Ecclesiastical & Heritage World Issue 75 by DMMonline

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COVER STORY

CONTENTS Yorkshire’s finest celebrates three decades of handmade excellence The stunning brickwork that adorns the Belvedere Folly at Dumfries House in Ayrshire has attracted plaudits from many quarters – including from the Prince of Wales himself, who masterminded the restoration project at the estate. It also won a Brick Award for manufacturers The York Handmade Brick Company, which is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. For three decades the company’s craftsmen have been creating unique pieces at their premises near the historic city, where they know a thing or two about craftsmanship.

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5 Reflections NEWS 8 QEH reopening marks latest stage in South Bank revamp 8 GDPR is coming: are you compliant? 11 Scottish visitor numbers hit record high 11 New funding scheme launched to help integrate church and community 13 Three Lancashire museums set for reopening 13 New index will help prevent underinsurance 14 Islamic tradition given added listed recognition 14 NFTMMS member renovates historic ceramic mosaic floor at major stately home 15 Aura’s Eshton Hall project shortlisted for a RICS Award

CHRISTIAN RESOURCES EXHIBITION 23 CRE: inspiration and innovation for the whole congregation 23 CRE to make welcome return to Manchester

RAF CENTENARY 24 The country remembers 100 years of The Few – and many more 24 Both air arms play their part in the commemoration 24 They also serve…control centre offers new insights LEAD 25 25 26 27

16 16 17 19 19 20 21

New expo will showcase technology for worship Interpreters get their moment in the spotlight Maintenance scheme for churches and chapels to go nationwide in 2018 NT’s new DG takes up her post Best church architecture sought Keeping the building fabric clean is often a job for a biocide Abbey finds a flexible solution to its knee problem

Lead thieves brave the weather in Yorkshire Supporters have a hand in raising restoration funds BLM British Lead introduces technical support service Lead sheet training: new name, same top-notch offer

ROOFING 28 Churches and heritage sites again prominent in Roofing Awards 28 Thatched roof restored in unlikely location 29 City’s guardian has a new crowning glory 29 Craftsmen’s names are now set in lead 31 New Canterbury handmade clay tiles – the perfect match for sensitive re-roofing project in Surrey 32 Need help finding a good gutter installer? 33 Roof repairs begin on The People’s Cathedral

SOUND AND AV SYSTEMS 34 Windsor chapel’s sound system has always been state-of-the-art 34 It’s a wrap! Onwards and upwards for sound industry event 35 9,000 lumens light up visuals in Grade I listed building 36 At Guildford the message rings out loud and clear IRONWORK & METALWORK 37 Seminar line-up has ironwork covered 38 Is our reaction to metalwork more instinctive than we thought? 39 Forged iron gates: there’s strength in ornamentation INSULATION 40 Modern insulation of historic buildings LIGHTNING PROTECTION 42 Lightning protection must cover the electrics as well as the stonework 42 Industry honours its top trainees MASTER CARVERS ASSOCIATION 44 In a changing world, the world of the carver is evolving

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. Printed in the UK by The Magazine Printing Company Plc www.magprint.co.uk

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[THIS ISSUE SEES the theme of centenaries continue. As the year heads towards November and the 100th anniversary of the

end of World War One, the Royal Air Force commemorates its own centenary. Bomber Command and Fighter Command were both remembered in the activities marking the centenary in April, with new memorials and ceremonies. A number of war memorials – and some of the graves of air aces – were listed or re-listed. Air shows, naturally enough, are set to be another focus. • A rather different relationship between Prussia and the UK than that during either world war existed in the Victorian era. King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was a keen admirer of Victorian church architecture in England and gifted a Gold Medal to the designer of the best in new ecclesiastical design. The medal is still awarded annually. • A century earlier saw the building of Dumfries House in Ayrshire, which has been the subject of a major restoration project overseen by the Prince of Wales. A notable building on the estate is the Belvedere Folly, which features on the front of this issue. The fine hand-fired bricks won a Brick Award for their manufacturer. • Prestigious awards for buildings and building work include the UK Rooﬁng Awards and this year’s shortlist features a raft of ecclesiastical and heritage projects. They include two cathedrals, two castles and the Islamic Galleries at the British Museum. • Islamic religious architecture was also celebrated by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport with the listing of two London Mosques and the upgrading of a number of others. The Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking has become the UK’s only Grade One-listed mosque. • The diversity of religious life in England is also recognised in a government scheme that is being piloted to help listed places of worship plan their repairs and maintenance. Its second aim is to help them engage better with their local communities to maximise community use and associated revenue. Suffolk and Manchester are the areas picked for the trial: the one rural, the other decidedly urban. • Church repairs are the stuff of legend – as is the vast amount of money required to sustain them. A new service being rolled out across the country following a successful trial in Yorkshire will allow churches to access quality maintenance providers that have experience in church work. MaintenanceBooker is being run by the National Churches Trust and professional procurement company 2buy2. • A recognised forum for church managers and leaders to access a whole multitude of church supplies and facilities is the Christian Resources Exhibition. CRE returned to its Sandown base last year and is there again in October. It is also heading north for a return to Manchester next year. • Church organisations are likely to hold large amounts of data, including details of donors. They need to be aware of the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The new, EU-inspired rules are more stringent in what is expected of data holders. Advice is available from many sources, however. q

Chris Stokes

Editor, Ecclesiastical & Heritage World

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COVER STORY

Yorkshire’s finest celebrates three St Brigid’s Church, Belfast

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AN ABILITY TO be totally flexible with its products gives the award-winning York Handmade Brick Company a very strong hand to play when it comes to conservation. The company celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of production of unique hand-crafted bricks. The art of hand-moulding bricks dates back to Roman times. Each non-standard size can be made in an individual mould or sets of moulds which can just as easily be used to produce non-standard sizes for conservation as bricks to the normal British standard. When you add to that the fact that York Handmade replicates the traditional process of clamp firing in its state-of-the-art kilns, and also produces a range of textures, you have an almost unbeatable package for conservation. Early in its history York Handmade was successful in exporting bricks to the then recently-united Germany. There was a vast heritage of magnificent brick buildings, erected in medieval times, not only in the Hanseatic League cities on the Baltic coast, but also well down country towards Berlin and indeed in the south. The new German government wanted to restore those buildings,

badly affected by war and neglect, to their former glory. The bricks – which in Germany are called Kloster, the German word for monastery – are two-and-a-half times the size of a British brick. They were used by the Franciscan monks who were largely responsible for the design and build of many of the structures in the historic parts of Germany. York Handmade provided bricks for the cities of Luckau and Rostock, which were very well received. Closer to home, the company has been involved in a huge range of projects. They range from historic national landmarks such as Jesus College, Cambridge and Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, to privately-owned period country houses such as Broughton Hall near Skipton, Allerton Park near Harrogate and Scampston Hall near Malton – all in North Yorkshire. A new commission is the task of restoring the historic walls at the National Trust-owned 18thcentury New Hailes House and Gardens on the outskirts of Edinburgh. One major York Handmade conservation project – which was applauded by Prince Charles – was undertaken at the magnificent Dumfries House. Over 47,000 specially-made bricks were

produced for the pioneering Scottish restoration project, masterminded by the Prince of Wales himself. The bricks were used to restore the famous Walled Garden and the Belvedere Folly. The project won for the company the accolade of Best Outside Space at the 2015 Brick Awards and is featured on the front cover of this issue. David Armitage, the chairman and managing director of York Handmade, commented: “The official opening of Dumfries House was an absolutely splendid occasion. We were glowing with pride about the quality of our bricks and were thrilled when Prince Charles himself mentioned them in his opening speech. “This was an extremely exciting and challenging project for us. It involved creating bricks which fitted in perfectly with the ravaged boundary wall of the Walled Garden as well as unique specials for the Belvedere Folly and the Education Centre at Dumfries House. To our delight, the project won the Brick Development Association’s coveted award for Best Outside Space in 2015.” Another fascinating project was the refurbishment of Myton Bridge at Myton-onSwale, near Boroughbridge in North Yorkshire. The project was interesting because the bricks supplied were not handmade, but extruded –

(l-r) Broughton Hall Walled Garden near Skipton, Watton Priory Barn, East Yorkshire and Myton Bridge near Boroughbridge

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decades of handmade excellence

Wine cellar at the Forbidden Corner near Middleham, North Yorkshire

demonstrating the company’s ability to produce more uniform Victorian-style bricks as well as handmade for conservation purposes. Based at Easingwold, close to the historic city of York itself, York Handmade is acutely aware of the importance of conservation and heritage. They have completed a number of jobs in York which fit seamlessly in with the stunning architecture of the magnificent city. Key commissions include York Art Gallery, York Racecourse, the College of York St John and the former Robinson and Cooper shop in Lendal. The London connection is equally powerful: York Handmade has recently supplied 200,000 bricks for two flagship regeneration developments at London Bridge. David Armitage commented: “These are very prestigious contracts, which really put York Handmade on the map. Our ability to produce attractive bespoke bricks to order means we are now on the radar of influential architects and builders across the country. “They follow on from our work on the nearby Shard – arguably the most iconic modern building in the whole of London. It is fantastic that a Yorkshire company should be playing a significant role in the acclaimed regeneration

of the London Bridge area, which is now a commercial and residential hotspot.” Other high-profile projects carried out in London include Highbury Stadium, Carmelite House and Highgate School. David added: “Our acclaimed work in London means that our reputation as a premier brick supplier in the capital for both residential and commercial developments is gathering its own momentum. Our work on the Shard led to the prestigious London Bridge commission, for example, so the future looks bright.” The restoration of churches across the UK is also a significant part of York Handmade’s work. The stunning brickwork at St Brigid’s Church in Belfast won a prestigious award from the Brick Development Association in 1995, while the company has just embarked on a project for St Albans Cathedral, providing the bricks for a new Chapter House. As York Handmade celebrates its 30th anniversary, David Armitage is particularly proud of the fact that the majority of employees are local people who have grown up with the company. There is a strong pride in their work and their skills have been honed to add to their natural willingness to work hard

and have pride in the finished article. The modernisation which the company has consistently undertaken since its foundation in 1988 has played a significant part in its success in obtaining major conservation projects. Their superb handmade bricks make a real difference to all conservation schemes involving brick or other clay products. But York Handmade is not resting on its laurels: the company has plans to further develop its range of conservation products over the coming years, firmly believing that the best way to protect the past is to invest in the future. q

T: 01347 838881 E: sales@yorkhandmade.co.uk W: www.yorkhandmade.co.uk Forest Lane, Alne, near Easingwold, York YO61 1TU

(l-r) De Grey Court, University of York St John, London Bridge Station and Belvedere Folly at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

QEH reopening marks latest stage in South Bank revamp [ THE SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S Queen

Elizabeth Hall and Purcell Room reopened on 9 April, following over two years of refurbishment. The cultural landmarks have opened with world-class new facilities following a redesign led by architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios. Together with world-leading environmental engineers Max Fordham, consultants Arup and BAM Construction, they have created an enhanced experience for audiences and artists alike. What’s more, they have managed to highlight the original brutalist heritage details of the buildings. The restoration includes fully refurbished and updated auditoria, refreshed and redesigned back-of-house areas, a bright new artists’ entrance and an expanded 1,000-capacity ‘gigs’ space. Improved access and new ventilation, lighting systems and production infrastructure feature across the venues. A particularly striking feature is the revamped Queen Elizabeth Hall foyer, which is now flooded with natural light and boasts better views of the Thames. The re-opening is the latest in the longterm re-ordering of the South Bank complex. In January the Hayward Gallery, the visual arts centre of the South Bank, opened to much acclaim. As with the QEH and Purcell Rooms, a significant element of the redesign was the introduction of natural light. The Hayward project was also masterminded by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.

