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COVER STORY

CONTENTS Nottinghamshire’s medieval gem shines forth The front cover of this issue shows the stunning interior of Worksop Priory in Nottinghamshire – the former medieval priory church that is now an Anglican parish church. The treasures of the church’s Lady Chapel are exhibited to best effect by a new lighting scheme designed and installed by church lighting specialists Lighting Dynamics. The installation is part of a restoration programme that has been on-going since the 1920s.

read the full story from page 6

5 Reflections NEWS 9 History and heritage are the themes for Scotland’s year 9 Small Island author is NCT VP 11 Heritage bodies unite in support of Stonehenge tunnel 11 Conservation areas get a boost – 50 years on 12 Eltham Palace provides perfect location for launch of NFB’s Heritage Group 12 CRE goes ‘Back to the Future’ at Sandown LEAD 13

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Midland Lead to announce new 25 year sandcast lead guarantee at Ecobuild 2017 The Leadworker Register – putting skills at the heart of the industry

RESTORATION 18 New cinema brings civic pride back to 1840’s Oldham

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Restoration of The White Church Purcell completes the reconstruction of Cupola House BJ Waller helps to restore historic Norman castle 110 bespoke terracotta pieces add finishing touches to Wigan Town Hall restoration DBR – making sure the past has a future

LIGHTNING PROTECTION 24 When lightning strikes are you protected against this act of God?

CHURCH GRANTS 17 Closing dates loom for conservation grant applications

HEATING 37 Established firm provides winter warmers for Cheshire church and Bedfordshire mansion CHURCH FURNITURE 38 Uniquely created for practicality and beauty 39 Get organised for 2017! Easy steps to organising your hall this year

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RISING DAMP 36 High-tech dehydration system fights damp in listed former chapel

ROOFING 27 Industry gears up for awards day following deadline extension 27 Lead thefts still a scourge for churches 29 Young team’s skills tested at the ‘highest’ level 31 King’s College first to use Collyweston slate from newly reopened mine 32 Rainclear listened and added products to the galvanised steel range 33 Firs House – the restoration of a fine historic roof 34 Two centuries of world-class expertise proves its mettle in regal restoration project down-under

SOUND AND AV SYSTEMS 40 Audio professionals assemble for their annual show 40 Your joyful noise should complement your church 41 Stability in a world of change 42 Wesleys Chapel in London receives an audio visual upgrade CARVING 43 Gothic wood carving projects

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LIME 44

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How traditional materials allowed buildings to come alive and ‘breathe’ Essex round tower reborn with new render

CHURCH & HERITAGE SUPPLIES 46 Classified Section

Richard Shepherd – Business Development Manager Advertising enquiries: Tel: 07429 516265 Email: richard@dmmonline.co.uk All other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 • 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 3AW Copyright Ecclesiastical & Heritage World. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Ecclesiastical & Heritage World. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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ONE OF THE PERKS associated with a publication of this nature is to showcase on the front cover some of the most striking buildings with which this country is blessed. This issue is no exception, with the stunning Lady Chapel of Worksop Priory taking centre stage. When the priory was dissolved on the orders of Henry VIII the priory church fell into disrepair and was progressively plundered.

Fortunately the nave survived and forms the centrepiece of the modern Priory Church of Our Lady and St Cuthbert. A long-term restoration programme has included the marvellous lighting scheme by Lighting Dynamics that allows us to appreciate its grandeur.

• Elsewhere, this issue of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World has taken on something of an international dimension with a trip ‘down-under’. When Government House was built in Wellington, New Zealand, the roof was constructed from tiles imported from Staffordshire and made from Etruria clay. Now the building and surrounding grounds form a significant part of New Zealand’s heritage and a recent project to restore and upgrade the facilities has been carried out. The expertise of West Midlands firm Dreadnought Tiles was called upon to match the tiles and supply new ones where needed.

• Dreadnought Tiles was founded in 1805, the year of the Battle of Trafalgar, and is named after one of the British fleet’s famous warships. The Napoleonic Wars signalled a major period of hardship for those working in the Lancashire cotton industry. That hardship led to unrest, culminating in the Chartist riots and a significant strike in Oldham in 1842.

To restore civic pride the burghers of that town erected a Town Hall in 1841 – a Victorian edifice at the top of the main thoroughfare.

It served the town well until the erection of a new Civic Centre in the 1970s, after which it fell into disrepair. Now it has been transformed into a unique cinema complex, even incorporating some of the features – such as its Egyptian Room – into the screening areas. The result is a markworthy feature of Oldham’s contemporary townscape.

• Another institution that has been preserved and is set to thrive once more is CRE. The series of Christian Resources Exhibitions had been put on sale by its previous owners Bible Society in order for them to concentrate on their core activity of promoting ministry. The brand has been acquired by its former media consultant Stephen Goddard. Stephen is well known to this publication and we look forward to reporting on further successes for the exhibitions, which recommence at their former base in Sandown in the autumn. Might we even see a return of regional CREs, such as CRE North in Manchester?

• Yet more news of a Lazarus nature was reported in the national media in January with the re-opening of the quarry at Collyweston in Northamptonshire to supply its distinctive roofing slates. Production had ceased in the 1960s because the cycle of freezing and thawing needed for the natural splitting process to occur could no longer be relied upon. In the last few years boffins from Sheffield Hallam University and Historic England have come up with a new process to achieve the cycle – involving domestic freezers!

• In fact, roofs seem to be a theme of this issue. The entry deadline for the UK Roofing Awards was extended to the middle of February and the awards presentations in May are eagerly awaited. Not so welcome is the steady trickle of reports from around the country of the continuing theft of metal from church roofs, particularly lead. Lead continues to keep its value and attraction for thieves, not least because it offers a beauty all of its own when worked by a craftsman. The continuing quality in craftsmanship among leadworkers is assured by the Lead Sheet Association. q

Chris Stokes

Editor, Ecclesiastical & Heritage World

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COVER STORY

Nottinghamshire’s medieval gem shines [

IN THE LAST issue of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World we reported on the project to restore the medieval gatehouse shrine of Worksop Priory in Nottinghamshire.

The nave of the former priory – formally the Priory Church of Our Lady and St Cuthbert, Worksop – is now a Church of England parish church, having also survived the dissolution of the priory. The building is Grade One-listed and recognised as being of outstanding architectural and historical interest.

The history of Worksop Priory dates from 1103, when the initial land grant and monies to establish the Augustinian priory were made by William de Lovetot. The surviving church building is thought to have been built in two distinct stages at the beginning and end of the 12th century.

The priory was dissolved on the orders of Henry VIII on 15 November 1539. The property was granted to Francis Talbot, 5th Earl of Shrewsbury on condition that the Earl should provide a glove for the right hand of the sovereign at the coronation – a tradition that continues to this day.

The surviving church was extended and restoration work undertaken during the 18th and early 19th centuries, culminating in a major restoration in the 1840s. In the 1920s a new restoration project began: a project that is still underway.

One of the latest elements of that restoration and upgrading has been carried out by Lighting Dynamics UK, one of the country’s foremost specialist church lighting companies. The company has recently completed phase one of a scheduled interior lighting upgrade, in the beautiful Lady Chapel. The overall lighting design, supply of equipment and electrical installation package was completed to a schedule agreed with the vicar and the PCC. The lighting upgrade incorporates the very latest ranges of Lighting Dynamics UK’s own, specialist commercial-grade LED luminaires Phase one of a scheduled interior lighting upgrade has been recently completed in the beautiful and lighting accessories. The extensive range Lady Chapel of luminaires has been developed for their light output performance, diverse selection of optics, long life, low maintenance, heat dissipation and numerous other A further lighting design has already been completed by Lighting advantages. The system in the Lady Chapel also allows for the very latest Dynamics UK’s founder Gerry Browne for phase two – the final stage techniques in lighting control and their associated benefits. The electrical of the interior lighting upgrade – which will include the magnificent installation was carried out by Lighting Dynamic UK’s nominated electrical tiered nave and forward extension locations. Phase two is scheduled to installers A J Electrics (Coleshill) Ltd. commence on site in mid-February and the complete transformation of the interior of the priory church is eagerly awaited by all associated with the project.

The project at Worksop is the latest in a series of high-profile installations by Lighting Dynamics UK at notable ecclesiastical buildings, including cathedrals and listed churches throughout the UK and Ireland. The company has a long-established reputation for creating practical and architecturally sympathetic lighting schemes. Wherever possible, discreet lighting equipment is specified and installed to produce suitable levels of illumination while highlighting both ecclesiastical details and any Phase two will include a newly designed installation to the magnificent tiered nave, seen here with its current state of lighting special architectural features.

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forth, thanks to dynamic lighting experts The company is dedicated to offering a totally independent, creative, unbiased lighting design and consultancy service.

They can also supply all of the associated lighting and dimming equipment that may be specified. A team of fully-qualified, NIC EIC registered electricians is available to carry out the installation of their interior and exterior lighting systems to current electrical standards and regulations, providing the complete lighting service.

Gerry Browne told Ecclesiastical and Heritage World: “Our comprehensive range of modern, energy-saving, long-life lighting equipment is manufactured from the highest quality materials and takes into consideration many important factors, such as reliability, durability, optical performance, overall efficiency, size, style and ease of maintenance – to name but a few.

“We have recently launched a brand new family of the very latest bespoke One of Lighting Dynamics UK’s recent projects was St Agnes Church in Moseley, Birmingham ‘commercial grade’ LED fittings, specially designed for all types of ecclesiastical showroom or lit with industrial style floodlights to resemble a railway lighting tasks. This range of products has been under development marshalling yard. However, this is a long term process which involves for some considerable time and takes our overall lighting portfolio educating, informing and demonstrating what can be achieved.” to the next level of technical innovation. We also have an unrivalled Gerry and his team are looking forward to fulfilling those aspirations knowledge and expertise of all modern intelligent dimming and for their growing list of prestigious customers. q lighting control systems.”

Gerry Browne believes that this is a very exciting time in the further development of church lighting, especially with such a great and diverse range of modern light sources now coming on stream.

“Customers are increasingly looking for someone with the flair and experience to provide a quality lighting design, while also specifying top-grade lighting equipment and controls that will provide longevity, reliability and overall flexibility for their specific ecclesiastical project,” he said. “In the main, clients no longer wish to see their completed church lighting project looking like an extension of somebody’s lighting

Above are some examples of the prestigious projects undertaken by Lighting Dynamics UK www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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History and heritage are the themes for Scotland’s year [THIS YEAR HAS BEEN designated Scotland’s Year of History,

Heritage and Archaeology, with events taking place throughout the country to celebrate its uniquely rich historical heritage and the work being carried out to unearth it.

The packed programme includes a spectacular son et lumière event at New Lanark World Heritage Site, a Glow in the ArchaeoDark view of Orkney on World Heritage Day and Purvai – meaning warm wind from the east – a unique celebration of the rich South Asian history of the Outer Hebrides. The festivities got off to a fiery start when over 800 Vikings took part in the burning of a huge dragon ship on the last Tuesday of January in Lerwick at the annual Up Helly Aa festival (pictured).

In April, the Edinburgh International Science Festival will celebrate the themed year with Moments in Time – a family-friendly outdoor installation on the Mound featuring a series of iconic Scottish police boxes that will ‘transport’ visitors back in time to pivotal moments in Scotland’s scientific history.

A highlight of the landmark year will be the 70th Annual International Conference of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH). The conference will take place in Glasgow from 7-11 June and will be the first time SAH has met outside North America since 1973.

An estimated 600 historians, architects, preservationists and museum professionals from around the world will convene to present new research on the history of the built environment at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre.

Small Island author is NCT VP [

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR and broadcaster Bill Bryson OBE has been appointed a vice-president of the National Churches Trust.

