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Heritage Roofing
Heritage roofing - maintaining our iconic buildings
The UK is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world, from stunning churches and cathedrals to historic stately homes. Each and every one of these remarkable feats of architecture requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain in the very best condition, allowing them to be enjoyed for generations.
Cathedral Care
Restoration and upkeep of cathedrals
There are some 42 Anglican cathedrals in the UK, not to mention 20 or so Catholic cathedrals. Cathedrals form the most important collection of historic buildings in England. The largest and most ancient are internationally famous, the smallest are usually among the most significant buildings in their region and even the most recent are architectural masterpieces.
Master Craftsmen
Championing our heritage with modern craftsmanship
Twenty years ago, English Heritage (now Historic England) published its first-ever Register of Buildings at Risk across England, which featured nearly 2,000 buildings and monuments that were ‘neglected, broken and unloved’. Recently Historic England was delighted to announce that over two-thirds of those buildings were now safe, in both urban and rural areas right across the country.
Traditional Lime
Lime: it’s better for buildings – and for the environment
It is now fairly well known that cement is not good for old buildings and that lime mortar should be used. But why? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? In order to begin to answer those questions it is necessary to understand the nature of traditional building, the process by which buildings used to be built, and how it differs from modern construction, the process by which we build today.
Audio Visual
Audio visual equipment in church buildings
This guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council under section 55(1)(d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.
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CRE Events
After the Midlands, onward to Milton Keynes
"CRE Midlands reminded me of the giddy days when it first began – the venue was packed with exhibitors and visitors and there was a busy atmosphere. The whole thing looked great."
Insurance
You need to ensure that reasonable precautions are in place at your church to keep it safe for those who use it. To do this, you need to think about what might cause harm to people.
You will then need to decide if the precautions already in place are adequate. If they are not, you may need to identify further action to prevent any danger. When done formally, this is known as a risk assessment.
Church Maintenance
Church maintenance and repair: Calendar of Care
Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. Church Care offers a monthly guide in our coming issues Starting in Spring
We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.
Pest Control
Michael Palin warns of pest threat to churches
Michael Palin is supporting the future of the UK’s historic churches and chapels with a voiceover for a new animated film. The 80 second animation, produced for the National Churches Trust, highlights why churches are some of the nation’s best loved buildings.
Town Halls
The history of the great Victorian Town Halls of Northern England
From industrial squalor to civic pride, the story behind some of the most impressive buildings of the North involve a unique mix of economics, grand designs and noble sentiments within communities.
Lead Roofing
Lead is one of the oldest materials in the roofing industry and is still commonly used throughout the world today.
Lead roofing is a traditional roofing method which has been used in the industry for hundreds of years, and is therefore proven to be extremely reliable. Lead roofing, and sand-cast lead, in particular is ideal for old buildings such as churches or historical renovations, whereas milled lead roofing is a mass-produced alternative, used for precision and accuracy in homes and commercial buildings alike.
Lightning Protection
When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?
The issue of lightning protection in churches is one that has exercised this publication for many years. In this four-part series of spotlights on the issue we will be revisiting various aspects of the subject, beginning with an overview of current thinking.
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Welsh town centres win £2.5m Heritage Lottery regeneration boost
Two Welsh towns are to receive a much-needed boost of £2.5m, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced today (14 May, 2010). The money has been earmarked for Pontmorlais and Cefn Mawr and will help fund vital regeneration schemes.
Whitechapel wins £1.4 million Heritage Lottery regeneration boost
Whitechapel Road is to be given a major makeover, thanks to a grant of almost £1.4 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), it was announced today.
This Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) will become part of a wider £10m regeneration scheme named ‘High Street 2012’ that also plans to provide public realm improvements, community, art and heritage events as it rejuvenates the area.
Opportunities to join our Scotland and Wales Committees
We are recruiting two Member vacancies on our Committee for Scotland and three Member vacancies on our Committee for Wales. Committees take decisions on all requests between £50,000 and £1million and provide a crucial country perspective to the HLF Board on larger grants, targeted initiatives and on regional priorities.
These posts present an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to, and enthusiasm for the UK's diverse heritage.
Town centres win £14m Heritage Lottery regeneration boost
Eleven town centres across the UK are to receive a much-needed boost of £14m, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) announced today. The earmarked¹ money will help fund vital community regeneration schemes in these currently neglected areas.
This investment is part of the HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) which has invested nearly £200m since 1998 into regenerating towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline.
Carole Souter, Chief Executive of the HLF, said:
World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre
Planning permission granted by Camden Council
The Trustees of the British Museum are delighted that Camden Council has given planning permission for the World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre. The building will ensure the British Museum can meet its fundamental obligations of preserving, researching, displaying and lending this unparalleled collection for future generations. The building will ensure the British Museum remains one of the world’s leading museums, a civic space serving a local, national and international audience.
