Ecclesiastical & Heritage World Issue 82

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COVER STORY

CONTENTS Cathedral commission continues Roman tradition of brickwork St Albans in Hertfordshire is one of the few remaining places in this country that contains examples of Roman brickwork. It was a source of great pride, therefore, for traditional brick manufacturer York Handmade to be asked to supply its unique products to a project at St Albans Cathedral, the site of the execution of St Alban, the first British Christian martyr.

The bricks were utilised in a new Welcome Centre and in alterations to the Chapter House.

The delight of York Handmade’s chairman David Armitage at the commission is evident in the story, which appears on page 6

5 Reflections NEWS 8 Lottery fund makes emergency

heritage grants available 8 Heritage in lockdown: Ecclesiastical

issues guidance for

temporarily closed buildings 11 Scrutiny body urges early

assessment of Parliament restoration costs 11 Big Ben project failings revealed 12 Heritage in lockdown II: what work

at home means to ewe!

12 Heritage venues donate food to

Welsh good causes CHURCH PROJECTS 13 Modernisation reflects changing times 14 Church expansion utilises local landmark

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CHURCH FURNITURE 18 Father and son team honoured at

same time SOUND AND AV SYSTEMS 19 AV systems come into their own in

today’s situation

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IRONWORK & METALWORK 32 Wrought iron is still available –

thanks to a 40-year love affair 33 Traditional skills continue decorative style 34 Seminar attracts delegates from

across Europe 35 Historic colliery boiler gets some TLC LIME 36 Forum brings together lime enthusiasts

20 Aesthetic audio solutions 22 The right sound and video don’t

have to be obvious 23 Jehovah’s Witness headquarters

keeps hearing-impaired

listeners in the loop 23 Loops help comply with equality legislation 24 Do you really need a new sound system?

25 Choosing the right expert is crucial 25 Expo pre-empts coronavirus lockdown DRONES 26 Castle restoration starts with a

drone flight 26 Drones come into their own

16 CRE Midlands – vibrant before the virus 17 Obituary: CRE founder Gos is

called home

LEAD 30 Lead sheet training looks to the future 31 Lead roofing has its own awards category

ROOFING 27 Roofing Awards shortlist offers a

glimmer of hope 29 Storm causes further damage to

lead-theft roof 29 Martin-Brooks carries out landmark

castle project

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Springtime repairs breathe new life into All Saints

CONSERVATION 38 Diverse projects reflect conservators’ skills ACCESS 39 Life under lockdown can still be productive LIGHTNING PROTECTION 40 Awards showcase apprentices’ achievements 41 Training body has long pedigree

FIND THE PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU NEED IN CHURCH & HERITAGE SUPPLIES FROM PAGE 42 Richard Shepherd – Business Development Manager Advertising enquiries: Tel: 07429 516265 Email: richard@dmmonline.co.uk All other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 • 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 3AW Copyright Ecclesiastical & Heritage World. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Ecclesiastical & Heritage World. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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[A SAD MILESTONE for Christian Resources Exhibition was reached over Easter when the founder of the highly successful CRE shows, Gospatric Home, passed away at home following heart surgery.

Gos, as he was known, was a hugely popular figure and his death brought forth tributes from across the church spectrum.

• The latest in the series of CRE events – CRE Midlands at Stoneleigh Park – was able to take place at its allotted time in March before the lockdown forced us all indoors.

The event was particularly notable because nearly half of those attending had never been to a CRE event before. Which means many would never have witnessed the presentations of supplies and services for churches in all their guises. The show included the Clergy on the Catwalk feature – a liturgical fashion show.

That feature caught the imagination of local and national press as never before, giving CRE column inches in The Telegraph and airtime on regional TV. • A regular presence at CRE shows in recent years has been the modern audio-visual systems configured to suit churches of all denominations.

That ability to embrace technology to convey its message has enabled the church to reach new congregations. What’s more, highly complex electronics can be fitted into ancient buildings in such a way that, when they are not in use, they are hardly noticeable – if at all.

And of course, in these times of lockdown, the electronic church is coming into its own, with services being made available virtually to stayat-home congregations.

• One event that did fall victim to the current restrictions on movement was the UK Roofing Awards, now postponed to October.

That hasn’t stopped the shortlist for the various categories being announced. There is, as has been the case for a number of years, a category for Heritage Roofing, which has attracted its usual clutch of high-quality candidates. What has also become the norm is a sprinkling of heritage projects in other categories. This year is no exception, so the finals in October are eagerly awaited.

• The COVID-19 crisis has had the effect of placing many heritage venues in a precarious position. With no visitors and no income, they are feeling the strain. To address that problem the National Lottery Heritage Fund is making emergency grants available. Empty buildings are also vulnerable, and leading insurer Ecclesiastical offers advice on how to cope with the threat.

• The work of Parliament carries on even while MPs are not there, and that applies to the National Audit Office. The NAO has published its thoughts on how the massive restoration of the Palace of Westminster should proceed. By avoiding the pitfalls that previous major infrastructure projects have fallen down, is the answer.

• With a history dating back to Roman times, St Albans is the site of the martyrdom of England’s first saint. The Romans built in brick and some of those bricks remain there to this day.

They have now been joined by handmade bricks from one of the few remaining traditional manufacturers in the country – York Handmade.

The specification of those bricks for the cathedral’s latest development is a source of pride for the firm, and the resulting building graces our front cover. q

Chris Stokes

Editor, Ecclesiastical & Heritage World

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COVER STORY

Cathedral commission continues Roman tradition of brickwork

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THE RESTORATION of St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire has included 30,000 bricks supplied by the award-winning York Handmade Brick Company. The prestigious commission was worth £60,000 for the Alne-based firm, one of the leading independent brickmakers in the country.

Chairman David Armitage explained that it was a great honour to supply the historic cathedral.

