Current Issue
York Handmade provides bricks for brand-new Swiss hotel
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has provided the bricks for one of the most exciting new hotels in Europe.
The company, based at Alne, near Easingwold, has supplied over 40,000 specially manufactured brick slips and 30,000 paving cobbles for Lo Dze, a brand-new hotel development in the heart of Martigny, one of Switzerland’s most historic towns.
Lo Dze is now open and receiving glowing reviews. It is situated 30 metres from the main square in Martigny and consists of two separate buildings around a central courtyard which is open to the public.
Read more: York Handmade provides bricks for brand-new Swiss hotel
£23 million government package to support restoration of thousands of listed places of worship
Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant has announced that the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme will be extended into the next financial year, providing £23 million so that thousands of historical buildings, including churches, synagogues, mosques and temples, can carry out restoration work.
York Handmade plays pivotal role in the creation of the York Minster Centre of Excellence
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a pivotal role in the creation of the York Minster Centre of Excellence.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, has supplied 17,000 specially manufactured bricks for the new centre, which is a world class campus facility for research, education and training in traditional craft skills.
Read more: York Handmade plays pivotal role in the creation of the York Minster Centre of Excellence
Industrial Heritage Support Officer for England project receives funding for 2025-2026
The Industrial Heritage Support Officer (IHSO) role has been awarded funding to enable it to continue its work to preserve England’s industrial heritage in the year April 2025 to March 2026.
Read more: Industrial Heritage Support Officer for England project receives funding for 2025-2026
PPM prevents breakdowns and keeps worship on track
Experts from North East-based Blaydon Communications Ltd explain the importance of planned preventative maintenance for church audio-visual systems
In the manufacturing sector, planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is a well-established practice aimed at proactively preventing equipment breakdowns. However, the concept is often overlooked in houses of worship, where the value of such maintenance is not fully appreciated.
Yet the importance of PPM for church audio-visual systems cannot be overstated. Audio-visual systems are essential for enhancing the worship experience, ensuring accessibility and fulfilling legal obligations.
Read more: PPM prevents breakdowns and keeps worship on track
Let there be light!
Stella Rooflight have provided three bespoke conservation rooflights for St Mary’s Church in Wivenhoe as part of a transformation project.
St Mary’s church in Wivenhoe has been in existence since at least 1254. The North and South aisles of the church were built in 1340 and 1350, making St Mary’s the oldest building still standing in Wivenhoe and clearly of significant local and national historical importance.
The church tower was added in the 15th century with diagonal buttresses and a foundation of Roman brick. After a fire in 1850 it was decided to rebuild and enlarge the church according to the designs of the architect E C Hakewill. Further restoration was required after the parts of the church were damaged by the most destructive earthquake in recorded British history: the 1884 Colchester Earthquake.
Royton Town Hall restoration uncovers hidden treasures as community welcomes transformation
In September, Royton Town Hall re-opened its doors following a complete restoration. The community has welcomed the transformation, which has included a new-look library, community space and a new garden area.
Bringing the much-loved landmark back to its original glory was at the heart of the project. The town hall's many Victorian features now have pride of place, including some which came as a brilliant surprise...
Chapel Royal restoration in Brighton by Michelmersh includes four replacement Gargoyles
A total of 250 terra cotta replacement units were required at Chapel Royal. The restoration included four replacement Gargoyles, the complete parapet balustrade and a variety of other specialised pieces including finials and clock face surround blocks.
Chapel Royal, Brighton was opened for worship in 1795, two years earlier the Foundation Stone was laid by the Prince Regent. Originally it was intended as a Chapel of Ease to St Nicholas, the old Parish Church, to accommodate Brighton’s seasonal fluctuation in population, however, it quickly became one of Brighton’s most important churches.
Read more: Chapel Royal restoration in Brighton by Michelmersh includes four replacement Gargoyles
Clarity of speech aids delivery of the word in Chester
Blacon is an area of post-war housing on the outskirts of Chester, with St Theresa’s a bold landmark suburban church. The building style is distinctive modern Gothic, but with a conventional plan-form: a long, high nave with a prominent west door and offset corner tower.
The spacious, well-lit interior is conventionally arranged and retains some attractive fittings, including a striking mosaic reredos, oak pews and a marble altar and pulpit. The parish was created after the Franciscans of Chester provided a site for a church and presbytery in 1956, together with £1,000. Work commenced in April 1958 and the foundation stone was laid on 11 October that year. The presbytery and exterior of the church were completed in July 1959 and the first Mass was said on 14 December.
Read more: Clarity of speech aids delivery of the word in Chester
Heritage properties urged to take precautions as Blenheim Palace toilet theft trial continues
Specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical is reminding historical properties to take security precautions to protect valuable artworks as the trial of individuals accused of stealing a £2.8m gold toilet takes place.
The theft of the 18-carat gold fully functional toilet, titled ‘America’ and made by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, took place at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire in September 2019.
New sound system for St Peter’s Church, Hever
St Peter’s Church in Hever is the oldest of the three in the benefice, dating back to the 12th century and worship has been held here for over 875 years. It contains the tomb of Sir Thomas Bullen, father of Anne Boleyn and grandfather of Queen Elizabeth the First.
Surrey-based Scanaudio Ltd were invited to submit proposals for updating the 20-year-old sound and loop system for improved system performance and control with a clear upgrade path available for future integration with control and projection facilities. The company installed a TOA F series loudspeaker system with additional coverage for the Bullen Chapel and a small sub-bass to provide full-range sound reproduction for music sources.
Replacement cross preserves the legacy of East Sussex gem
In East Sussex recently, access experts Tarrant Group had the privilege of contributing to the preservation of a cherished local landmark: a 90-year-old cross atop a historic church in Hove.
The project, filled with engineering challenges, underscored the importance of craftsmanship, collaboration and respect for tradition.
Read more: Replacement cross preserves the legacy of East Sussex gem
Summer proves the ideal time to replace church boilers
The parish church of St Michael and All Angels in Tettenhall Regis, Wolverhampton looks at first sight to be a traditional listed church building. It is sited in one of two manors in Tettenhall parish, the other being Tettenhall Clericorum.
It is indeed Grade Two listed. But that belies a secret. In 1950 a terrible fire virtually destroyed the old church, leaving only the 16th-century tower and Victorian porch standing.
Read more: Summer proves the ideal time to replace church boilers
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