Senior partner Peter Clegg declared: “It has been a great privilege to work on such radically significant buildings as the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Hayward Gallery. The more we have uncovered them, the more we have come to respect them as 1960s icons. With the refurbishment complete they have now achieved a sense of timelessness.” The QEH and Purcell Room have opened with a programme of events paying tribute to the historic legacy of the venues and the legendary artists who have performed there over the past

50 years. A dynamic blend of contemporary and classical work has seen vibrant performances, events, installations and a free programme of activities for all ages. The re-opening programme runs until the end of May. The historic restoration was funded by Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Southbank Centre friends, trusts and foundations, who supported the Let The Light In campaign. q Image ©Richard Battye for Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios

GDPR is coming: are you compliant? [ON 25 MAY the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force. The bringing into UK law of the EU legislation replaces the existing Data Protection Act. The main principles are similar, but there is an increased need to be able to show compliance and accountability. Due to the nature of their work, places of worship hold data covering many areas: the electoral roll, regular congregants, Gift Aid, Friends groups, committees, youth work and many more. As such, together with all charities and third sector organisations, it is important that the rules are understood and steps taken to ensure they are being followed. As the deadline edges closer there is a growing volume of advice and support available. The National Churches Trust is one such source of advice. The trust has put together a check list of top tips, along with sources of further information. Among the top tips are: • Keep a record of what actions you are taking to comply with • GDPR – for example, log and minute any meetings to discuss • GDPR, and keep a record of what training has been attended

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• Conduct a data audit – identify what information you hold; • where, why, how long you keep it for and who you share it with • Ensure sensitive information is securely locked away in • filing cabinets, password protected computers etc • Have a privacy notice available on websites and parish • magazines, and let people know about it • Make sure you have consents in place where necessary • Know what steps to take if there was a data breach • Keep information held up to date: if details are out of date, • remove them The trust also points churches in the direction of sources of further information. In particular, the Information Commissioners Office details 12 steps to take now to comply with GDPR, and an advice line for small organisations to call. In addition, the Fundraising Regulator has a library of advice for small charities. All of the main Christian denominations have advice available on their own websites. q

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Scottish visitor numbers hit record high [ HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND (HES) has

announced it achieved a record number of visitors to its 300 heritage attractions in the financial year to April – topping the five million mark for the first time ever. That represents a 17% increase in footfall over the previous year. The surge in numbers is being attributed to a growth in the number of UK, European and overseas visitors, coupled with a signiﬁcant uplift in Scots visiting sites – partly due to a strong membership base of over 194,000. The ongoing ‘Outlander effect’ has seen North American visitor figures increasing by 27% year on year. The sites that have featured in the popular American-British television series continue to enjoy an uplift in visitor numbers with Doune Castle (pictured) attracting a massive 227% increase in

numbers and Blackness Castle increasing by 182% since 2013. Stephen Duncan, director of commercial and tourism at HES, said: “Our record breaking visitor figures, including across all of our top 10 sites, are a tremendous achievement for Scotland’s heritage tourism sector, reflecting the continued interest shown by tourists and home-grown visitors to learn more about our rich Scottish heritage. “Over five million visitors have flocked to our wealth of historic sites across the length and breadth of the country, ranging from iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, to landmarks such as Skara Brae in Orkney and Iona Abbey, as well as castles in Scotland’s historic towns.” He added that if estimated visitor growth at unstaffed freeaccess properties is taken into account, the overall total could top 12 million. q

New funding scheme launched to help integrate church and community [HERITAGE MINISTER MICHAEL ELLIS has announced a £1.8m

scheme to help build a sustainable future for listed places of worship. The scheme will be piloted in Manchester and Suffolk – representing both the urban and rural aspects of worship in England. Expert advisors will work with listed buildings used by all faiths and denominations to increase community engagement and vital heritage management skills. Eligible listed places of worship in the pilot areas will be able to access a £500,000 minor repairs fund. The Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals, which was published in December, called for greater community use of Church of England buildings to help congregations raise income to pay for their upkeep. This new pilot scheme extends that support to all faiths and denominations to help worshippers care for and protect their listed buildings. Fabric support officers will work in the two areas to provide high-quality advice and develop maintenance and repair plans. These will ensure that routine repairs can be addressed immediately and prevent the development of more costly problems. Community support advisors will work with the custodians of listed places of worship to identify and strengthen relationships in their local area and develop greater community partnerships. Michael Ellis said: “Britain has an incredible array of historic buildings important to all faiths, which tell the story of our shared history and our

communities. However, the costs of caring for and protecting many listed places of worship can be prohibitive and lead many to fall into disrepair. “The innovative pilots I am announcing today will help unlock the community potential of these buildings and provide practical guidance so they can be preserved for future generations.” The Bishop of Worcester, Rt Rev Dr John Inge, commented: “Church buildings have always been a crucial part of the community life of this nation and the majority of them provide one or more form of social outreach or community facilities. In working with the government on reviewing their long-term sustainability, it has been gratifying to hear many stories of churches that understand their Christian mission in terms of service to the community. “These pilots will model a new type of partnership between the church and the government, investing in people and buildings side-by-side to ensure churches are able to continue to fulfil this function, while growing new opportunities to serve the people of England.” q

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Three Lancashire museums set for reopening [

THREE MUSEUMS IN Lancashire that were closed to the public in September 2016 are set to reopen for three days a week over the summer, while talks continue with local organisations over the possibility of them being transferred to voluntary operation. They include two celebrated museums of the Lancashire textile industry – Helmshore Mills near Haslingden in Rossendale (pictured) and Queen Street Mill in Burnley. The third, the Judges’ Lodgings Museum in Lancaster, is a Grade One-listed Georgian building designated as a World Heritage Site. Proposals to reopen the three museums were agreed by Lancashire County Council (LCC) at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on 12 April. The two textile museums at Helmshore and Burnley have seen a care and maintenance regime in place while the council has been exploring options to secure their long-term

sustainability. This decision will see that regime extended to make sure that the buildings and collections are properly cared for during the times of the year when the museums are closed. Announcing the decision, Cllr Aidy Riggott, LCC’s lead member for economic development and cultural services, said: “The

council has been working hard to ensure that these museums are once again available to the public, with our efforts focused on talking with organisations which have expressed an interest in taking them on. In the meantime we’ve continued to maintain the collections and buildings. “I’m pleased to say that the county council has agreed to reopen the museums for three days every week from Easter to the end of October each year.” Commenting on efforts to find a longterm future for these important testimonies to Lancashire’s industrial past, he added: “In recognition of the immense cultural and historical significance of the mills, we are currently working with an organisation to explore what options are available so that the long-term sustainability of these nationally significant assets is secured.” q

New index will help prevent underinsurance [

THE Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ Building Cost Information Service has worked in collaboration with Ecclesiastical Insurance to launch the first buildings index specifically designed to track the costs associated with the reconstruction and repair of traditional and heritage properties. Ecclesiastical is the UK’s leading insurer of Grade One-listed buildings and insures 10 of the UK’s World Heritage Sites. It has created the new index to reduce the risk of underinsurance for owners of traditional properties – typically properties built before 1920 using traditional methods. The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) is responsible for the General Building Cost Index and the House Rebuilding Cost Index. They are used by most insurers to track changes to material and labour costs. The BCIS has been working alongside Ecclesiastical’s specialist valuation team to create the Ecclesiastical Heritage Index. The index tracks 61 different elements – including skilled trades such as specialist roofers, stonemasons and leadworkers and materials such as lime plaster, oak and dressed stone – which reflect the traditional materials and skills involved in reinstating and restoring traditional buildings.

Faith Parish, heritage director at Ecclesiastical, said: “As a specialist insurer we have developed a great deal of knowledge and expertise regarding the construction of this type of property. There are two things that are really key to insuring more traditional properties: the first is an accurate rebuild valuation undertaken by a specialist surveyor who understands the construction of the building; the second is making sure that the sum insured remains as accurate as possible throughout the term of the insurance contract and in between valuations, “In the past we have had to reopen a quarry to source the correct stone to rebuild a property or employ specialist restoration experts to work on some of the more intricate features, so you can see how not having the correct sum insured could really impact on the ability to reinstate the property.” James Fiske, director of product delivery and operations for the RICS, added: “The new index tracks the cost of the appropriate and specific resources required to rebuild or repair a heritage property and should help to reduce the risk of underinsurance to Ecclesiastical’s clients.” q

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Islamic tradition given added listed recognition [TWO MOSQUES in London have been listed by the

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England – in recognition of their historic, architectural and cultural importance. The London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre in Regent’s Park has been listed at Grade Two* and the Fazl Mosque, Southfields, at Grade Two. The London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre was built in the 1970s as a centre point for Muslim religious observance in London, and as a symbolic landmark of the Muslim faith in Britain. Renowned British architect Sir Frederick Gibberd won the international design competition with his elegant scheme that combined architectural traditions of British modernism with historic Islamic forms. The grand prayer hall can hold several thousand worshippers. The golden dome and 44m minaret create a simple, striking silhouette. The Fazl Mosque was built in 1925-26 to the designs of renowned firm T H Mawson and Sons. It was the first purpose-built mosque in London and only the second in Britain. The mosque is a fusion of Indian Mughal architectural forms with contemporary British stylistic trends: the spherical dome on its buttressed square base resembles the 1923 twin towers of the old Wembley Stadium. In addition, two of Britain’s earliest Islamic places of worship, which were already listed, have been given greater protection and recognition. Britain’s first purpose-built mosque, the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking (pictured), has been upgraded to Grade One – with an important guesthouse on the site newly listed – while the home to Britain’s first functioning mosque, in Liverpool, has been upgraded to Grade Two*.

The listings and re-listings come as the result of research for Historic England’s new book, The British Mosque: An architectural and social history. The book, by Shahed Saleem, is believed to be the first-ever overview and explanation of Islamic architecture in Britain. It records the buildings adapted and used by Muslim communities, that have become part of England’s urban fabric. There are estimated to be around 1,500 mosques in Britain: the majority are formed from houses or other converted buildings, with fewer than 20% being purpose-built. Duncan Wilson, Historic England’s chief executive, said: “I’m proud to be shining a light on these exceptional places of worship established by Muslim communities in England. Through listing we are celebrating some of our most significant examples of Islamic heritage.” q

NFTMMS member renovates historic ceramic mosaic floor at major stately home [

RESTORING THE historic ceramic mosaic floor in the game larder at one of the UK’s leading historic houses has been undertaken by National Federation of Terrazzo, Marble and Mosaic Specialists (NFTMMS) member JW Restoration. According to federation spokesperson Brian James, this exemplifies the quality of the skills and craftsmanship of NFTMMS members which can produce the most spectacular results. The game larder, which dates from 1909, was used to hang game that was shot on the Chatsworth Estate. It became derelict following the arrival of modern refrigeration techniques and was subsequently used to house chickens in the 1950s and 60s. “We were specified for this project due to our expertise in mosaic restoration and our extensive experience of working within listed and historically important buildings”, commented Oliver Wood of JW Restoration. “It proved to be a fascinating and challenging project but also one which was hugely rewarding.” The initial report revealed that the large octagonal mosaic floor was missing large

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sections of ceramic tiles, called tesserae, and there was damage where the original internal metal work had been removed. In addition, the game larder had suffered from exposure to the elements for many years and acidic attack from years of chicken waste. “One particular challenge was matching the different coloured ceramic tesserae,” explained Oliver Wood. “The light and dark green tesserae proved the most difficult to match, but it was critical for all concerned that we achieve the closest possible fit to minimise the visibility of the restored areas.” JW Restoration hand cut the tesserae to the correct size and appearance to precisely

match the original. They worked from a rubbing of a section of the mosaic which allowed them to replicate the fan pattern of the original and the missing sections were then made in their workshop and transported to the stately home for installation. “Once the large missing sections were installed and grouted we were able to give the mosaic a non-abrasive deep clean to remove the years of organic soiling that had accumulated,” said JWR’s Christian Jeeves JWR was hired by specialist contractors Croft Building & Conservation Ltd, which oversaw the project, and worked closely with architects Inskip Jenkins and specialist tile manufacturer Craven Dunnill. The NFTMMS represents companies who wish to maintain and improve the standards of craftsmanship and technical control on which the industry depends. It includes companies involved in terrazzo, mosaic, marble, granite, limestone and quartz. NFTMMS members freely offer technical advice and assistance with specifications. q • For further information visit the website at www.nftmms.co.uk

Aura’s Eshton Hall project shortlisted for a RICS Award [

RESTORATION WORK AT Eshton Hall in North Yorkshire, which was carried out throughout last year, has been shortlisted for the RICS Awards 2018 for the Yorkshire and Humber region, in the Building Conservation Category. The Grade Two*-listed Eshton Hall has existed in its grounds on the outskirts of Gargrave in Craven for hundreds of years – possibly as far back as the 1200s. The main hall was burnt to the ground in late 1500s, with a new main building and impressive tower being built in the early 1600s.