His travel books include The Lost Continent and Notes from a Small Island, which was voted the book that best represents Britain and was an unmissable Radio 4 series. Another travel book, A Walk in the Woods, has become a major film starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson. His latest number one Sunday Times bestseller is The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes from a Small Island.

Bill Bryson was born in the American Midwest and now lives in the UK. He was president of the Campaign to Protect Rural England for five years and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society.

He said: “It is impossible to overstate the importance of churches to this country; nothing else in the built environment has the emotional and spiritual resonance, the architectural distinction, the ancient, reassuring solidity of a parish church.

To me, they are the physical embodiment of all that is best and most enduring in Britain.”

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust commented: “Bill Bryson is one of our national treasures, as are the UK’s 42,000 churches, chapels and meeting houses.

Churches are important in so many ways. They inspire us with their beauty, allow us to find spiritual solace and are an indispensable hub for community activities.

“I’m delighted that Bill Bryson has become a vice-president of the National Churches Trust and look forward to his continuing support for our work over the coming years.” q

Aileen Crawford, head of conventions at Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, declared: “I’m delighted that the conference will celebrate our city’s rich architectural heritage and that delegates will get a chance to experience some of the treasures of our built environment – from the Glasgow School of Art, City Chambers and Queen’s Cross Church to the Barony Hall, Kibble Palace and our state-of-the-art Technology and Innovation Centre.”

A number of significant Scottish anniversaries will be celebrated throughout the year, including the 250th anniversary of Edinburgh New Town Plan, the 30th anniversary of Beltane Fire Society and the 400th anniversary of the General Register of Sasines – the oldest public land register in the world.

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “We are so fortunate in Scotland to have the most fascinating and inspiring history and heritage on our doorsteps, bringing the spirit of Scotland alive.”

As a main partner, the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the year with a dedicated programme called Stories, Stones and Bones. The £500,000 fund will encourage people in communities across the country to uncover and celebrate their local history, customs and traditions.

Historic Environment Scotland, the lead public body for Scotland’s historic environment, will also be carrying out research work, increasing its programme of living history events across the country from Duff House to Edinburgh Castle, and training Scotland’s young people in the provision of traditional skills that will help protect Scotland’s historic buildings now and for the future.

Ecclesiastical and Heritage World will be reporting on events in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology throughout the year with special features and updates. q • For more information visit www.visitscotland.com/hha2017.

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Heritage bodies unite in support of Stonehenge tunnel [ON 8 FEBRUARY Historic England, English Heritage and the National

Trust issued a joint statement outlining their position on the proposed tunnel for the A303 at Stonehenge World Heritage Site. The statement is part of their response to the initial route options put forward for public consultation

by Highways England.

The proposed tunnel of at least 2.9km would remove the majority of the existing damaging road and its traffic from the World Heritage Site, the statement says, finally reuniting the north and south sides of this extraordinary ancient landscape and allowing people to enjoy and understand it better. It would also allow for the reinstatement of the line of the Stonehenge Avenue, an ancient processional route to the stones. It is the first time that a Government scheme to improve the A303 within the Stonehenge landscape has recognised the importance of the Avenue.

Kate Mavor, chief executive of English Heritage said: “This proposal is a big step in the right direction. We have already seen the benefits of removing the old visitor facilities and grassing over the A344. The proposed tunnel could complete that transformation and finally do justice to our greatest prehistoric monument, dramatically improving its setting and reconnecting it with the wider landscape. We do have concerns about particular aspects of the proposals which we will share with Highways England and we will continue to look carefully at the plans as they evolve.”

Those concerns involve the Government’s current proposals for the tunnel’s western portal, which – the three bodies say – need significant improvement. That is because of the portal’s current proximity to the

Conservation areas get a boost – 50 years on

Normanton Down barrows, an important group of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age ceremonial and funerary monuments.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, echoed Kate Mavor’s sentiments.

“The proposed A303 tunnel offers the best opportunity to resolve the traffic problems at Stonehenge and to reverse the environmental damage the present road causes to the World Heritage Site,” he said. “The proposals could offer enormous gains, by reuniting this extraordinary landscape. While the design and position of the western portal needs improvement, we welcome Highways England’s willingness to listen to this.”

Helen Ghosh, director general of the National Trust, added: “We are encouraged by the proposals put forward by Highways England for consultation, but it is very clear that there’s still more to do.

“A well-located and designed tunnel would reunite the landscape, giving everyone better access and enriching their experience, as well as enabling nature to flourish. We, along with Historic England and English Heritage, will continue to work with Highways England as they develop and improve the scheme, and encourage others to add their views to the consultation.”

Consultation for the A303 Stonehenge scheme was launched on 12 January and runs until 5 March. A number of public information events are being held for people to give their feedback, and further information is available online.

There will be another round of consultation later in the year on Highways England’s more detailed proposed solution before they submit their Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate next year. q Image courtesy of Historic England

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HALF A CENTURY on from the designation of the first conservation areas, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced more than £17m of investment to help revitalise 10 conservation areas across the UK that are in vital need. The money will help to reverse years of decline by repairing buildings and creating attractive, vibrant places that people will want to live, work, visit and invest in.

The first conservation area to be designated was Stamford in Lincolnshire in 1967. Its 600 listed buildings provide outlets for a large range of independent shops and businesses and it is still a thriving and economically vibrant town and a big draw for tourists.

However, others have not fared so well, particularly in areas of social and economic deprivation.

In Newport in Wales, a grant of just over £1.2m will restore and regenerate the town’s oldest surviving shopping arcade: the Grade Two-listed Market Arcade, while in Maybole in Scotland an investment of just under £2m aims to repair important historic buildings located within the town’s conservation area.

The Underbanks in Stockport – home to Ecclesiastical and Heritage World – will benefit from just over £1.8m to help transform its historic high street into a vibrant destination to attract new visitors to the area.

HLF chief executive Ros Kerslake said: “We’ve been investing money raised through the National Lottery in the UK’s conservation areas for more than 20 years and we’ve seen first-hand the incredible difference it has made to local communities.” q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Eltham Palace provides perfect location for launch of NFB’s Heritage Group [IN FEBRUARY construction experts and influential industry figures

within the heritage sector gathered at the historic Eltham Palace in South East London to attend the launch of the National Federation of Builder’s Heritage Group. The former Royal Palace, originally dating back to 1086, incorporates a medieval great hall with a showpiece Art Deco design house from the 1930s.

The launch of the NFB Heritage Group provided a forum to identify how the industry can address some of the challenges facing the built heritage sector. Delegates heard from speakers representing influential organisations, including the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, English Heritage, the National Trust and the National Heritage Training Group.

The skills crisis facing the wider construction industry, and the heritage sector in particular, provided much of the substance for debate. Nicola Dyer, heritage director at The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community, opened the event saying: “If we are to maintain our built heritage then we must train and retain the next generation of master craftsmen.”

Nicola Tasker, head of national The audience also heard inspiring projects at English Heritage, speaking at the launch stories from the National Trust, the

National Heritage Training Group and the Cross-industry Construction Apprenticeship Task Force about the work they deliver in supporting the training of young people in heritage skills to help meet the skills challenge in this important area.

Clare Watson, chair of the NFB Heritage Group, said: “The Heritage Group has been launched to provide a focus for meeting some of the challenges facing the heritage sector. My vision is for the group to engage with representatives from across the built heritage sector, including clients, training providers and NFB members, to meet these challenges. I have been thrilled with the quality of the debate and the response to the launch event and it is my mission to make this a springboard to action.” q

CRE goes ‘Back to the Future’ at Sandown

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IN OCTOBER WE revealed that Christian Resources Exhibitions (CRE) had been sold by Bible Society to a new owner headed up by its former media consultant Stephen Goddard.

In December Stephen introduced the new team, stating: “Last May the Bible Society decided to focus on its core mission of offering The Bible to the world and purposed to find a new home for CRE or close it down.

“Offering a host of new ideas and initiatives in a fast-changing world, CRE is a strategic event in the ecclesiastical calendar. We have therefore pulled together a team with vast experience of running the exhibition successfully.

“CRE’s founder, Gospatric Home, is its new honorary president.

Brett Pitchfork returns as event director. All the sales and administrative staff have worked at some time for one or both of CRE’s previous two owners.”

Back in October it was envisaged that the next show – the first under its new management – would be in May at London’s ExCeL. However, the show is now set to return to its former home, Sandown Park, instead. The new, ‘Back to the Future’ CRE will be held on 17-19 October.

Said Stephen: “The first thing we did was to listen to hundreds of exhibitors, the majority of whom wanted CRE to return to Sandown Park, its home for 28 years until 2014. They also asked if it could run for three rather than four days. We therefore decided not to take up the dates reserved at ExCeL in May 2017 and instead return to Sandown Park.

“We are working hard to put together an exhibition which builds on the experience of the past, yet will present fresh ideas, products and suppliers to church leaders and members.”

There are also tentative plans to take CRE back to regional cities. Since 1985 it has been held in places as far apart as Exeter and Edinburgh, Belfast and Bristol, Manchester and Harrogate.

Stephen Goddard concluded: “CRE will continue to serve all those who care about the future of the local church and its ministry in the community and world at large. Our aim is simple: to offer inspiration and innovation for the whole congregation.” q

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Midland Lead to announce new 25-year sandcast lead guarantee at Ecobuild 2017 [LEADING BRITISH LEAD SHEET

cast lead is BBA approved, so comes with a 60-year guarantee, and our rolled lead is BS accredited, manufacturer Midland Lead is set to announce a so comes with a 50-year guarantee, and now our newly awarded 25-year guarantee on its sandcast sandcast lead customers can have complete peace of lead from the Lead Contractors Association (LCA), at mind for 25 years.” this year’s Ecobuild.

With this year’s Ecobuild themes being around The company will be on stand C129 to discuss the regeneration and sustainability, Boudewijn adds that new guarantee throughout the event, running from the event will offer a great platform for Midland Lead 7-9 March at Excel London. to discuss both the new guarantee and the green Thanks to the new guarantee, Midland Lead – the credentials of its products.

UK’s only lead manufacturer to offer a complete “We’re looking forward to chatting to specifiers, range of lead sheet options, including sandcast, architects and contractors about what the LCA machine cast and rolled lead – is now able to offer a approval means for them, as well as explaining more guarantee across all three of its lead sheet types. our sandcast lead,” he explained “It’s a traditionally The guarantee is part of the LCA Members’ made product using 100% recycled lead, which often 25-year Guarantee Scheme, which was launched comes from the existing build, but is produced in in 1999 and saw the LCA become the first in the our modern, purpose-built facilities. This ensures the construction industry to offer such a long-term best possible quality control, historical continuity of commitment to quality standards. the building and is also great from an environmental Under the scheme, LCA members that have perspective.” completed two years of membership are required Midland Lead’s lead sandcasting The company’s traditional sandcast lead has been to offer the 25-year guarantee of workmanship process in action used to successfully weatherproof and provide an and material for leadwork projects over a value authentic look to English Heritage and National Trust buildings across the UK, of £2,500 – today the projects covered are cumulatively worth more as well as private homes, almshouses, castles, cathedrals and priories. q than £4.5M. Midland Lead managing director Boudewijn Tuinenburg says: “The LCA • Visit Midland Lead at the Ecobuild show 2017 on stand C129 to stamp of approval is fantastic news and now means that every registered discuss your specific project requirements. project using our sandcast lead will be vetted on completion. Our machine

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The Leadworker Register

putting skills at the heart of the industry [THE TRADE ORGANISATION at

the forefront of training and technical advice in the use of rolled lead sheet in the construction industry is the Lead Sheet Association (LSA).

The LSA champions the use of rolled lead sheet to BS EN 12588 and carries out key research looking at the economic, technical and environmental characteristics of lead.

They have on hand a number of technical experts who can provide guidance and advice for those using rolled lead sheet and for many years the LSA has been developing and running successful training and qualification initiatives to help ensure that standards of leadwork are high across the industry.

