Current Issue
Churches and heritage buildings now have a sustainable solution to pigeon fouling
The mess created by pigeons is not only unsightly but, left unchecked, can also cause blockage of gutters and damage to timber and plaster finishes.Churches and heritage buildings are particularly susceptible to pigeon infestations due to their ornate architecture and decorative facades, which provide ideal nooks and crannies for nesting and roosting.
That presents two challenges when it comes to pigeons: the first requirement is a long-term sustainable solution that will not harm the pigeons; and secondly, because such buildings are often listed, a solution that will not detract from the aesthetic appearance of the architecture is essential.
Read more: Churches and heritage buildings now have a sustainable solution to pigeon fouling
Historic church embraces LED technology
The church of St Mary the Virgin stands immediately beside the beautiful Tudor mansion house of Layer Marney Tower in Essex. The church as we see it today was built at the same time as the house, around 1523, and using the same red-brick – possibly made locally.
Though the majority of the church is early 16th century, it incorporates fragments of an earlier 14th-century collegiate church; William de Marney founded a chantry chapel here in 1330, with provision for two priests under a warden. The current building consists of a nave and chancel, west tower, south porch and a north aisle with a chantry chapel and priest’s lodging.
Reinforcement work helps direct the Word
Specialist installer Vanti Stage have recently completed the installation of antenna reinforcement for the radio microphones at Westminster Cathedral. Here Vanti Stage’s service manager for the South, Paul Beales, explains some of the technical challenges the project involved.
21st century sound for places of worship
Univox Audio have added the unique Activo Speaker series from Fulgor Service to their product range.
Ken Hollands, director at Univox Audio said: "With speech intelligibility at the core of everything we do, we are pleased to bring the unique speaker technology from Fulgor Service to the UK to help transform the service that our pro audio installers deliver to their customers."
Bakers of Danbury honouring history and remembrance through conservation
For over 145 years, Bakers of Danbury Heritage Building Contractors has been a trusted specialist in the conservation of ecclesiastical and heritage sites. Their commitment to quality and attention to detail means every project they undertake is built to last – blending traditional craftsmanship with modern restoration techniques.
They take great pride in ensuring that the buildings they work on not only stand the test of time but also continue to tell the stories they hold.
Read more: Bakers of Danbury honouring history and remembrance through conservation
Delayed, derailed and devalued: Paul Trace at Stella Rooflight discusses how the UK's planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing
A recent Freedom of Information request to Cornwall Council has revealed an extraordinary case of planning delay - a single residential application that took 1,114 days to gain approval. That’s not a typo; that’s three full years! While this is an extreme example, it is far from unique.
Planning delays are nothing new, but they’re getting worse. Across the country, developers and contractors are being forced to sit tight while local authorities work through backlogs, staff shortages, and ever-growing red tape. While we wait, the world moves on. Material and labour costs rise, client budgets shrink, and value engineering takes centre stage.
William the Conqueror’s Norwich Castle Keep reopens its doors
On Wednesday 13 August one of the most spectacular palaces in medieval Europe is fully reopening its doors as it turns back the clock 900 years to the heyday of Norman England following a multi-million-pound redevelopment.
This has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players through a grant of over £13 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The overall project budget is £27.5 million, with £12 million contributed by Norfolk County Council and the remaining funding provided by other sources.
Read more: William the Conqueror’s Norwich Castle Keep reopens its doors
Wesleys’ ‘home’ church has new loops installed
Brothers John and Charles Wesley were the prime movers behind what is now the Methodist Church: the largest Protestant denomination in the English-speaking world. The term ‘Methodist’ came about because of the way ‘method’ was used in religious affairs. However, the Wesley brothers did not intend to start a new church: in actual fact, they were firmly against a break with the Anglican Church; what they wanted was reform.
It was only after the death of Charles Wesley in 1788 and John in 1791 that their followers broke from the established Anglican Church to create what would become the Methodist Church.
Bucks church draws on neighbour’s experience in choosing lighting contractor
St Mary Magdalene Church at Great Hampden in Buckinghamshire dates back more than 800 years and sits alongside the Manor House of the Hampden family, mentioned in the Domesday Book. The church has undergone many major and minor changes over the years: the chancel was rebuilt in the 15th century and contains many fine Hampden family monuments. It is believed and quite probable that John Hampden the Patriot, cousin of Oliver Cromwell, is buried in the chancel.
Read more: Bucks church draws on neighbour’s experience in choosing lighting contractor
Are you considering improved lighting? Discuss the options with Anthony J Smith (Glos) Ltd
St Wilfrid’s RC Parish Church in Preston city centre is a Grade Two*-listed Jesuit church which draws a substantial number of worshippers throughout the week. It is basilican in form and Italianate in style, with a particularly ornate and impressive interior carried out in exotic materials. Frank Roberts of Preston-based Francis Roberts Architects said of the interior: “Ranks of giant columns of polished Shap granite, topped with gilded composite capitals, define the nave, which terminates in a semi-domed and coffered apse. The aisle walls are lined in rich marbles and mosaics and there is an impressive display of stained glass.”
Maximising church spaces: the importance of AV technology beyond the main worship area
In the heart of many communities, houses of worship provide hope, support and friendship to all walks of life. While the main worship area often takes centre stage, the potential of extended areas within the church should not be overlooked. These spaces can be transformed into vibrant hubs of activity with the help of modern audio visual (AV) technology, bringing in more members of the community and making full use of the venue’s facilities.
Read more: Maximising church spaces: the importance of AV technology beyond the main worship area
Relighting project adds to cathedral’s inclusivity while reducing its footprint
Salisbury Cathedral has recently completed a transformative relighting project, harnessing innovative LED technology from leading manufacturer ERCO. The initiative has elevated the cathedral’s visual and spiritual presence, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and accessibility. The new lighting solutions have significantly lowered the cathedral’s carbon footprint, reducing internal energy use by over 80% and saving approximately 30 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Rev Kenneth Padley, Canon Treasurer at Salisbury Cathedral, described the outcome as: “simply spectacular…The cathedral is better lit than at any time during its 800-year history.”
Read more: Relighting project adds to cathedral’s inclusivity while reducing its footprint
Bakers of Danbury accredited as a Chartered Building Company
Bakers of Danbury Ltd, a leading name in heritage building conservation restoration and modern construction, are pleased to announce its recent achievement of company membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).
This milestone achievement demonstrates Bakers of Danbury’s commitment to construction excellence, professional development and adhering to the highest of industry standards. As CIOB members, the company joins a respected network of construction professionals that promotes best practice across the construction industry.
Read more: Bakers of Danbury accredited as a Chartered Building Company
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