“I think I am right in saying that St Albans is the home of some of the earliest examples of brick use in Roman Britain,” he said, “so as a brickmaker we are very proud to supply one of the birthplaces of brick in the UK.” St Albans Cathedral stands on the site of the execution and burial of St Alban, the first Christian British martyr. It is the oldest place of continuous Christian worship in the country and is a blend of architectural styles spanning over a thousand years. It contains some priceless original Roman bricks.

David Armitage continued: “This order is one of the most important recently for us. It includes 4,000 differently-shaped special bricks.

The order was originally for a competitor’s handmade brick. Sadly, they ceased production so they could no longer supply the cathedral.

Fortunately, we are able to move swiftly and match the specific handmade bricks for this project.”

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Catriona O’Neill of Edinburgh architects Simpson and Brown commented: “We have worked with York Handmade on other projects in the past and have been pleased with their service and the quality of their products.

“The project at St Albans Cathedral involved the provision of a new brick and flint Welcome Centre extension building, along with significant alterations to the existing 1980s Chapter House building – both of which required careful replication of the existing handmade clay facing bricks, which were made to bespoke sizes and shapes.

“We worked closely with York Handmade to determine the appropriate ‘match existing’ colour ratios and specification, and develop sample boards for comparison against the existing building prior to order.

“The bricks supplied by York Handmade are a very close match to the existing brickwork and the contractor has done an excellent job in merging these new bricks in with the old. Both ourselves and the client are delighted with the end result.”

The Welcome Centre, featuring York Handmade’s bricks, provides a new visitor entrance, retail space, interpretation and exhibition areas and the relocated vestry. Alterations to the Chapter House, which is now connected to the Welcome Centre, have renovated the existing café, providing additional education spaces and improving accessibility at all levels through the creation of new lift access and washroom facilities.

Bashkar Rughani, managing surveyor with main construction contractor Thomas Sinden, explained: “York Handmade have done a magnificent job at the cathedral, providing bricks for both the Welcome Centre and the adjacent Chapter House. They have achieved a seamless look with a great finish, which has been extremely wellreceived. The colour is perfect, effortlessly blending in with the rest of the historic cathedral.

“This was a very important and prestigious commission. York Handmade stepped in at short notice after another British brick company had ceased production and was unable to carry out the order. York Handmade acquitted themselves perfectly. They should be very proud.”

St Albans Cathedral was awarded a grant of £438,000 from the First World War Centenary Cathedral Repairs Fund for the restoration. The grant fully funded urgent work to the great west front, the cathedral’s main ceremonial entrance, to repair and protect the medieval stonework of the west porches, the surrounding 19th-century masonry, the grand oak doors and the stunning First World War memorial window.

The Dean of St Albans, the Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John, said: “This grant not only halts critical damage to our ancient stonework and protects it for the future, but also renews our great entrance and the surrounds of our remarkable memorial window.” q

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Lottery fund makes emergency heritage grants available [

THE National Lottery Heritage Fund has put together a £50m emergency fund to support the heritage sector as an immediate response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The UK-wide fund will address immediate pressures over the next few months for those organisations most in need. It is open for applications until 30 June.

The fund’s executive director for business delivery, Eilish McGuinness, explained: “We know that circumstances are incredibly challenging for our heritage community right now and we want to do everything we can to support them. We hope this new fund will be a lifeline and a beacon of hope for organisations affected.”

The fund is available for grants of between £3,000 and £50,000 across the full breadth of heritage – including historic sites, industrial and maritime heritage, museums, libraries and archives, parks and gardens, landscapes and nature. Organisations which have received funding in the past or are either a current grantee, or still under contract following a previous grant, can apply.

Priority will be given where: • There is limited or no access to other • sources of support • Heritage is most at risk • An organisation is at risk of severe • financial crisis due to COVID-19 An applicant must be a not-for-profit organisation, a current or previous recipient of a grant directly from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and an owner, manager or representative of heritage or be able to show they have delivered participatory heritage activity.

The application process for a Heritage Emergency Fund grant is different from the usual way of applying for a grant. The application form must be completed in one go, as it cannot be saved. It is important that applicants prepare their application material before they start.

Guidance on submitting applications is available on the National Lottery Heritage Fund website at www.heritagefund.org.uk/ funding/heritage-emergency-fund.

Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston said:

“It is important that we do all we can to ensure our nation’s remarkable heritage landscapes, buildings and monuments – and the hardworking organisations that protect them – are supported at this difficult time.

“Heritage plays an important role in our communities by supporting jobs and economic growth as well as helping us to understand our shared past. This new £50 million package from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will help to protect our most at risk heritage throughout this unprecedented period.”

As well as the Heritage Emergency Fund, the National Lottery Heritage Fund is accelerating the provision of its £1.2m Digital Skills for Heritage initiative, to help the sector through the crisis and beyond.

However, it has taken the decision to halt all new grant applications with immediate effect. The Heritage Emergency Fund consists of money diverted from new grants.

Decisions on funding for the Heritage Horizon Awards have been deferred into the 2021-2022 financial year. q

Heritage in lockdown: Ecclesiastical issues guidance for temporarily closed buildings [

SPECIALIST INSURER Ecclesiastical has published guidance on managing risks and protecting temporarily closed and unoccupied heritage buildings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ecclesiastical has also made cover enhancements to support customers, ensuring there are no changes to premium and policy cover for premises forced to close temporarily.

Such buildings, whether temporarily closed or permanently unoccupied, can be at greater risk from the likes of arson, antisocial behaviour such as vandalism or squatters, theft and escape of water.

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The top five priorities covered by the guidance are: • Protect against electrical fires – turn off and unplug electrical equipment • Guard against escape of water losses • Protect against arson • Make regular inspections of the property • Update risk assessments The new guidance is available for heritage organisations to view for free on the Ecclesiastical website at www.ecclesiastical.com/risk-management/ unoccupied-properties-during-covid-19/ Faith Kitchen, heritage director at Ecclesiastical, said: “As a leading insurer of Grade One-listed buildings in the UK – from castles and contemporary heritage and homes to cathedrals and churches – we're passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage.

