Marley Alutec helps to save Aqueduct Cottage

Marley Alutec guttering solutions have been installed during a refurbishment project at Aqueduct Cottage in Derbyshire. The volunteer-led project specified the company’s solutions to ensure a long-lasting, durable installation on the historic building without the need to bring in any external tradespeople.

First built in 1802, Aqueduct Cottage is a grade II listed building, which sits alongside the banks of the Cromford Canal in rural Derbyshire. Unfortunately, following years of neglect, the cottage had fallen into a state of disrepair. However, since 2016, a group called the ‘Friends of Aqueduct Cottage’have worked alongside the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and representatives from the Derbyshire Historic Building Trust to restore the building to its former glory.

Read more: Marley Alutec helps to save Aqueduct Cottage

Lighting installation works hand-in-hand with restoration project

The restoration and refurbishment project at the Church of St Mary the Virgin at Holne, on the slopes of Dartmoor in South Devon, was a long-term undertaking. As all involved are well aware, obtaining the necessary permissions and faculty for the medieval, Grade One-listed building took almost a decade. That included securing the funding! But, then again, it had been over 100 years since the last refurbishment – so upgrading the lighting was integral to the whole scheme.

Read more: Lighting installation works hand-in-hand with restoration project

Heritage charities invited to apply for Movement for Good 2023 large grants

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away a further £500,000 to support charity projects that have a lasting impact on communities.

For the fifth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities through its Movement for Good Awards. Applications for the large grants of £10,000 or more are open from Monday 3 July and close on Friday 28 July.

Read more: Heritage charities invited to apply for Movement for Good 2023 large grants

Guardians of the past, pioneers of the future: inside The National Trust’s modern restoration revolution

For over a century, the National Trust has stood as the custodian of England’s soul. Tasked with protecting thousands of miles of coastline, vast landscapes, and hundreds of historic buildings, the charity ensures that the nation's shared heritage remains intact for future generations. However, the nature of conservation is undergoing a radical shift. Today, heritage preservation is no longer just about freezing a moment in time or locking history behind velvet ropes.

In the modern era, the National Trust is actively carrying out and preparing for several major conservation, restoration, and redevelopment projects across its regional hubs. These initiatives represent a sophisticated balancing act: defending fragile centuries-old architecture while adapting properties to withstand climate change, boost local biodiversity, and welcome a more diverse, accessible modern public. From monumental textile rescues in the Midlands to massive multi-million-pound infrastructure overhauls in Yorkshire, a look across the Trust’s regional hubs reveals an organization at the peak of its modern preservation powers.

Read more: Guardians of the past, pioneers of the future: inside The National Trust’s modern restoration...

Un-lucky Strike

Last month, in just a single day, the UK was hit by more than 40,000 lightning strikes.

Pure gold for the press with dramatic and terrifying images literally flooding the news channels.

What the media didn’t show, however, was the indirect strikes and the resulting internal power surges causing damage to buildings and businesses across the country.

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Exterior lighting scheme is latest in a long line of special projects

Church lighting specialists Lighting Dynamics UK have recently designed and installed a dynamic and exciting ‘colour change’ exterior lighting project at the Roman Catholic Church of St Edward in Selly Park, in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

The church was designed in decorated gothic style by Henry Thomas Sandy of Stafford and the nave opened on 13 October 1902 by Edward Ilsley, Roman Catholic Bishop of Birmingham, and Samuel Webster Allen, Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury. The builder was William Bishop of King’s Heath.

Read more: Exterior lighting scheme is latest in a long line of special projects

Heritage charities celebrate share of £1million fund

Six heritage charities are celebrating today after receiving donations of £1,000 each as part of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards.

For the fifth year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance and Benefact Group are giving away £1million to charities through their Movement for Good awards. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 150 awards of £1,000 announced today. 

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£48m heritage funding opens for churches and historic buildings

Part of £1.5 billion government investment in cultural organisations over a five-year period

Thousands of churches and historic buildings across England could benefit from a major new £48 million funding package aimed at urgent repairs, regeneration projects and wider community use.

The funding, announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport alongside Historic England, opens three key schemes for applications, with a strong emphasis on supporting projects in areas facing economic hardship and fundraising challenges.

Read more: £48m heritage funding opens for churches and historic buildings

Conservators are aided behind the scenes by cutting-edge paper producers

CXD International – Conservation By Design – have been designing and furnishing conservation studios since 1992. Working in partnership with conservation professionals, they help them to obtain well-designed, high-quality furniture and equipment which fits their precise requirements. No two studios are alike, but over the years and through close involvement with conservators, they have designed and built a range of products that can be adapted to fit most needs.

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ATLAS publishes latest edition of 21st Century Steeplejack Campaign

ATLAS has published its latest edition of its 21st Century Steeplejack Campaign to raise awareness of the diverse range of access methods and services its members can offer, aware that many associate steeplejacks with only ladder access to churches.

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Grade 2-listed school amongst RIBA Regional Award triumphs for Michelmersh's bricks

For more than 180 years, the RIBA Awards have been commemorating exceptional accomplishments. Its esteemed awards and prizes are seen as a symbol of excellence worldwide, honouring first-class architecture, architects, research, and students. This year, Michelmersh was proud to see a wide range of its products used by five Regional RIBA Award winners, including the retrofit of the Grade 2-listed Houlton School in Rugby.

Read more: Grade 2-listed school amongst RIBA Regional Award triumphs for Michelmersh's bricks

Sound decision: Acoustic barriers keep your company compliant

In this modern world, urbanisation has led to a significant increase in noise pollution, affecting the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Excessive noise from construction sites, transportation hubs, and outdoor events can result in numerous health issues, neighbourhood complaints, and legal challenges.

Read more: Sound decision: Acoustic barriers keep your company compliant