As well as delivering courses at its training centre in East Peckham, Kent, the LSA has also been working in collaboration with the Lead Contractors’ Association (LCA) to set up a new Leadworker Register, which is administered on behalf of the Lead and Hard Metals Roof Training Group.

The register has two main benefits: leadworkers are able to demonstrate the level of skills they have when asked to take on work and when

promoting their businesses, while construction employers and the general public can make sure the person they are selecting for a job has the right level of competence. In addition to providing information for large contracts it is of use for people looking for skilled workers on small domestic jobs.

Why create a register?

One of the reasons for the creation of the Leadworker Register was that for many years the LSA had been asked to provide details of competent leadworkers. It felt the fairest way to do this was through a register which is transparent and allows contractors, specifiers, architects and others in the construction industry to find the level of skills needed for the job in hand.

The register has four levels of competence, depending on the qualifications gained by each leadworker. The four levels help support leadworkers’ career development – allowing people to develop their skills and progress through the different levels as they gain more experience.

Level 1 – Basic skills Level 1 is aimed at those who are likely to be new to the industry and have undertaken induction and training in the basic levels of leadwork design and installation. It is likely that leadworkers at this level will continue to need close supervision and guidance in design, setting out and detailing aspects of working with lead sheet.

It is unlikely a competent leadworker would remain at this level for a period longer than three years – unless there are extenuating circumstances – as during this period they should have received sufficient experience and further training to enable them to move to a higher skill level.

Level 2 – Secondary skills Those leadworkers that have been working in the sector for more than a year are likely to have progressed to this level through experience and onsite development of their skills, in addition to formal training and assessment.

They would have the practical skills to be able to address more complex details when installing lead, as well as have a wider knowledge of sizing and fixing requirements – including an awareness of some basic design issues.

Leadworkers at this level would still need some supervision and guidance, but less so than at Level 1.

Level 3 – High skills To achieve Level 3 status on the register a leadworker is likely to have been working in the sector regularly for at least three years. As a result they

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Code 8 gutters installed at Oldham Town Hall by DW Specialist Leadwork & Roofing Ltd

should then have gained sufficient practical skill and design knowledge to be able to work almost entirely without supervision or require technical guidance, except on the most complex detailing.

Persons at this level will be able to take responsibility for more complex detailing – both design and installation – and will potentially be able to supervise the leadwork of others. They are also most likely to be familiar with the with recommendations for leadwork design and installation, as set out in the Lead Sheet Manual, published by the LSA and based upon the British Standard Code of Practice BS6915.

Level 4 – Advanced skills At this level a leadworker should be widely experienced and competent in all aspects of detailing and installing lead sheet for roofing and cladding.

They should be able to work completely unsupervised and should be able to supervise and provide guidance to others, even for complex or non-routine applications.

Those that appear on the register at Level 4 should have an appreciation of heritage work and the options available when required to carry out hot works under restricted circumstances.

Those without formal qualifications Experienced leadworker who don’t have a formal qualification can still apply to be on the Leadworker Register. Depending on their level of experience they will have to formally work towards the relevant qualification.

The LSA will carry out an assessment and advise on the relevant level, although an additional assessment and registration fee will apply. q • To help people from different areas of the construction industry understand more about how the Leadworker Register works the LSA has made a short film to help explain in more detail the different levels, how to join and how to use it. The film can be viewed and downloaded from the LSA’s website at www.leadsheet.co.uk.

The following leadworkers are listed on The Leadworker Register: Tim Fuge Leadwork

Southdowns Builders Ltd

1 Stantons Row, Tremar, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 5HL

Wellesley House, 204 London Road, Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7AN

Prospect Roofing Ltd

L.J. Randall

151 Prospect Road, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 7ND

130 Gunville Road, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5LH

MW Roofing (NW) Ltd

M P Hare Ltd

488 Bury Road, Rochdale OL11 4DG

The Shaw, Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BG

DW Specialist Leadwork & Roofing Ltd

MyLeadworks

Unit 1, Hanover House, Greg Street, Stockport SK5 7NR

9 Meadow Way, Bracknell, Berkshire RG42 1UE

Higher Roofing Specialist

C & L Lead Sheet Fabrication Ltd

T: 07792 022630 E: tfleadwork@yahoo.co.uk W: www.tfleadwork.co.uk

T: 0800 335 7179 M: 07889 140051 E: info@prospectroofing.co.uk W: www.prospectroofing.co.uk

T: 01706 564185 E: info@mwroofingltd.co.uk W: www.mwroofingltd.co.uk

T: 07584 123212 E: info@dwleadworkandroofing.co.uk W: www.dwleadworkandroofing.co.uk

T: 0208 203 3883 M: 07830 743512 E: roofa@talktalk.net W: www.higher-roofing.co.uk 5 Nicoll Place, London NW4 3PD

T: 01730 267869 M: 07767 792825 E: contact@southdownsbuilders.co.uk W: www.southdownsbuilders.co.uk

Leadwork Specialists M: 07894 792760 E: ljrandall1@btinternet.com

T: 01732 842655 M: 07971 902631 E: marc@mphareheritageworks.com W: www.mphareheritageworks.com

T: 01344 310 912 M: 07793 653 434 E: info@myleadworks.co.uk W: www.myleadworks.co.uk

T: 01446 700002 E: sales@candl-leadfab.co.uk W: www.cavitytrayswales.co.uk Unit 6 Priority Workshops, Ty Verlon Industrial Estate, Cardiff Road, Barry, South Glamorgan CF63 2BE

Black Dog Roofing

T: 01249 321969 M: 07808 840491 E: blackdogroofing1@outlook.com Landsdowne Close, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9DR

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Closing dates loom for conservation grant applications

[MAY WILL BE A BIG MONTH for Anglican churches looking for

grants in a number of conservation spheres. The month marks the closing date for grants under the Conservation Grants Programme of ChurchCare – the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division of the Church of England. In particular, 22 May is a ‘Super Monday’, with no fewer than seven areas of grant closing for applications.

They include grants for the conservation of books and manuscripts.

Historical books and manuscripts, when in the care of the parish, are eligible for grant aid. Modern printed books cannot be considered.

Grants are made available either annually or, in some cases, bi-annually.

ChurchCare is a national resource offering a comprehensive source of information and conservation support, including funding grants for nearly 16,000 parish churches – 12,500 of which are listed – and 42 cathedrals.

According to ChurchCare: “The Conservation Grants Programme supports parishes in the conservation of ecclesiastical furnishings and artworks of historic and artistic significance. These grants are targeted at the main categories of objects and materials found in Anglican churches: bells, books and manuscripts, clocks, decorative plasterwork, metalwork and church plate, monuments, organs, paintings on canvas and wood, stained glass, textiles, timberwork, wall paintings and historic structures in churchyards. The aim of this programme is to support the care and conservation of church buildings and their contents, balancing it with the needs of worship and mission.”

Grant awards under the programme are usually up to £8,000.

Applications are made online and applicants are asked to upload the following supporting documentation: • Conservation report prepared in accordance with ChurchCare • guidelines • Latest Quinquennial Inspection report • Brief summary of any recommendations in the Quinquennial Inspection • report that have been completed, are in progress or are about to be put • in hand • DAC and any other advice on the project • Letter from their Archdeacon in support of the project • Statement of most recent annual audited church accounts In its report on grants for 2015, ChurchCare states: “In 2015 the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division awarded grants to over 150 parish churches and cathedrals across England for the conservation of artworks and urgent repairs to listed churches and cathedrals. These grants make a significant difference to communities across the country and the tens of thousands of volunteers that look after these places.”

Applications are assessed by seven committees comprising 52 professionals who are experts in their fields, ensuring that grants promote best conservation practice.

The other categories of grant that see applications close on 22 May include those for monuments. To be eligible, monuments must be of artistic or historical significance. Monuments of social importance to the parish are also eligible and it is recommended that applications be supported by historical documentation. Works which are purely of a cosmetic nature, such as cleaning when no other deterioration occurs, are not eligible.

The other applications closing on that date are for church plate, churchyard structures, metalwork, textiles and timberwork. Earlier, on 2 May, applications close for bells and bell frames, while those for organs close on 3 April.

Grants can also be made to help with the costs associated with preliminary surveys and the preparation of conservation reports.

The aim of those grants is to allow detailed study of the condition of objects, to establish an informed conservation strategy.

Over the course of the next 12 months we will be carrying updates on the application process for the Conservation Grants Programme, as well as information on other schemes that make grants for the restoration or conservation of places of worship of all denominations. q Image courtesy of ChurchCare

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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New cinema brings civic pride

[ON 21 OCTOBER Oldham Borough Council staged an opening event to celebrate the completion of the new Odeon cinema complex – the first in the town for 30 years. Together with its new restaurants, it represents a significant achievement for the council, transforming the once-derelict centre of the town.

What makes the project stand out from other new cinema complexes is the innovative re-use of the Oldham’s old Town Hall building to provide the historic background and setting to the new state-of-the-art ISENSE ‘cinema immersive experience’.

The old Town Hall was constructed in 1841 as a means of focusing civic

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pride in the town, following a period of unrest and uncertainly in the cotton industry, the mainstay of the local economy. It was significantly extended in 1879 to provide additional civic facilities, a court room and a police station.

A further extension in 1917 provided additional accommodation for the Treasurer’s department and a tiled Egyptian-themed room for payment of rates and utilities.

Each development of the building added a different architectural style, both internally and externally, which gave the building an unusual eclectic appearance.

The construction of a new Civic Centre in 1977 led to a declining use of the Town Hall, leaving it vacant by 1995. The condition of the building degraded until eventually it was highlighted by the Victorian Society as its most ‘at-risk’ building in the country.

In July 2012 Planning and Listed Building Consent was achieved by architects BDP for its redevelopment into a new cinema and leisure complex and construction began in 2013. The following year, in March 2014, main contractor Morgan Sindall engaged Heritage Project Contracts (HPC) of Shropshire to assist in managing the heritage features of the building. HPC are specialist contractors for cultural, heritage and historic buildings.

What became apparent at a very early stage was the level of degradation inside the building that had occurred during its period of disuse. Extensive dry rot had worked its way through many of the period rooms, leaving much of the structural timberwork in a friable and sometimes unstable condition.

HPC’s sister company, Heritage Project Management, worked closely with Morgan Sindall to develop many of the specialist surveys to understand the overall condition of the building and to develop appropriate treatment specifications for the repair of the heritage elements. They included architectural metalwork, joinery, terrazzo, paint analysis, plasterwork and heritage removals.

The innovative project was extremely challenging for the whole team, as many of the heritage rooms would be retained and transformed into new cinema spaces. Significant heritage features would be incorporated where possible, ensuring that the overall heritage significance of the building was not diminished.

To allow the upgrading of the building to provide new levels of sound insulation, fire separation and ease of use, BDP’s design involved forming a large glass block on the side of the building, allowing many of the new circulation areas and escalators to be separated from the protected heritage buildings.

A total of 789 cinema seats have been provided in seven screens.

Some of the more unusual screens include one which is set in the original courtroom, with the original panelling and magistrates’ bench surrounding the seating, and another which has the original painted mural panels from the Council Chamber set into the acoustic cinema linings.

back to 1840’s Oldham

Heritage Project Contracts undertook a number of packages of heritage works, including: • Architectural ironwork – the existing railings, staircases and balcony structures were severely corroded and were removed for refurbishment and repair. Each of the assemblies was completely disassembled and cleaned before being repaired. Missing cast iron elements were remade and corroded wrought iron was replaced with salvaged material.

• Cupola – the 1841 building had been fitted with a ventilation cupola which was severely degraded. It was fabricated from sheet metalwork with a zinc roof; however over time the riveted construction had corroded significantly leaving the structure in a distressed state. Given the significance of this item it was decided that it should be retained and repaired rather than replaced.