As it stands today, Eshton Hall was rebuilt in 1825-6, on the footprint of the old hall, from designs by the architect George Webster. It served as a stately home for many years and as a school during World War Two, going on to become an independent school in 1949. From 1966 until its closure in 2002 it was a nursing home. It was bought by a development company around 2003; planning permission was granted and a conversion carried out to form 13 apartments and five cottages. In autumn 2016, Aura Conservation were appointed as principal contractors by the Eshton Hall Management Company to undertake a large restoration and conservation project. The project architects and contract administrators were Crosby Granger Architects, based in Kendal. In brief, the project included: • Complete overhaul of the main hall roof with • patch repair of the northern range • Fire rating and establishing ﬁre compartmentation • of loft spaces • Below-ground surface drainage system • Repointing and stone repairs • Structural repairs to the timber trusses and • associated timbers • Insulation of ceilings in the loft areas • Rooftop surface water drainage systems by RWP During the complete overhaul of the main hall roof the entire hall had to be encapsulated in a temporary roof covering. The complex scaffold was carried out by Manor Scaffolding Ltd from Buxton. That enabled Aura to carry out the full replacement of the slate roof and lead covering on the main hall and the creation of a central Code 8 lead flat roof around the central atrium. The slates from the main hall were replaced with new Burlington slates from Burlington Stone in Cumbria and the salvaged slates were used to repair the range. The rainwater system and goods were also replaced to increase the outflow capacity, discharging into new downpipes via reconfigured lead gutters, and new below-ground drainage was installed where necessary. Bespoke joinery repairs were carried out to the timber lanterns, window frames and sills. Internal timber panelling was replaced where necessary due to water damage, replicated to match the existing. Additionally, within the roof structure, splice repairs were carried out to the joist ends, rafters were replaced and a new timber framework created to form the new lead roof. A number of key challenges were overcome on the project: It was a highly complex roof structure requiring traditional repairs. Aura ensured that they appointed their most experienced and heritageskilled workforce to the project, who remained on site for the entire duration. All are specialist traditional craftsmen. There was a requirement for traditional materials, including lead, slate, stone and NHL lime mortars. As Aura specialise in heritage work they already have very strong pre-existing relationships with traditional material suppliers and with quarries, ensuring a strong commitment to the project from the onset. Overall, the project was a huge success: the conservation principles of sympathetic repair and minimal intervention were adopted throughout the programme to deliver a beautifully restored building. The RICS category winners and Project of the Year winner will be announced at the RICS Yorkshire and Humber Awards Ceremony and Dinner on 11 May at Leeds United Football Club. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

New expo will showcase technology for worship [ LANCASHIRE-BASED technology

exhibition specialists Marked Events will be capping off an exciting 2018 with the launch of WORSHIP – a new trade show for worship and church technology taking place in Manchester on 6-7 November. Probably the most significant and exciting of a number of new shows being developed by the company, WORSHIP is its first venture into the church and worship technology industry, a well-established market in the US and one that’s growing quickly in the UK. From cathedrals to mosques, to new warehouse-sized churches, they all embrace the latest technology in a big way and WORSHIP will combine all things tech – from sound and lighting products to video, live streaming, security, apps, web solutions and more. The result is an impressive, varied show-floor of manufacturers and service providers alongside seminars, presentations and networking opportunities for the whole industry. The new event will be a trade-only show aimed at the specifiers, installers and users of sound, lighting and other technology for places of worship. Taking place at Manchester’s !Audacious Church, WORSHIP will attract the attention of everybody

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from church leaders to large installation companies. Commenting on the new venture, Marked Events CEO Mark Walsh said: “As we all know, times have changed. The way we market, the routes to market and our sales channels have all gone through significant transformations over the past decade.” q • For further information visit the website at www.worshiptechnology.show

Interpreters get their moment in the spotlight [

THIS YEAR’S Museums and Heritage Show, taking place at Olympia on 16-17 May, will see two masterclasses from the Association of Heritage Interpretation. The masterclasses – on How to Lead Golden Guided Walks and Tours and Effective and Engaging Costumed Interpretation – are just two of the plethora of learning opportunities available at the show. Tour guide and interpretation specialist Nigel McDonald will deliver his top 10 tips for making meaningful connections with audiences to create golden guided experiences on the AHI stand on 16 May. Nigel hopes to cram the key points of his in-depth one-day workshop into 25 minutes. On the following day Mrs Doig leaps forward from the 18th century to introduce effective and engaging costumed interpretation. The masterclass introduces the benefits of costumed interpretation and what interpreters should take into account in planning, managing and evaluating a project or activity. It will be delivered by Jackie Lee, an experienced practitioner in costume interpretation. q

Maintenance scheme for churches and chapels to go nationwide in 2018

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MAINTENANCEBOOKER, a new service that helps churches and chapels access high quality building maintenance is to be rolled out by the National Churches Trust throughout England and Wales in 2018 following a successful pilot project in Yorkshire. Churches and chapels of all denominations can use MaintenanceBooker to request online quotes for essential maintenance services before booking their maintenance jobs. Accessed via the MaintenanceBooker website, www.maintenancebooker.org.uk, the service only uses accredited contractors with experience in church maintenance and historic buildings. Services available from MaintenanceBooker include gutter clearance, lightning protection inspection, tree surveys and tree maintenance with asbestos surveys, asbestos removal and gutter repairs. They will be available in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales from June 2018 and rolled out to the rest of England from September 2018. Stonework and lime mortaring will be added towards the end of 2018 with bat surveys, groundworks, grounds maintenance and graveyard maintenance in the pipeline. MaintenanceBooker is a partnership between the National Churches Trust, the UK’s church buildings support charity, and 2buy2, a professional procurement company that helps organisations secure better value for money. “Tackling essential maintenance tasks sooner rather than later can significantly reduce longer term costs and be an investment in your church or chapel’s future,” said Michael Murray, head of church support for the National Churches Trust. “Neglecting simple

maintenance tasks often results in significant repair costs. For example, churches or chapels can face expensive bills for stonework or roof repairs as a result of leaking or blocked gutters. Using MaintenanceBooker can help avoid this.” Becky Clark, director of churches and cathedrals for the Church of England, has offered her support for the new service, saying: “Maintaining your church building is the bedrock of keeping it open and able to be enjoyed. Simple tasks like keeping gutters and drains clear, identifying problems with trees and properly maintaining them and ensuring stonework is well looked after will

help prevent unexpected large repair bills, and can encourage local people, whether churchgoers or not, to take an interest in their church. I believe that MaintenanceBooker will make it easier to keep church buildings in good repair.” Rob Kissick, founder and CEO of 2buy2, said: “Churches are often run on a very tight budget and so enabling them to achieve good value for money is critical in ensuring that their buildings are well maintained. We screen every MaintenanceBooker supplier to ensure they have the appropriate qualifications, which is critical when dealing with church or chapel buildings. MaintenanceBookerwill save money, prevent more costly repairs and also ensure that work is carried out by qualified and experienced individuals.” Cost can be a major barrier to tackling maintenance tasks but the good news is that churches and chapels can apply for a Preventative Maintenance Micro-Grant of up to £500 to pay 50% of the cost of a gutter clearance service if booked through MaintenanceBooker. Grants have been made available by The Pilgrim Trust and the National Churches Trust and full details are available at www.maintenancebooker.org.uk/grants. MaintenanceBooker is being rolled out in England and Wales with the support of organisations including The Pilgrim Trust and The Church in Wales. q • Visit www.maintenancebooker.org.uk and go to https://vimeo.com/263312345 to watch a special video about the new service. You can also visit Stand S100 at CRE Sandown for further information. www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

NT’s new DG takes up her post

Best church architecture sought [THE NATIONAL CHURCHES TRUST and the Ecclesiastical

[

ON 12 MARCH the new director general of the National Trust took up the reins of her new post. Hilary McGrady (pictured) was previously the trust’s chief operating officer, having in her care the operation and management of the its property portfolio – comprising almost 250,000 hectares of countryside, 778 miles of coastline and more than 500 historic buildings. Before that she worked as the trust’s regional director – firstly in Northern Ireland, then Wales and finally London and the South East. Trained in graphic design, Hilary’s career path started in the drinks industry in brand and marketing. In 1998, she moved to become director of a national arts charity and was seconded in 2002 to become CEO of Belfast’s bid to become European Capital of Culture. A two-year return to the private sector as cultural tourism consultant preceded her move to the National Trust. Reflecting on her first day in the new role, she commented: “I’ve always believed in the power of arts and culture as a force for good and I’ve spent much of my career helping to develop this. For me, culture embraces all of the things that underpin our identity. Our natural environment, arts, heritage and human stories are the things that anchor people and have the power to inspire, delight and unite.” q

Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA) are looking for the best new church buildings and extensions, together with outstanding repair or conservation architecture. New church buildings can be entered for The Presidents’ Award. It is awarded on behalf of the National Churches Trust’s joint presidents, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and the EASA president. The winning church or chapel will receive a £500 prize. Innovative church conservation or repair work can be entered for The King of Prussia’s Gold Medal. The Gold Medal was the gift of King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia in 1857, who was highly impressed with British Victorian church architecture. The architects responsible for the winning project will receive the prestigious King of Prussia Gold Medal. The winning church or chapel will receive a £500 prize. The judges for the King of Prussia Gold Medal Award 2018 will include HRH The Duke of Gloucester – vice-president of the National Churches Trust – and Prince Nicholas von Preussen, patron of EASA. This year, Bob Allies, founder and partner of Allies and Morrison LLP, will be a special guest judge. A Young Church Architect or Surveyor of the Year award will be awarded to an architect or surveyor under 40 or in the early stages of their career who has worked on a winning or shortlisted design entered for either award. The deadline for submitting projects is 13 July. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in London on 1 November. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Keeping the building fabric clean is often a job for a biocide [