“We understand this is an uncertain and worrying time for all heritage organisations. We are committed to supporting the heritage sector and we hope this new guidance will help heritage organisations manage risks and protect their closed properties during this pandemic.

“Taking simple steps such as turning off and unplugging electrical equipment and positioning external bins as far from the property as possible can help to protect closed and unoccupied buildings. It’s also important to not overshare on social media and people should be mindful of posting announcements that advertise buildings are vacant.”

As well as extending cover for temporarily unoccupied premises, the insurer has also introduced an automatic extension in cover for 30 days beyond renewal to help protect businesses from becoming unintentionally uninsured. q

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Scrutiny body urges early assessment of Parliament restoration costs [THE National Audit Office (NAO) has issued

a warning that, if the restoration and upgrading programme at the Palace of Westminster is to deliver a restored and working palace in the early 2030s – and achieve value for money – the risks associated with complex major infrastructure programmes must be addressed now.

A report published on 24 April looked at the programme to identify potential risks and recommend how they may be addressed. For example, clear objectives need to be agreed to manage the risk of the programme expanding unnecessarily, potentially leading to cost increases and delays.

From April a new Sponsor Body has been set up to deliver the restoration and upgrading programme on behalf of Parliament. The Sponsor Body’s first task will be to prepare the business case, currently expected by autumn next year.

The NAO report points out that, as the programme involves the extensive restoration of an old heritage building, uncertainties are to be expected at this early stage. They include issues such as the condition of the underlying building and the availability of specialist skills.

“The Sponsor Body needs to understand and reduce these uncertainties so that it can then develop evidence-based cost and schedule estimates which it should revisit over time,” the report says.

At this early stage, the NAO says, it is unclear how future changes requested by Parliament will be managed, and how the Sponsor Body will reduce the risk of requirements changing. The Sponsor Body and Parliament should agree a process that outlines when programme requirements will be revisited, and how the time and cost implications of any changes are weighed against potential benefits.

Big Ben project failings revealed [

AN APPENDIX to the NAO report on the restoration programme for the Palace of Westminster dealt with the current restoration work being carried out to the Elizabeth Tower, which forms a separate project from the main programme.

Built in 1858, the Elizabeth Tower is a Grade One-listed building and incorporates the Great Clock and the Great Bell, known as Big Ben. In 2017 a programme of work began to upgrade facilities, in line with health and safety requirements and to conserve and maintain historical aspects and conduct essential fire safety works.

The original business case approved by both Houses of Parliament in 2011 was costed at £29m. By September 2017, when the final business case was agreed by the House of Commons Commission, the cost had escalated to £61m. It now stands at £80m.

The NAO describes the problems associated with the project as resulting from ‘weak governance and oversight’ stating: “The need for further site surveys, including exploratory works on the roof exterior, the clock faces, and the external masonry, had not initially been included in the business case, leading to an overly optimistic view of risks. The final business case included a clearer estimate of risk, but there continue to be on-site discoveries requiring design changes that increase costs.” q

The head of the NAO, Gareth Davies, explained: “The restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster is a highly complex and challenging programme. It is vital that from the outset the Sponsor Body and Parliament work together to apply the lessons from other major projects. This will allow them to manage the risks to value for money and timely delivery, and maintain public confidence in the programme.

“We will update our assessment of progress in managing these risks at all key stages of the programme.”

The Sponsor Body will set the scope, budget and timescale for the project. It will oversee a Delivery Authority – to be established in the coming weeks – and be responsible for developing and delivering the work to the Sponsor Body’s requirements.

The two-tier approach, which was used successfully for the 2012 London Olympics, was endorsed by both Houses of Parliament in a resolution in 2018, and passed into law last October. Both the Sponsor Body and Delivery Authority will ensure value for money at every stage.

The Sponsor Body executive team is led by chief executive Sarah Johnson and advised by a board chaired by Liz Peace CBE. Responding to the NAO report, Sarah Johnson said: “The restoration and renewal of the Houses of Parliament will be the biggest and most complex heritage project ever undertaken in the UK, supporting thousands of jobs across the country and protecting one of the world’s most recognisable buildings.

“Since legislation was passed last year we have made rapid progress setting up the organisations responsible for the programme. I welcome the NAO’s helpful recommendations as we embark on the task of designing and delivering the plan to protect the Houses of Parliament for future generations.”

The report compares a number of major infrastructure projects, together with the extent to which they have kept pace with projected costings.

Sarah Johnson continued: “We are committed to learning lessons from previous infrastructure projects and will ensure value for money at every stage through stringent audit and assurance processes. Our teams will continue to work closely with Parliament in the coming months to determine the requirements for this great building, the home of our democracy.” q

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Heritage in lockdown II: what work at home means to ewe!

[WHILE THE REST of the country have been

sitting in front of laptops or taking part in conference calls, staff at English Heritage are tackling the subject of home working in a wholly different way.

They include John Watkins, head of gardens and landscapes at the charity. He took home a rare breed of Ryeland Sheep that were destined for Boscobel House in Shropshire: the famous hiding place of the future King Charles II during the English Civil War. The three one-year-old ewes were due to take up residence in Boscobel’s newly-represented Victorian farm buildings. However, when delays prevented their arrival John stepped in to look after them until their new home was able to open to the public. And they are currently cooling their heels in John Watkins’ back garden in Herefordshire.

Said John: “The sheep weren’t too sure about their surroundings when they first arrived, but now they’ve settled down and are starting to explore the field. They are very tame and come when called, although we haven’t named them yet. It’s all very unusual: in my job I normally look after English Heritage’s historic gardens – I didn’t think I’d ever be taking sheep home with me!”

John’s ovine collection is just one example of the quirky homework staff are engaged in. Kirsty Huggett and Emma Hallums have been undertaking the quarterly pest trap analysis of Osborne House in their own labs on dining room tables, using microscopes borrowed from the office.

