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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Devotion to heritage ironwork is recognised by unique award
For 35 years Chris Topp – along with his colleagues – has devoted his time to increasing his and others’ expertise in the preservation and restoration of the heritage of ancient iron.
Chris’s interest in traditional blacksmithing skills began in 1967 when he had a summer job in Bolton that was within walking distance of the Atlas Forge. At that time, Atlas Forge manufactured puddled wrought iron, as well as re-rolling wrought-iron axles.
Furniture makes its way across the sea
This summer saw West Country-based Fullers Finer Furniture complete a number of deliveries across the water in Northern Ireland. The first was to the Salvation Army’s new premises in Larne, County Antrim – just a short distance from the ferry port. The order was placed following introductions at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Manchester. It was for the company’s trademark York lectern, a Holiness Table and, more unusually, three flag stands.
The furniture was completed in a natural oak finish. The York lectern was fitted with a mic socket and tablet lip, ready to facilitate the latest technology. The lectern bears the Salvation Army crest, hand-crafted in a complementary wood.
St Bart’s goes digital
The parish church of St Bartholomew in Horley, a parish covering Horley town and Gatwick Airport, is a Grade One-listed building, mainly of 14th century origin, although a church has been on the site since the middle of the 12th century.
The building was significantly restored in the early 1880s, with the south aisle added in the early 1900s. Its most notable external feature is its narrow wood-shingled bell turret and spire. More recently, in 1991, two upper rooms were added next to the bell tower which are used for Sunday children’s work, prayer groups and meetings.
New roof helps repair the toll taken by the sea
St Paul’s Church, Sandgate, on the outskirts of Folkestone, is a Victorian Gothic style church. Built in 1849 on the site of an earlier Episcopal Chapel, it is one of architect S S Teulon’s earliest works. In 1919 the war memorial porch designed by C W Oldrid-Scott was added, and he also designed further improvements which were carried out from 1923-1934 – including a barrel-vaulted nave ceiling.
The reredos painting of the nativity was designed by Robert Anning-Bell in 1923, together with the west window in 1926. Ceiling decoration was the work of Charles Powell from 1927 to 1936.
Scanaudio provide induction loop at Temple Farm
Temple Farm is a new 84-acre UK headquarters for the International Bible Students Association (IBSA) located near Chelmsford, Essex. The site has up to 1,000 volunteer workers per day alongside a small number of outside sub-contractors and is professionally managed and run by the organisation.
To provide equal access to sound for people with hearing loss and fulfil the requirements of IEC 60118-4 in a multipurpose auditorium, the Jehovah’s Witnesses organisation approached assistive listening system manufacturer Ampetronic to help.
‘Made to Order’ radius gutter from Rainclear - true cast or mitred
Sometimes you need to replace a radius gutter (guttering that follows the shape of a circular roofline) on a conservation or renovation project and it needs to be ‘like for like’. The original pattern for ‘sand casting’ of that specific Cast Iron radius gutter may be long gone, but we can use the pieces you still have to create new ‘patterns’ and cast new matching radius gutters for you. This is known as a ‘True Cast’ Radius Gutter.
Weldon stone give a guide to natural stone
Looking for some useful tips on natural stone? There are obviously a wide variety depending on what its end use is.
Peter Dunn of Weldon Stone gives some examples with technical specifications and images of the products they have available. You can choose from everything from paving stone to stone for fine carving, from window sills to copings, from lime stone to headstones.
Van Gogh’s London home takes on new life
In August 1873, Vincent van Gogh – then 20 years old – took lodgings at 87 Hackford Road in south west London. Although he was only a tenant there for one year, his time at Hackford Road left a lasting legacy that the house’s current owners seek to celebrate today.
Following a meticulous conservation project that was completed last spring, the Van Gogh House has been brought back to life and hosts a dynamic programme of events, anchored in the artist’s practice and local heritage.
Walking in the footsteps of giants
Masons’ marks high up on pillars at medieval cathedrals and churches tell the story of the master masons who crossed the whole country – and, indeed, the continent of Europe – to oversee the building of those masterpieces of the builder’s art.
