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

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

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...

Read more: Royton Town Hall restoration uncovers hidden treasures as community welcomes transformation

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.

Read more: Milestone church gets 21st-century upgrade

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

‘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

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.

Read more: New sound system for St Peter’s Church, Hever

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

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

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.

Read more: LCA Murdoch award winners turn their hand to conserving and restoring the roof of Salisbury...

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

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