AN ESSENTIAL PART of a maintenance regime for any old building is keeping the stonework and roofing materials clean. Most of the discolouration found on roofs and stonework is due to the presence of a biological layer – the biofilm. Often the appropriate use of a mild surface biocide is all it takes to restore the original surface in a matter of days: the time it takes for the dead biofilm to disperse. One biocide that ticks the right boxes for the task is Algoclear Pro, from Thames Valley Specialist Products Ltd. The company offers a cleaning process that is totally compatible with the specific requirements of old buildings. It starts with an examination of the biofilm, as the precise procedure will vary with the species found on the surface. The cleaning process often begins with an application of Algoclear Pro. As a biocide it acts on living organisms only; there is no chemical interaction with materials and – most importantly – no oxidising effects. It is even suitable for use on canvas. On roofs, after careful removal of moss, the biocidal treatment is always sufficient – and the rain washes off all the organic material left. The time span varies from a few hours for common algae to a few months for hard lichen crusts. On walls, without the same amount of rain, the dead biofilm also disperses; but some dark metabolites stay incrusted in the porous material. They can be removed using a dedicated gel. The same process applies for paving stones. It cures the ‘black dot’ contamination without abrading the material. The treatment is safe to use and safe for the environment. The application techniques are adaptable to dense urban environments, without invasive machinery. As Algoclear Pro breaks down in contact with biomass, any run-off

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

or spray drift entering the ground or a drain quickly deactivates. And as sea salt also deactivates Algoclear, there is no risk of pollution from its use in coastal areas. Thames Valley Specialist Products Ltd carries out full training of specialist applicators who can be contacted via their website www.algoclear.com. As director François Moal says: “A well-chosen biocide and some basic understanding of a biofilm will go a long way towards maintaining clean external hard surfaces. It is the soft technique of choice for most surfaces. The patience sometimes needed for the final result is well worthwhile.” The before and after images shown clearly demonstrate the stunning results that can be obtained. q

Abbey finds a flexible solution to its knee problem [

SHERBORNE ABBEY in Dorset has a rich history, dating back over 13 centuries. Today it is a living church, the home of a large and vibrant Christian community. Part of that community comprises the choir. The choir is made up of about 20 choristers, who all attend local schools, plus adult members. It was in connection with the facilities for the choir that the experience and expertise of Fullers Finer Furniture – who have only been around for a mere 30 years – was called upon. Space in the choir frontals for the young choristers was limited, with the old free-standing kneelers taking up valuable space between the pew and the choir frontal. That made life uncomfortable and potentially hazardous for the choir members. The four long kneelers were also difficult to move and store when not in use. A solution was required that was of a design in keeping with the fabric of the beautiful ancient building, but which also provided a practical solution to the problem. Fullers Finer Furniture made a site visit to assess the situation and a prototype kneeler was made. It was of a design that would slide underneath the choir frontal when not in use, maximising the space available between the choir frontal and the pew and eliminating any potential trip hazard. The moveable kneeler had to be of a reliable, quiet and simple design, to allow the youngsters to operate it without causing any distraction from the proceedings. Once the design was approved, production began on the 12 kneelers which were to replace the original four long kneelers. The new kneelers simply slide forwards and backwards over the base rail of the choir frontals, without any need for fixings. They can be moved instantly when required and tuck neatly under the choir frontals when not in use, giving a much more flexible and useable option.

Each kneeler has been finished in oak and upholstered on top in a fabric to match the seat cushions in the abbey. They were installed early this year. Commenting on behalf of the Benefice, a spokesperson said: “The choristers’ kneelers are working well, with very little noise as the boys operate them. A clever piece of design.” Fullers Finer Furniture is probably best known for lecterns and church furniture. Over the years the family-run business has built up a wealth of skill and experience and is now able to provide impressive solutions to the more challenging design requirements that arise from the need to combine modern functionality and less modern architecture. Said founder Paul Fuller: “On this occasion it was a great privilege to be able to craft a furniture solution to be used in such a historic and beautiful setting.” q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

CRE: inspiration and innovation for the whole congregation [

ALMOST 90% of floor space sold with five months to go: that’s the good news from the Christian Resources Exhibition, taking place at Sandown Park in Surrey from 16-18 October. Now in its 34th year, Europe’s leading annual exhibition of churchrelated products and suppliers returns to its ever-popular spiritual home this autumn. Some 200 exhibitors include many who are returning after having lost touch with the show. That, according to new owner Stephen Goddard, is always satisfying. After briefly flirting with the capital in the form of ExCeL, and following a change in ownership and management, the show responded to exhibitor and visitor feedback last year and returned to its roots. As the show organisers proclaimed: “It’s 30 years since we first set foot on Esher’s hallowed turf and more than three years since we last brought Europe’s leading annual exhibition of Christian resources to the venue. But after listening to dozens of valued exhibitors, we were told in no uncertain terms – Sandown Park is where CRE belongs!” The success of last year’s show, with over 4,000 visitors to the 200 stands, together with the many returning exhibitors, demonstrates the continuing need for the exhibition. One of the reasons for that is the quality and breadth of advice that is available from its knowledgeable exhibitors. One example is Allan Turpin, design consultant for exhibitor Nelson Catering Equipment. Allan knows all about the pitfalls that can befall the unwary. “These days, anyone using a kitchen within a church hall, even if it’s just for tea and cakes, needs to adhere to professional food hygiene rules and health and safety standards,” he said. “We are very familiar with all aspects of the legislation and working out a good, safe design that adheres to the requirements is second nature to us.” Another area of increasing importance is making churches accessible to people with disabilities. Specialist designers CPL Architects will also be at Sandown Park, to help church leaders develop their buildings and, in particular, provide facilities for people with learning difficulties. “Many Christian groups are looking to redevelop their land and buildings to achieve their mission objectives for the next 30 years and to contain numerical growth,” said managing director Phil Winch. “Others are concerned that the inadequacies of their present buildings are

seriously affecting their ministry. Many wish to appoint an organisation which shares their Christian vision and has the skills to provide a strategic appraisal of their current facilities; and to take an agreed project through from conception to completion.” In addition to the advice available from exhibitors, CRE 2018 will also feature more than 40 seminars and workshops on a range of practical subjects concerning the maintenance and mission of local churches. “Over 4,000 local church leaders attended CRE 2017,” said event director Brett Pitchfork. “We are confident that a similar number will visit Sandown Park again this year at an event which aims to provide inspiration and innovation, for the whole congregation.” q

CRE to make welcome return to Manchester [

CRE WILL BE making another welcome return early next year – this time to Manchester, when it heads north to Event City in March. Making the trek alongside Stephen Goddard and his team will be Irish music star, former Eurovision winner and MEP Dana. Dana opened CRE Sandown last October and will be performing the same service in Manchester. The Bishop of Manchester, The Rt Revd David Walker, has welcomed the return of the show. “Here is an opportunity for 150 organisations to bring their skills, services, ideas and resources back to the North West and for members of all church traditions to come and draw inspiration from them. We look forward to welcoming CRE again in 2019,” he commented. “Event City offers great transport links and thousands of free parking places in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere,” added event director Brett Pitchfork, “and its location next to the Trafford Centre makes it easy to ﬁnd.” q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

The country remembers 100 years of The Few – and many more [

IN THE YEAR that we look towards the centenary of the final end of that most bloody of conflicts, World War One, many also look on this year as marking 100 years since the formation of the Royal Air Force. Formed in 1918 from the amalgamation of the army’s Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service, the RAF was the world’s first stand-alone airborne military force. Many events have taken place, or will take place, to mark the centenary. Among them is the listing or re-listing of 14 war memorials dedicated to British airmen, including a flying ‘ace’ who was the most decorated pilot in the First World War. Among those memorials re-listed is the Royal Air Force Memorial on Victoria Embankment (pictured) which has been upgraded from Grade Two to Grade Two*. It is the national memorial to the Royal Air Force, carrying the RAF motto per ardua ad astra (through adversity to the stars). Heritage Minister Michael Ellis said: "From

the pioneering pilots of the First World War to the heroism of the Battle of Britain, the Royal Air Force has a proud and distinguished

Both air arms play their part in the commemoration

wartime history. As we mark its centenary, it is right that we remember the stories of the brave pilots and staff who served in defence of Britain.” Throughout the year a number of air shows are taking the centenary as their theme, beginning with the Shuttleworth Season Premiere on 6 May. It is followed on 10 June by the RAF Cosford Air Show. The Royal International Air Tattoo will return this summer on 13-15 July. The 2018 Air Tattoo has been selected to be the international celebration of the RAF’s centenary and will bring together air arms, aircraft and those who serve from around the world for a global salute to the RAF. On 22-23 September RAF Duxford, now part of the Imperial War Museums, will host the Duxford Battle of Britain Air Show. Bringing to life Duxford’s finest hour as an important World War Two fighter station, the skies will be filled once more with the roar of the RollsRoyce Merlin engine. q

They also serve…control centre offers new insights

[AMONG THE CEREMONIAL EVENTS timed to mark

the centenary of the RAF is that of the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln. The striking Memorial Spire, which evokes the image of a Lancaster bomber wing, and the Memorial Walls that surround it – inscribed with the names of those who gave their lives in service – offer a fitting tribute to their memory. For over 30 years Bomber Command played an important role in serving the nation, especially during World War Two. Throughout its existence it operated a number of iconic RAF aircraft – including the Wellington, Lancaster, Valiant and Vulcan – with countless brave service personnel serving in its ranks. The other side of the Bomber Command coin was Fighter Command, whose squadrons of Spitﬁres and Hurricanes fought out the Battle of Britain over the skies of Southern England. That arm of the RAF is remembered at its most famous Battle of Britain station: Biggin Hill in Kent. Biggin Hill is the site of the St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance, which is currently undergoing a restoration and extension programme. Alongside it is a project to create a new Biggin Hill Memorial Museum. Built in 1951 using funds raised from the nation, the Grade Two-listed St George’s RAF Chapel of Remembrance is a lasting memorial to the aircrew who gave their lives in aerial combat during World War Two. The refurbishment plan includes the removal of the side annex constructed in 1990, with the museum providing a visual frame around the chapel. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

[

THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN BUNKER is of great historical significance for its pivotal role in the air defence of the UK throughout World War Two. Situated on the former RAF Uxbridge site, the opening of the new exhibition and visitor centre there is also timed to mark 100 years of the RAF. Embracing the central theme of flight, the building’s impressive exterior mimics a shell-like form, with twisted geometry and a striking design. Inside there are interactive displays entwined with aircraft, machinery and archival material, which leads the visitor on a path through the development of the UK's innovative air defence system and the bunker’s crucial role beyond the Battle of Britain. Set across two levels, the installation allows visitors to encounter the historical narrative, delving deep into the true stories and experiencing real encounters with those who were present at the Battle of Britain. The collaboration between Skellon Studio, Clay Interactive, Scena and Displayways has ensured an imaginative and insightful exhibition that is educational and thoughtful, and which inspires future generations to engage in the significant events from our past. q

Lead thieves brave the weather in Yorkshire [

DESPITE ALL THE measures in place – both in terms of legislation and the use of technology – thieves continue to despoil the country’s heritage by removing lead from the roofs of historic buildings. As recently as the end of March, one of the iconic secular landmarks of North Yorkshire was targeted: the Temple of Victory, in the grounds of Allerton Park at Flaxby near Knaresborough. In spite of the ice and snow in the run-up to Easter, offenders climbed

scaffolding and removed lead from the roof sometime between 29-31 March. The 18th-century Palladian-style building (pictured) is Grade Two* listed and is currently undergoing renovation – providing thieves with a ready-made access route. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: “North Yorkshire has thousands of heritage sites across the county – they’re part of the reason why it’s such an attractive place to live and visit. Our Rural Taskforce is

working with partner agencies and the wider community to protect such sites, so that others can continue to enjoy them for many years to come. “Repairing the damage caused to heritage assets is expensive, and the cost to communities can often be immeasurable. If you have an interest in heritage, or live near a historical site, please keep an eye out, and report any suspicious activity to us on 101, or 999 if a crime is in progress.” q

Supporters have a hand in raising restoration funds [

A NOVEL WAY to leave a mark in a restored lead roof for posterity – and raise money for the restoration project – has been devised by a local preservation trust near Rotherham. During the project to restore the building, restorers and members of the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust came across handprints of past workers – some dating back to the early 19th century. Historic buildings restorer Paul Furniss thinks he may one day find his own ancestors’ prints. Said Paul: “My family were originally from Wentworth and were stonemasons who built the stable block between 1762-1773, after the main house was built between 1725 and 1750.” Now the trust is resurrecting the practice to allow supporters to have their own handprints etched into the lead, together with messages, in return for sponsoring a slate.

