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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
Exhibitors enthuse over the CRE experience
By 4pm on the first day of CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, exhibitors Chris and Kim Dunphy had already had so many helpful and detailed conversations with visitors that they were “completely talked out”.
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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Hymnal Plus - the ultimate worship music solution
Hymn Technology Ltd was established in 1995 to market and distribute an American electronic hymn player in the UK. Directors Martin Phelps and Alan Kempster, who between them had amassed over 50 years experience in the organ industry, saw the huge potential for a unit that could accompany congregational singing in the absence of either musician(s) or instrument(s).
The US manufactured product sold well, but it became apparent after a while that churches needed a far more advanced and complete solution to what was clearly becoming a huge problem - the lack of competent musicians in churches up and down the land who were prepared to make the commitment to be available every Sunday.
Lightning strikes Irish church
Killasmeetia Church has been given protection by LPTG Member in Ireland, ADS & Associates of Co Clare, having been struck by lightning.
Many believe that a simple rod at the top or highest point of a building constitutes a lightning protection system, however this case study illustrates that this is not the case.
The church is located in the middle of Ireland and was struck by lightning a few years ago. However the church did have a lightning rod on the cross (the highest point) at the opposite end of the building to where it was struck.
No ordinary work of art - architectural ceramics firm skills in demand by the art world
Architectural ceramics specialist, Darwen Terracotta and Faience, was chosen by Charles Holland of commissioned artists Ordinary Architecture to build the artwork Foundation Myths. This pioneering sculpture has been installed at the new Artists’ Garden at the York Art Gallery. The work comprises ten, life-sized, ceramic tree stumps arranged geometrically in two rows to echo the foundations of a former building.
Ayreshire leadwork specialists complete new President's golf resort refurbishment
Leadwork specialists Nova Contracts, based in Kilmarnock, have recently finished extensive leadwork improvements to the 5 star Turnberry golf resort owned and operated by new USA President Elect Donald Trump. As part of the 200 million pound refit the company's craftsmen built and installed 94 lead dormers in the accommodation area and replaced 300 sq m of lead cornice-ledge in the hotel's ballroom and hospitality roofing area.
An extensive 18 month refurbishment programme took place and Turnberry re-launched on 1st June 2016 with the redesigned Open Championship golf course, The Ailsa, available for play for the first time. Nova worked in partnership with DM Roofing, who provided tiling, joinery and roughcasting services on the Turnberry project.
Spire restoration at St James Church, New Brighton wins King of Prussia Gold Medal
The winner of The King of Prussia Gold Medal was announced by the National Churches Trust and the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association at a ceremony held at St Mellitus College, London on 3 November 2016.
The King of Prussia Gold Medal for church repair and conservation architecture was won by architects Lloyd Evans Prichard for their work to restore the spire of Sir George Gilbert Scott’s St James Church, New Brighton, Merseyside. St James Church received a £500 prize.
LSA Young Leadworker of the Year 2017 – competition now open
Are you a leadworker under 30 years of age? If so, don’t miss your chance to give your career a boost and gain recognition for your skills. The Lead Sheet Association is launching its search to find the 2017 Young Leadworker of the Year.
The competition is open to leadworkers in the UK – whether you are self-employed or working for a contractor. You just need to be under 30 years of age on the closing date, Friday 24th February 2017.
Custom built sound installation for New Testament Church of God in Willesden
The New Testament of God Church in Willesden commissioned Northamptonshire-based SA Sound Services to handle the audio element of an extensive refurbishment, triggered by the installation of a new wraparound balcony seating around 200 people.
"With a full AV and sound upgrade to carry out, we took the opportunity to put in all the cables at the same time," recalls proprietor Steve Ashley, "all the video cables, and runs of analogue and digital cables for the PA system, all under the floor."
Members offer 25 years peace of mind
The trade body that represents the leadworking industry – and guarantees quality in that industry – is the Lead Contractors’ Association (LCA). The LCA was formed in 1984 to promote quality standards in leadwork and now comprises over 70 specialist contractors committed, supported by 15 associate members who supply materials and ancillary services.
Members comprise every business model, from sole traders and partnerships to established corporate bodies. Whether they employ their own workforce or engage teams of subcontractors, members are required to take full responsibility for the purchase and application of the lead sheet under their control.
Lead casting by John Williams & Co
Kent-based roofing and heritage conservation specialists John Williams & Company have recently celebrated 150 years of working on prestigious historic and ecclesiastical buildings. The company offers a bespoke lead casting service, using traditional moulded sand techniques to create seamless lead plaques and decorative features. Here they give us an insight into this aspect of their work - if you would like a quotation for a lead casting or just some advice please contact them directly.