RAR Ceramics create the model home
Real properties owned by people who take pride in their homes and gardens are captured in the handcrafted and unique ceramic models made by Nottinghamshire based artist Richard Rogers of RAR Ceramics. With over 30 years experience in art and ceramics, his business now takes him all over the UK from Scotland to Sussex, South Wales to Norfolk, making models of a rich variety of homes. These have included converted stable blocks, rectories and other listed buildings, some dating back to the 1400’s, and also a number of modern properties.
Planning Policy Statement 5 (PPS5): Planning For The Historic Environment
Published by the Department of Communities and Local Government on 23 March 2010(Note prepared by Tony Allen, DMH Stallard)
PPS5 replaces Planning Policy Guidance Note 15 and will apply to all planning decisions affecting “Heritage Assets” taken after 23 March 2010. English Heritage have published simultaneously their “Historic Environment Planning Practice Guide”.
Think about it; it’s probably there. Asbestos: hidden killer
by PETER AUSTIN, manager of ACAD, the Asbestos Control and Abatement Division of the Thermal Insulation Contractors’ Association (TICA)As I travel around the UK I often look and marvel at our churches and cathedrals. I am impressed by their beauty and design and I am in awe of the skills of the craftsman who built those magnificent buildings. I also often wonder at the spiritual meaning of the buildings and if other people who have lived, worked and worshipped in them were moved as I am by their reassuringly constant presence in our communities.
Click HERE to view a selection of asbestos specialists in our online directory
National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register identifies quality
NFRC officially launched the development of a National heritage roofing contractor’s register in January 2008 and it is constantly updated. The register aims to identify reliable and suitably qualified heritage roofing specialists who have a good track record in carrying out roofing work to historic buildings.Click HERE to find a selection of specialist heritage NFRC Members
Palace project contracts awarded
York company plays key role in scottish palace recreationHistoric Scotland is delighted to announce the award of a series of specialist contracts for its ongoing Stirling Castle Palace Project.
The contracts are part of a £12 million scheme, which will see the royal palace of James V returned to how it may have looked in its mid-16th century heyday. Among the successful bidders is Chris Topp & Co, of North Yorkshire, which will create metalwork for the palace, including fire irons of the type that would have been essential in helping keep the palace warm for the royal family and courtiers.
To find out more about Chris Topp click HERE and view their entry in our online directory
The British Quarry that Stands the Test of Time
Ladycross Quarry, situated in the middle of Slaley Forest, is one of the few remaining quarries in England where the stone is won by hand. The layers are separated by very level bedding planes. This means that the stone can be worked by hammer and wedge as it is used throughout the ages, and no explosives are used.Electronic Enhancement for Traditional Worship
Bob Dunbar of Random Sounds has a history of over twenty- four years of developing specialist installations in places of religious worship embracing a wide range of amplification techniques.The varied styles of worship in the modern world demand a wide range of systems.
Police Leadership College gets Ellis & Co treatment
In August 2008, Ellis & Co. of Shepton Mallet, Somerset commenced masonry & roofing works to Bramshill Mansion, a Grade I listed building and Grade II* listed landscape, which is currently The National College of Police Leadership. Works continue with Ellis supplying a team of Masons/Conservators working both on site and in their banker shop to conserve and where necessary replace masonry and brickwork and Carpenters, Tilers and Leadworkers working on the building’s roofs.
Finding a craftsman
Finding a reliable and honest tradesman these days can be a minefield. It’s difficult enough just avoiding the cowboys for jobs around the house let alone for specialist jobs for heritage and ecclesiastical work where high levels of skill and competence are needed. The Guild of Master Craftsmen only accepts members who can prove their skill and integrity which is why they are always in demand.Click HERE to see Guild members’ profiles
Listed Property Show sees 35% increase in visitor numbers
The fourth Listed Property Show has been hailed as the most successful ever by the exhibitors and visitors. The 2010 show closed its doors on 21 February, at the end of the two-day event, with an increase in attendance of over 35% – to 5,743. The number of exhibitors rose by 20%.
Click HERE to view selected exhibitor profiles
So far so good! Two years of traditional metal roofing federation
IAN HARVEY, the new chairman of the Federation of Traditional Metal Roofing Contractors, reflects on the first two years of the federation and its efforts to introduce and police quality standards in traditional metal roofing.
In stepping into David White’s shoes as chairman of the FTMRC, I can’t help but reflect on his parting statement: “So far, so good; but we have a long way to go.” That is certainly very true, but at least under David’s leadership we have laid firm foundations and I look upon it as now being my job to build upon those foundations as we continue to progress within the roofing sector of UK construction.
Click HERE to see the federation members’ profiles
Lewes Priory to be brought to life thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund grant
One of the most important historical buildings in South East England, Grade I listed Lewes Priory, is to be transformed into a top visitor attraction thanks to a confirmed* Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £545,500.
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