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 postpones Sandown show – but you can still take part at home
Despite the gradual easing of lockdown, it is still unlikely that large-scale indoor events will be permitted in the autumn. CRE National at Sandown Park, Esher, has therefore been postponed for 12 months – until 12-14 October 2021.
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).
FTMRC
Working in partnership is key to success
This was the key theme in the chairman's introduction to the recent FTMRC statement. Chairman, Trevor Corser, also managing director of JTC Roofing Contractors Ltd, said:
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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'Old Joe' chimes again!
The University of Birmingham boasts the tallest free-standing clock tower in the world at the heart of its campus, commonly known as ‘Old Joe’ or ‘Big Joe’. In 2017 Old Joe fell silent as the Smith of Derby Group carried out repairs to the strike side of the clock so the famous chimes could be heard across campus once again.
The tower has also had other practical purposes over the last 113 years, since it was built in 1905 when the four JB Joyce clock dials were first commisioned. It was originally designed with the physics department in mind to help experiments. In the 1940’s the tower was used to test equipment which would form the basis of RADAR technology in World War II and then provided a useful watchtower during the World Wars.
Specifications & Tenders for Heritage Ironwork at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
A day of practical guidance which will lead you through the process of writing and understanding specifications on historic ironwork, highlighting pointers and pitfalls in the tendering and procurement process.
This course is offered free of charge thanks to funding from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation for Historic England’s heritage skills programme at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.
Sound know-how helps clarify the message
Wootton New Life Church is a growing and lively Methodist church at the heart of the village of Wootton in Bedfordshire.
For many years the traditional rectangular church building had a suspended ceiling, which had begun to look tired; so the church decided to open up the whole space and redecorate.
Unfortunately, that would mean removing the main source of sound absorption in the building and lead to an increase in reverberation time – making speech intelligibility poor and their modern worship style fatiguing.
Sound Space Vision delivers artful solutions to the Royal Academy of Arts’ historic transformation
In 2012 Sound Space Vision (SSV) won the competition to be the theatre design and acoustics consultants for David Chipperfield Architects’ master plan to unite the Royal Academy of Arts’ 18th-century Burlington House with its neighbour, Burlington Gardens, and transform the interiors throughout. SSV’s brief was to modernise and equip Burlington Gardens’ 19th-century lecture theatre for 21st-century presentation and performance, and was expanded later to include acoustics advice on the new gallery spaces, the learning centre, as well as mechanical systems.
Hymnal Plus - the leading worship music solution
Whether you have trouble finding good, reliable organists (or other musicians), have no instrument or simply want good music available for outreach, the Hymnal Plus is the solution.
As well as churches, the Hymnal Plus is widely used by Schools and Colleges, Chaplaincies in the Armed Forces, Prisons and Hospitals, Retirement Homes, Retreat Centres, Christian Holiday Centres, Cruise Liners, Crematoriums and private individuals – all of whom find the Hymnal Plus provides their complete worship music needs.
The development of the Heritage Crime Programme in England
Mark Harrison, Head of Heritage Crime Strategy at Historic England, outlines the development of their Heritage Crime Programme.
Historic England defines heritage crime as: "Any offence which harms the value of England's heritage assets and their settings to this and future generations."
Harm caused to a heritage asset by crime or anti-social behaviour will often have both direct and indirect impacts. For example, the loss of historic fabric from a listed building through theft or vandalism will not only have a direct impact by damaging the fabric of the building itself. It can also have an indirect impact such as social or economic loss to the amenity of an area.
CRE postpones Sandown show – but you can still take part at home
Despite the gradual easing of lockdown, it is still unlikely that large-scale indoor events will be permitted in the autumn. CRE National at Sandown Park, Esher, has therefore been postponed for 12 months – until 12-14 October 2021.
Announcing the postponement back in June, event director Brett Pitchfork said: “Though October is still four months away, we thought it best to make this difficult decision sooner than later. 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.”
Wireless audio solutions by Tourtalk
Tourtalk is a portable short-range wireless system used to transmit an audio message from a presenter to an audience. The presenter speaks into a radio microphone transmitter and the audience use lightweight receivers to hear the message. Tourtalk systems are used by places of worship and heritage sites around the UK and abroad.
As the system is completely portable it requires no installation and can be setup within minutes with no impact to the buildings aesthetics. As the receivers don’t rely on line-of-sight transmission, the system can be used discreetly and cover large areas including balconies. Tourtalk systems are used for many applications including guided tours, hearing support and simultaneous interpretation.
Awards commendation for Icynene-insulated historic property
The successful insulation of a 250-year-old farmhouse in rural Aberdeenshire has received a Commendation in the Scottish Energy Efficiency Awards, which took place in Glasgow this summer.
Bogendollo House, an early 19th century category C listed building at Fettercairn near Aberdeen, was the subject of an extended trial to assess the viability of high performance spray foam insulation as a means of preventing heat loss in architecturally significant buildings.
York Handmade highly commended in two major awards at Brick Oscars
The York Handmade Brick Company has been highly commended for two major projects in the prestigious 2018 Brick Awards.
Leading independent brickmaker York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, was recognised for its work on the acclaimed new Westgate Centre in the heart of historic Oxford and for the magnificent new Halifax Library.
Armistice Day tribute sees ‘lost’ memorial displayed
During the lead up to Armistice Day thoughts were focused on the centenary of the end of hostilities in the First World War.
At furniture restorers Andrew G Podmore & Son in York restoration work is progressing well on the memorial for members of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway who lost their lives in the conflict.
At the outbreak of war in 1914 the company had a 37,000 strong workforce. Over 10,000 would volunteer for the armed forces and 1,422 would lose their lives.
LSTA appoints new General Manager
The Lead Sheet Training Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of new General Manager, Nick DuGard, who will be leading the organisation in its next phase of development.
Nick joins the organisation with a wealth of experience relevant to the construction training sector, having spent 15 years at City and Guilds as a Regional Business Manager where he was responsible for the delivery of sales revenues, business solutions and the development of a broad range of qualification products throughout the UK.
As well as an in-depth understanding of the work-based training sector, he also brings a breadth of knowledge in wider funding potential as he has worked as a business and fundraising consultant in the sports world.
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.