Corroded sections of the sheet metalwork were removed and new material introduced to replicate the original riveted construction. The zinc roof was painstakingly repaired and the original thickness reinstated by zinc spraying material to build up corroded areas. The completed structure was lifted by crane onto the repaired roof. Although it no longer acts as a ventilator, the original appearance of the building has been retained.

• Lantern – the lantern of the 1841 building is constructed of timberwork supported by two large cast iron beams that span the shorter sides of the lantern structure. It is one of the key internal features of the building; however it was considerably degraded with much of the structural timberwork affected by dry and wet rot. HPC stripped the structure to allow repairs to the carried out, including replacement lead gutters, cast glass panels, joinery and new leadwork.

• Murals – a number of wall murals were left in the building and had been

badly water damaged. HPC developed removal techniques that allowed these to be removed from the wall and conserved by specialists from Everingham Conservation Ltd before being re-fitted into the new cinema.

• Victorian glazed tiles – the 1917 construction used Pilkington glazed tiles as a decorative wall finish in a number of significant rooms, the largest of which is the Egyptian Room. That room originally incorporated payment counters for residents to pay rates, as well as for gas and the recentlyintroduced electricity supply. The glazed tiles had suffered damage from modifications to the building, together with degradation through moisture and water ingress.

HPC developed a repair strategy that would retain as many of the original tiles as possible, together with selective tile replacement. That required over 650 new tiles to be manufactured by Craven Dunnill – one of the UK’s only tile replication specialists – together with over 1,000 resin repairs to cracked and unstable tiles.

• Terrazzo – HPC were engaged to refurbish a number of areas of the terrazzo floor that had become damaged through use or modification required by the new building structure. Terrazzo patterns and finishes were replicated using traditional materials, together with resurfacing and polishing to ensure that the floors were restored to their original highquality appearance.

The conversion is a landmark project for Oldham, taking a building at considerable risk and transforming it into a new vibrant centre for the town. Many difficult decisions were made regarding the retained heritage elements; however a good compromise has been achieved that retains much of the heritage feel of the building while allowing it to be a modern and sophisticated new leisure venue. q

David Everingham of Everingham Conservation Ltd restored the original paintings which are now on display in the new cinema www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Restoration of The White Church

[

IN THE LATTER part of 2016, Stockport-based conservation specialists Aura were appointed as principal contractor for the restoration of the stunning Grade II* listed Fairhaven United Reformed Church, aka The White Church, in Lytham St Annes.

The White Church was built between 1904 and 1911 by architects Briggs, Wolstenholme and Thornley of Blackburn who won the opportunity with a design that imitated some of the external features of Byzantine architecture. The church was constructed mainly in white faience and it is a conspicuous and well-known landmark on the Fylde coast. The beautiful stained glass windows were designed

by Luke S Walmesley of St Annes and Charles Elliott of London and feature historical and religious events.

The client received funding from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund to carry out the project which included external roof and rainwater goods repairs and re-pointing of coping stones to the church.

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The roof restoration works entailed the complete renewal of the asphalt roofing; the existing asphalt was entirely stripped back to the concrete structure and new polymer modified asphalt laid in its place.

A new bespoke lead capping to the existing finial was also installed to increase ventilation within the dome internally.

Masonry repairs included hot lime pointing of the faience dome, terracotta coping stones and cornice details.

Finally, chimneys that had been previously capped off were re-opened and new chimney pots were installed to suit the architecture stylings of the building whilst maintaining their phasing legibility.

The conservation of this beautiful church has attracted a lot of public attention and so the surveyors, R Hilton & Co Ltd, held an open day which involved a tour of the building along with discussions on the conservation philosophy, the chosen palette of materials and any challenges that were encountered along the way.

Rupert Hilton, the lead consultant, said: “It is important that works to historic buildings aren’t a closed book and hidden away behind fencing.

These important buildings belong to all of us, and their repair should be seen as an opportunity to learn from and hopefully inspire future conservation contractors, professionals and custodians alike.”

The project was completed in January with fantastic results and Aura are thrilled to add this to their extensive portfolio of ecclesiastical projects. q

Purcell completes the reconstruction of Cupola House

[CUPOLA HOUSE, in the centre of the

historic market area of Bury St Edmunds, was being run as a restaurant when, in June 2012, a fire that started in the basement kitchen spread through the property. The fire caused significant damage to the Grade I listed oak frame terraced building.

The eastern side of the building collapsed into the street while parts of the western side survived, including a large amount of the primary façade. The determined endeavours of the Suffolk County Fire and Rescue Service ensured that the fire did not spread to any of the neighbouring buildings, many of which have pre-Georgian origins.

The building dates from 1693. For more recent generations Cupola House had been a popular meeting place – as a restaurant, and before that a pub. Its prominent location in the centre of the town and its dominant height created by the iconic cupola which sat above its roof line, meant that it was highly visible.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, Purcell was appointed as architects and

heritage consultants to oversee its restoration.

Seamans Building were brought in to stabilise the site, undertake clearance and to sift through the debris to salvage any identifiable features or large pieces of historic fabric that had survived the fire and could be used for the reconstruction.

With the support of the local conservation officer and Historic England, and based upon research into the pre- and post-fire building, Purcell developed a philosophy for the repair of Cupola House which incorporated significant amounts of new construction. A new steel frame would be used to stabilise what remained of the historic oak frame and support the new construction, while a series of fire engineered measures would ensure that an additional storey would be brought into public use.

Over the course of 30 months, the reconstruction uncovered previously hidden features, including a bread oven and a well in the basement. It also revealed instabilities that hadn’t been present when the initial survey was undertaken, such as a large crack in the north

chimney, which resulted in much of its 20m height being rebuilt.

A vast array of information about Cupola House was provided by the local authority, previous owners and the community which allowed the interiors to be reinstated to appear largely as they had before the fire.

Of particular importance were a series of 1:1 record drawings of moulding profiles, which had been produced by Suffolk County Archaeological Services during a previous restoration. These revealed that the panelling, cornice, dado and skirting mouldings had been different in almost every room, and allowed them to be replicated. Salvaged sections of panelling and other features were also reinstated in locations as close as possible to their original positions.

Now complete, Cupola House will once again be used as a restaurant. A fit-out is currently underway that will accentuate the historic character that has been reinstated, and will allow the local community once again to enjoy this magnificent building. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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BJ Waller helps to restore historic Norman castle [

OAKHAM CASTLE, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the UK, has undergone a major renovation, thanks to a £2.1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. As part of the project, BJ Waller sourced and supplied architectural ironmongery to complement the history and grandeur of the historical castle, within a tight timescale.

Working closely with John Wright of Weston Allison Wright, BJ Waller produced an ironmongery schedule for high-end door furniture from Frank Allart. The door furniture supplied was in unlacquered polished brass that slotted perfectly in with the aesthetics of the castle. The ironmongery is also robust enough to cope with the high number of visitors to the historic site.

BJ Waller worked with the main contractor Woodhead Heritage to provide new locks and latches where required. Between them, they agreed they could re-use some of the existing horizontal locks and door furniture to help keep costs down.

“When John Wright approached us regarding this project, Oakham Castle had already announced the date of the grand re-opening which was only four weeks away, so meeting the deadline was a big challenge,” said Mark Lord, area account manager at BJ Waller.

“With all parties working together to reach the end goal, we were able to supply some fantastic products that fit in really well with the existing ironmongery, creating a brilliant end result.”

BJ Waller worked closely with Frank Allart to supply the entire order in just over three weeks to make sure it was completed in time. This allowed Woodhead Heritage to install the products for the grand reopening. q • For further information call 01353 647111 or visit the website at www.bjwaller.co.uk.

110 bespoke terracotta pieces add finishing touches to Wigan Town Hall restoration [AS PART OF the Wigan Town Hall refurbishment, restoration

specialists Darwen Terracotta and Faience have manufactured and supplied 110 replacement bespoke terracotta pieces.

Designed by local architects Nuttall and Cooke, the Grade II listed building has been part of the street scene since 1867. It has now been restored to its former glory, with the new terracotta elements installed by expert restoration contractors Stone Central (NW) Ltd. “Wigan Town Hall is an exceptional example of the use of terracotta during the Victorian period,” explained Jon Wilson, a director at Darwen Terracotta. “Like so many buildings of the period the standard of construction and level of craftsmanship in the finish was exceptional and that is why, despite more than a century of intensive use and exposure to the severe pollution of the industrial revolution, it survives and we are able reverse the damage of decades to breathe new life into the fabric.”

Each of the 110 new pieces of terracotta replaces an original element and was hand sculpted and finished based on measurements and photographs taken of the original pieces.

Extreme care was taken to achieve a close match to the surrounding pieces – even taking into account the effects of weathering and cleaning on the colour since the first installation. Close consideration was given to shrinkage during firing to achieve a precision fit.

Stone Central were responsible for dismantling the failed cladding and installation of the new pieces in addition to extensive re-pointing of the exterior and removal and re-bedding of the wall copings.

Work has been on-going for 18 months but with the scaffolding now

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removed the full glory of the restoration is revealed.

The town hall was first constructed at a cost of £12,000, equivalent to nearly £16 million today. Total refurbishment by main contractor ISG has cost £5.9 million. This has included a remodelling and refit of internal areas to a master plan by architects Plus 3, making the building fit to meet the demands of the 21st century and able to provide service to the people of Wigan well into the future. q • For more information visit the website www.darwenterracotta.com.

DBR – making sure the past has a future Talking to Ecclesiastical & Heritage World, DBR director, Adrian Attwood (pictured) reflects on some of the highlights and the changes the company has seen during its 25 years in the field of building conservation.

EHW: Over 25 years you must have seen many changes.

AA: Yes, DBR has been celebrating a quarter century of continuous trading since our formation in 1990. I am immensely proud of our work, and how we have grown from a small business providing masonry services, to a large, well respected company that provides a whole array of specialties in the field of building conservation.

EHW: What are some of the services DBR now offer?

AA: We now have four separate divisions. DBR London really holds onto the roots, providing specialist masonry services for historic buildings along with acting as Principal Contractor for major conservation projects. Also we have DBR Leadwork offering specialist roofing services in metal, clay and stone, DBR Conservation dealing with the specialist treatment of historic decorative surfaces including polychromy and gilding, and finally there’s DBR Southern, which was set up to provide specialist masonry services in the southern counties.

EHW: Tell us about your personal highlights.

AA: After carrying out many high profile projects, DBR was awarded the prestigious contract to restore Nelson’s Column in 2005. The project was a huge success both in terms of the conservation work carried out and the media exposure – nationally and internationally. To celebrate we held a dinner party at the very top of the 169 feet high scaffold – complete with cellists! It was a reenactment of a party held by the original fourteen stonemasons in 1843.

EHW: Tell us about the history of the company.

AA: DBR stands for David Ball Restoration, which was originally set up by David Ball and George Henderson. I joined in 1991 and David Lucas in 1993. David Ball retired from the business in 1999 and David Lucas and I took over as board directors in 2000. Alan Bilham joined the board in 2004.

EHW: When did you become just DBR? AA: In 2006, following the success of the Nelson’s Column project, we rebranded from David Ball Restoration to simply DBR to acknowledge our many years of work in the industry, as well as to reflect the fact that we were becoming a leading conservation contractor. Our logo is Janus, the Roman God of transitions which depicts two faces – one looking into the past and one looking into the future.

This is how I see our company: a link between the past and the future. We can guarantee that the past has a future, and we are the caretakers. We launched the new company at a party at Temple Church, a spectacular building where we were working. The event included a fascinating talk by Robin Griffiths Jones on the Knights Templar and the Da Vinci Code. It was a real success.”

EHW: How do you see the future?

AA: I can confidently speak for all of the directors when I say that we look forward to further expansion with new craftspeople, managers and trainees. We will continue to provide exemplary conservation services that embrace our philosophy of ‘making sure the past has a future’. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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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.