Method of Sand Casting
Stage 1
A template is made in the exact form as the required finished lead feature. Templates can be mafrom any material so long as it is relatively smooth. Sand moulds will take the shape of even the finest of details so if materials such as natural timber are used the mould is likely to also incorporate the grain of the wood in the casting process.
King of Prussia Gold Medal 2016 - Shortlist
Five projects have been shortlisted for the 2016 King of Prussia Gold Medal church architecture award for repair and conservation work, run by the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the National Churches Trust.
The winner will be announced by Prince Nicholas von Preussen at a special awards ceremony to be held at St Mellitus college, London SW5 on Thursday 3 November 2016. Also at the awards ceremony, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO ARIBA, will announce the 2016 winner of the Presidents' Award for new church architecture.
Get gutters ready for Autumn – Scoop out and then install Brushes
Your guttering helps protect your house, keeping rain and snow from causing water damage to your roof, rafters, exterior and interior walls. Climbing ladders in miserable weather to clear out blocked gutters is something no one enjoys. To help you get your gutters ready for Autumn now, Rainclear are offering a specially designed GutterScoop™ at just 99p with every order of Gutter Guard Brushes.
Why fit gutter brushes?
Once installed the Hedgehog™ Gutter Guard Brushes mean any falling leaves and debris get caught on its spikes leaving the rainwater to run clear and the debris to simply blow away when dry. Take action now so you can relax when Autumn arrives.
Protect your church and heritage property permanently with wireless alarms and CCTV
Based in Sheffield, Scaff Security Alarms Ltd can offer permanent battery powered, wireless monitored CCTV protection for churches and heritage properties nationwide. The company is listed on the National Churches Trust Trades Directory and use Ecclesiastical approved equipment.
Indeed, with over 20 years experience and access to the latest security products, Scaff Security are well placed in the security industry to provide protection for both churches and other heritage properties.
Two Norfolk-based architectural practices unite - Reynolds Jury Architecture merges with architects Purcell
Purcell is pleased to announced its merger with Norfolk-based architectural practice Reynolds Jury Architecture. Combining expertise and skills will increase Purcell’s service offer in the region.
Janet Jury, co-founder of Reynolds Jury Architecture, is appointed partner of Purcell’s Norwich studio. With 33 years’ experience, Janet brings her contemporary residential, community and care-sector design skills, project management capabilities, urban design qualifications and conservation expertise to the team. Janet previously worked at Purcell for 12 years and was involved in high profile projects including the National Gallery and the British Museum, Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire and works in the Hanseatic coastal town of Stralsund in Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tudor Roof Tiles is awarded certified ‘Sign of Quality’ by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
Tudor Roof Tile Co Ltd, Britain's foremost independent manufacturer of handmade clay Peg and Plain roof tiles, has been awarded membership by the Guild of Master Craftsmen for its skill and excellence in the art of traditional clay roof tile making.
The Guild of Master Craftsmen is the UK’s most established trade association, representing skilled and rated tradesmen, craftspeople, artisans and other professionals who strive for excellence in workmanship and customer service. All members sign up to the aims and objectives of The Guild and the logo and coat of arms are a sign of quality instantly recognised by consumers.
Tudor Roof Tiles uses traditional handmade techniques that have hardly changed over the ages. Each tile is individually hand pressed, moulded and trimmed to give its distinctive ‘olde world’ character, and then strengthened by advanced firing techniques in order to give the final product exceptional performance and durability, which exceeds current building regulations.
Tonbridge town centre shortlisted for best outdoor space at the 2016 Brick Awards
The overall principle of this Kent County Council scheme, designed by Russell Florey at Amey Consulting, was to shift priority from vehicles to pedestrians in Tonbridge town centre and thus provide a more pleasant environment for shoppers. Russell explains that “previously the pedestrian experience in Tonbridge had been poor with very narrow footways, wide carriageways and three Pelican crossings. The new scheme has widened the pavements significantly, narrowed the carriageway, constructed designated loading bays, imposed a 20mph speed limit and introduced a table top feature (carriageway & footways all at one level) to allow able-bodied pedestrians to cross more easily.”
St Albans Cathedral Chapter House
The new Chapter House at St Albans Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Britain, was opened in 1982 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Designed by the renowned architect Sir William Whitfield and his Assistant Andrew Lockwood, the new Chapter House was rebuilt, on the footprint of its Benedictine predecessor, once the ancient site had been thoroughly excavated. These archeological excavations revealed the remains of eleven abbots, four monks plus monastic officials.
39 cathedrals to benefit from First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund
Thirty-nine grants totalling £14.5 million have today been announced by government for urgent repairs to Church of England and Catholic cathedrals in England. This is the second phase of grants awarded by the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund.
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