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Ecclesiastical & Heritage World Nimrod

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Ecclesistical & Heritage World No. 103

Heritage Ironwork: An Endangered Species

This seminar on 14 June is part of the BathIRON Festival of Iron organised by the National Heritage Iron Group between 14 - 17 June in Bath.

There is a fantastic line-up of speakers exploring various aspects of heritage ironwork, so this day is sure to be of interest to anyone who works in the field of built heritage, or simply has an interest in it.

Read more: Heritage Ironwork: An Endangered Species

£400,000 spring boost for the UK's historic churches

55 churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland that are set to benefit from rescue funding of £425,183 from the National Churches Trust, the UK’s church support charity.

Churches receiving grants from the National Churches Trust include:

  • St Botolph, Colchester, Essex. The Grade II Listed church receives a £10,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant to help fund urgent tower repairs.

Read more: £400,000 spring boost for the UK's historic churches

There's more to lightning protection than Franklin could have imagined

Most churches still rely on the traditional ‘tower only’ system of lightning protection, using a conductor mounted on the highest point of the church – the tower or steeple.

However, protection against lightning is also an essential element of the electrical installation of historic buildings of all kinds, many with large and complex structures. The ‘tower only’ system is unlikely to be appropriate and, indeed, the current British Standard BS EN 62305 recommends the more sophisticated Faraday cage system plus surge protection for electrical and telecoms equipment.

Read more: There's more to lightning protection than Franklin could have imagined

British Islamic heritage celebrated by Historic England

In March, two mosques in London were listed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England, in recognition of their historic, architectural and cultural importance.

The London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Regent’s Park (1970-77) has been listed at Grade II* and The Fazl Mosque, Southfields (1925-26) at Grade II.

In addition, two of Britain’s earliest Islamic places of worship have been given greater protection and recognition. Britain’s first purpose-built mosque, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking (1888-89), has been upgraded to Grade I and an important guesthouse on the site newly listed, while the home to Britain’s first functioning mosque, 8 Brougham Terrace in Liverpool, has been upgraded to Grade II*.

Read more: British Islamic heritage celebrated by Historic England

Lightning protection and steeplejacking apprentices honoured at SLPTG Apprentice Awards

Members of The Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) came together to celebrate the achievements of apprentices at the Apprentice Awards Dinner at the Oxfordshire Hotel on the 28 February.

Two apprentices who demonstrated outstanding individual achievement throughout their training were recognised with the following awards:

Read more: Lightning protection and steeplejacking apprentices honoured at SLPTG Apprentice Awards

Martin-Brooks finds church past can be read in lead

Sheffield roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, are adding their name to a roll call of craftsmen who have helped preserve an historic North Yorkshire church.

Whilst reconstructing the tower roof at grade I listed All Saints Church in the village of Bolton Percy, near York, the firm discovered the names of previous workmen engraved into the lead.

As part of the renovation, these areas of the roof were saved by Martin-Brooks and welded back into the new Code 8 lead covering in exactly the same place. A new stainless-steel shoe and lead slate were also incorporated for a flagpole.

Read more: Martin-Brooks finds church past can be read in lead

BLM announces photo competition winner

BLM has announced the winner of its inaugural photo competition held to discover the most authentic and diverse aspects of lead in situ.

The competition invited roofing and leadwork contractors to submit images of lead sheet used in a variety of roofing applications from impressive and inspiring projects.Kevin Bennett from K&M Leadwork Ltd was awarded first prize for his restoration of the village hall clock tower in Goring-on-Thames (pictured).

Kevin was appointed by the trustees of Goring-on-Thames Parish Council to undertake the replacement of the iconic local landmark and work to remove the original lead roof began in April 2016. The roof had lasted well but some of the lead detailing required altering to prevent its earlier failure, where the post arms meet the clock tower, from reoccurring. It took Kevin a total of 47 days spread over three months to finish the job due to the fact that the village hall was in use and there were times when no noise was permitted.

Read more: BLM announces photo competition winner

The Lead Sheet Association is now a new Training Academy offering lead and hard metal training

In March The Lead Sheet Association became the Lead Sheet Training Academy Ltd - however, although the name has changed, their focus remains the same. They are dedicated to providing first class training courses delivered by the country’s best tutors from their purpose built training centre in the heart of Kent. Their lead and hard metal training courses are the only courses of their kind which are approved and accredited by City & Guilds and CITB.

Read more: The Lead Sheet Association is now a new Training Academy offering lead and hard metal training

UK Roofing Awards finalists announced at Ecobuild

The finalists for the 2018 UK Roofing Awards have been announced. Beautiful structures, outstanding workmanship, superior problem solving, environmental qualities and contribution to the built environment have all been highlighted in the shortlist, released by NFRC (National Federation of Roofing Contractors) at this year’s ecobuild event.

The awards scheme, which is in its 12th consecutive year, is the most prestigious in the roofing sector and celebrates the very best in the industry across 14 categories.

Ecobuild show attendees also had the opportunity to cast their vote for the Industry Choice Award (sponsored by Radmat Building Products Ltd).

Read more: UK Roofing Awards finalists announced at Ecobuild

Rejuvenating tired external surfaces does not have to cost a fortune

Most of the discolourations are due to the presence of a biological layer, the biofilm. The appropriate use of a mild surface biocide is often all it takes to recover the original surface in a matter of days, the time it takes for the dead biofilm to disperse.

The biocide has to tick the right boxes for the task, Algoclear Pro - the market leader - is recommended by KRend. 

Read more: Rejuvenating tired external surfaces does not have to cost a fortune

Enhancing worship in the Heart of England

Nestled in the Parish of Salford Priors in the Heart of England, midway between the towns of Evesham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Redditch, stands St Matthew's Anglican Church.

Mentioned in William the Conqueror’s great survey of 1086, more commonly known as the Domesday Book, the Norman influence can be clearly seen in the architecture of the original church. The south side of the church features an unusual semi octagonal tower which may have been a beacon tower to guide travellers across the often flooded meadows and the rivers Arrow and Avon.

The church continues to be a beacon to the local community and beyond through various activities and services held throughout the week. Recent refurbishments have seen the South Aisle pews replaced with chairs to provide a flexible, inviting space and the platform area has been extended with ramped access included.

Read more: Enhancing worship in the Heart of England

A Perry launches new market leading black antique ironmongery range

Reinforcing its long established West Midlands roots, A Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd, a leading independent, family-owned British manufacturer and supplier, is introducing Old Hill Ironworks, a high-quality door furniture range which specialises in black antique ironmongery originating from the heart of the Black Country.

The products are designed to appeal to consumers through their premium components, superior finish, 12-year mechanical guarantee plus pricing which potentially delivers higher profit margins for distributors and stockists.

Read more: A Perry launches new market leading black antique ironmongery range

Best-Selling Crematorium Furniture

Rosehill are often the contract furniture supplier of choice for the bereavement and crematorium sector. We’ve been supplying quality furniture to funeral directors across the UK for over 3 decades offering a wide selection of seating and bespoke sanctuary items.

This blog post covers our best-selling items for crematoriums making it easier for you to choose and order your furniture with Rosehill.

Read more: Best-Selling Crematorium Furniture

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