[

THE NATURE OF church architecture means they are particularly prone to lightning strikes. The very act of projecting the building towards heaven with a tower or spire– to glorify God and to act as a landmark for miles around – works towards them attracting lightning.

“Churches have always suffered from the effects of lightning.” That is the very start point of guidance published jointly by Historic England and Ecclesiastical Insurance. The document comprises a detailed summary of the history of church approaches to lightning strikes over the centuries, in particular the number of instances some buildings seem to have fallen victim. It quotes R H Golde, writing in his 1977 work Lightning Protection, as noting that the campanile of San Marco in Venice was hit and either severely damaged or destroyed no fewer than nine times between 1388 and 1762. In Britain the effects have not been so severe, as we suffer comparatively fewer strikes per hectare than elsewhere.

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Early approaches by ecclesiastical authorities seem to have been that, as lightning is an act of God, there is no justification or need to attempt to protect a church against it. That attitude changed in the 19th century as technological advance resulted in the development of lightning protection systems based on the Franklin rod – a single metal rod leading to earth, in churches also known as a ‘tower-only’ system.

Until recently the great majority of churches still had that kind of basic protection, despite the introduction in the last century of a British Standard, BS6651, that recommended the more sophisticated Faraday Cage system, described by Ecclesiastical Insurance as ‘a mesh of conductors at intervals laid over the roof and down the walls of the building, and connected to earth by earth electrodes’.

When dealing with the issue of lightning protection in ancient or listed churches, as with any historic building, consideration has to be given to conservation issues.

In the joint Historic England/Ecclesiastical Insurance document Lightning Protection for Churches – a Guide to Design and Installation the policy of Historic England is stated thus: “The installation of a lightning conductor implies in most cases the fixing of equipment to the fabric of a building. English Heritage seeks to ensure that any works to a historic building do not unnecessarily disturb or destroy historic fabric.

“In deciding how best to protect a church from the effects of lightning the principals of minimum intervention and reversibility should be adopted wherever and whenever possible.”

In the same document Ecclesiastical points out that, although lightning protection is not a condition of cover “…installing lightning protection, as part of a risk assessment strategy, together with its on-going maintenance and testing, not only serves to protect the

building for future generations to enjoy, but should help to reduce claims costs in the longer term.”

In 2008, a new European standard came into play: BS EN 62305. The new standard is considerably more complex than its predecessors and includes a requirement for a risk assessment to determine the level of protection required and sections devoted to both structural damage and risk to life, as well as damage to electrical installations and equipment.

Ecclesiastical Insurance has published a short guidance note to the main points of BS EN 62305. The company states: “This is only a brief summary of a very complex subject. Specialist advice must always be sought before installing any electrical equipment and installation must only be undertaken by competent persons.

“The design of a lightning protection system should be carried out by a specialist such as a consulting engineer, preferably a member of the Association of Consulting Engineers, with experience in lightning protection systems.”

Similarly, the company states that the installation should only be carried out by a competent and experienced contractor specialising in lightning protection systems.

A more extensive explanation of the differences between the old and new standards is the subject of a further joint publication, which allows updates of specific guidance documents. Again, it is a given that specialist advice should be sought.

The document states: “The most significant changes are the approach and enlargement of the risk assessment process and the inclusion, within the main body of the text, of specific guidance on the application and testing of surge protection devices as part of the risk assessment calculation.”

In future issues we will be considering the different kinds of damage that lightning can cause and the various ways of defending churches against it, and the issue of lightning protection in nonecclesiastical historic buildings. q

The following companies are all specialists in Lightning Protection Systems: Wiltshire Steeplejacks

and Lightning Conductor Engineers Trading for over 40 years, we specialise in: • Lightning protection systems • BS EN 62305 & BS 6651 • Earthing and resistivity testing • High maintenance work • Bird control • All rope access work • Full architectural surveys & cover meter surveys T: 01225 761330 M: 07973 397770 E: wiltssteeplejack@aol.com W: www.wiltshiresteeplejacks.co.uk The Coach House, 5 Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8BR

Syntex Engineering Services Ltd T: 01642 454016 E: admin@syntex-chimney.co.uk W: www.syntex-chimney.com

32-33 Brewsdale Road, Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS3 6LJ

G & S Steeplejacks Ltd

T: 01761 437796 M: 07974 184449 E: graham@gnssteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.gnssteeplejacks.co.uk Unit 3, Bath Business Park, Peasedown St John, Somerset BA2 8SF

LSP Contractors Ltd

T: 07816 494285 E: julian@lspcontractors.co.uk W: www.lspcontractors.co.uk Millside, 67 Buchanan Road, Upper Arncott, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX25 1PE

Facit Testing

Lightning Strike Ltd

225 Yarmouth Road, Norwich, Norfolk NR7 0SW

Unit 21, Pottery Court, Pottery Way, Nottingham NG8 8YM

South West Lightning Protection

Harrison Lightning Protection & Earthing Ltd

Airport Business Centre, 10 Thornbury Road, Estover, Plymouth PL6 7PP

2 Lakeland Estate, Faverdale North, Darlington, County Durham DL3 0PX

Osborne Delta Lightning Conductors Ltd

Direct Strike

30 Greenacres Road, Oldham, Lancs OL4 1HB

18 Canberra Road, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, Scotland DG16 5DP

Lightning Protection Services

Bailey International

T: 01603 700995 or 0845 130 8338 E: admin@facit-testing.co.uk W: www.facit-testing.co.uk

T: 01158 752686 M: 07581 266493 E: info@lightningstrikeltd.co.uk W: www.lightningstrikeltd.co.uk

T: 07807 334441 E: south@lightningconductor.org W: www.lightningconductor.org

T: 01325 337111 E: contact@harrisonlp.co.uk W: www.harrisonlp.co.uk

T: 0161 785 4940 F: 0161 785 4950 E: info@osbornedelta.co.uk W: www.osbornedelta.co.uk

T: 0113 248 8026 M: 07899 700138 E: lpservices@live.co.uk W: www.lightningprotectionleeds.co.uk 10, Oak Tree Drive, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS8 3LJ

TESTING & DESIGN SPECIALISTS

T: 01461 337951 E: enquiries@directstrike.co.uk W: www.lightningprotectionscotland.co.uk

T: 01625 576243 E: enquiries@baileysteeplejacks.com W: www.baileysteeplejacks.com Bailey Business Park, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, Cheshire SK10 5NY

Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks

A. Harfield Ltd

Unit 7, 29b Mary Vale Road, Birmingham, West Midlands B30 2DA

35a Sea Road, East Preston, Littlehampton, West Sussex BN16 1JN

T: 0121 486 1810 M: 07831 490114 E: bill@ecclesiasticalsteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.ecclesiasticalsteeplejacks.co.uk

T: 01903 770664 E: aharfieldltd@btconnect.com W: www.aharfield.co.uk

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Industry gears up for awards day following deadline extension [

THIS YEAR’S UK Roofing Awards will take place on 19 May, at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge in London. They will be hosted by BBC Breakfast presenter Steph McGovern and the National Lottery’s ‘Voice of the Balls’ and Strictly announcer, Alan Dedicoat.

This year’s awards will once more feature the hotly-contested Heritage category. Winners in that category must demonstrate the very highest level of expertise in traditional techniques, as well as an intimate knowledge of the country’s built heritage. Past winners have included such diverse projects as a historic byre in Snowdonia and Crewe’s municipal buildings.

In recent years winners in a number of other categories have also included roofing projects on some of the country’s best-known heritage buildings, including Westminster Cathedral, London’s Victoria Station and the Byker Wall estate in Newcastle-upon-Tyne (pictured below) carried out by County Durham-based Hodgson Sayers with Bauder Roofing Systems – it won in the Solar category at last year’s awards.

In at least one case the awards were ahead of the game: in 2013 the award for Single Ply Flat Roofing went to the URS Building at the University of Reading. The striking 1970s design for the Faculty of Urban and Regional Studies was listed Grade Two only last year.

The UK Roofing Awards usually run from October to January every year and a selection of projects are short-listed thereafter. This year, however, the deadline for entries was extended to 17 February.

In May the winners will be announced. A range of criteria are taken into consideration by the judging panel including degree of difficulty, aesthetics, problem-solving, health and safety, workmanship and environmental qualities. q

Lead thefts still a scourge for churches [ DESPITE ON-GOING ADVANCES in the use of

technology in the battle against metal theft, instances continue to be reported the length of the country.

In Cambridgeshire, police are reported to have made use of a UAV or ‘drone’ to investigate the theft of lead from the roof of St Mary’s Church in Bluntisham – twice in successive nights!

After the first theft, on the night of 10-11 February, scaffolding was erected to inspect damage. That same scaffolding was then used by thieves to steal yet more lead the following night.

A police spokesman told local press: “The thefts have caused damage to large parts of the church roof, estimated to cost several thousand pounds to repair. Investigations into the crimes are continuing.”

The use of existing scaffolding is an increasingly common way for thieves to access church roofs. In January lead was stripped from the roof of Laurieston Parish Church, Falkirk, by thieves who accessed the roof via scaffolding erected during repair work. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Hodgson Sayers’ talented youngsters Craig Taylor, David Bilverstone and Alex Atkinson

Young team’s skills tested at the ‘highest’ level [

THREE TALENTED YOUNGSTERS at Hodgson Sayers have seen their credentials soar to new heights as they managed the complete installation of a roofing system at a primary school in Hartlepool.

Led by 21-year-old Alex Atkinson, who has recently completed an apprenticeship in flat roofing at Newcastle College, the trio took on the challenge under the watchful eye of Colin Howey, one of a number of highly experienced contract managers who began their careers at the firm as apprentices.

Colin Howey said: “Our apprentices are at an excellent standard. That is why when it came to tasking a team to carry out the work at St Helen’s Primary School I was very confident in assigning the full project to what many would class as a young team.

“This was a very challenging task for Alex to lead but there was no doubt in my mind that the work would be carried out to the highest quality standard and to the timescale required. Joining Alex was 23-year-old joiner, Craig Taylor and first year apprentice, David Bilverstone.

“The project involved a new roofing system as well as extensive repairs to both the high level and low level roofs. The low level roof

required guttering all the way around the perimeter and the team boxed out the void to the roof to get rid of the internal pipework before installing fascia boards and a new external rainwater pipe system.

“Alex and his team also implemented all health and safety policy procedures before the work commenced, which is very detailed.”

Such is its commitment to the training of its people that Hodgson Sayers won the apprenticeship category in the 2015 North East Business Awards and then went on to win the People Development and Company of the Year Awards at the British Chamber of Commerce Awards.

Alex Atkinson said: “I really enjoyed leading the team at St Helen’s Primary School. I was initially slightly daunted by the responsibility of not just completing the live project but all of the administration, for example completing the health and safety forms and risk assessments.

“As soon as we started the project everything ran smoothly and I can only credit my team. I would like to thank the company for having the confidence in us to take this on and to deliver on time to the highest of standards. Sometimes you have to be placed

in the deep end and simply swim. That is the true test - we all passed.”

Established in 1979, Hodgson Sayers operates in the construction sector offering specialist skills in roofing, building works, fencing, metalwork fabrication and security products.

Colin Howey added: “Like our managing director, John Sayers, the majority of the contracts managers have been apprentices and know the importance of working independently on live projects. The confidence that this installs in our young people is priceless. Each of our apprentices is mentored and at the end of their placement they are guaranteed a job with the company.

“Young people often get a hard time but we have a hungry team who are steadily learning a solid trade. They will be the face of the construction sector going forward. We must nurture them correctly and this year we have signed up all our apprentices to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as it is important that companies in the sector all play their part in supporting north east training bodies and to ensure young people gain the very best support.” q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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King’s College first to use Collyweston slate from newly-reopened mine [ COLLYWESTON SLATE is now back in production at the mine

in the eponymous village in Northamptonshire where it had been mined for centuries. A generation or so after it closed, the mine has been reopened by owners Claude N Smith.

