ensure that trees establish and thrive and it is important that this is made clear to avoid good intentions resulting in failure."
Professional advice and expertise needs to be sought and implemented.
Lead Training
Training at the Lead Sheet Training Academy
The Lead Sheet Training Academy is at the forefront of training for those using lead or hard metals in the construction industry.
Disabled Access
Are Britain’s heritage attractions inclusive?
Research commissioned by specialist heritage insurer, Ecclesiastical, has revealed many parents of children with special needs feel uncomfortable or unwelcome while visiting museums, art galleries, theatres, stately homes or castles with their children.
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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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Before the winter sets in – building maintenance for heritage buildings
Heritage properties can be particularly susceptible to the winter weather however, careful maintenance and proactive management can help reduce the risk of property damage and injury to those that visit your property during the colder months.
As a specialist insurer, Ecclesiastical is uniquely positioned to provide some simple practical advice that can help keep your property and its visitors safe as the cold weather approaches.
Murdoch Award winner has royal seal of approval
Each annual Murdoch Awards event is special to the organisers, prizewinners and sponsors alike, but this year the occasion was marked with huge sadness over the passing of Richard Murdoch last January.
At this year’s gala dinner, held at the Vineyard Hotel in Newbury where the awards were announced and presented, tributes were paid to Richard by Lead Contractors Association (LCA) secretary Ray Robertson and past chairmen Steve Hempstock and Peter Rutherford.
It is safe to say that without Richard Murdoch there would be no Lead Contractors Association, or even if it did exist, it would certainly not be in its present form. The Murdoch Awards were established in 1996 by the LCA to mark Richard’s retirement from the industry.
VAT on Church buildings
"We speak to many Church leaders and treasurers about VAT," says Les Howard of vatadvice.org, "and we frequently make them smile when we explain that VAT can, in some cases, be mitigated on construction and alteration works to Church buildings. So, whether you are spending £5,000 or £5m, it is worth addressing the question of VAT.
"Although the basic rule of VAT is that most goods or services are charged at 20%, there are a number of provisions that reduce the VAT applicable for certain works to Church buildings," Les continued.
Crossman Homes to breathe new life into Bristol’s Whitfield Tabernacle
Bristol's iconic Whitfield Tabernacle, one of the most at risk Grade One listed buildings in the UK, has taken a big step towards being saved thanks to a partnership between Crossman Homes and the Whitfield Tabernacle Trust.
The Kingswood building, dating back to 1741 and widely regarded as the birthplace of the Methodist movement will, under plans being put forward, be renovated and redeveloped as a community space.
Alutec products help revive Thursford Castle
Marley Alutec’s Evoke eaves solutions and Evolve rainwater ranges have perfectly complemented the uniquely modern character of a stunning residential project, Thursford Castle, which incorporates the ruins of 19th century chapel.
Derelict since the 1930s, the 180-year-old chapel is now the focal point of the Great Snoring-based development, with the ruined walls forming the entrance courtyard to a single storey, contemporary-designed home.
Grant funding for repair and conservation of war memorials
War Memorials Trust aims to help all war memorial custodians, whatever the nature and size of their war memorial by facilitating repair and conservation projects through grant funding and/or best conservation practice advice.
As the centenary of World War I draws to an end there is currently high demand for grants so just because a project is eligible for funding does not mean the Trust can guarantee a grant can be made. All grant applications are subject to available funding with support given to those memorials where there is greatest need. To find out more about funding read the Trust's What we fund advice or Apply now.
Ecclesiastical urges government to reduce VAT on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings
Ahead of the Autumn Budget, specialist insurer Ecclesiastical is urging the government to reduce VAT on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings.
Ecclesiastical is supporting organisations such as the Heritage Alliance and the Listed Property Owners’ Club, which are calling for VAT to be reduced to 5% on repairs and approved alterations to listed buildings to help owners protect such an important part of the nation’s heritage.
Call for churches to welcome the handicapped
Actress and comedian Sally Phillips wiped away a tear as she heard an 82-strong choir from the Notre Dame School, Cobham, sing and sign to accompany blind pianist Marilyn Baker singing "open my eyes" - a song she had written.