And some celebrities have been joining in. They include Hollyoaks actor Jimmy McKenna, reality TV star Jake Quickenden, Rotherham United manager Paul Warne and players from Rotherham and the two Sheffield clubs. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

BLM British Lead introduces technical support service [BLM BRITISH LEAD is pleased to announce the launch of its own

in-house technical support service with David Pounds joining the company as technical advisor. David comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry, having spent 13 years as technical advisor at the Lead Sheet Association. The service aims to fulfil the requirements of architects, specifiers, surveyors, contractors and property owners working at design, construction or post installation stages. A wide range of services will be available: from free basic advice through to five levels of paid service for more in depth or detailed responses, reports and site visits as well as bespoke consultancy support packages. Services that include a site visit are offered with two options – comments and advice are provided either verbally or as a written report including photographic evidence and references to the relevant sections of the latest LSTA Rolled Lead Sheet Manual. Bespoke technical consultancy support packages are available for clients requiring a BLM technical expert on hand throughout their project. Russ Taylor, sales development manager at BLM British Lead, commented: “We are really pleased to have David on board. He brings an extraordinary amount of expertise to our business, allowing us to provide a first class technical service for the lead industry.” q • For more information on the level of support you require or for further advice on working with lead in construction, please contact BLM’s technical team on 0330 333 3535 or email technical@britishlead.co.uk

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Lead sheet training: new name, same top-notch offer [IN MARCH the Lead Sheet Association announced it had

become the Lead Sheet Training Academy Ltd. And although the name has changed, the organisation’s focus remains the same: they are dedicated to providing firstclass training courses, delivered by the country’s best tutors, from their purpose-built training centre in the heart of Kent. Their lead and hard metal training courses are the only courses of their kind which are approved and accredited by City & Guilds and CITB. All training income is invested back into the training services they provide to the traditional metal roofing industry.

In a statement announcing the change of name, the Lead Sheet Training Academy said it was ‘delighted’ to confirm that the industryleading technical support – from which so many have benefitted via the LSA – is still available by contacting their funding partners British Lead Mills and Calder Industrial Materials. The two companies are committed to providing a top-class technical service to the lead industry and will be happy to assist with any technical enquiries, which should be addressed directly to them. Anyone with existing technical enquiries with the LSA should call 01622 872432 or e-mail info@leadsheet.co.uk. q

Nova Contracts Limited

The following leadworkers are listed on The Leadworker Register: M P Hare Ltd

Nova Contracts specialise in heritage roofing work with a real focus on heritage leadwork Flat lead roofs, flashing repairs and welding all undertaken Nova Contracts are affiliated and approved by the Leadworkers Register with skill levels 1,2,3 and 4 obtained

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

T: 01563 526942 M: 07739 750617 E: info@novacontracts.co.uk W: www.novacontracts.co.uk

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

10 Leadhills Road, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire KA1 3UF

Black Dog Roofing

K & M Leadwork Ltd

Landsdowne Close, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9DR

2 Lincoln Close, Standlake, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 7SJ

Glenbuild Roofing Contracts Limited

Timby Traditional Roofing Specialist

21 Littlemill Road, Drongan, Ayrshire KA6 7BP

22 Tooley Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 2AN

T: 01249 321969 M: 07808 840491 E: blackdogroofing1@outlook.com

T: 01292 590440 E: glenbuildroofing@yahoo.co.uk W: www.glenbuild.com

T: 01865 301866 M: 07900 640046 E: info@kmleadwork.co.uk W: www.kmleadwork.co.uk

T: 01427 617272 M: 07702 720152 E: matt@timbyroofing.co.uk W: www.timbyroofing.co.uk

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Churches and heritage sites again prominent in Roofing Awards [

ON 7 MARCH Ecobuild was the venue for the announcement of the finalists in this year’s UK Rooﬁng Awards. As usual, the list included nominations for the Heritage Roofing category. Also as usual, there was a plethora of nominations in other categories for projects in both the heritage and ecclesiastical fields – possible as many as there have ever been. In the Heritage category, the four nominations are beautiful examples of the craftsman’s skill. Three are private dwellings, while the fourth is the historic St Peter’s Church in Hamsey, East Sussex. St Peter’s is one of no fewer than seven ecclesiastical buildings to feature in the various categories. They also include St

Paul’s and Canterbury Cathedrals, Lancaster University Chaplaincy, the new parish church at Shettleston in Glasgow, the former hospital chapel at Cholsey – now a community centre – and the exquisite Little Chapel in Guernsey. Decorated with shells, it is modelled on the basilica at Lourdes. Other candidates with heritage pedigrees include two castles – Bodiam in Sussex and Hurst in Hampshire – the Colmore Row conservation area in Birmingham, the British Museum’s Islamic Galleries, the redeveloped Royal Victoria Pavilion in Ramsgate and a World War Two bunker in Wales converted into a holiday home. The winners will be announced at a Gala Luncheon on 11 May. q

Thatched roof restored in unlikely location

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IT’S NOT OFTEN that a restoration project involves the replacement of a thatched roof these days. It’s even rarer that such a project takes place within a few miles of Liverpool. That is what happened over the past year in Hale Village in Halton, Cheshire. The Grade Two-listed Church End cottage in what has been described as ‘a rural oasis just outside Merseyside’ suffered significant fire damage, and a major restoration project began last June. The project concluded in February with the completion of its crowning glory – a new thatched roof. According to Rossendale-based contractors B&E Boys: “The traditional thatched roof was constructed using solid timber spars and solid oak timber trusses – and using traditional skills. As well as the thatch roofing works, timber joist and truss works were completed.” q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

City’s guardian has a new crowning glory

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CANTERBURY’S MEDIEVAL Westgate Tower is now more secure against the ravages of the weather, thanks to the traditional roofing skills of a local firm. Metal Roof Ltd, based in the city’s Broad Oak district, were engaged by the city council to upgrade the copper roofs of the famous gatehouse tower. The project involved installing a stepped copper gutter around a central lantern. The 60ft-high Westgate is the largest medieval city gate in England. The Grade One-listed structure was built around 1380 of Kentish ragstone, and replaced an earlier gate that dated from Roman times. It is the last surviving of the seven entrance gates to the city.

From the 16th century to 1829 it also acted as the city gaol until new cells were built alongside. The tower now houses a museum and a public viewpoint offering panoramic views across the ancient city. Metal Roof Ltd work mainly across Sussex, Kent, Surrey and parts of London. They offer a high-quality, professional and reliable metal roofing service, specialising in copper, stainless steel, aluminium and zinc. q • For more information visit www.metalroof.ltd.uk

Craftsmen’s names are now set in lead [

A PROJECT TO restore the Grade One-listed All Saints Church in Bolton Percy near York revealed a roll call of past craftsmen to roofing specialists Sheffield-based Martin-Brooks. It is a long-held tradition for stonemasons to leave their mason’s mark on carved blocks, to act as a kind of signature. Many medieval churches – and those of later periods – bear the marks and sometimes the same mark can be found at several churches, tracing a mason’s itinerary around the country. However, while reconstructing the tower roof at All Saints, the craftsmen from Martin-Brooks discovered the names of previous workmen engraved into the lead. As part of the restoration, those areas of the roof were preserved and welded back into the new Code 8 lead covering, in exactly the same place. A new stainless-steel shoe and lead slate were also incorporated for a flagpole. In addition to work on the tower, Martin-Brooks was tasked to reroof the main nave and aisle, by PPIY Architects of York. Reclaimed stone slates were used on the south elevations and new Lady Cross stone was laid on the north side.

Very few heritage projects use new stone slates because of their rarity. Lady Cross, however, originates from Northumberland – at one of the last remaining hand worked quarries in Britain – and is ideal for roofing. It is soft enough to work with when first excavated and hardens when exposed to air, making it very durable. Dale Wright, contracts director at Martin-Brooks, commented: “All Saints Church is a beautiful example of ecclesiastical architecture and it is a pleasure to work on a building with such a long and rich history. Discovering the names of craftsmen who had been there before us really put our work into context and underlined how important it is that we respect and care for these valuable community assets.” All Saints was consecrated in 1424, although there has been a church on the site in Bolton Percy since medieval times. Martin-Brooks was commissioned as part of a wider restoration project, financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a number of other funding bodies and overseen by the architects. q

The following companies are listed on The National Heritage Roofing Contractors Register: Exeter Roofing Ltd

Martin-Brooks (Roofing Specialists) Ltd

18 School Lane, Tedburn St. Mary, Exeter, Devon EX6 6AA

Ross Street, Darnall, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S9 4PU

T: 01392 243000 E: exeterroofing@gmail.com W: www.exeterroofingltd.com

T: 0114 244 7720 E: mb@allroofing.co.uk W: www.martin-brooks.co.uk

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

New Canterbury handmade clay tiles – the perfect match for sensitive re-roofing project in Surrey [A COMPLEX AND SENSITIVE re-roofing project in Surrey is

amongst the first to use the Canterbury handmade clay tile range from Marley Eternit. The range was re-introduced to the market to help architects and contractors achieve a genuine handmade finish when creating traditional clay roofs. Built in 1928, the original handmade tiles on the private detached property at Seale Hill, in the historic town of Reigate, were still on the roof and in need of replacement. The gable tiles had been replaced by previous owners but were mismatched, so the current owners took the decision to carry out a full roof replacement, including the vertical tiling, but they wanted as close a match as possible to the original tiles. The refurbishment project also needed to be sensitive to its rural surroundings and adjacent parkland. Robin Goddard, project director at architects Brodie Plant Goddard, commented: “We selected handmade tiles firstly to replicate the original tiles but also to complement the style of the building and neighbouring properties. We chose the Canterbury handmade tiles from Marley Eternit because they best matched the colour blend we were looking to achieve, to replicate the 1920s traditional aesthetic. They also offered the orange colour which we needed as a vertical contrasting tile for the gable ends. Being able to use both tiles from the same manufacturer gave a consistent finish.” Antique-coloured Loxleigh Canterbury clay tiles were specified for the large 270m2 roof, which was a complex design due to the interaction of

multiple slopes, swept valleys and hips. Harp Construction Services was selected as contractors for the significant and complex project which took four months to complete and included fixing a temporary roof. The owner of the property said: “The Marley Eternit handmade tiles were shown to us as samples so we could see the colour blend for ourselves, as getting a genuine match to the original was very important to us. We hadn’t appreciated what a complex roof shape we had until we undertook this project and the contractors showed excellent workmanship and construction throughout the project. We are very impressed with the end result, which is sympathetic to the original, but also lifts the colour of the roof and brings it to life.” As well as supplying samples and colour blending advice, Marley Eternit also provided specialist technical support to the architects. Robin Goddard explained: “Regulations dictated that we needed to choose between a ventilated ridge or a discrete in-line ventilation tile. The client wanted to use a traditional mortar pointed ridge and Marley Eternit, alongside Harp Construction, was able to offer specific technical advice in this area to decide on the best solution. We are very pleased with the finished product and the support provided to us by Marley Eternit before and during the course of the project.” Marley Eternit’s range of Canterbury tiles are handmade by skilled craftsmen, using locally sourced Etruria Marl, generally accepted to be the finest clay for strength and durability. The tiles are available in three colours – Chailey (orange), Loxleigh (antique) and Burford (brown) – with their own handmade fittings range. Daniel Redfern, marketing campaign manager from Marley Eternit, added: “We developed the handmade range so architects could have more choice when it comes to specifying for renovation projects like this one, where getting the right colour blend is vital. “The traditional hand-making process brings random undulations and variations that give each tile its unique appearance and character, giving a beautiful distinct finish to each roof – a look which is becoming increasingly popular, not only for heritage and conservation sites but also for premium new build projects.” q • For more information, literature and samples, visit the website at www.marleyeternit.co.uk/handmade www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Need help finding a good gutter installer?

