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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
After the Midlands, onward to Milton Keynes
"CRE Midlands reminded me of the giddy days when it first began – the venue was packed with exhibitors and visitors and there was a busy atmosphere. The whole thing looked great."
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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State of the art – plans put forward for Touchstones investment
Redevelopment of Touchstones, the borough’s arts and heritage venue is progressing, with a planning application now submitted.
The building is set to be transformed into a creative and cultural hub with new flexible performance and production spaces for artists, improved areas for training, live events and exhibitions. The plans also include a new dining space integrating the borough’s collections on the theme of food heritage, co-created with Rochdale’s diverse communities. There will be vital works to improve accessibility and sustainability. If approved, work is due to commence at the beginning of 2024.
61% of heritage organisations lack awareness of forthcoming Martyn’s Law, new research finds
New research commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed three in five (61%) heritage organisations lack awareness of Martyn’s Law, the forthcoming Protect Duty legislation.
In response to the Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 other victims, is designed to keep people safe by reducing the risk to the public from terrorist attacks at public venues.
Enriching Suffolk's proud heritage for a decade
Suffolk-based Rickards Period Plastering Ltd reaches its tenth anniversary this year, although director Mike Rickards has been restoring properties since the mid 1980s and since 1999 he has have been the driving force behind two other local and respected lime contractors in this area, establishing RPP Ltd 11 years ago in April 2012.
Now it has an extensive background catalogue of plastering work using lime, clay and eco renders throughout the East Anglia region.
Giant cistern is master leadworker’s latest achievement
The latest bespoke creation from traditional leadworker Brian Turner is a large cistern created for a historic house in west Norfolk. Cisterns are large vessels, made popular in the Georgian era, used to store rainwater for use in irrigation of a garden.
The particular cistern was commissioned for the rear of the house. The front elevation of the house, dating from the early 16th century, is depicted on the central panel of the cistern, together with design details of the building.
Repurposing project features in clutch of brickmaker’s RIBA winners
The bringing back into use of a heritage site is one of five winners of this year’s RIBA Regional Awards that have featured products from traditional brickmaker Michelmersh.
For more than 180 years the RIBA Awards have been commemorating exceptional accomplishments. Its esteemed awards and prizes are seen as a symbol of excellence worldwide, honouring first-class architecture, architects, research and students. This year, Michelmersh was proud to see a wide range of its products used by five Regional RIBA Award winners.
Conservation work reveals town hall’s decorative glories
Manchester Town Hall, designed by Alfred Waterhouse and constructed between 1868-1877, is a neo-Gothic, Grade One-listed masterpiece, lying at the geographical and civic heart of the city and providing a focal point for its people in times of both celebration and despair. At the centre of the Town Hall is the Great Hall, described by Ruskin as ‘the most truly magnificent Gothic apartment in Europe’. The vast chamber was designed to celebrate 19th-century Manchester’s global success in trade and commerce.
Recycled board makes archive boxes as strong as elephant hide
CONSERVATION BY DESIGN – CXD are manufacturers of archival storage boxes, folders and envelopes from its exclusive range of acid-free papers and boards. In addition to a number of stock sizes, the company has a huge collection of box, folder and envelope cutting dies designed to meet customers’ specific requirements and to which they are continuously adding.
The Premier Duo Archival Boxboard and Premier Archival Paper developed by the founder of CXD, Stuart Welch, has become the benchmark for quality when making acid-free paper-based products.
Old Library takes next step in return to former glory
The revamp of Oldham’s Old Library continues to take shape, with the main scaffolding structure now removed to reveal the beautiful stonework and restored roof.
Once complete, the Old Library will house facilities for the community to use; a new Council Chamber; council offices and spaces for public meetings; as well as a new home for Oldham Theatre Workshop.
When it comes to church lighting, experience matters
When Anthony J Smith (Glos) Ltd was formed in 1976, it was initially as a general electrical contracting company carrying out work in domestic, commercial and industrial properties.
