Current Issue
Archaeological Exhumation with Respect for Funeral Traditions
Surprising Discoveries during Exhumations Of A Post Medieval London Cemetery
Church buildings are often found to be sites of hidden historical and archaeological interest writes Mark Toop, who has made a number of unusual and significant discoveries in his role as Exhumations Director at Rowland Brothers Funeral Directors. Here he reminisces over such instances during a lifelong career.
Mark Toop has worked alongside architects and archaeologists throughout his professional life. Arguably, one of the most important discoveries in which he was involved, was that of the grave of evangelist Rev Charles Wesley and his family.
Read more: Archaeological Exhumation with Respect for Funeral Traditions
Heritage site goes green
An iconic Northumberland heritage site cared for by the National Trust is set to go green thanks to solar power.
Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island has had 48 solar panels fitted on the roof in order to generate electricity, the Castle’s only source of power.
Work on historic Whalley Abbey Choir pits completed
Stone Edge has completed a building conservation project on one of the last remaining choir pits in the country.
The conservation works to Whalley Abbey Choir Pits, near Clitheroe, which lasted from May until July, saw the repair and consolidation of the low level ruins.
Read more: Work on historic Whalley Abbey Choir pits completed
Listed Buildings and VAT
By Les Howard of vatadvice.org
At Stand A16 CRE Manchester from 10th October
The Chancellor was unique in being booed during the Olympics. He has also been booed in a number of business and charity sectors as a result of his Budget earlier this year. In his attempt to clarify anomalies (his words), he has further burdened hot food retailers, self storage operators, and, most significantly, owners of Listed Buildings, including numerous churches.
Major changes take effect from 1 October 2012 and transitional rules until 30 Sept 2015. In common with VAT regulations generally, they are not straightforward.
City church restored for its 300th anniversary
July saw the 300th anniversary of one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings: St Ann’s Church the centre of the city.
When St Ann’s was opened in 1712, Manchester was on the point of becoming the world’s first industrial city. It was to be the church of the wealthy ‘new Mancunians’: the non-Jacobite, non-high church Protestants.
Thorp Perrow to host a week of heritage craft courses and demonstrations
Heritage Craft Alliance is opening its training centre at Thorp Perrow in the Yorkshire Dales for a full week of demonstrations, training courses and advice sessions relating to conserving, maintaining and restoring older and historic buildings.
Anyone who owns or has interest in older properties would benefit from visiting the centre and even taking part in one or more of the short training courses.
Read more: Thorp Perrow to host a week of heritage craft courses and demonstrations
Lights coming back on at Christopher Wray
One of Birmingham’s most interesting disused historic buildings is set to be restored following a deal between its owner and local developer Linford C-Zero.
The former Christopher Wray Lighting Factory on Bartholomew Row is something of a local cause célèbre. The site, which was once valued at over £2m for residential development, has had a dogged planning history culminating in an application for demolition last year.
Halfway through the York Minster Apocalypse
Conservators working on the restoration of the Great East Window at York Minster have completed the conservation of half of the panels in the stunning medieval window depicting the story of the Apocalypse.
York Minster's Great East Window contains the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Britain, and was designed by one of the stained glass master John Thornton of Coventry. Started in 1405 and completed in 1408, the main part of the window depicts the Apocalypse, and is recognised around the world as being some of the finest medieval stained glass still in existence. The restoration of half of the Apocalypse panels is now complete thanks to the tireless work of the York Glaziers Trust.
To be heard but not seen
Oxford University gave this brief because a Grade I listed building needed refurbishing with a sound system. The Sheldonian Theatre is the second work of Sir Christopher Wren. Because its design resembles that of a Roman theatre, it is called a theatre even though plays are not performed in it. During the last two years re-ordering included cleaning, repairing and painting the ceiling.
From Humble Roots to International Distinction - J&M Sewing Service Ltd
In the beginning
Joyce Davison and Maureen Waterston first met late in 1979, when (with many years of individual experience in different areas within “the Rag-Trade”) they both applied for jobs at a local Theatre, making and mending Costumes for the 8-week Pantomime Season. When those time-limited jobs came to an end, the Theatre Manager suggested that they should set up in business together.
Read more: From Humble Roots to International Distinction - J&M Sewing Service Ltd
Local 18 year old is new Apprentice Stonemason at Salisbury Cathedral
Christian Sullivan (18) from Salisbury has been chosen from over forty candidates to be Salisbury Cathedral’s new full-time Apprentice Stonemason and begins his four year apprenticeship at the Cathedral this week.
Read more: Local 18 year old is new Apprentice Stonemason at Salisbury Cathedral
Gas engineers’ training school selects DRU Kamara heater to keep students warm
RF Training owns and operates its own City and Guilds accredited training centres in Birmingham and Manchester. The company delivers plumbing courses, electrician training, and gas courses, specialising in foundation courses for new entrants to the trades and those upgrading their skills, such as Gas Safe accreditation.
Read more: Gas engineers’ training school selects DRU Kamara heater to keep students warm
Heritage Trees
by Paul Hanson, Chairman of The Scottish Arboricultural Association
Older, mature, native and exotic trees often have the potential to be described as ‘Veteran’ or ‘Heritage’. Veteran describes those trees of extraordinary age for their species whilst Heritage alludes to some human, cultural connection e.g. folklore, religious or commemorative.
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