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Meanwhile, senior conservation scientist David Thickett has been analysing paint samples from 700-year-old wall paintings at Longthorpe Tower in Peterborough and Dr Michael Carter has been studying a 13th-century charter of land grants to a Cistercian abbey, which he bought from an auction. q

Heritage venues donate food to Welsh good causes [WHEN COVID-19 forced the closure of the historic sites in Wales,

Cadw took the initiative and donated all the food stocks from its castles, abbeys and monuments to community efforts across the country.

With provisions taken from 24 heritage sites, Cadw donated more than 1,000 food items in the first week in April to food banks, community charities, homelessness centres and local school hubs that carried on operating to support the children of key workers.

Among the items in Cadw’s donation boxes was a selection of luxury food – including fudge, Welsh cakes, bara brith, biscuits, jams, chutneys and Easter Eggs – all packaged up to ensure that Cadw didn’t waste any food during this time of increased need.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Wales’s food banks have been subject to unparalleled strain – with rationing reported as a necessity last month, amid stockpiling and reduced donations.

Sarah Jones, co-ordinator for The King’s Storehouse – one of the food banks that benefited from the deliveries – said: “We have been overwhelmed by requests for food parcels over the past three weeks, especially from families with children at home. We helped 84 families last week and we are busy this week too, so the donation from Cadw is very welcome. The chocolate will make a particularly big difference as for many people it will be a treat that they cannot afford.”

The donations made to local school hubs helped to support the children of key workers, who are being educated and cared-for there for the foreseeable future. Donations offered to the schools will help to provide for children on the free school meals programme, while supporting the families of key workers as a whole.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “Cadw’s network of visitors, members, employees and stakeholders form the foundation of Wales’s historic sites – with the support of these communities helping us to conserve, maintain and care for our collection of 130 heritage properties, year upon year.

“So during this time of national emergency, we felt it was important to give something back – and we hope it makes a difference, however small.

“Donating all unused food stock is Cadw’s way of saying ‘thank you’ to the communities which help us every single day; but also our population of key workers, who are sacrificing everything to support Wales during this very difficult time.” q

Modernisation reflects changing times [

THE TOWN OF WARE in Hertfordshire is spilt into two Anglican parishes: St Mary’s, which is the oldest, and Christ Church. Christ Church is a Victorian building, founded in 1858. It is Grade Two listed and in a Conservation Area. Its community is very active and contributes to the social life of the town, serving it in many different ways.

Christ Church was built with a capacity of 395 in pews and choir stalls, and its members served the poor and needy of the town through Christian love in word and action. Those goals still guide what the church does and are intrinsic to its DNA, inherited from its benefactor Robert Hanbury (1796-1884) of Poles – the old name of nearby Hanbury Manor. Robert was the nephew of Sampson Hanbury, a well-known Quaker businessman and senior partner in the brewing firm Hanbury, Buxton and Truman. They were philanthropists and involved in significant social reforms, Thomas Fowell Buxton playing an integral part in formulating the bill to abolish slavery in 1833.

Later Robert Hanbury became a JP, Deputy Lieutenant, and in 1854 High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. He gave money to fund the adjacent school and build the vicarage.

In 2011 Mark Eddison RIBA, of MEB Design Ltd, completed a quinquennial survey of the building. It highlighted the very poor condition of the floors and piped heating system, located below damaged grates.

The building also suffered from substandard facilities, which hindered the church’s mission and purpose: the threshold was difficult to cross, it communicated an unhelpful message and there were barriers to access.

or museum, and where communion was no longer celebrated. It now provides an appropriate accessible area for smaller meetings. There is also proper space for a music group and all areas are backed up by modern communication equipment.

A narrative with the past A challenge in designing alterations to historic buildings is to create a good narrative with the past – do the changes build on history and complement it?

In Ware, over the years there had been alterations to the original building to meet the needs of the church at particular times. A gallery was removed in the 1880s and has now been re-interpreted and reinstated to create new facilities. The current re-ordering of pews and dais follows east and west end re-orderings in 1920 and the 1970s. Originally there were no pews stalls in the chancel, and this unusual omission has been addressed. The pattern of appropriate change continues.

But what in this instance made perhaps the greatest impact was the cleaning of the internal masonry of all the grime and soot built up over 150 years, and the return of the shell to the colours it enjoyed when first opened. q

Aims of the development In accepting the observations of the survey, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) decided to address the challenges they presented and undertake an internal refurbishment to meet the needs of a growing congregation, making the building fit for purpose for the 21st century.

The PCC also grasped the opportunity to better connect people, create a welcoming flexible space, modernise the tired building, address the challenge of ministries outgrowing current facilities and leave a legacy for future generations.

A number of alterations had been considered over 25 years but none had found favour until MEB Design was appointed as the architect.

Achievements The building is detached and distant from any back-up its Parish Centre could provide. New internal facilities were needed to aid its mission and purpose, and bring the building up to modern expectations. The installation of a contrasting modern gallery at the back means the facilities are now decent and warm. They include three toilets, a place to provide refreshments, mingling area and a small meeting room – all suitable for use by other town and community groups.

No new public building would have been designed today with the dark, cold uninviting entrances which existed at the church. The building has therefore also been given a new, obvious and unthreatening main entrance under the west window, prefaced by good views inside from New Road, and clarity of routes to it. The building can at last provide a proper welcome!

The PCC also managed to address barriers to access – even in that historic building – and the inside no longer presents any. There is ramped access to the chancel, choices where to sit, suitably wide doors, an accessible WC at the back, colour contrasts and good lighting ­– upgraded to create appropriate atmospheres.

And the current layout works liturgically. Gone are the inflexible pews and the missing space for mothers to look after babies during Sunday service.

