Current Issue
A new life for Welsh chapels?
Judith Alfrey, head of conservation and policy at Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, explains how the physical survival of the Welsh chapel is as important for today’s society and future generations as it was for communities in the past. But, sometimes, for different reasons…
In Wales, you will never be very far from a chapel: they stud our towns and are often the focal points of remote upland settlements. These instantly recognisable nonconformist places of worship are a distinctive and familiar feature of the landscape.
Grants for the conservation of clocks by ChurchCare
All mechanical clocks in anglican churches in England are eligible, including early electro-mechanical clocks.
The project must involve overhaul and repair of the movement and/or dial motionwork. Repair and redecoration of the dial itself is only considered when the dial is ancient and of historical interest and the treatment is conservation-based.
Read more: Grants for the conservation of clocks by ChurchCare
Scotland rules the Murdoch Awards
Coming hot on the heels of the Referendum Vote, Scotland was once more the focus of attention at the Gala Dinner which traditionally concludes the Annual Conference of the Lead Contractors Association.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the Murdoch Award and Murdoch Sponsors Award, the ultimate accolade for those engaged in the historic craft of working with lead, whose skills remain so much in demand today.
Purcell completes Tower Bridge high level walkways
Tower Bridge has unveiled two new glass floors across its high-level walkways, enabling visitors to view a bridge lift from a wholly new and unique perspective. Purcell were the architects responsible for introducing the glass floors into the Grade I listed structure and improve the accessibility of Tower Bridge.
The £1m scheme, spearheaded by Bridge House Estates and the City of London Corporation, coincides with the 120th birthday year of the opening of Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge exhibition first opened in 1982, and the project has enabled its refurbishment, while the new glass floors provide an exciting addition to a remarkable historic landmark.
Read more: Purcell completes Tower Bridge high level walkways
Northcot Brick launches the 'Old Scotch Common'
Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s independent brick manufacturers, has launched the ‘Old Scotch Common’, a new line of traditional wire cut bricks, which replicates the appearance of the old ‘Giscol’ Scotch Common.
Widely used in industrial towns in the North of England, the original Giscol common brick, which was made from shale clays, was well known for its rough-cast hard burnt appearance, perforated surface and colour variation.
Historic Cumbrian church roof protected by ballistics-inspired anti-theft technology
An historic Cumbrian church which has been the target of lead thieves to its roof is now being “guarded” by ballistics-inspired technology.
St Michael and All Angels Church, in Beetham, has turned to Trace-in-Metal to help shield its lead roof and flashings from criminals, because its Grade 1 Listed status makes it difficult to protect due to strict planning controls.
Read more: Historic Cumbrian church roof protected by ballistics-inspired anti-theft technology
Northcot Brick is awarded 'Certificate of Quality' by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
Northcot Brick, one of the UK’s independent brick manufacturers, has been awarded membership of the Guild of Master Craftsmen in recognition of its skill and excellence in traditional brickmaking.
Read more: Northcot Brick is awarded 'Certificate of Quality' by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory
When a client bought this lovely George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest in to the workshop of Somerset based Pye Antiques Restoration, it was in desperate need of restoration to its original glory.
The chest suffered from many problems. The top substructure was comprehensively split with bubbles and missing veneer. It was also off-kilter when open.
Read more: George II Walnut Bachelor's Chest restored to former glory
Seeking award-winning heritage roofs
Entries are now being accepted for the UK Roofing Awards 2015. The awards, which recognise and reward outstanding levels of workmanship and safety among competent roofing contractors, are open to those companies who are members of one of the supporting trade associations, including the National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Submissions from manufacturers, architects and specifiers are also welcome.
Arguably one of the most prestigious categories, and always hotly contested, is that for Heritage Roofing.
How drones can help heritage
Any regular traveller on the East Coast main line or the A1 will be familiar with the dramatic sight of the spire of St. Peter’s Church, Yaxley, sitting on top of its hill, visible for many miles across the flat landscapes of the fens – even more so at night when it is floodlight, writes Peter Slinger RIBA, CA of Cambridge UAV. Early last year, I was invited to become the quinquenial architect for St. Peter’s and together with the Churchwardens, started planning for the forthcoming inspection.
Hi-tech deterrent means churches can now be 'shot' of lead thieves
Instances of metal theft - in particular theft of lead from churches - have seen a reduction from the levels of only a couple of years ago, thanks in great part to the combination of more proactive policing across the country and the introduction of the Scrap Metal Dealers (SMD) Act in October last year.
Unfortunately, that will be of little comfort to the congregations and PCCs of churches across the country who have recently fallen victim to the crime, which seems to happen in clusters.
Read more: Hi-tech deterrent means churches can now be 'shot' of lead thieves
DRU Kamara wall heaters provide comfort and efficiency to rural village church
St Peter’s Anglican church is in the picturesque rural village of Stoke Lyne, near Bicester, Oxfordshire. It dates back to Norman times and still has several 12th century features. These include a priest’s doorway in the chancel, a chancel arch, three small lancet windows and the main south doorway.
Read more: DRU Kamara wall heaters provide comfort and efficiency to rural village church
What can still look great after working hard for a hundred years?
If you’re looking for the very best quality and longest lasting guttering system on the market, cast iron is the ultimate material for rainwater disposal.
Ideal and often obligatory on our oldest buildings, a cast iron system should last fifty to one hundred years with sensible maintenance. Although it will be the most expensive system to purchase, it still represents great life time value when you factor in longevity.
Read more: What can still look great after working hard for a hundred years?
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