Anthony’s first foray into church lighting was when his own church, St Peter’s Catholic Parish Church in Gloucester, suffered from an arson attack and as part of the Fabric Committee – he is now chairman, and has been for many years – he was allowed to carry out lighting tests and trials.
Rick Wakeman to open CRE Midlands 23
Legendary rock star Rick Wakeman will open the Christian Resources Exhibition at Cranmore Park in Solihull, near Birmingham (10am, Wed 8 Nov).
Wakeman, famous for his piano arrangement of the Eleanor Farjeon hymn ‘Morning Has Broken’, was baptised at South Harrow Baptist Church. He then became a Sunday School teacher before attending the Royal College of Music in the 1960s, where he studied piano, modern music, clarinet and orchestration.
Training provider looks forward to another year of SAP delivery
Since June of last year, specialist lead and hard metals training provider National Construction Training Services (NCTS) has been delivering the Specialist Applied Programmes (SAP) for three disciplines within the sector: Lead and Hard Metals Level 2, Heritage Lead and Hard Metals Level 3 and Heritage Roof Slating & Tiling Level 3.
Church leaders look forward to exhibition in the heart of England
Dozens of leaders from churches across the Midlands met at Cranmore Park in Solihull at the end of June, venue for the upcoming CRE Midlands 23 on 8/9 Nov. In the purpose-built exhibition centre, where some delegates are pictured outside, Dr Peter Green, director of the Christian Family Trust told the audience: "It blew my mind when I visited CRE some years ago. It was so exciting – you must bring all your people here. They will see dozens of things which can transform local ministry."
AV installers make the (up)grade at Holy Trinity
Last year, Holy Trinity Church in Knaphill, Woking, commissioned Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) to complete a major audio, visual and performance lighting upgrade.
The audio system features an Allen & Heath SQ6 digital mixing console with iPAD control over a new, managed wi-fi or network infrastructure for main operators – and also for musicians to adjust their monitor levels independently. The mixer provides over 40 inputs, via digital stagebox expansion on the dais, with the ability for different service settings to be stored and recalled along with direct audio recording.
ISCVE announces dates for ISCVEx 2024
ISCVE is pleased to announce the dates for its annual event, ISCVEx 2024, which will be taking place at Coombe Abbey on 19-20 March 2024. Next year’s event promises to be the perfect platform for industry professionals from all sectors of the professional audio, communications and visual industries. Attendees can expect 30+ exhibitors and distributors, thought-leading seminars, inspiring talks and more.
Taking place in the beautiful Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwickshire, over two days ISCVEx is a great environment for visitors to get inspired and advance their business with thought-leading seminars and inspiring talks. ISCVEx day one includes ISCVE’s Member’s Day, AGM and Networking Dinner whilst day two includes three seminars and exhibition.
Marley Alutec helps to save Aqueduct Cottage
Marley Alutec guttering solutions have been installed during a refurbishment project at Aqueduct Cottage in Derbyshire. The volunteer-led project specified the company’s solutions to ensure a long-lasting, durable installation on the historic building without the need to bring in any external tradespeople.
First built in 1802, Aqueduct Cottage is a grade II listed building, which sits alongside the banks of the Cromford Canal in rural Derbyshire. Unfortunately, following years of neglect, the cottage had fallen into a state of disrepair. However, since 2016, a group called the ‘Friends of Aqueduct Cottage’have worked alongside the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and representatives from the Derbyshire Historic Building Trust to restore the building to its former glory.
Heritage charities invited to apply for Movement for Good 2023 large grants
Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away a further £500,000 to support charity projects that have a lasting impact on communities.
For the fifth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities through its Movement for Good Awards. Applications for the large grants of £10,000 or more are open from Monday 3 July and close on Friday 28 July.
Un-lucky Strike
Last month, in just a single day, the UK was hit by more than 40,000 lightning strikes.
Pure gold for the press with dramatic and terrifying images literally flooding the news channels.
What the media didn’t show, however, was the indirect strikes and the resulting internal power surges causing damage to buildings and businesses across the country.
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