The chancel was like many churches – the space was redundant, no longer used by the choir, unsuitable for any purpose other than a war memorial www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Church expansion utilises local landmark

[IN 2012 Grace Church at Yate, near Bristol, purchased a

development site comprising a physiotherapy centre built in the 1980s and Melrose House – an older building dating from around 1880. Grace Church had outgrown their existing meeting hall and wished to relocate to larger accommodation.

Melrose House was built as a private residence and was later adapted to become a Cottage Hospital in memory of the men who died in the First World War. As a Memorial Hospital Day Centre the building was held in great affection in the local community. The building also has an association with Harry Potter novelist J K Rowling, who was born there.

The church commissioned EMJ Architects to produce a masterplan for the development of the site, consisting of three phases. Firstly, the existing physiotherapy centre would be converted to their new church; secondly, Melrose House would be renovated and converted to residential apartments; and lastly a new, 220-seat meeting hall and entrance would be constructed adjoining the existing church.

From the outset of the project the church leadership team were keen to instil the ethos that church is not the building, but having a building helps them to do core things together and to run activities for children and adults that introduce them to the message and members of the church.

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The brief was to create a new meeting hall that was welcoming, warm, light and comfortable – in essence, an extension of someone’s own home.

The design focused around an ‘internal street’: a large, multi-purpose circulation space that would remove the need for a series of corridors and could be used a meeting/activity space in its own right. The ‘street’ would be angled to allow central access to the new meeting hall, while a timber-clad wall, appearing as a continuation of the external cladding, would visually draw visitors to the heart of the building.

The new meeting hall is a large addition to the existing church and it was a challenge to avoid impacting detrimentally on the setting of the locally listed building, while providing an attractive and legible entrance to the church. A key element of that was to break down the overall mass of the design by wrapping the main body of the new meeting hall and the existing building with flat roof elements, lessening the overall visual impact of the proposal and keeping its overall height to an appropriate level.

Internally, the design of new meeting hall utilises a palette of clean white plastered walls, exposed brick and timber cladding. A large frameless glass rooflight sits above the central street, dropping light into the rear of the meeting hall through a full-height glazed screen. High-level windows at each

side of the meeting hall provide plentiful amounts of natural light to the interior, while glazing at each side of the new stage provides views of the gardens which surround the building.

The new building is constructed using a steel portal frame to create a large open-plan space without the need for internal columns.

The external fabric is highly energy-efficient, using substantial levels of insulation in both the floor and walls. The new pitched roof is constructed using structural composite insulation panels, with a tiled finish to give a traditional appearance to that element. Highly energyefficient Velfac composite timber and aluminium windows and doors are used throughout, which have also had a solar reflective coating applied to prevent overheating through solar gain.

In conjunction with the thermal fabric efficiency, the building has an ‘intelligent’ underfloor heating and natural cooling system that detects the internal temperature or CO2 levels and automatically operates a combination of external louvres or high and low-level windows to vent and cool the building naturally.

The building also has an ‘intelligent’ LED lighting system, with several pre-sets and automation operating according to the different activities taking place. The system is fully controllable by handheld tablet and has the twin benefits of making the lighting system incredibly user friendly and reducing the number of surface-mounted light switches required. In addition, the lighting has been carefully designed to indirectly light the building, with hidden fittings that wash the wall and ceiling finishes with light as required.

The meeting room was acoustically modelled by a specialist prior to construction commencing. That provided a level of certainty that it

would perform well acoustically for a range of uses. It also enabled EMJ Architects to specify surface materials and incorporate sound baffles from the outset, rather than applying them if required retrospectively.

In addition, the building has an advanced audio-visual installation, incorporating projector and drop-down screen and fully digital sound control, operated by handheld tablet rather than a static sound desk.

The new meeting hall was officially opened with an activity week at the beginning of this year and welcomed church members and the local community to tour the new building. Although currently closed by the COVID-19 emergency, members are looking forward to resuming their worship there. q

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CRE Midlands – vibrant before the virus [ ORGANISERS OF CRE

Midlands, held at Stoneleigh Park on 4-5 Mar, were encouraged by a positive response from exhibitors and visitors alike after fearing the worst from coverage surrounding the coronavirus.

“We groaned when, just before the exhibition opened, we heard the London Book Fair had been cancelled,” admitted owner and managing director Steve Goddard. “Several emails arrived from people who had preregistered for CRE, apologising that they weren’t going to come because of the health risk. And those were just the ones who thought to tell us!

“However, as we know from putting on the exhibition for more than three decades, the quality of enquirer matters far more than quantity. While visitor numbers were understandably lower than we had originally anticipated, enough decision-makers came to make the event a genuine success.”

Almost half the visitors had never been to a CRE anywhere before.

“Virtually every exhibitor told us our visitors were like sponges – determined to soak up new ideas, products and services,” said Steve.

“For that, we were truly thankful.”

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Media coverage of the exhibition was extensive. As well as previews in periodicals like Church Times, Church of England Newspaper and Methodist Recorder, CRE Midlands was covered on nine BBC local radio stations and gained column inches in several regional newspapers including the Sunday Mercury, Coventry Observer, Rugby Advertiser and Warwick Courier. ITV’s Midlands Today filmed the exhibition and ran a feature twice in its regional news bulletin. The

Obituary: CRE founder Gos is called home Daily Telegraph made a major splash of it all, focussing on the event’s Clergy on the Catwalk presentation (pictured) Dozens of stand bookings were taken for the next two exhibitions – CRE National at Sandown Park (13-15 Oct 2020) and CRE South West at Westpoint, Exeter (17-18 Mar 2021).

“We are grateful to everyone involved at Stoneleigh Park for backing us through a difficult few days,” said Steve Goddard. “We are praying that the coronavirus crisis will be over before CRE National at Sandown Park – not just for our sakes but for thousands of other event organisers worldwide.” q

CRE’s Dave Hall pays tribute to Gospatric Home

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TRIBUTES ARE pouring in for Gospatric Home, founder of the Christian Resources Exhibition, who died on Easter Saturday, 11 April.

