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Revealing the roofs other surveys cannot reach

Tuffin Ferraby Taylor (TFT), a leading independent property and construction consultancy, has used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in a roof inspection survey of two historic buildings in Windsor for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

TFT faced the challenge of providing a comprehensive roof survey of the listed Guildhall and Theatre Royal but roof access was limited by normal means. With the Changing of the Guard parade for close-by Windsor Castle passing the buildings daily, closing the road to allow access for a hydraulic platform to view the roofs was not possible in the timescale and inspection from roof hatches was limited.

Tudor wins "Best Roofing Product" award 2014

Tudor Roof Tiles Co Ltd, Britain's foremost independent handmade clay roof tile manufacturer, has won the prestigious 2014 ‘Build It Award’ in the category of ‘Best Roofing Product’.

The company received this accolade for its historically authentic range of handmade peg and plain clay tiles,which add value to new build projectsas well ascomplementing older styled or period properties in conservation areas.

A new life for Welsh chapels?

Judith Alfrey, head of conservation and policy at Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, explains how the physical survival of the Welsh chapel is as important for today’s society and future generations as it was for communities in the past. But, sometimes, for different reasons…

In Wales, you will never be very far from a chapel: they stud our towns and are often the focal points of remote upland settlements. These instantly recognisable nonconformist places of worship are a distinctive and familiar feature of the landscape.

Hidden 200 year-old Swiss Garden reveals its rare Regency treasures

A little-known Swiss Garden created in the heart of Bedfordshire in the early 1800s has been saved from decay thanks to a £2.8m Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, which has funded vital restoration to its crumbling fairytale-style landscape and buildings.

Looking as though it has stepped off the pages of a European children's storybook, its quirky buildings, bridges and ornamental structures, act as focal points on a magical journey along woodland paths, through grassy glades and past tumbling water. Its makeover has transported the nine-acre garden back to its Regency appearance, when its creator, Lord Robert Henley Ongley dropped this 'alpine' landscape into its unlikely Bedfordshire setting close to Biggleswade.

Grants for the conservation of clocks by ChurchCare

All mechanical clocks in anglican churches in England are eligible, including early electro-mechanical clocks.

The project must involve overhaul and repair of the movement and/or dial motionwork. Repair and redecoration of the dial itself is only considered when the dial is ancient and of historical interest and the treatment is conservation-based.

A 'magical' project by Sebastian Wakefield

This room was Georgian addition to a much earlier priory, the client had added dado panelling. They had used mdf and tulip wood, both cheap. Sebastian Wakefield was then employed to grain all the woodwork.

The room was furnished with the client's collection of Beidermeier furniture.

Purcell completes Tower Bridge high level walkways

Tower Bridge has unveiled two new glass floors across its high-level walkways, enabling visitors to view a bridge lift from a wholly new and unique perspective. Purcell were the architects responsible for introducing the glass floors into the Grade I listed structure and improve the accessibility of Tower Bridge.

The £1m scheme, spearheaded by Bridge House Estates and the City of London Corporation, coincides with the 120th birthday year of the opening of Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge exhibition first opened in 1982, and the project has enabled its refurbishment, while the new glass floors provide an exciting addition to a remarkable historic landmark.

Busy heating installer is awarded multiple commissions

Back in 2012 Holy Trinity Church in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire (pictured), was in need of a replacement for its central heating system. After the job had been put out to tender, church heating specialists Mellor and Mottram of Stoke-on-Trent were appointed to carry out the installation. The job went well and the new heating system has proven to be a reliable and efficient system for the church and its parishioners.

Historic Cumbrian church roof protected by ballistics-inspired anti-theft technology

An historic Cumbrian church which has been the target of lead thieves to its roof is now being “guarded” by ballistics-inspired technology.

St Michael and All Angels Church, in Beetham, has turned to Trace-in-Metal to help shield its lead roof and flashings from criminals, because its Grade 1 Listed status makes it difficult to protect due to strict planning controls.

What to consider when buying church chairs

Chairs are of the utmost importance to any church and will quite often see much heavier use than in most comparable environments. As such, it's in the best interests of any church to think carefully before investing in any chairs for public use, as the right folding chairs and furniture have the potential to last a lifetime.

George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory

When a client bought this lovely George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest in to the workshop of Somerset based Pye Antiques Restoration, it was in desperate need of restoration to its original glory.

The chest suffered from many problems. The top substructure was comprehensively split with bubbles and missing veneer. It was also off-kilter when open.

Stained glass restoration by Classic Glass Studios

Stained glass window restoration is a four step process that involves the removal, disassemble, reassemble, and installation of the window. During this process the stone mullions are checked for possible damage or need for repair. The average window size would take about two weeks for a restoration.

How drones can help heritage

Any regular traveller on the East Coast main line or the A1 will be familiar with the dramatic sight of the spire of St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley, sitting on top of its hill, visible for many miles across the flat landscapes of the fens – even more so at night when it is floodlight, writes Peter Slinger RIBA, CA of Cambridge UAV. Early last year, I was invited to become the quinquenial architect for St. Peter’s and together with the Churchwardens, started planning for the forthcoming inspection.

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