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RAINCLEAR, the UK’s leading stockist and online retailer of metal rainwater systems, are offering to help customers find a quality gutter installer for their build or renovation projects. They are already known for offering extra services to customers by: • working out the ‘ﬂow calculation’ based on the house design • and location • recommending the required size of the guttering downpipes for • efficient management of the rainwater • creating a complete list of the rainwater system components • illustrated on the architect’s drawings – a ‘take off’ • providing a competitive quote Now they aim to help clients find a quality local installer too. This should also help them to get the components list exactly right, as installers will do a site visit to assess what rainwater goods are required, followed by a free, no obligation quote for the goods and installation. Anthony Hitchman, Rainclear commercial director said: “With a decade and a half in the business of supplying metal guttering to builders, roofers and installers as well as the general public, we have built up a good relationship with quite a few in the business. If we can help a customer progress their project by putting them in touch with one of these trusted tradesmen, we decided – why wouldn’t we?” As always, clients also get free delivery to mainland UK on orders over £300 net. There is a huge choice of stocked items for next day delivery to any UK mainland destination when ordered before noon and incredible discounts off cast iron in primed and pre-finished black including: cast iron soil pipe systems in black – traditional LCC or modern SimpleFIT; cast aluminium in ‘heritage effect’ textured black; modern ‘SnapIT’ in matt black; galvanised steel in six colours; and REAL copper and zinc rainwater goods. q • Visit the website at www.rainclear.co.uk or get in touch with the friendly, knowledgeable team at Rainclear on 0800 644 44 26 or email sales@rainclear.co.uk.

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Roof repairs begin on The People’s Cathedral

Some of the old and damaged tiles at St Georges’s Cathedral (left) and work underway

[ST GEORGE’S CATHEDRAL in Cape Town is the oldest cathedral in southern Africa. It was designed by Sir Herbert Baker – the major force in South African architecture in the Victorian era – and the foundation stone was laid in 1901 by the future King George V. It acquired even greater acclaim as a symbol of democracy in South Africa and for its role in the resistance against apartheid, having welcomed people of all races throughout the apartheid era. It was from the front steps of St George's Cathedral – ‘The People’s Cathedral’, as it has become known – that Archbishop Desmond Tutu led numerous marches and campaigns leading to the ending of apartheid. Despite its historic importance – as well as its status as a Provincial Heritage Site, which provides protection under South African heritage law – the cathedral roof had been lacking in regular maintenance and it became clear that a complete overhaul was required. Lucien Le Grange was appointed as project architect, but John Rennie of Rennie Scurr Adendorff Architects, the specialist heritage advisors, was consulted early on, even before the necessary funds had been raised.

John devised a special timber walkway around the main 54° roof to serve as a tile-catching balustrade, protecting the public walkways from falling tiles while the renovation project gathered the funding required to go ahead. He felt the structure might also provide a visual focus to the fundraising; moreover, it would provide access to the roof as a form of scaffolding. John found no fewer than eight different types of clay tile were used on the original build, which took place in stages between 1901 and 1965. Some of the tiles showed no brand name, but he did find Perfecta and Sovereign Broseley tiles. Both were made in the UK from Etruria marl clay, but are no longer manufactured. He set out to find a similar traditional clay tile that would suit the historic status of the building. He found Dreadnought Tiles on the internet. They are also made from Etruria marl clay and had been used to renovate the Governor’s House in New Zealand – as reported in the May 2017 issue of this publication – also replacing the Perfecta tiles made by Thomas Peake Ltd. Unlike most clay tiles manufactured today, Dreadnought’s roof tiles are naturally coloured by skilful control of the firing process, rather than by using applied surface stains and pigments. That process generates a truly traditional product with the same character and appearance of tiles made over 100 years ago. John ordered samples and decided that Dreadnought’s Plum Red provided the best match. Blending in some Brown Antique and Country Brown tiles would add more tonal variety to the large roof. In the UK, tiles are tested for frost resistance, which is not such an issue in the South African climate. However, wind and rain can be more severe and John was keen to check the water absorption of the tiles to ensure that their weight when wet would not cause issues for the old building. He saturated the tiles himself, weighing them both dry and wet. He found that they only gained about 1-2% in weight when wet and would therefore be ideal for the job. Securing funding for the project was difficult. An urgent appeal was made to the public asking for their support by donating the cost of the roof tiles. Finally, some funding was made available via the South African state lottery, but unfortunately it would only cover part of the roof. Cape Town-based Leith Roofing have carried out the work so far, using 80,000 Dreadnought tiles in a mix of 66% Plum Red, 20% Brown Antique and 14% Country Brown, and they did an excellent job of mixing them. Leith Roofing’s director, Andrew Gilbey, explained: “Everybody who has seen the roof has commented on how wonderful it looks. Our new President was at the cathedral for his inauguration and even he commented on how nice the new roof looks.” It is hoped that further funding will soon be secured to complete the conservation project. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Windsor chapel’s sound system has always been state-of-the-art [

AS PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle stand at the altar of St George’s Chapel in Windsor to take their vows, one of the things they won’t have to be nervous about is being heard by the congregation. The chapel benefits from an advanced sound system – one of many being installed in places of worship up and down the country these days. It was the work of the same specialist company who installed a similar system in St Paul’s Cathedral, venue for the wedding of the Prince’s elder brother. The modern microphone switching systems and high-quality amplifiers are not, however, the first attempts at controlling the sound quality in St George’s Chapel. The chapel’s archive blog describes the discovery in the 1950s of acoustic ‘pots’ under the floorboards, designed to capture the sound and direct it towards the congregation. Such pots are known to have been installed into the walls of medieval churches. Whether they worked or not is a subject for debate, but their existence demonstrates that the science of acoustics is not as modern as many believe. q

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It’s a wrap! Onwards and upwards for sound industry event

[THE Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE) has

reported another successful ‘wrap’ for its annual ISCEx exhibition and seminar day – with increased attendance. ISCEx 2018 took place on 7 March at Coombe Abbey Hotel and Country Park in Warwickshire. Open to members and non-members, the ISCEx exhibition and seminar programme is preceded by the institute’s annual general meeting and networking dinner event, held on the previous day. One regular visitor to the event – Jim Smith of infrastructure giant AECOM – commented: “I’ve attended several ISCEx events. I enjoy the seminars and the networking opportunities; ISCEx represents a great opportunity to catch up with industry colleagues. The event is growing year by year and this year looks like record attendances, again.” His comments were echoed by Neil Voce, head of business development and public address specialists ASL. “I’ve attended most of the ISCEx events to date,” said Neil. “It always provides an opportunity to think about something you might not otherwise have considered in your working life every day. It’s good to hear things from others’ perspectives and the ISCEx seminar programme provides that.” In addition to the seminar programme, 35 exhibitors reported very positive engagement from ISCEx visitors, with the exhibition room experiencing a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. “With 35 exhibitors at ISCEx this year, again we saw an increased number of visitors attending as a consequence,” said Ros Wigmore, event organiser at ISCE. “ISCEx is a very personal event and lends itself to creating a very intimate and informal environment for business conversations and networking to take place. Feedback has been positive and we’ve already confirmed the dates for ISCEx 2019, which will take place on 5-6 March.” ISCE President Phil Price summarised the success of the show. “ISCEx is now a staple in the diet of industry networking events for the sound and communications industries,” he enthused. “As always, the standard of seminar presentations this year has been excellent and the exhibition room has provided a fabulous opportunity for visitors to meet with manufacturers and distributors in a very informal environment. We return to Coombe Abbey in 2019 and I’m already looking forward to it.” q

9,000 lumens light up visuals in Grade I listed building

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ON THE MORNING of Sunday 25 February 2018 the majority of the congregation of St John’s Church in Old Coulsdon were unaware of the changes which had occurred in their building during the past week as they assembled for the morning service. The parish church of St John the Evangelist, the only Grade I listed building in Coulsdon, is a church of two halves. The church was rebuilt from 1269 to 1282 with the encouragement of Henry III and survived to the mid 20th century. The north transept was extensively renovated in Victorian times, when the manor was held by the family of the poet Byron. In the 20th century, the increasing population made the church far too small. The church was extended out of the south side of the building and the new worship area was consecrated in 1959. Rector Paul Roberts was keen for a visual system to be installed within

the new part of the church to allow hymn words, sermon illustrations and notices to be displayed during services. The church appointed specialist audio and visual company Cunnings Recording Associates to recommend a system which would be both technically pleasing and visually unobtrusive and would satisfy the requirements of the Church of England Diocesan Advisory Committee. Cunnings worked closely with the church and their architect Tim Gough of Austin Winkley & Associates to find an appropriate solution based around a discrete projection screen and powerful long throw projector. The installation of the projection screen involved the use of bespoke mounting brackets fabricated by a specialist metal worker which allowed the screen to be securely mounted without affecting the integrity of the reinforced concrete arch beam. The projection screen itself, a twin motor screen which allows the screen casing to lower on steel cables to the correct viewing height, was custom coloured in white to match with the white arch beam. The screen features two motors, one to deploy and retract the screen cloth and one to raise and lower the screen casing. It automatically lowers into position when the projector is in use without the need for any separate controls and raises out of sight when the projector is switched off. The powerful 9,000 lumen NEC projector is fitted with a long throw lens and mounted towards the back of the church so that the system is largely unseen by the congregation. The congregation and rector alike were overjoyed when the new visual system was used for the first time and the system is now in regular use every week. Laptop computers, tablets and even smart phones can be connected to the system wirelessly and displayed on the screen, and the various inputs, including an HDMI socket in the chancel, can be easily selected at the touch of a button. Daniel Cunnings MinstSCE of Cunnings Recording Associates concluded: “This project has required careful planning and both ourselves and the church are delighted with the end result. The choice of equipment makes this a powerful yet easy to use system with the flexibility to connect wireless devices and, with an image brightness of over 2,080 lumens per square metre, it can be used even on the brightest of days.” 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

At Guildford the message rings out loud and clear

[GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL has recently undergone a programme of repairs, with significant funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Part of that programme involved a complete overhaul of the audio system. The project was undertaken by DM Music – leading installers of

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sound and visual systems to churches and cathedrals in the UK. With over 3,000 installations under their belt, the team have a wealth of experience in dealing with listed and heritage buildings that need to carefully integrate sound and visual systems. The three main challenges encountered by the DM team were: • To offer a high degree of intelligibility for the spoken word in a large • and reverberant space • To install a discreet but capable audio system that is architecturally • sensitive • To ensure the system was simple to use for regular operators, but • with flexibility for special events and external groups Through careful design, installation and commissioning, DM have combined technology and experience to deliver a system that goes beyond the requirements. Ultra-discreet, high-performance speakers, wireless iPad control, digital audio distribution and processing have all played a part in enabling them to deliver a system suited to the cathedral’s needs, both now and in the future. q

Seminar line-up has ironwork covered [

A MAJOR HIGHLIGHT of the summer’s BathIRON festival will be the seminar hosted by the National Heritage Iron Group at Bath’s Guildhall on 14 June. Heritage Ironwork: an Endangered Species will explore how we can promote the survival of this threatened aspect of our shared heritage. Talks will address the questions: • What is heritage ironwork? • Why is it important? • How is it threatened? • What can we do about it? An impressive line-up of speakers has been assembled for the event, combining the academic with the popular. After a short introduction on the nature of the material from Dorothea Restorations, Jo Kelly of the Nash Partnership will discuss Design and Symbolism of Ironwork through the Ages. Jo trained in Stockholm and at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow, and is a past recipient of the Lethaby Scholarship with SPAB. Jo will be followed by Dr Michael Forsyth, an architect and director of Bath University’s postgraduate degree course in the Conservation of Historic Buildings. His paper – Gates into Rifles – will chronicle the removal of ironwork in Bath during World War Two, and its subsequent restoration.