Known simply as ‘Gos’, the 87-year-old had heart surgery before Easter and returned home from hospital to recover, but was re-admitted on Good Friday with complications and died shortly afterwards.

His son Olly, diocesan secretary of the Diocese of Bristol, said: “He was a man full of hope and love – always seeing life’s potential and giving thanks in all circumstances. He achieved so much for so many. We’ll miss him so much and it is tough not to be together while we trust he is risen in glory.”

It was while recovering from a hip replacement operation many years ago that Gos heard someone say ‘pick up and read’ – the same words given to St Augustine. But where Augustine picked up the Bible, Gos took hold of the UK Christian Handbook.

“It wasn’t the voice of God but Ernie Barnett, owner of a chain of Christian bookshops!” recalled Gos. “Laid up for days on end, Ernie suggested I read the UK Christian Handbook. I did – from cover to cover. There were 5,000 entries spanning an unbelievable range of publishers, church suppliers, charities, architects, missions, newspapers, magazines, bookshops and much more. I realised there was no event where they could bring their products, services and ideas to the churches that needed to see them.”

In such unlikely circumstances CRE, Europe’s leading series of Christian exhibitions, was conceived. The last exhibition Gos attended, as honorary president, was CRE National 2019 at Sandown Park.

CRE owner Steve Goddard declared: “I was privileged to attend the first exhibition in London in 1985 – never dreaming I would one day own it. Gos had the heart of a lion and the tenacity of a terrier.

But above all, he was a gentleman in the true meaning of the term.

He played a quiet but pivotal role in transforming the face of the UK church through CRE. Tens of thousands of people have benefitted from his vision.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Diana and the whole Home family, especially at this time of enforced social isolation.” q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Father and son team honoured at same time [THE NAME Fullers Finer Furniture has

technical knowledge in the relevant sector. become synonymous with high-quality bespoke “The recognition of our individual skills and furniture. The expertly designed and crafted experience means a great deal to us,” said Paul. work has been consistently in high demand since “The fact that we were both presented with our the company was established in 1985. Fullers, respective certificates at the same ceremony made never a company to rest on its laurels, thrives it a truly memorable day. I feel proud to have two on enterprise, change and challenge, while at generations of award-winning furniture makers in the same time recognising the need to maintain, what is a family business. The aim now is to strive preserve and respect historical craftsmanship. together to extend our skills and experience.”

One major change occurred in August 2017, This year looks set to be a busy one for the when proprietor Paul Fuller’s son Oliver joined company, with a current order book providing the company as an apprentice furniture maker. plenty of scope to enhance both their design Oliver attended college one day per fortnight and furniture building skills. Fullers offer a fully and qualified with distinction in furniture comprehensive service, with assistance from the manufacture last year. He then enrolled for a initial concept and design right through to the further year at Didac College in Bristol to gain build and fitting stage. With Fullers, customers his Level 3 qualification. are guaranteed individual attention designed to Dad Paul may have qualified some time ensure the best possible level of satisfaction. That, previously, but he also gained 11 distinctions in together with their painstaking attention to detail, Paul and Oliver with Dids Macdonald OBE, furniture studies and an impressive total of three first Master of the Furniture Makers’ Company is the reason Fullers flourishes and their customers prize medals. provide welcome positive testimony to their work.

On 2 March this year Paul and Oliver attended a special ceremony Recent comments include: “Many thanks for all your beautiful work” – in London, where the Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell, presented Swaffham Methodist Church; “The lectern is wonderful” – Bethesda Baptist them with the prestigious Furniture Makers’ Company Master Church, Haverfordwest; “It looks superb” – Westbury Methodist Church; Certificate in Furniture Making and the Apprentice Certificate in “We are delighted with the outcome…a magnificent creation!” – Busby Furniture Making respectively.

Parish Church.

The awards are sponsored by City and Guilds and City of London. Each From bespoke items to their award-winning, gas height-adjustable application is assessed by a panel of representatives from the Furniture Canterbury and York lecterns, and from restoration work to a Makers’ Company and the applicant must provide evidence of achieving complete refit, Fullers’ dedicated team provide a friendly, personal and an appropriate level of responsibility within the industry and of having a comprehensive service. q

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AV systems come into their own in today’s situation [THE CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding worship in the midst of the

coronavirus outbreak have brought to the fore the role of churches’ audiovisual systems in bringing services to the faithful via remote access.

It seems only recently that sophisticated AV systems have been the norm in churches, but without them the world of worship in the lockdown would be unimaginable. However, the Church of England has guidance on the issues that churches need to address when commissioning systems.

The guidance is issued by the Church Buildings Council – known as ChurchCare – under section 55(1) (d) of the Dioceses, Mission and Pastoral Measure 2007. As it is statutory guidance, it must be considered with great care. The standards of good practice set out in the guidance should not be departed from unless the departure is justified by reasons that are spelled out clearly, logically and convincingly.

The advice that will seem most evident to most laypeople is that churches should seek professional advice from an independent adviser, and make early contact with their DAC secretary to discuss any new scheme. The technical details will be unique to each church, but there are some general principles to consider when looking at new installations which impact on the fabric and appearance of the church.

Speakers With any sound system the question of what the speakers will look like and where to position them is key. Speakers should be positioned within the roof wherever possible – but avoid putting fixings into historic timbers! Alternatively, they can be placed on piers or columns, within window reveals and above capitals. Aim for invisibility, use matching colours to the background the speaker will be on.

AV system at St Matthew’s, Salford Priors installed by Cunnings Recording Associates Consider the impact of this on worshippers’ visual and mental focal points. The layout of most historic churches doesn’t work well with large screens and there are inevitable problems with sightlines and positioning. Ingenious solutions are often needed to get a professional looking arrangement.

Screens should be able to be retracted and moved out of sight when not in use. A simple solution that works well in some situations is a screen on a bracket hinged from the chancel wall.

