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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.
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.
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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Sean Rafferty and John Mark Ainsley launch Musicians Benevolent Fund 90th year celebrations
Last night, the Musicians Benevolent Fund launched its 90th year with a special fundraising event at the Swiss Church, Covent Garden. A Date to Remember featured music from John Mark Ainsley (tenor), Simon Lepper (piano) and the Badke Quartet, remembering the life of tenor Gervase Elwes whose unexpected death in 1921 caused his friends to set up the Musicians Benevolent Fund 90 years ago today.
Guests were treated to a performance of Gervase Elwes' signature song-cycle, Vaughan Williams' On Wenlock Edge as well as hearing Elwes' interpretation recorded in 1917 and reproduced on a 1928 EMG Handmade gramophone. Radio 3's In Tune presenter Sean Rafferty hosted the evening and lead discussions with the performers on the song-cycle and Elwes' interpretation.
One musician who the Fund helped at an early stage in his career was Thomas Gould, a leading young British violinist who last night was performing with the Badke Quartet. Thomas said it was a "fantastic pleasure to be involved in the night's celebration. The help the Fund offered me and countless others was truly helpful in making the transition from student to professional."
Last night’s celebratory event also marked the launch of the Fund’s 90 years: 90 big ideas campaign which will see 90 events taking place throughout the year, across the UK. Many musicians and music-lovers have already offered their support with varied events from 90 themed quiz nights and concerts to marathon running. Each one will support the Fund and its work.
David Sulkin, Chief Executive of the Musicians Benevolent Fund (pictured with gramophone, right) comments “Over the years this work has evolved and enabled us to help musicians at all stages of their careers from young post-graduates to frail and vulnerable musicians who we help stay in their own homes as long as they can, close to friends and family. As well as looking back, the Fund is looking ahead.......”
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