Dr Amy Frost, senior curator of the Bath Preservation Trust, will highlight some less obvious ironwork gems in Knobs and Knockers, before senior conservation officer Adrian Neilson asks which of Bath’s ironwork is Mild, Cast or Wrought? After lunch Professor Mark Horton of the University of Bristol will present Iron and the Coast. His particular interest is in coastal communities and their legacies, as well as industrial archaeology. In 2006-7 he led a project that digitised the papers of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Professor Horton is also well known as a TV presenter and presented BBC’s Coast between 2005 and 2016. His paper will examine the legacy of iron on the coast – from engineering, ports and ships to piers, bridges and lighthouses. The seminars will conclude with a talk by Geoff Wallis of NHIG on Caring for Ironwork. Following a Q&A session and closing remarks, Adrian Neilson and Michael Forsyth will lead a walking tour of central Bath’s ironwork gems. q

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Is our reaction to metalwork more instinctive than we thought? [

THE MOST RECENT of the NHIG’s Conservation of Architectural Ironwork series of training events took place at the SPAB head office in Spitalfields from 11-12 April. NHIG council members Bethan Griffiths, Chris Topp and Geoff Wallis delivered lectures on the historical context, manufacture and forming of iron, properties, tools, and repair techniques. Other sessions covered specifications, contracts, surface preparation and coatings. There were also several video clips and a two-hour walking tour of local ironwork. One of the most striking ideas to come out of the event, according to author Jessica Renison, came from Geoff Wallis. In her report on the session she wrote: “He posed the interesting theory that our love of decorative wrought ironwork may be more than an aesthetic preference for traditional materials and craftsmanship, and might in fact be instinctive.” Geoff had analysed the simple example of a scroll on a spike (pictured). Jessica Renison continued: “Our eyes are not cameras that take photos, but as we ‘read’ a scroll, its decreasing radius and reducing thickness draw us to the centre with increasing speed, as in a whirlpool. We are emotionally drawn into infinity as into a black

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hole. Similarly, as we scan upwards on the spike its reducing width warns us that ‘the end is approaching’ as it tapers away to infinity. “The orderly scroll and chaotic spike form an important contrast. That stimulates us, probably because as hunter-gatherers we have learned to pay attention to this contrast. “Much of mankind’s existence would have been spent in the chaos of woodland or fields. If the symmetry of a pair of eyes or ears appeared amongst the chaos these would be a striking contrast, which we have learned to pay attention to as a ‘food or flight’ reaction.” The conclusion is that our reaction to well-designed historic metalwork may therefore be ‘hard-wired’ into our brains. q

Forged iron gates: there’s strength in ornamentation Gate building is one of the bread-and-butter activities of a forge, and David Cooper Blacksmiths Ltd are no exception. Here David, an eminent Master Blacksmith and Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, offers a brief insight into forged iron or steel gates and some of the traditional forging techniques used on a daily basis.

[MORTISE AND TENON JOINTS are very typical of quality

forgework. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries it was the only way that the framing of gates could be constructed and we try to employ such traditional skills in our work whenever possible. Mortise and tenon joints on ironwork have similarities to typical timber jointing methods, except that we create a compression joint that holds tight the mortise bar when the rivet is clenched or peened over – generally while it is hot – so shrinkage will make the joint

tighten as it cools. Such joints can usually be spotted by the observer, as the smith will ‘upset’ or flare out the bar at the joining point to give more surface area and structure. Hot drifted or punched holes in some applications make very good mortises, as the material is not removed but drifted, or moved aside, giving very good sidewall strength. Also, a bar of narrower stock can be used to give a more graceful appearance to the work. This technique is particularly useful on mid-rails of gates where a vertical bar passes through. We favour this technique as it creates a more worked bar that has a lovely character.

Forge or fire welding In my opinion nothing comes close to a nice, flowing branch-welded scroll or flowing element that is fire welded. It is a very simple process, but quite tricky to master. Forge welding refers to when a traditional solid fuel coke forge is used to bring the bars up to an almost molten state, they are then joined with the hammer on the anvil. Branch welding refers to when, for example, scrolls are flowing off each other or splitting apart. This forged finish cannot be replicated by modern techniques such as MIG welding and angle grinding. When bars are to be joined in a butt weld – or end-to-end – the material has to be ‘prepped’ for welding by the forging of scarfs. These cup each other to get a more secure and longer welding surface.

Scrolls and similar elements When we design a piece of work that includes such traditional techniques as I have described above, the scrollwork used is not just for decoration; its main purpose is to add stiffness and structure to the piece. Adding scrolls that have multi-point fixings triangulates the gate structure; without them the gate would rack or drop over time and welldesigned elements help ensure that doesn’t happen. The scroll ends the decoration and the termination point can vary – anything from a graceful taper to a leaf design, all depending on the location of the site and style of property.

Leaf-work Water leaves are a very nice touch to traditional work. Often forge welded to a scrolled bar, the leaf hugs the bar and gracefully peels away in a style that is slightly different and individual to every smith who incorporates them into a piece of work. The more elaborate leaves, such as acanthus, are typically made using repoussé techniques on lead or pitch blocks. This was mainly used in very high-level 17th-century ironwork by smiths such as Tijou, Bakewell and the Davies Brothers. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

Modern insulation of historic buildings Trials using spray applied insulation prove successful in historic and difﬁcult to treat buildings in Scotland.

[MODERN BUILDINGS ARE constructed to

standards of thermal efficiency that are a world apart from those our Victorian ancestors lived and worked in. However, records show that over 20% of the current housing stock was built pre-1919 when energy costs were far lower than today and measures to prevent heat loss through walls and roofs were rarely considered. The UK has a rich heritage of architecturally significant properties, many of which have Listed status and, under European Regulations, no less than 400,000 historic buildings are required to be insulated to a standard appropriate to achieve energy and carbon savings. With energy use in domestic buildings accounting for roughly a quarter of carbon emissions in the UK, research suggests that the best way to reduce energy consumption and heating bills is to improve the energy efficiency of the building. In older, and in particular architecturally significant buildings, improving energy efficiency through heat loss mitigation presents a particular challenge. Many of these ‘difficult to treat’ buildings were built of solid wall construction with hard plaster applied directly on to the interior face of the wall. In others, soft, lath-and-plaster skins – set off the external wall on timber spacers – were installed. These, together with internal timber panelling common to many higher value buildings, create something similar to a rudimentary cavity wall type of construction. Interestingly, it is often the internal finishes of buildings as much as the external structures that influence their elevation to Listed status. Consequently, invasive measures to install insulation materials has been strongly resisted in order to prevent potential damage to delicate and irreplaceable interiors. In Scotland, trials to assess the potential of a new type of injected foam insulation have been under way for some time on two ‘difficult to treat’ properties.

Bogendollo House, Aberdeenshire The first trial took place in 2011 at Bogendollo House (pictured top), an early 19th century Category C Listed Building of solid wall construction with internal, lath-and-plaster lining, located near Fettercairn in Aberdeenshire. The work was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Scottish Government’s SEEKIT programme under the Construction Improvement Club (CIC) scheme. The project was undertaken as a collaboration between academics at Robert Gordon University’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment in Aberdeen, Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, local architect consultants and industry partners Icynene, suppliers of the insulation system, and locally based conservation contractors Kishorn Ltd. The Icynene insulation is a spray applied system that expands quickly but gently, sealing all gaps, service holes and hard to reach spaces, virtually eliminating cold bridging and air leakage. Unlike the urethane foams of 20 years ago, modern spray foams such as Icynene use water as the blowing agent. This means that the reaction between the two components produces CO2 which causes the foam to expand. Cells of the foam burst and the CO2 is replaced by air. This ‘open cell’ foam provides outstanding insulation properties but still allows the building to breathe naturally. Icynene was developed in Canada and is now gaining popularity in Scotland and other areas of the UK in both the domestic and commercial sectors.

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The Bogendollo project was led by Dr Amar Bennadji, principal investigator and lecturer in architecture at Robert Gordon University. He explained: “At Bogandollo House, the insulation was injected into the narrow void between the external walls and the lath-and-plaster lining. The foam expands slowly and puts little pressure on the fragile inner walls.” Since the trials at Bogendollo began in 2011, performance monitoring has been continuous and has shown positive results. Dr Bennadji continued: “Following the trial, the heat loss through the wall was reduced by approximately 50%. We believe this project opens the door for both historic buildings and older domestic properties to finally retain warmth, reduce their energy bills and contribute towards efforts to curb global warming by reducing their carbon footprint.”

Gannochy Trust, Perth Icynene insulation has also been used in trials on a property in Perth, owned and managed by the Gannochy Trust. The property is one of an estate of detached cottages built between 1923 and 1931 by AK Bell of the Bells Whisky family. Icynene was installed as one of the suite of thermal interventions for traditional and historic buildings developed by Historic Scotland, as part of the Energy Efficiency Research Programme that has been running since 2009. The property (below) was built in 1927, with mass walls of cementbonded red sandstone approximately 500mm thick. Colliery brick was used for some internal partitions, and they were finished with lime plaster directly onto the brick. The external walls and ceilings were lined internally with lathand-plaster, creating a small cavity of approximately 40mm between the inner face of the wall and the lining. To minimise loss of internal space it was decided to retain the existing

linings and apply blown materials behind the existing finishes. Initially, blown cellulose was to be used but specialist conservation contractor Kishorn Ltd proposed that Icynene’s open cell insulation should be injected into the cavity behind the lath-and-plaster. While this approach was considered unusual, tests by Glasgow Caledonian University had shown it was a very vapour-open material and therefore would allow the dissipation of any wall humidity through evaporation and diffusion. To inject the material required the drilling of many holes, approximately 25mm in diameter, normally at one metre centres. Preparation for the installation of this product was extensive. It involved the removal of existing wall coverings and skirting boards, plugging of the junction between the timber ground for the plaster and the masonry, and sleeving of the mains electrical cable from plug boxes on the wall. However, with these preparations complete, the actual installation was relatively straightforward. An infra-red camera was used to check that At Bogendollo House Icynene insulation was injected into the narrow void the foam had spread evenly into the void and once the material had set, between the external walls and the lath-and-plaster lining. At the Gannochy the holes were patched over and skirting boards refitted. Trust cottages holes of roughly 25mm diameter at one metre centres were drilled Work was completed in February 2015, giving time to conduct basic to allow injection of foam. heat flux measurements in the finished building. To obtain an average value, four heat flux plates were mounted on the wall in one of the bedrooms. occupation of the building with minimal disruption to users and The measurements were then compared with those taken the previous negligible impact to the fabric or the breathability of the structure. autumn, as well as from a similar property close by. The U-values showed The report on the insulation trials at Bogendollo House was published good improvement in all areas. This monitoring will continue over a threein the International Journal of Low Carbon Technology. Since publication, year period to fully assess the effects of the wall insulation. Dr Bennadji has received enquiries from parties wanting to learn more about the techniques used in the project. He said: “Even now, in early Where does spray applied insulation fit? 2018, more than six years after the report was published, people contact Spray applied insulation is broadly cost-neutral to other types of me for guidance on these new and exciting methods of insulating old insulation. This, together with its speed of installation, minimal waste properties. The Bogendollo project really is an excellent example of how and its ability to perform in difficult to treat applications, and the fact CO2 emissions can be reduced to meet the UK’s target of 80% reduction that it can be injected into voids that would otherwise require invasive by 2050.” q tear-out of surfaces, means spray foam is an attractive and cost-effective solution for many historic structures. • For further information on Icynene spray-applied insulation go to Its non-invasive installation methods can also allow the continued www.icynene.co.uk or watch the video at https://youtu.be/xn4ZHQJLWHM

