Current Issue
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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Historic church provides a happy ending for young couple
The Churches Conservation Trust are pleased to have helped a young couple in the Lake District to find and purchase a church that they will turn into their home in one of the most expensive property hot spots in England.
The CCT have owned St John the Baptist since 1993. The church is unlisted so they decided to seek an alternative use for it to help secure its future. In collaboration with locals, the Regeneration Taskforce identified the lack of housing for young people as a key issue in the area. High house prices coupled with a lack of suitable land on which to build affordable housing has led to many young people leaving the area.
A pane-staking restoration in South Yorkshire
A stunning Victorian conservatory at Wentworth Castle in Stainborough near Barnsley, one of the finest examples of its kind anywhere, has been painstakingly and faithfully restored to its former glory.
William Anelay Ltd, a building firm established in 1747, was charged with the task of delivering a complex 12 month project, in conjunction with architects Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams that involved the complete restoration of the conservatory and the construction of an adjoining new build extension with visitor area, shop and cafe facilities.
DRU wood fires and stoves division re-branded as DG Fires in the UK
DRU Verwarming BV, which is a leading European manufacturer of contemporary gas and wood burning fires, has announced that its wood fires and stoves have been re-branded as DG Fires in the UK.
DRU acquired the famous Dutch wood stove company Dik Geurts back in 2007. Since then, the production of all Dik Geurts products has been moved to DRU’s central factory at Duiven in the Netherlands, including the development of new models specially designed for the UK fireplace market.
SLPTG Celebrates Apprentices at Annual Awards
The Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG) Apprentice Awards which recognise the achievements of apprentices in the sector were presented at the National Construction College (NCC) - East on 12 December 2013. There were 12 awards chosen by NCC instructors, including Best Academic Achievement, Best Technical Application (Lightning Conductor) and Highest Attention to Safety (Steeplejack), for those apprentices who excelled during their 2-year training.
Prussian regal legacy honours innovative church repair project
In November it was announced that the King of Prussia’s Gold Medal for 2013 has been awarded to John Bailey of Thomas Ford & Partners, for the project to preserve and repair All Saints’ Church at Westbere in Kent.
County Durham company scales new NE heights winning more work
A Darlington specialist repair and maintenance business has secured in the region of £200,000 worth of new contracts around the North East.
Stone Technical Services, experts in the fields of high level, historic and general maintenance, is working on a variety of contracts across its home region.
Firs House - The restoration of a historic listed property
The renovation of a historic period house can be a challenging and rewarding, but also a heartbreaking experience, particularly when you see your ‘labour of love’ burn down and have to start the whole restoration process again.
What the Beck? Historic home heated by river heat pump
A stunning waterside property in the village of Crakehall near Bedale, North Yorkshire, has been fitted with an innovative water source heat pump system which generates its energy from Bedale Beck.
York Minster 'Upcycles'
The new stands, are each over two metres high, were designed by Chris Topp & Co Architectural Metalworks at Tholthorpe near York, they were made to replace old wooden stands which had been used to hold candles for night-time services. They used metal from the Skidmore altar railing, which had sat in storage at York Minster for many years after being removed from use.
A church where installation started before the contract had been awarded
Kernow Installations, prominent member of the ISCE, has been installing sound systems in churches and chapels since 1985 and have completed more than fifty to date including a Cathedral.
Decorative Leadwork - Reflecting the skill of early craftsmen
Beaten, twisted, cut or cast, ornate designs bear out the skill and artistry of early craftsmen. And surviving examples are under threat. Douglas Kent, SPAB Technical Secretary, elaborates and answers some FAQ's.
American white oak brings serenity to the Chapel of St Albert the Great
The new chapel is a peaceful and warm structure that brings students, staff and local residents together.
The Chapel of Saint Albert the Great, which has been serving students and staff, and the wider community since 1931, is situated on George Square at the University of Edinburgh. The chapel, designed by Simpson & Brown Architects was completed in late 2012 and aims to provide a modern space for worship but also to increase capacity and improve accessibility.
New Bristol based plaster company Thompson Lewis Ltd opens
This new company is made up of Conrad Thompson, Sculptor and designer, and Bob Lewis ex-Technical Director of the Bristol plaster firm Hayles and Howe Ltd.
Bob Lewis has been plastering for 35 years, many of those years at Hayles and Howe where he helped devise many of their techniques.
Restoration of Historic Ornamental Lead
Pictured here is a lead bowl in a very sorry state. The second of the 2 pictures is one that Lawrence Weaver used in the 1909 book English Leadwork, its Art and History Ornamental lead craftsman, Brian Turner has been commissioned to repair restore and conserve this challenging work of art.
The Plumber that made this bowl was A B Laidler; it was made by bossing it out of a 6 foot 6 inches code 10 sheet of lead.
Fire devastated church receives Fullers Finer treatment
After a devastating fire at Trinity Methodist Church in Kidderminster, Fullers Finer Furniture were commissioned to undertake the work of producing new sanctuary furniture. All the pieces were crafted from Ash and American Black Walnut.
Art House, Crouch End - coming soon off Broadway
ARTHOUSE, Crouch End’s unique new cultural venue is set to open at the end of 2013. ARTHOUSE is working in partnership with CURZON CINEMAS (London’s leading art house cinema chain), combining cinema, theatre, dance, music, comedy and its own bar/café. ARTHOUSE offers unlimited opportunities for enjoyment and participation in the arts for Crouch End and beyond - welcoming both local and international productions, cinema and performers.
Local roofing company has the West Country covered
The front cover of this issue shows the impressive re-roofing project at the central Post Office in Bath. The project, including the intricate leadwork on the skylight, was carried out by local firm Young's Roofing Ltd. It is just one example of the impressive scope of roofing work the company accomplishes.
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