To reach the new slate source miners had to remove over 100m of rock, but by January were ready to start producing Collyweston slate once again.

The new seam is estimated to contain 10 years worth of stone. It will see its first installation in the project to reroof Bodley’s Court at King’s College in Cambridge, beginning next year. Historic England has stipulated the importance of using Collyweston slate because of the local historical significance of the material and the need to replace like for like. Many other buildings in Cambridge feature the material, including the Round Church – or Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Claude N Smith were finalists in the Heritage category of the Roofing Awards in 2015 for the reroofing of that building with reclaimed Collyweston slate.

Production at Collyweston differed from the traditional splitting process by leaving a damp section of mined stone in the open air to freeze and thaw, causing it to split naturally. Production at the mine was abandoned in the 1960s as frosty mornings became sporadic and unreliable, resulting in difficulties in splitting the stone. The mine is once again viable thanks to advances made by Sheffield Hallam University and Natural England, who have developed a

method of using modern freezer technology as a reliable method for splitting the stone to create the thin Collyweston slate sheets.

The Clerk of Works at King’s College, Shane Alexander, commented: “Back in April 2014 Historic England recognised a shortage in supplying Collyweston slate for listed buildings, and tried to replicate the freeze method by placing the damp logs into a commercial freezer.

The trials for this worked so well that several of the remaining mines have adopted this method, including Collyweston.” q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Rainclear listened and added products to the galvanised steel range

Rainwater downpipe joined directly to sub-surface drainage system

[

THE UK’S LEADING online retailer and stockist of metal rainwater systems has listened to its customers and added a few new products to its popular galvanised steel rainwater range.

Rainclear pride themselves on offering the very best customer service and a wider choice of sizes, profiles and colours with next day delivery – so they have not only increased their stock ranges considerably over the past 12 months but have also, in response to requests, added a few

useful accessories to the stylish and affordable galvanised steel rainwater range, for example: • a galvanised steel downpipe cover and rubber seal to join the 80mm and 100mm diameter galvanised steel rainwater downpipe directly to 110mm sub-surface drainage pipes – as an alternative to ending with a downpipe shoe to an open grate M10 screw allows downpipe fixing to • a choice of either short-heeled or longirregular surfaces heeled shoes • a downpipe bracket with an M10 boss for use with an M10 screw in either 100mm, 140mm or 200mm depth to allow secure fixing of downpipes to buildings constructed with deep insulation or external stonework with an irregular surface.

Rainclear is currently offering 25% off its galvanised steel range and free delivery to mainland UK on orders over £300 net, but they will always try to beat any like-for-like quote while ensuring they supply the best quality system for your project and your budget. q • Give the team at Rainclear a call now on 0800 644 44 26 to request a pricelist or visit the website at www.rainclear.co.uk and download a PDF for yourself.

Downpipe ends with long-heeled shoe to an open grate

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Firs House – the restoration of a fine historic roof [

FIRS HOUSE is a spectacular Grade II listed property in Worcestershire. Originally, a detached green-oak-framed farmhouse, dating back to the 17th century, the two storey building was designed in the classic 16th/17th century ‘T’ shape with a main range and a cross wing on the north end.

Disaster struck in the middle of one night when the owners, Penny and Mark Soper, were woken up by a strange sound coming from the attic. “At first, we thought the noise was due to the family cat playing with a marble on the exposed wooden floor, but then the lights went out and white hot flames were visible around the trapdoor into the roof void,” said Penny. “As we ran outside, we saw flames shooting from the roof and clay tiles dramatically exploding like shrapnel off the roof.”

The scene was devastating. Severe damage had been done to the timber framing of the upper part of the oldest part of the house, and the now unsupported 17th century gables of the front elevation tilted at an angle. The whole of the roof structure and first floor ceilings were destroyed beyond re-use with only two rafters remaining.

It was discovered that the cause of the blaze was an electrical fault in the roof space, underneath the bitumen felt underlay. Unfortunately, none of the smoke detectors activated during the fire, as the heat and the smoke was above them, and there were no detectors located in the roof space itself, where they could have been more effective.

The major task of structural repair and rebuild began, masterminded

by Alex Matthews and Nick Joyce, partners at Nick Joyce Architects, a practice which specialises in the conservation and renovation of historic and heritage properties. After conducting an extensive survey, plans were put together to restore and upgrade this unique building, while taking every care to conserve or recycle original materials where possible.

A local building company was appointed to undertake the painstaking structural repair and reconstruction of most of the timber frame and roof structure using oak trusses and oak purlins with concealed steel members to recreate as much as possible of the original appearance, shape and construction, whilst bringing the roof members up to modern building standards. Timbers and traditional

joints were cut on site in the traditional way of construction.

In addition to re-using surviving floor timbers and preserving original features, the reconstruction also represented an opportunity to upgrade the property with some modern materials, without compromising the aesthetics or historical integrity of the original, although all changes and new materials had to be given Listed Building Consent before they could be incorporated.

“As some of the house had already been compromised during the 20th century, we took a sensitive but pragmatic approach to the overall conservation, replicating the original style and features where we could, but also introducing modern structural materials where necessary,” said Alex Matthews.

A modern breathable membrane was fitted on the new roof and the original tiles were replaced by 6,000 traditional handmade plain clay tiles from Tudor Roof Tile Co Ltd. Manufactured in ‘Medium Antique’, their gently uneven shapes gave an instantly aged and ‘olde world’ appearance that closely reproduced the mellow tone and texture of the originals, in a way that machinemade tiles could not have done. Their gentle double camber also offered added ventilation to the roof space.

“The choice of roof tiles was an important part of restoring the external appearance and character of the building,” said Alex. “We wanted to use traditionally made plain tiles with a weathered look that would immediately blend in with the historic appearance of the building and be acceptable to the local authority planning officers.”

As the pitch of the gablet roofs was much the same as the roof of the main range, it was possible to use Tudor’s purpose-made tiles for swept valleys. This is another feature which helps to give an aged, traditional appearance to the house, which would not have been the case with lead lined valleys.

The owners decided to gain some benefit from the unplanned reconstruction, by taking the opportunity to create a new room in the previously unused attic and inserting a new connecting staircase.

Naturally, the prevention of another fire was a primary consideration throughout.

Fireplaces and chimneys were rebuilt with fire precautions in place and the roof space was divided into three zones with half hour fire resistant partitions between them. As the electrics were replaced, heat detectors and smoke detector alarms were fitted throughout the house.

For Penny and her family, rebuilding Firs House has been a challenging but immensely rewarding experience. “To say it was a labour of love is an understatement,” said Penny. “Completing this massive restoration has been a remarkable achievement, largely down to the expertise of our architect and the hard work and support of the contractors and manufacturers involved.” q • Tudor roof tiles are available from leading roofing and builders merchants. For more information contact Tudor Roof Tile Co. Ltd, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, Kent TN29 9JH. Tel 01797 320202, fax 01797 320700, email info@tudorrooftiles.co.uk or visit the website at www.tudorrooftiles.co.uk. www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Two centuries of world-class expertise proves its mettle in regal restoration project down-under

[ SPECIALIST EXPERTISE GAINED over more than 200

years came into its own on the other side of the world when West Midlands roof tile manufacturer Dreadnought became involved in the major upgrading and restoration of Government House in Wellington, New Zealand.

Government House is the official residence of the Governor General of New Zealand – the representative of The Queen as Head of State. It is an historic, 100-year-old building set in awardwinning landscaped grounds and forms an important part of New Zealand’s heritage.

Wellington-based Athfield Architects, along with a number of other consultants, had been engaged by the Department of the

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Prime Minister and Cabinet to provide an analysis of the existing building fabric and review its functionality. The result of this analysis was a concept plan to meet the future needs of Government House while retaining and conserving the heritage features of the building.

The original roof tiles on Government House were supplied in 1910 by Thomas Peake Ltd, a Staffordshire manufacturer that ceased trading over 50 years ago. A sample of the existing tiles was sent to Dreadnought’s Brierley Hill headquarters, where it was established that the tile was single cambered, made from Etruria marl clay with a predominantly deep red colour.

However, the tiles also exhibited a limited amount of subtle colour variation from tile to tile and a bluer colouring around the tail and the bottom of the sides of the tiles – a phenomenon known as ‘picture framing’. The phenomenon occurs when the iron-rich Etruria marl clay is exposed to a mild reduction atmosphere in the kiln, particularly in the areas where the tiles were in contact with one another. It also confirmed that the tiles were naturally coloured, without the use of any surface pigments or stains.

It was suggested that a mix of Plum Red and a small proportion of Brown Antique tiles would best match the original appearance of the roof. To test that on site samples were sent to Wellington to establish the right proportions of the mix. A ratio of 80% Plum Red and 20% Brown Antique was settled on to introduce the original subtle colour variation on the roof and recreate a limited element of blue around the tails of some of the tiles.

When photographs of the original roof were studied in detail it was observed that there had been an improper use of certain standard tile fittings; for example, valley

tiles had been used upside down on a covering of a section of the ridge and arris hip tiles, not designed for the 35o roof pitch, had been used.

Also, certain hips had been mitred over lead soakers using special double tiles to accommodate the angle of cut and leave space for a nail hole. The photographs suggest that these large clay sections had been difficult to secure and became easily dislodged.

The probable reason for the incorrect use of arris hip fittings and the mitring of some hips was that only in 1990 was the recommended roof pitch for plain clay tiles reduced from 40o to 35o. Prior to that date tile fittings such as hips and valleys for roof pitches below 40o were not manufactured and it is likely that 35° arris hips were not available in the early 1900s from Thomas Peake Ltd. Consequently, 35 o arris hips were recommended for the reroofing.

They provide the same visual profile, are considerably more robust and were easier and more economical to fit. To retain some of the appearance created by the use of valley tiles on the small section of ridge on the original roof, it was suggested that capped angle ridges could be used. They would give some of the same castellated profile, but would introduce a much greater degree of integrity to that area of ridge.

Salt damage had affected a significant proportion of the original roof tiles: the strong Wellington winds had driven salt-laden air under the tiles, which over time caused some of them to weather all the way through, leaving rather large holes.

Paul Cummack of Athfield Architects commented that salt damage is proportional to the porosity of the clay, and to make sure the replacements were of low porosity – to minimise a repeat of the damage – and to confirm the test results provided by Dreadnought Tiles, he carried out his own water absorption tests in his kitchen by boiling the tile samples for 24 hours and weighing them,

then drying them in his oven and weighing them again to measure the percentage change. That confirmed the results he had been supplied with.

Wellington is situated in an earthquake zone and an earthquake can generate a vertical force equivalent to 2G, which would have the potential to lift all the tiles off the roof if they were not appropriately secured.

Each roof tile was therefore fixed to its batten with two screws. Screws were preferred to nails because the New Zealand pine battens were found to have more ‘bounce’ than typical battens used in the UK. A special electric saw extension was devised, with an arm and a blade that could travel under the tiles to cut the heads of the screw if tiles needed to be replaced in the future. To secure the ridges a mechanical fix was required in addition to the mortar due to the earthquake risk.

According to a spokesman for Dreadnought: “The painstaking specification by Athfield Architects and the high level of workmanship by the main contractor L T McGuinness and roofing contractor ARFI have yielded a refurbishment of exceptional quality which is not only faithful to the building’s historical context but has also introduced the high degree of structural and infrastructural upgrade required in many areas.”

With a 100-year design life the conservation project has drawn on the strengths and beauty of the existing spaces and structures of the high-profile building and introduced subtle interventions that will improve the experience and functionality of the environment for visitors to the house and grounds for generations to come. q

A reputation founded on steadfast qualities [ DREADNOUGHT WAS FOUNDED on its present site in

Brierley Hill in 1805 – the year of the Battle of Trafalgar. What more fitting a name for the new name in clay tile manufacture than the iconic ship of the line that had seen action at that very battle? As the name Dreadnought – signifying fearing nothing – became a watchword for the most steadfast warships, so Dreadnought tiles have become synonymous with quality, naturally-coloured roof tiles.