Monitors or plasma screens need not be fixed to the fabric. Sturdy freestanding moveable stands can be used, providing sightlines are conducive and wiring is not overly restrictive. q

Sound desks These are often the only fixed piece of ‘furniture’ in a church after a major reordering and can become more dominant than is desirable or necessary.

• Will the chosen location hinder flexibility for other activities such • as exhibitions, Alpha suppers or community events? Is there a • gallery or tower room which could be considered?

• How large does the console desk actually need to be? Bigger • should not equate to better. Opt for a minimalist approach to • design: the technological impetus is towards miniaturisation.

The same principles apply to sound desks as to kitchens in churches – they shouldn’t look out of place when not in use and should not be obtrusive when they are. A well designed lid or cover can greatly reduce the impact.

Projectors, screens and monitors Screen projection of liturgical texts, words of hymns and songs, material related to the sermon and still images or videos for reflection is now common, supplementing or supplanting printed material, and in line with contemporary culture.

Electric Orange

Audio visual and smart technology specialists for ecclesiastical and heritage properties.

T: 0151 909 2770 M: 07801 366506 E: dan@electric-orange.co.uk W: www.electric-orange.co.uk www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Aesthetic audio solutions [

MODERN AUDIO SOLUTIONS often mean function over form – where cutting edge audio quality and distribution may not sit happily in the aesthetic surroundings

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of a traditional church. This is precisely the challenge mounted and overcome by Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS) in their equipment selection and overall system

design – providing the latest technology whilst respecting the décor of, in most cases, gradelisted buildings.

Column speakers have invariably been a chosen speaker format where their size and shape suit a stone column or pillar.

The downside is that these speakers are not capable in covering the extensive modern requirements of speech to music reproduction – be it a live worship band or song\video audio playback. CAVS have found success with the latest CBT array column speakers from JBL Professional which are designed for these contemporary applications within traditional settings.

These column speakers are designed with wide dispersion, to cover large nave/aisle areas, with controlled vertical dispersion (20 degrees). Larger churches with high roofs often experience excessive issues with delayed reverb which can vastly reduce intelligibility.

Ceiling voids effectively serve as an echo chamber which can severely impact speech and music clarity. Restricted vertical coverage within the JBL CBT speakers effectively eradicate these upper voids and direct controlled audio to the congregation only.

This is demonstrated effectively with a recent installation of CBT50 speakers at

Redland Park URC in Bristol. All speakers were optimised in stereo – most church audio systems are installed in mono, but this reduces intelligibility when amplifying songs and especially video audio where speech needs to be distinguishable from background sounds – and delayed to reduce further echo and reverberation as sound travels the length of the church.

Full range audio capability was met with the addition of two compact floor subwoofers – providing dynamics to music and video audio.

The latest digital mixing console from Soundcraft – the Si Impact – provides full mixing capability for up to 64 channels via extension digital stageboxes, with flexible connection points to allow musicians/choir to be positioned in different areas of the church for weddings and other events.

Additional iPAD wireless control, for mixer operation from anywhere in the church, and the ability to store and recall regularly used service settings allows the mixer to be confidently used by basic operators right through to experienced sound engineers.

New Sennheiser radio microphones provide reliable reception throughout the church – supplied on licensed frequencies and utilising dedicated antenna distribution.

Denon playback and recording systems allow for high quality service recording and music playback from any media from CD’s to wireless Bluetooth devices. q

• Creative Audio-Visual Solutions are a dedicated church audio-visual integrator with the expertise and aesthetic sympathy to bring your church into the 21st century.

‘Like’ them on Facebook at www.facebook.

com/cavsolutions for the latest installation case studies and product news. Alternatively for further information call 01707 518400, email sales@cavsolutions.co.uk or visit the website at www.cavsolutions.co.uk

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The right sound and video don’t have to be obvious Selecting sound systems, projectors, screens, induction loop systems and cameras can all seem a little overwhelming. There’s so much choice; but having the right technology to suit your building and worship style will help you approach worship in new and creative ways. And as ANDY PIDSLEY, managing director of APi Communications explains, for many churches the aesthetics of the installation – how the equipment will look both in use and when not required – are a big consideration.

[

MORE AND MORE churches these days are using projection systems to help get their message across. There is a feeling of togetherness if everyone is looking up at the same words projected onto a screen. In addition, films can be shown; and if the projection is linked to a camera system, close-ups of the service can also be shown.

However, screens need to be unobtrusive and not necessarily in view the whole time. At APi we can design and install a screen that can, for example, park against a wall or winch behind the chancel arch when not required. We will consider each church individually and design the screen mechanism accordingly.

A projection system will also require a projector. Increasingly, laser projectors are being installed instead of lamp projectors. The advantage of a laser projector is there is no reduction in light output and, of course, no lamps to replace: often not an easy task in a church due to the positioning of the projector. Tests have shown that the average light output of a laser unit is higher than a lamp version over the lifetime of three lamps.

With regard to sound systems, speakers are much smaller these days and yet offer great sound.

For churches APi frequently install slimline array speakers: they can even be customised to match the colour of the stonework and our installation engineers ensure the cabling is concealed as far as possible.

To make worship accessible, loop systems can be fitted and also speakers installed in crèche rooms, so that parents and carers can feel part of the worship that is happening in the main room. For members of the congregation who can’t make it in on a Sunday, recording and sharing worship online allows them to be included in gatherings.

With a vast range of experience installing in churches, APi can provide advice for DAC Faculty applications and also work alongside architects on projects. We understand the type of questions frequently asked and can advise on fixings and cable colours, and provide mockups of an installation. q Images: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Exeter (top left) and All Saints, Milford on Sea (top right and above)

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Jehovah’s Witness headquarters keeps hearing-impaired listeners in the loop [TEMPLE FARM, near Chelmsford in Essex, is the new UK

headquarters for the International Bible Students Association (IBSA) – part of the Jehovah’s Witness organisation (JW.org). During its development the 84-acre site housed up to 1,000 volunteer workers per day alongside a small number of outside sub-contractors and was professionally managed and run by the organisation.