Later, the 18th and 19th centuries saw Methodist ministers and non-conformist preachers treading the same paths as they spread the word of the new ministries.
Restoration work at St Philip and St James Church, Whitton
When the fabric of the building at St Philip and St James Church, Whitton in Twickenham began to fail, Minerva Building Restoration Ltd were appointed to assess the general condition of this 1862 built church. The main brief was to accompany the client to determine the worst affected areas and ultimately produce detailed stone repair schedules and costs for consideration.
As with many churches, the issue of invalidating insurance policies with scaffolding in place meant that combination of scaffolding and cherry picker access was required to reach the works at high level.
Drones lead the flight towards zero carbon
One of the emerging benefits of using UAVs for survey works is their contribution to sustainability and carbon reduction.
The national Environmental Working Group of the Church of England has issued a Call to Action on the Climate, calling on all parts of the church to aim towards zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with Government and EU policy. The group is formulating a motion for General Synod to that effect.
Ealing Green Church gets new AV system as part of refurbishment programme
Newtech Southern was awarded the contract to design and install a new audio visual system for Ealing Green Church, West London. The church was to undergo a complete refurbishment and as part of these works a new high quality sound and video system was required.
The church required multiple floorboxes each with a variety of audio / video inputs and outputs, these would allow for the system to accommodate all types of services and events to be held in the church.
Help! Does my oast cowl need cleaning?
Since 1937, Dude and Arnette have been cleaning oast houses across the country, both inside and out. The company’s specialist team can clean, paint and maintain your oast house to the highest standard, bringing joy to many more generations. So, if your oast house is looking a little drab and dated, maybe it is time to give it a clean. Here DARREN HOLE of Dude and Arnette answers some common questions.
Does your business require lightning protection?
Here in the UK, we’re blessed with relatively calm weather. However, while we might not be subjected to hurricanes or tornadoes, we do get our fair share of electrical storms. On average, the UK and its surrounding waters are hit by around 300,000 lightning strikes every year, and while these powerful displays of nature are stunning to watch, they also pose significant risk to both people and structures.
Why use hard metal roofing in traditional church and heritage buildings?
The problem of lead theft can be a huge source of distress and damage but there are alternatives. Over the long-term, metal roofing is the most cost effective - a typical metal roof can last over 100 years whereas other roofing materials need to be replaced, sometimes more than once, during that time.
Minimum maintenance
A properly installed copper, stainless steel or zinc roof is a once-and-once-only job, with little or no maintenance required. Copper and zinc gradually develop a durable patina, which reforms if damaged, while stainless steel is inherently resistant to corrosion. No chemicals are needed – the roof is resistant to decay and naturally fire proof.
Only the best will do for Roedean School theatre sound upgrade
The world-renowned independent Roedean School in Sussex provides the best facilities for it’s pupils, so it's no surprise then that when upgrading their theatre sound system they chose the best. Traction Sound loud speakers were used throughout the auditorium mixed from Allen & Heath digital desk. Brighton Sound System carried out the theatre sound installation working in partnership with AC-ET who supplied the equipment.
The theatre at Roedean School has several uses. It is mainly used for school productions and for teaching. The school also uses it for assemblies and presentations. During the summer holiday the auditorium is rented out to touring theatre production. This means that the sound installation needed to be flexible and meet a high professional standard. Safety was also paramount as the equipment would often be operated by pupils.
Royal recognition for York restoration company A G Podmore & Son, highly commended in national heritage awards
David Podmore and the team at Andrew G Podmore & Son York were delighted to learn their work with the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Co. carriage and wagon works memorial 1919 Newton Heath, Lancashire had been nominated for a National Railway Heritage Award and recently, at the 40th anniversary of these prestigious awards in London, the company were honoured as highly commended runners up in the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award.
The other shortlisted nominees were Lowestoft Central Station (regeneration east) and Network Rail Commercial Property, Mytholmroyd Station and Shell. The eventual winner was Mytholmroyd Station.