Dreadnought is part of the Hinton Perry and Davenhill group of companies that, since the 1960s, has also included the renowned Ketley Brick company, which had been manufacturing hand-made bricks at the Ketley quarry in Staffordshire for many years.

Now, Dreadnought tiles are recognised for their unrivalled true clay colours. Colour is generated exclusively through the delicate control of the kiln atmosphere, without the use of surface pigments, stains or coloured sands. The colour of a Dreadnought tile is unique; its natural colour has a warmth and subtlety that cannot be matched with artificial colours and will endure for the lifetime of the tile, as the colour is fired into the body rather than applied as a surface coating. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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High-tech dehydration system fights damp in listed former chapel [A VISIT TO THE LISTED PROPERTY SHOW in Harrogate last April

heralded a breakthrough in treating a persistent damp problem for the owner of a former chapel. Chapel House, a Grade Two-listed building, was built in 1850 and had been a chapel until 1989, when it was converted to residential use.

The present owners moved into the building 10 years ago. The previous owner had installed an electro-osmotic system and cemented the floors, however despite those measures the damp problems persisted – a musty smell was present and the plaster had to be renewed every few years.

At the Harrogate show the current owners visited the Aquapol stand and saw the company’s building dehydration system. The quick and easy solution captured their attention – it seemed to be the ideal solution for their on-going rising damp problem. The easy installation, non-invasive nature, small size and absence of running costs were just a few benefits of the system.

The Aquapol masonry dehydration system is a self-contained rising damp remedy and represents the latest technical development in the handling of rising damp.

The heart of the system is a small, lampshade-like device which is installed on the ceiling. The device uses wireless technology to dry out walls both above and below ground level. Being non-invasive it is suitable even for Grade One and Grade A-listed buildings.

The system was installed at Chapel House in April. Aquapol’s service includes regular follow-up checks, where the dehydration progress is checked by professional moisture measurements taken from the core of the walls. These gave peace of mind that the building is indeed drying out permanently and, six months after installation, the measurements showed a noticeable reduction in the moisture inside the walls across every checkpoint, as shown by the dehydration chart.

Brett, the building owner, summarised his experience of the Aquapol system thus: “It's certainly an easy fit and there is no disturbance to the rest of the house. When they fit the system it’s fairly concealed as it is a very small device. There is no tearing-down building work involved. It is an easy fit and it functions. It is not using any electricity so it’s not costing anything other than the initial outlay for the equipment and that should be it for life.

“It is a winning solution as far as I am concerned. And from the figures it looks like it’s working – it is actually making the house drier.” q

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Established firm provides winter warmers for Cheshire church and Bedfordshire mansion [

THE PAST FEW MONTHS have been a busy time for specialist heating contractors Mellor and Mottram. The Stoke-on-Trent firm paused only for the Christmas celebrations before pushing on to complete jobs in both the South and North West of England.

February saw the final touches put to a new system at St Oswald’s Parish Church in Brereton, Cheshire. An Anglican church in the diocese of Chester, St Oswald’s is Grade Two* listed and has been described as ‘an unusually complete late perpendicular church’.

The present church dates from around 1550, although there is known to have been a chapel on the site in the reign of Richard the Lionheart.

The building’s listed status, together with a wealth of interior features – including stained glass by William Wailes – made the design and installation of the new system a particularly specialist enterprise.

The new system is an oil-fired wet system incorporating a 100kW balance flue condensing boiler and nine Dunham-Bush fan convector heaters. It replaces an old 60kW electric boiler that fed cast-iron radiators and had proven insufficient for modern needs.

The system is controlled by a state-of-the-art Heatmiser digital control unit featuring optimum start technology. That allows the system to ‘learn’ when the best time is to fire up the heating before a service.

Although Mellor and Mottram are known nationally for their specialist expertise in church heating systems, their long experience of dealing with listed buildings, coupled with their background in commercial heating, means they are also the natural choice for heating historic buildings outside the ecclesiastical sphere.

Such was the case when the company installed the new system at the famous Shuttleworth Mansion in Bedfordshire. Known as the home of aviation pioneer Richard Shuttleworth, after whom the famous Shuttleworth Collection of aircraft is named, the house itself dates from 1875 and is now also a conference and wedding venue as well as housing Shuttleworth College.

The sumptuous interior of the house is now cosseted in an appropriate ambient temperature following the installation of the new oil-fired system, which also incorporates a new hot-water facility and services the college as well as the house.

The installation of a new heating system was completed at St Oswald’s Parish Church in Brereton in February The heat for the wet system is provided by a Hoval UltraOil 250 condensing boiler. The existing flues were lined with ceramic liner to provide a mixture of heaters and radiators. The new hot water system comprises three A O Smith cylinders.

The entire system is fed by a 70,000 litre oil tank, which had to be craned into place over the top of the building.

Mellor and Mottram have been providing heating solutions for churches and listed buildings for more than four decades – in at least one case their reputation was passed on from one generation of clergy to the next. With over 600 installations behind them they can provide the most appropriate solution, whether that be traditional systems with efficient modern controls or renewable systems that help ‘Shrink the Footprint’. q

The famous Shuttleworth Mansion in Bedfordshire has benefitted from a newly installed system by Mellor and Mottram www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Uniquely created for practicality and beauty [ON 27TH NOVEMBER 2016 Stoke

Newington Methodist Church opened the doors of its new church on Stoke Newington High Street. Somerset based Fullers Finer Furniture were approached to assist with the design and manufacture of furniture for the building, having in recent years worked in a number of methodist churches in London.

Whilst great care is taken to ensure that each project the company undertakes receives identical expertise, craftsmanship and customer service, each is uniquely created to suit the specification and character of the individual church – there is no ‘one size fits all’.

The specification was for practical furniture, with a soft curved image, in black walnut to serve and enhance the practicality and beauty of the new building. The church has a welcoming glass front displaying the decorative window from the earlier church. Inside, the main sanctuary area is modern and practical.

Fullers Finer Furniture were commissioned to build a pulpit, communion table, lectern, font, communion rails and an AV cabinet, as well as supplying chairs for the building.

The pulpit is of a unique curved front design, fitted with shelving and a microphone. The communion table, likewise, is unusual in that it is oval in shape, and has a practical cupboard at the back. A matching lectern was also supplied

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fitted with a built-in mic socket. The font was similarly designed and is supported by three legs.

All the above items were fitted with matching plinths in a matt earth colour, resulting in a soft but very contemporary feel, in keeping with the architecture of the building. The font (above right) has a glass bowl picking up the colour of the stained glass window in the entrance foyer of the church, the carpet colour and the fabric on the seating, all of which provide a contrasting splash of colour.

The AV cabinet was one of several to be supplied to this group of churches and, as with all the others, was finished to a size and specification uniquely suited to the particular requirements of the church.

The commission also included the provision of

four removable communion rails, with handrails and cup rails made from American black walnut and painted metal legs to match the finish of the existing wall cross and also tying in with the metallic looking plinths on the other items of furniture. The rails are made to be sturdy yet easily removed and stored, when required.

The kneelers, finished in the same fabric as the chairs, complete the look.

The brief to combine the dark wood finish with the metal and to produce practical, timeless, beautiful furniture made this a most unique and interesting project and one in which Fullers Finer Furniture was delighted to be involved. q • For further information visit the website at www.fullersfinerfurnitutre.co.uk.

Get organised for 2017!

Easy steps to organising your hall this year

By LOUISE STEVENS of flexible furniture specialists, Mogo Direct

[

A NEW YEAR is a fantastic time to think about reorganising your church hall in preparation for any upcoming events you may be hosting in 2017. At Mogo Direct, supplying halls with practical folding chairs and tables along with other key furnishings is one of our primary specialities, so we have a great range of products that may be suitable for what you need.

Of course, the first step you’ll need to take is to thoroughly clear out and tidy your hall space. It’s very common for miscellaneous bits and pieces to accumulate in church halls, as there simply may not be a place for everything to be tidied away immediately.

If you want to maximise your space and put it to good use, though, you need to tackle this. Get your clutter organised and packed into storage if necessary.

Once your hall is ready to accommodate new furnishings, we would highly recommend some of the following:

• Flexible seating – our signature folding chairs are ideal for buying in large quantities and using to fill your hall for events, parties, fairs and meetings. They’re great quality products that will do the job and fold away neatly to make storage simple.

• Flexible tables – the same applies to our range of folding tables, including our new banqueting trestle tables. These are all easy to assemble, fold away and store, meaning they’re great for catering or creating a temporary set up in your hall for seasonal events.

• Storage trolleys – these neat and compact chair and table trolleys are the best solution for both storing and handling your chairs and tables. They make it easier, faster, and safer for you to set up your hall for any event and pack your furniture away when you don’t need them.

• Bundles and packages – we are now offering some brilliant deals including large sets of folding chairs and tables complete with

the appropriate storage trolleys and straps to match. These are an even better way to save more money when you buy from Mogo Direct to kit out your hall for 2017. q • For more information call 01442 233384 or visit the website at www.mogodirect.co.uk. www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Audio professionals assemble for their annual show [

FOR THOSE WORKING in the living church the core function of the building is the delivery of the message. Whether the church is a listed treasure from a past century or a modern structure designed with today’s congregation in mind, it must be capable of carrying that message to all corners.

That involves a sound system that has been constructed for that building and which can be operated easily and efficiently by someone who is often a volunteer ‘engineer’. And designing systems for churches is a uniquely challenging occupation.

The organisation that represents the professionals who design sound systems and associated facilities such as loops is the Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE).

ISCE members are involved in all aspects of the sound and communications industry, providing audio solutions for many venues throughout the UK and abroad. Their expertise lies in the field of consulting, contracting, engineering, distribution, research and design, manufacturing and marketing.

In March ISCE members will be assembling for their AGM and

Annual Dinner, at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire. It will be followed the next day, 8 March, by ISCEx 2017 – an exhibition and seminar programme specially assembled to help members stay abreast of industry developments. More than 25 commercial audio market manufacturers and distributors will be exhibiting their latest products for the sound and communications industries, while representatives will be on hand to discuss projects, invite feedback and discuss market and manufacturing trends.

The seminar programme includes technical presentations on Digital Amplifiers – are they too well designed? and Hearing the Invisible. A third – Taking Noise off the Menu – will look at research carried out for Action on Hearing Loss’s Speak Easy campaign to examine customers’ experience of noise levels in restaurants.

ISCEx is a highlight of the professional audio industry’s year and is designed to be an engaging and focused environment to deliver a fulfilling day. q • To book your place visit the website at www.iscex2017.org.uk.

Your joyful noise should complement your church [

IT CAN BE very difficult to design a sound system that performs well acoustically and fits aesthetically within a church or any listed building – and the challenge should not be taken on lightly. That is the view of the engineers at sound system specialists NoiseBoys Technologies, who have a wealth of experience in churches both old and new and know the challenges and procedures that go alongside each.

The spoken word, modern worship styles and building acoustics each present their own challenges that are difficult to overcome. NoiseBoys believe that the key lies in working with the building’s aesthetics and acoustics rather than ignoring or trying to overpower them.

With that in mind, they offer three points to look for when specifying an audio system in such a space: • The placement of speakers must complement the natural acoustics – not work against them – and features such as electronic delay must be introduced in multiple-speaker set ups. Ecclesiastical buildings are acoustically fantastic for choral music, but also some of the most problematic for amplified sound if a system isn’t installed properly.

• The use of 100-volt-line speaker technology is commonplace due to its thin cabling, but is unsuitable for natural sounding speech and music due to its limited frequency response. Alternatives offer a full sound, easily tailored to any space.

