Stonehenge funding package unveiled

The on-off saga of sorting out the roads around Stonehenge and building a proper visitor centre seems to be back on track after ministers announced two important measures which could mean work finally starting as early as next year.

Work to create new visitor centre and make road improvements could start next year after financial announcements by ministers

The closeness of the A344 to the stones near Salisbury, as well as the visitor facilities described by the public accounts committee in 1993 as a "national disgrace", have long been a problem in need of fixing. Government funding for the latest project was axed as part of £73m of savings announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sports in June.

Read more: Stonehenge funding package unveiled

Today, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced confirmed funding¹ of £11m for five heritage sites across the UK.

Middlesbrough’s landmark Transporter Bridge; World War II submarine HMS Alliance in Gosport; 19th-century Penarth Pier and Pavilion on the South Glamorgan coast; Grade I listed Wakefield Cathedral, West Yorkshire; and one of the last surviving ‘winter gardens’, Wentworth Castle Conservatory in Barnsley, will all benefit from the financial boost.

Initial HLF support² was also awarded to four projects enabling them to develop plans to apply for a full grant at a later date. These include support for a ‘saloon-style’ Music Hall in London and a new home for the National Horseracing Museum.

Read more: Today, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced confirmed funding¹ of £11m for five heritage...

£20m station overhaul by BDP includes a new transparent roof

BDP has revealed designs for its £20m proposed overhaul of Manchester Victoria rail station.

The plans include a new transparent roof made of ETFE – the same material used on the Eden Project.

The revamp will also includes refurbishment and renewal of the grade II listed station building.

Read more: £20m station overhaul by BDP includes a new transparent roof

CHESTER LEADS THE HERITAGE FIELD

Chester Civic Trust New Year’s Honours 2011 AWARD For Gary Drostle
 
Home of a Goddess, Named after a King, Gift of a Duke

A three dimensional mosaic story stone unveiled this Autumn in Edgar’s Field Park in Chester formed the focal feature of the award winning playground refurbishment.
This unusual three dimensional mosaic sits surrounded by a haiku in bronze mosaic lettering. The project commissioned by Cheshire West and Chester Council, aims to highlight the rich heritage of the park.

Read more: CHESTER LEADS THE HERITAGE FIELD

Historic Scotland brings medieval construction to Glasgow Science Festival

Historic Scotland is joining forces with Glasgow Science Festival for the first time to present the past, present and future of construction at this year’s Glasgow Science Festival. 

On Sunday 12th June, families can come along to Glasgow Cathedral and St Mungo’s Museum to take part in a range of free activities that highlight the science and technology behind medieval and modern engineering, from tower building to renewable energy.  The event starts at 11am and runs until 4pm.

Read more: Historic Scotland brings medieval construction to Glasgow Science Festival

Award Winning Plaza at the regional RICS Awards

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awarded their top awards to the Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre on the evening of Monday 16th May in a glittering event focusing on the achievements of regional heritage, restoration and building projects.

The RICS was founded in 1868 and granted a royal charter by Queen Victoria in 1881 which required the institution "to maintain and promote the usefulness of the profession for the public advantage".

Read more: Award Winning Plaza at the regional RICS Awards

Mansell Lands £3m Project To Restore Historic Tynemouth Station

 
Mansell has landed a £3 million contract to restore Grade II listed Tynemouth Station in North Shields for Station Developments Ltd.

The structural work includes preservation of the existing cast iron canopy structure and replacement of the roof glazing alongside repairs to stonework, lead work, gutters and platforms.

Read more: Mansell Lands £3m Project To Restore Historic Tynemouth Station

Modern Training with a History

We can trace our roots back over 100 years, but we were officially founded in 1919. Since the early days we have offered distance learning courses, initially through correspondence courses and most recently using our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment.
Since 1967 we have delivered our courses only through distance learning. We remain an entirely independent self-funded charity.
CEM milestones

Read more: Modern Training with a History

INNOVATIVE ROMAN LEARNING EXPERIENCES PROVE A HIT WITH TEACHERS

Teachers are finding it easier than ever to give children an interactive experience of life in Roman Britain, thanks to a unique new teaching resource inspired by Wroxeter Roman City and the new Roman Town House which has been built there.
 
A trip to Roman site can bring the subject alive like nothing else, especially when supported by the landmark new resource - a ten minute film created by students for younger students following the primary curriculum.

Read more: INNOVATIVE ROMAN LEARNING EXPERIENCES PROVE A HIT WITH TEACHERS

It's not just the weather that can be hazardous!

Surrey based Gillett & Johnston has been supplying and installing clocks, bells and weathervanes since 1844 and are one of a few specialist companies capable of carrying out restoration of this type of equipment. 

Recently they were contacted by St John's Church in Bethnal Green because the weathervane was in danger of becoming a safety hazard.

Read more: It's not just the weather that can be hazardous!