Sally - who appeared in the Bridget Jones films, and alongside the BBC series Miranda, and who has a son, Olly, with Down's Syndrome - called on the crowd gathered for the opening of the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, to encourage their churches to be places where those with a disability would be welcomed to play a useful role in church life.
Marley Alutec implement faster delivery times for popular products
Marley Alutec, UK leader in innovative aluminium rainwater and eaves solutions, have announced a major cut in the delivery lead times of their top selling products.
With immediate effect, the lead time for stocked Heritage Black and Anthracite Grey (RAL7016) goods will reduce to five working days, while all standard colour products will be delivered within ten working days of order.
Lime render by Trendle Conservation restores Grade II Listed property to former glory
This listed property had been rendered with cement at some stage which had been causing damage to the structure over the years. Lime render was required to restore the property to its original status.
Somerset based Trendle Conservation were asked to come in and look at a gable end as the render was starting to flake on this Grade II listed property.
Guildford Cathedral gets complete audio overhaul
One recent challenge for DM Music Ltd was undertaking a complete overhaul of the audio system at Guildford Cathedral. This has been part of the Cathedral’s repair work with significant proportion of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Ecclesiastical is first insurer to pledge support for new HSE strategy
Ecclesiastical has become the first insurer to sign up to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) initiative aimed at improving health and wellbeing in the workplace.
The specialist insurer has made its commitment to the ‘Helping Great Britain Work Well’ strategy, with a number of projects already underway to further enhance its risk management guidance for brokers and customers.
Now the message sounds out clear in the busy marketplace
St Mary’s in the Marketplace, the Parish Church of Stockport, has a history running back to the 12th century and still includes some parts of the original church, although most of the Grade One-listed building was erected in the early 19th century. The church occupies pride of place overlooking the historic market area of Stockport and has been at the centre of the local community in the town for hundreds of years.
Devastating blazes show the importance of fire prevention
Recent events in Glasgow have undoubtedly brought the issue of fire prevention in to sharp focus for many property owners. After a second devastating blaze in four years, the latest incident at the Glasgow School of Art has destroyed property, displaced students and even impacted local businesses not connected to the school.
The first fire in 2014 was caused when flammable gasses from a foam canister came into contact with the hot surface of a projector, sending flames upwards through voids in the walls and old ventilation ducts and completely destroying the iconic Charles Rennie Mackintosh building.
Manchester turns to its own for stained glass replacement
When it was decided to commission new ornate stained glass for The Old Parsonage – a Grade Two-listed building in Didsbury, Manchester – the obvious choice for the job was Manchester-based Genesis Stained Glass. The building, which dates from around 1650, was owned by Alderman Fletcher Moss from 1885 to 1919.
Fletcher Moss was an avid art and nature-lover, who tried his hand at designing his own stained glass. The result was a flamboyant, decorative interior with ornate Gothic-style stained glass and wooden tracery in most of the windows. He bequeathed the building to the people of Manchester and it is now managed by Didsbury Parsonage Trust.
A stitch in time for Fairfax House
Following their recent successful completion of conservation and restoration works in Ripon Cathedral, St Nicholas, Newcastle and Manchester Central Library, York-based Andrew G Podmore & Son have been involved with the York Civic Trust at Fairfax House.
Reputedly the finest Georgian town house in England, Fairfax House was designed by York's most distinguished eighteenth-century architect, John Carr. It was saved from decay and returned to its former glory by York Civic Trust in 1982-84.
The complete discreet AV solution
Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) are a dedicated church audio and visual supplier working throughout the UK.
CAVS were recently commissioned to install a new audio and visual system into the Parish Church of St James in Trowbridge. The brief was to ensure that all the new equipment fitted seamlessly into the environment whilst providing the latest technologies for full range worship and advanced multimedia display.
The visual system consist of three discreet winched projection screens which hide behind the arches when not in use. These utilise 7,500 and 5,000 lumens projectors for the highest image quality across all sources – from words, to pictures and video.