• A common problem with volunteer-run audio systems is that the volunteers are expected to become sound engineers overnight in order to use them. Instead, the system’s controls should be tailored to the users’ abilities and day-to-day use. q • NoiseBoys are happy discuss audio-visual requirements in more detail.

Feel free to get in touch on 01455 550800 or email info@noiseboys.co.uk.

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Stability in a world of change

[QUEEN ELIZABETH II celebrates her Silver Jubilee, the Ford Fiesta

goes on sale in the UK, British Airways inaugurates a regular supersonic Concorde service from London to New York and Cunnings Recording Associates is established in London.

The year is 1977 and proprietor Malcolm Cunnings, who had recently concluded his role as technical consultant to the refurbishment of All Souls

Church at Langham Place in London, has a passion to provide churches with great quality audio and visual systems.

40 years on, the list of clients has expanded to include large auditoriums, schools, colleges and teaching hospitals. Cunnings Recording Associates has become well respected in the industry and Malcolm’s belief that churches should have the best possible audio and visual systems still remains.

Cunnings is a family run business and this can be seen in all they do.

The personal touch is appreciated by clients both large and small. “Clients trust our expertise and benefit from our involvement,” said Malcolm. “Each project we work on is unique in some way and we take the time to work with clients to find the right solution, not just the easy solution. This includes liaising closely with architects, project managers and DACs to make sure that the audio and visual system will complement the building and fit the needs of the client.”

Examples include the use of specialist mounting hardware and a retractable screen to enable a visual system to be installed in a Grade I listed building and the use of bespoke LCD glass projection screens to allow a system to be installed into a Grade II listed building without blocking important sight lines.

Modern technology also plays a part in the final solution with automatic microphone mixers taking the place of the traditional analogue mixer controlled by an operator and digital systems providing recall of presets and settings for different services and congregations in multi-use venues. More recently, services can now be streamed live to members of the congregation at home or in care homes.

One key part of the design of an audio and visual system is not only understanding what it needs to achieve but, crucially, how it will be controlled and operated. Over the years systems have increased in complexity but the availability of regular operators has declined. This can be overcome through the right use of technology to provide simple and intuitive control for users, taking the guesswork out of the knobs but still allowing these to be used if required. Over the years many clients have commented how their new audio and visual system is easier to operate than the system it replaced.

In an ever changing world it is good to know that with their competence Cunnings brings stability and experience to the industry. q • Cunnings Recording Associates provides design and installation of quality audio, visual and induction loop systems for churches and prestigious buildings. Call 020 8767 3533 or email info@cunnings.co.uk to arrange a consultation. www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Wesleys Chapel in London receives an audio visual upgrade

[

SEVERAL YEARS AGO Exeter-based APi Communications were chosen by Wesleys Chapel, London to upgrade their sound system and install a twin camera recording system.

So when the time came to look at web streaming and upgrading the system to high definition widescreen, APi Communications were the obvious choice to approach for advice.

The company upgraded the entire camera and recording system to HD quality and also included two additional cameras, one with a fixed view of the pulpit and the other a wide angle shot from behind the congregation to give the feeling of being in the service.

The system also integrates vision mixing between cameras and other

sources such as a PC on their network, a PowerPoint presentation or DVD playback. APi moved the control location up to the gallery away from the main congregation into a custom built desk (pictured above).

Wesleys Chapel can now stream their services direct to the web, adding titles and captions in real time as required, such as bible verses and names of the participants.

The existing sound system was replaced with a Yamaha digital unit with control via a custom interface on a wireless tablet, so that only the functions necessary for day to day use are displayed. Settings for common types of services are stored and can be recalled in an instant.

APi also replaced the loudspeakers with slim line array units (pictured below), no larger than the previous speakers but capable of reproducing live or recorded music as well as speech. The radio microphones were upgraded to professional units with integrated charging contacts to eliminate the need to change batteries. q • For further information visit www.churchsoundsystems.co.

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Gothic wood carving projects

By KATE AGRELL of Agrell Architectural Carving Ltd

[IN ADDITION TO ecclesiastical projects

our company, Agrell Architectural Carving, are often requested to provide hand carving in the Gothic style for private residences around the world. Whether it’s for a kitchen, a bathroom, some furniture or a whole manor, the Gothic style continues to be as popular now as ever before.

One of our recent projects was to provide a joinery company with 37 hand-carved Gothic tracery panels. These are to be placed in the furniture for a kitchen, bathroom and library at a private residence. As you can see from the photographs (opposite) the designs are marked out and all the Gothic tracery panels are carved by hand – no CNC’s – to ensure beautiful, clean and crisp lines providing the highest quality product for the client. Due to our large team of carvers we were able to provide a high quality product, consistency in carving and delivery of the 37 hand carved panels in just over a month.

A larger project was for a new residence, Malinard Manor in Austin Texas, designed by Cravotta Interiors. The architectural carving throughout the house totalled around 15,000 hours of hand carving.

This included 166 hand carved panels – each one a unique design.

Other panels around the house were of linenfold and carved images typical of the period but special to the present day client. The huge private bar was constructed, hand carved and installed by Agrell Architectural Carving.

To assist the clients, we predesigned four historically accurate rooms. These designs can be found on our website and can be mixed and matched and developed to suit a client’s needs and budget.

One of these rooms is the ‘Gothic Revival-Style Room’ (below) which takes elements from English Malinard Manor in Austin Texas churches and period Tudor houses.

The design shows magnificent examples of linenfold panels, tracery, carved cornices, fire surrounds and furniture. Clients are often interested in integrating carving into mirror frames to hide televisions, making cabinets to incorporate a work station or personalising with their unique monograms or coat of arms.

Agrell Architectural Carving are a family business with a long standing reputation of providing clients with high quality hand carving, dedicated account management and reliable delivery. With offices in the USA and UK we can deliver hand carving for projects all over the world. q • For further information visit www.agrellcarving.co.uk or contact Kate Agrell at 01233 500252. You can follow Agrell on Twitter at @IanAgrell.

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How traditional materials allowed buildings to come alive and ‘breathe’ One of the traditional materials often cited as typifying the way in which historic buildings interact with their environment is lime plaster. Prior to the invention of Portland cement in the 19th century the use of lime plaster allowed buildings to ‘breathe’, dispelling moisture and preventing damp. In this issue’s spotlight on the subject we look at the varied scope of work undertaken using lime.

[ THREE VERY DIFFERENT PROJECTS

carried out recently by Suffolk company Rickards Period Plastering Ltd demonstrate the scope of work the specialist in historic lime plasters can become involved in.

Two of them involved restoration work on 16th century houses – one on the exterior, the other inside the building. The first was a project to re-render, in lie on lath, the outside walls of a Tudor farm house.

The finished article incorporated bespoke design of both the Tudor Rose and client’s own crest of a dragon, created by Rickards (pictured right top).

The second project was also at a Tudor house, built in 1558. The building had been left derelict for 50 years and was the subject of a 10-year restoration programme. Rickards were engaged as part of the final phase, undertaking the internal plasterwork. Part of the brief was to repair

Investigations and repairs at a Suffolk church

and stabilise ‘ashlar’ work on the west wall of the kitchen (pictured above, before and after), along with flat lime plasterwork on the remaining walls and ‘lost’ ceilings throughout the property. The project is still on-going, Rickards having been involved for over 12 months.

The third project involved investigations and repairs at a Suffolk church dating from the 14th century. The brief was to determine the condition of the nave ceiling, which had been subject to a heavy-handed ‘refurbishment’ in Victorian times. The heavy sand/lime-plastered ceiling installed at the time was showing signs of deterioration.

Rickards effected minor repairs to the failed ceiling and undertook an overall investigation of the remaining nave ceiling.

Based in Bury St Edmunds, the firm was founded by Mike Rickards in 2012. Mike has approaching 20 years’ of experience in lime plasters and renders, and has built upon that experience to establish a reputation for undertaking projects others may shy away from – whether because of the material used, design, access or other site-specific challenges.

Said Mike: “Our extensive knowledge of local construction and the built environment, along with familiarity of the complexities of period property housing, means we can provide appropriate material applications for the delicate building fabric and unique build materials of East Anglia – whether these are timber frame, clay construction, hemp, flint or soft red brickwork.” q

You can find a selection of lime contractors in our ‘Church & Heritage Supplies’ classified section from page 52.

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Essex round tower reborn with new render

[ ROUND TOWER CHURCHES in the UK number 181 in total,

of which only six are located in Essex. Nestled in the beautiful Stour Valley is the small village of Lamarsh, home to the Grade 1 listed Church of the Holy Innocents. Constructed of rubble and flint, which was then rendered for protection, it is one of just three round tower churches built by the Normans in around 1140.

There is conjecture surrounding round tower churches as to why they were built. No written accounts exist but that does not stop the speculative theories – for example that the round tower meant there were no corners for spirits to hide or that they correlated with the tradition of building circular places of ritual such as stone circles.

However the more widely adopted reasoning, including the one in the revered Pevsner Architectural Guides, is that there was a shortage of quality building stone for corner pieces. Flint is a locally sourced material but is round and nobbly and not easy to form corners – although the joining of a round tower to the straight wall

of the nave is not an easy job, involving the formation of fillets.

The Church of the Holy Innocents was struck by lightning in 1797, causing damage to the north side, and was not restored until 1865 when the typical timber and red tile Essex Spire was added.

More recent repairs to the render had proved to be inadequate resulting in failure soon after works had been completed.

Suffolk-based Anglia Lime Company (ALC) was therefore contacted in October 2016 by Fairs & Baker Ltd, also from Suffolk, the plastering contractors chosen to carry out the necessary repairs.

They required advice regarding the most suitable products to use to successfully repair the areas of failed render.

ALC visited the site with Fairs & Baker and suggested two DryReadymix products for repairs to the render on the flint tower.

These are ready mixed mortars and renders comprising various combinations of dried sand and lime from leading producer St Astier.

The beauty of these products is that they can give the contractor exactly what they require in terms of mechanical strength and aesthetics, meaning all they have to do is to add water and mix to use. Before the render was applied however, the friable surface required stabilising. This was achieved through the application of St Astier NHL 2 as a wash.

Once work had begun it became obvious the affected areas were larger than first thought and further products were required.

Wooden laths were visible in patches on other areas of the nave.

For these repairs ALC recommended Fibrechalk, a lime putty, chalk and fibre mix consistent with the original historical plasters of the region and well able to cope with the movement that naturally occurs with wooden laths.

Fairs & Baker Ltd have now completed the project with excellent results. Representatives from St Astier were delighted to see their product adorning such a resplendent example of a round tower church. q • For further information about Anglia Lime Company call 01787 313974 or visit www.anglialime.com.

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AERIAL SURVEYS

ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION

BAFRA

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ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANTS

ARCHIVE STORAGE BOXES

BOOK & PAPER CONSERVATION

BUILDING CONSERVATION & RESTORATION

BELLS

BUILDING SERVICES

CARVERS & LETTERCUTTERS

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MASTER CARVERS ASSOCIATION

DAMP SPECIALISTS

DISABLED ACCESS CHURCH HEATING

DISASTER RECOVERY CLOCKS

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

EXHUMATION SERVICES

FENCING

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FIREPLACES

FURNITURE

LANDSCAPING

GILDERS

LEADED LIGHTS

HYMNODY

JOINERY

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LEADWORK

LCA

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LECTERNS

LIGHTING & SOUND

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LIME & LIME PLASTERERS

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METALWORK

ORGANS

PAINTERS

PAINT STRIPPERS

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PICTURE FRAMING

RAINWATER SYSTEMS

ROOFING

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ROOF CLEANING

FTMRC ROOF TILES

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SASH WINDOWS ISCE

SOUND & AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS

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STAINED GLASS

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STEEPLEJACKS

STONE & STONE SUPPLY

TESTING & CONSULTANCY

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TERRACOTTA & FAIENCE

TRAINING

TRANSPORT & STORAGE

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