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York Handmade plays pivotal role in the restoration of iconic Welsh theatre
The award-winning York Handmade Brick Company has played a pivotal role in a restoration of Theatr Clwyd in North Wales.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, has supplied 37,000 specially manufactured bricks for the theatre, which had become unfit for purpose.
This significant contract was worth £37,000 to York Handmade, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country.
Read more: York Handmade plays pivotal role in the restoration of iconic Welsh theatre
Church’s locally listed status adds to contractor’s challenges
When Hyssop Project began its first venture into the renovation of a church building, they encountered more than they first expected. The company’s founder and director SHEAHAN THORNE describes how the project developed.
Through an architect friend who attends the Hackney Evangelical Reformed Church on Lauriston Road, Victoria Park, we were initially asked to strip back elements of the building’s internal fabrics which was experiencing severe symptoms of dry rot and wet rot.
Read more: Church’s locally listed status adds to contractor’s challenges
Follow safety advice when using ladders – or you could descend into chaos
When working with ladders in churches or old buildings – which often have high ceilings and hard-to-reach places – it’s essential to follow safety guidelines, to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of those involved. There are some key points to consider.
Read more: Follow safety advice when using ladders – or you could descend into chaos
Milestone church gets 21st-century upgrade
In 1895 there were about 100 Catholics in the Colwyn Bay area and Mass was celebrated in a private house in the town. However, on Sunday Mass was celebrated in a large room in the Imperial Hotel.
The year 1898 was a milestone for the Colwyn Bay Mission. In January of that year, at the invitation of the bishop, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate – a priestly order – took charge of the mission. The order is still serving the parish today.
Pioneering tiling restorer just keeps adding to his achievements
Steve Sinnott can be said to be a man with a mission. That mission is to restore as many historic tiled floors and walls as he can, whether they are listed or not: so they can be viewed and enjoyed once more – by their owners in the case of private residences or by the general public in the case of the many public buildings he has worked on.
Steve began his working life as a stone carver, but a contract that had a badly damaged marble mosaic floor changed his life. It took him nearly three years to restore that floor, involving the cutting of almost one million cubes, or tesserae. It proved to be Steve’s epiphany. Before long he had travelled to other countries to restore mosaic floors, but soon specialised in Victorian encaustic and geometric tile restoration. Encaustic tiles revolutionised tiled flooring by allowing several colours to be included in one tile. The resulting patterns epitomised Victorian tiled floors.
Read more: Pioneering tiling restorer just keeps adding to his achievements
‘Scope’ involvement sees ASWS earn refurb contract for historic Copthall House
As an acknowledged specialist in the restoration of steel and other metal windows, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) is regularly called upon to carry out surveys for client’s consultant teams in advance of major projects beginning. Copthall House in the City of London being one instance where its involvement in preparing a scope document led to the company being awarded a contract to carry out the demanding work.
Read more: ‘Scope’ involvement sees ASWS earn refurb contract for historic Copthall House
Magdalen College tower regains 16th-century lustre
Conservation specialist Peter Meehan ACR relates the story of the restoration of a storm damaged pinnacle in Oxford
Magdalen College is part of the University of Oxford and is located in the centre of the city to the east of the river Cherwell, with the Great Tower – also known as Magdalen Tower – sitting next to the High Street. The tower is an iconic piece of the college’s architecture and is currently listed Grade One by Historic England as part of what is known as the ‘Range’.
Read more: Magdalen College tower regains 16th-century lustre
Co-ordination allows numerous repairs to be carried out at once
Two contracts were recently undertaken together as a single project at the Grade One-listed church of St Mary in Aylesbury. The works included stonework repairs, repointing, leadwork repairs, window restoration, the introduction of isothermal glazing, furniture and flooring repairs, as well as renewal of the boiler flue and various other sundry works. St Mary’s is a nationally important church. The ancient edifice has Saxon origins and has undergone many visible periods of growth, alteration and restoration – resulting in the characterful and imposing church we see today. The church dominates the town centre of Aylesbury and is situated in a walled churchyard ringed by historic buildings which, in effect, creates a setting akin to a cathedral close.
Read more: Co-ordination allows numerous repairs to be carried out at once
York Handmade wins major award at the brick oscars
The York Handmade Brick Company, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country, has won a major honour in the prestigious 2024 Brick Awards.
York Handmade, based at Alne, near Easingwold, in North Yorkshire, triumphed in the Craftsmanship category for the company’s work on 5 St Frederick’s Place in the heart of City of London.
Read more: York Handmade wins major award at the brick oscars
LCA Murdoch award winners turn their hand to conserving and restoring the roof of Salisbury Cathedral Museum
Established in 1860, the Salisbury Museum also features notable exhibits that will captivate future generations eager to learn about Salisbury’s rich medieval history and connect with their past. The museum showcases its architectural marvels, including the renowned Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts the tallest spire in the United Kingdom. The Salisbury Museum is located in a Grade I- listed building called The King’s House.
Christmas services need great music!
Finding good, reliable organists or musicians for church services is becoming increasingly difficult for churches of all denominations. The Hymnal Plus is the ultimate worship music solution - an ideal digital hymnal system to fill the gap for those who have no instrument or simply want good traditional digital church music.
Installing a clay tile roof: a step-by-step guide by Dude & Arnette
Clay tile roofs are a popular choice due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and ability to withstand all sorts of weather conditions. If you’re considering going full steam ahead on the DIY and installing a clay tile roof yourself on your home, it’s important to understand the process involved so as to best avoid any casualties! In this step-by-step guide, we will outline the process of installing a clay tile roof to help make things as smooth as possible, or decide that you might need to call in a professional!
Read more: Installing a clay tile roof: a step-by-step guide by Dude & Arnette
Sightseeing from height in Brighton
One of the most famous and breathtaking locations to visit in Brighton is the landmark St Bartholomew’s Church. Known for its Gothic Revival architecture, the church was built between 1872 and 1874 and is one of the tallest churches in England.
Despite its simplicity, the interior’s vast open space is awe-inspiring. The church features a large pipe organ and several stained glass windows. St Bartholomew’s is a Grade One-listed building, marking its exceptional historical and architectural significance.
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