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Lightning protection must cover the electrics as well as the stonework [IN THE PAST few issues we have been

looking at the history of lightning protection systems and their development over time. However, it’s not just the fabric of a church building that needs protection against lightning. Such protection is also an essential element of the electrical installation of historic buildings of all kinds, many with large and complex structures. The ‘tower only’ system, using a conductor mounted on the highest point of a building, is unlikely to be appropriate. Indeed, the current British Standard BS EN 62305 recommends the more sophisticated Faraday cage system plus surge protection for electrical and telecoms equipment. Described 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’, the Faraday cage allows a large area of a building to be protected. Surge protection devices are also recommended for incoming electrical supplies and telecom lines, particularly if they are overhead feeds into the building. Whatever kind of system is installed in a historic building, it is essential it is designed to be unobtrusive. The stated policy of Historic England is: “The installation of a lightning conductor implies in most cases the fixing of equipment to the fabric of a building. Historic England seeks to ensure that any works to a

historic building do not unnecessarily disturb or destroy historic fabric.” Regardless of the design and installation, a lightning protection system should be inspected and tested regularly. In its guidance notes Historic England recommends testing on an annual basis, but concedes that the rugged nature of lightning protection systems may mean that a longer timescale may be appropriate.

However, it adds a note of caution, stating: “By attracting a strike and then being unable to discharge it safely, a poorly-maintained installation (which usually means a highresistance path to earth) could put a church with lightning protection at greater risk of damage than a church with no protection at all.” John Jolly is vice president of the trade association ATLAS and director of specialist contractor Cuttings. John explained: “ATLAS has a campaign called Inspect and Protect, which highlights the importance of regular lightning protection maintenance and provides information for clients on what to look for when choosing your specialist contractor.” All members of ATLAS also belong to the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group (SLPTG). John Jolly continued: “ATLAS has also introduced a higher NVQ Level 3 qualiﬁcation specifically for test and inspection engineers and I would urge clients to ask their contractors for evidence of this training.” The new qualification provides clients with an additional measure to check the skills and experience of their specialist contractor. One thing that all experts agree on is that the design, installation, maintenance and testing of any lightning protection system in a historic building should be carried out by an accredited engineer or installer. Historic England and its counterparts in the other devolved administrations should be consulted for advice. q

Industry honours its top trainees [MEMBERS OF the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection

Training Group (SLPTG) came together on 28 February for their Apprentice Awards Dinner. The event, held at the Oxfordshire Hotel in Thame, celebrated the achievements of apprentices across the lightning protection and access industries. Two apprentices who demonstrated outstanding individual achievement throughout their training were recognised. The Ted Fuller Award for the Best Steeplejack Apprentice went to David Dowdeswell of PTSG Electrical Services and the A W Elliott Award for the Best Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentice was won by Jamie Harrison of Lightning Protection Services. The Apprentice Awards, which are sponsored by ATLAS, PTSG Electrical Services and Omega Red Group, showcase the continued commitment of the SLPTG and businesses in the lightning protection and specialist access sector to training the next generation. As a training group the SLPTG is dedicated to supporting the principle of apprenticeships, and helps provide support to employers and apprentices to ensure over 20 new operatives qualify every year. Its chairman, Anthony Colley, commented: “The future of our great sector is in our hands, and by working together through the training

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David Dowdeswell of PTSG Electrical Services (left) and Jamie Harrison of Lightning Protection Services receiving their awards group and ATLAS we can safeguard the training and development of our workforce – which will enable all of us to continue to deliver to the highest quality standards throughout our industry.” q

The following companies are all specialists in Lightning Protection Systems: Cuttings

T: 020 8371 0001 E: info@cuttings.london W: cuttings.london 10-12 Arcadia Avenue, Finchley Central, London N3 2JU

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

A C Wallbridge & Co Ltd

Lightning Protection Services

Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers

North(Head office): 01461 800323 South: 01582 511036 N.E: 01914 661145 E: info@lightningconductor.co.uk W: www.lightningconductor.co.uk

Design, installation and maintenance of lightning proctection systems, utilising rope access systems for safe access. • Cathedrals • Churches • Towers • Sports Centres

Horizon Specialist Contracting Ltd T: 0115 965 7400 F: 0115 965 7429 E: sales@horizonsc.co.uk W: www.horizonsc.co.uk

Horizon House, Criftin Enterprise Centre, Oxton Rd, Nottinghamshire NG14 6AT

• High Rise Office Blocks • High Rise Residential Blocks • Schools • Hospitals

T: 01722 322750 E: mail@wallbridge.co.uk W: www.wallbridge.co.uk Unit 7, Centre One, Lysander Way, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6BU

South West Lightning Protection

G & S Steeplejacks Ltd

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

Unit 3, Bath Business Park, Peasedown St John, Somerset BA2 8SF

Osborne Delta Lightning Conductors Ltd

Lightning Strike Ltd

30 Greenacres Road, Oldham, Lancs OL4 1HB

Unit 3, Pottery Court, Pottery Way, Nottingham NG8 8YM

Lightning Protection Services

Harrison Lightning Protection & Earthing Ltd

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

T: 01761 437796 M: 07974 184449 E: graham@gnssteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.gnssteeplejacks.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: 01158 752686 M: 07581 266493 E: info@lightningstrikeltd.co.uk W: www.lightningstrikeltd.co.uk

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

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

Bailey International (Steeplejacks & Lightning Conductor Engineers)

Direct Strike

Bailey Business Park, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, Cheshire SK10 5NY

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

T: 01625 576243 E: enquiries@baileysteeplejacks.com W: www.baileysteeplejacks.com

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

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In a changing world, the world of the carver is evolving NICK ROBERSON, President of the Master Carvers Association, offers an overview of the role of the organisation and previews the celebrations of 300 years since the birth of Chippendale

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THE MASTER CARVERS ASSOCIATION represents over 40 members, carving in both wood and stone. Most members are individuals – with some training apprentices – and the rest established companies employing carvers. The association was founded in 1897 by the employers of the thousands of trade carvers working in the late 19th century. Its primary function was to uphold the quality of training of architectural carvers and provide a mechanism whereby their skills were recognised, and for which rates of pay and working conditions could be negotiated with the newly-emerging trade unions. Today things are very different. Architectural styles have changed and carved ornamentation is very rarely a requirement. The large workshops that could encompass the manifold skills of architectural carving in wood and stone, plus the allied crafts, hardly exist today. More often than not craftspeople are working in small specialist groups or as The above work ‘Parakeets in London’, by Master Carver Paul Wilson, is from the paradise fountain chandelier made for Decorex 2017 and took pride of place in the champagne bar individuals. That dispersal has also brought about a change in the training of craftspeople. Some colleges now provide courses in basic skills that students can hone they are received; electronic submissions can be circulated and later on shorter apprenticeships with a Master Carver. commented on before a vote. The association now remains alone in representing professional Between them our members possess a huge number of skills, carvers and has become the only body able to uphold the standards including figurative and heraldic carving, picture frame carving and of the carving crafts. All our members are professional carvers with gilding, letter cutting in both wood and stone, architectural carving, years of experience. To join, one has to submit a portfolio of recent ecclesiastical carving, modelling and mould-making for casting, work and to have been in business for a minimum of five years. cabinet making, furniture restoration and newly created pieces. A committee reviews applications for membership as and when This raft of skills serves to completely demolish the commonly held

The William Kent style mirror frame pediment (left) is by Master Carver Matthew Pack and (right) one of four golden Welsh dragons by Houghtons of York which adorn the Chinese bridge at Dumfries House in Ayrshire.

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belief that ‘all the old skills have disappeared’. The main growth area for today’s carver is in the field of restoration and conservation and increasingly there is a demand for innovative work informed by members’ skills and their knowledge of period styles and techniques. Carvers have had to become proficient in many styles, as the demand requires – quickly learning to carve in ‘the spirit of the age’. Examples include the replacement of Gothic stone carving on Westminster Abbey, late 17th-century oak wood carving at Hampton Court Palace, 18thcentury wood and marble at Spencer House in London, and 18th and 19th-century wood carving at Windsor Castle. Many of those projects were worked on by the same group of craftsmen. In 2009, to widen the scope of the association, the rules were changed to create a new category of membership: that of Associate Member. Although originally conceived to encourage budding carvers, it was acknowledged that this A hand-carved Gothic tracery panel by Agrell Architectural Carving put them in a second-class category, and so the for the first time by a sextet of musicians at the Leeds International category of Associate Membership now focuses on ‘allies’: people Piano Competition in September – just a short way from his and institutions who share our passions and concerns and with birthplace in Otley. q interests affiliated to the world of carving. They may be curators, journalists or historians – or those who have a particular interest in • For details of the Chippendale celebrations and other Master or contribution to make to professional carving. Carvers news visit www.mastercarvers.co.uk In June we are delighted to be taking part in the commemoration of the tercentenary of Thomas Chippendale’s birth, with exhibitions of our carving at various locations in London. Also, six of our A selection of MCA members can be members are carving music stands specifically for the celebrations, found in our ‘Church & Heritage Supplies’ which demonstrate their own artistic style. classified section from page 47 The Chippendale legacy will see these music stands being used

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ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION

BAFRA

ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANTS

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ARCHIVE STORAGE BOXES

BELLS

BOOK & PAPER CONSERVATION

BUILDING SERVICES

CARVERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MASTER CARVERS ASSOCIATION BUILDING CONSERVATION & RESTORATION

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CHURCH TEXTILES & CLERICAL CLOTHING

CLOCKS

DISABLED ACCESS

CHURCH HEATING & INSULATION

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DISASTER RECOVERY

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

JOINERY

EXHUMATION SERVICES

FURNITURE

LANDSCAPING

GILDERS LEADED LIGHTS

HYMNODY

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LEADWORK

LCA

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LECTERNS

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LIGHTING & SOUND

LIME & LIME PLASTERERS

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METALWORK

ORGANS

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PAINTING CONSERVATION & RESTORATION

PAINT STRIPPERS

PEST CONTROL

RAINWATER SYSTEMS

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ROOFING

FTMRC

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SOUND, AUDIO VISUAL & LOOP SYSTEMS

ROOF TILES

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ISCE

STAINED GLASS

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STONE & STONE SUPPLY

TERRACOTTA & FAIENCE

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TRAINING

TRANSPORT & STORAGE