To provide equal access to sound for people with hearing loss and fulfil the requirements of IEC 60118-4 in a multipurpose auditorium, the organisation approached assistive listening systems manufacturer Ampetronic for help. Working through the requirements, it quickly became apparent that ‘spill control’ was required.

As the complexity of the loop system grew, Ampetronic recommended Scanaudio to provide the induction loop installation and its integration with AV systems. Scanaudio were chosen for their expert knowledge on projects of such a size.

Scanaudio worked with the client regarding the practical installation of three phased array loops covering the 750m2 multipurpose space.

Amidst challenging floor conditions and concerns about tapes being cut, Scanaudio changed the system specification from flat copper tape to direct burial cable, ensuring a robust system solution.

Multiloop phased arrays were installed directly on top of the concrete floor slab using 2.5mm direct burial cable (DBC), secured with 8mm hammer-in cable tie mounts and using 200m reels to minimise the number of joins in the cable. Each phased array was driven by an Ampetronic D10-2 multiloop driver, with programme audio fed from the client’s AV system. Continuity sign-off tests were carried out to standard after installation of the arrays and then

again following the application of foam insulation in the floor.

The loop installation was completed in under five days.

Dee Couchman of Scanaudio said: “I can honestly say that it was a pleasure to work with JW.org. Their friendly professional approach was a real help to us, working to a tight schedule to install the loop before the installation of the floor in the multipurpose room. The large space was available to us for the duration of the works and was the best prepared space we have worked in during the past 25 years.” q

Loops help comply with equality legislation [UNDER THE TERMS of the Equality

Act 2010, which replaced the former Disability Discrimination Act, all public buildings are required to make adequate provision for disabled people. One of the areas of service provision that applies to churches is the installation of hearing loop systems.

Most hearing aids have a ‘T’ or ‘MT’ switch that allows them to pick up the electromagnetic field generated by a telephone earpiece. An induction loop system uses this same principle but generates a much larger magnetic field and radiates it around a room via a ‘loop’ of cable. Any hearing impaired person within the loop can hear the signal by switching their hearing aid to the correct position.

An induction loop system therefore comprises four main elements: • The audio source – typically a microphone, a television or a radio • or any combination • The induction loop amplifier • The loop – a single turn of wire usually run around the perimeter • of the room • The receiver(s) – any behind-the-ear type hearing aid with a ‘T’ • or ‘MT’ switch Many surveys reveal that hearing loop systems are sometimes badly installed or maintained. Having a correctly installed and operational induction loop system is a legal requirement under the Equalities Act and is therefore, vitality important to any public building. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Do you really need a new sound system?

Audio equipment does degrade and eventually it will need to be replaced; but sometimes things just need a good overhaul and a bit of a spruce up. Here, PAUL DOUGHERTY, managing director of Blaydon Communications Ltd, describes a circumstance where an existing system could be brought up to date.

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THE FIRST CONTACT we had from Blyth Central Methodist Church was a phone call that we’ve had many times before: “Our sound system isn’t working; it’s all crackly and we just need a new one.”

In some circumstances that could be true, but our first recommended course of action was to have us attend the church and assess what equipment had been installed. This also allowed us to talk to the people that use the system to find out the real problems first-hand.

As the initial advice call is free of charge there was nothing to lose and everything to gain for the church, so a mutually agreeable appointment was arranged. The attendance to site is only available within our working area, but telephone support is always offered free of charge.

On the day of the visit we met with the team that looks after the church. The sound system was basic, but had clearly fulfilled the church’s needs for many years. It was old, but was from a good manufacturer and would have cost a reasonable chunk of money when it was originally specified.

There were a lot of things that had been added on to expand the existing amplifier capabilities, with lots of interconnecting wires that just didn’t need to be there. This adding to and adding to creates many points of failure and a good old strip down can often correct issues.

After discussing the needs and expectations of the church moving forward, we set about offering our advice. The amplifier was still working, but it was lacking some functionality and there were a few inputs short to meet the needs of a modern-day church. The lack of phantom power on the amplifier meant that the active condenser microphones on the lectern and pulpit were connected through a separate power supply, which was just adding to the mess of cables. Phantom power is a means of getting power to microphones down the same cable as the audio.

There was also an awful additional ‘switch to switch’ between the CD player and laptop, which wasn’t the best quality and was producing more noise than a live microphone in the wind!

With all that in mind, our recommendation was to replace the amplifier. The latest analogue unit was proposed, with a total of six balanced microphone inputs that would help reduce noise on the system – and they all have phantom power built-in, so that’s the external phantom power supply out of the equation, too. The unit also has three inputs for music, along with outputs that can connect to the existing loop system for the hard of hearing – and a switch to allow loudspeakers in the hall to be turned off when not in use. All in all, it was the perfect solution to the main problems, with enough

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capacity for future additions, too.

It wasn’t, however, all we had to do. In addition to the main heart of the system needing a tidy up and upgrade, we still had to address why the system was crackling and make sure the church knew how much they had to invest, without any extras lurking around the corner.

We completed a basic check of the system and soon identified the source of the crackling. The microphone socket on the pulpit was not the best quality and was worn, to say the least. The floor socket used for the altar microphone was no better, either. We also spotted another common issue – DIY repairs had been attempted without using professional equipment. We are all guilty of that to save a few quid, even though we know it will come back to bite us! The only workable solution for that was to replace the sockets with good quality ones installed by our experienced engineers, to make sure the repairs last as long as the original installation.

The final problem to resolve involved the radio microphone system. The system dated from the 1990s, but it was still working and we could see no reason why it wouldn’t continue to work for years to come. The problem was that the church wanted an extra radio microphone to be compatible with the old equipment.

Getting new radio microphones to work with old systems can sometimes be problematic, but fortunately for the church they had invested in a brand called TOA. We just happen to be an authorised agent for TOA and have been since 1972, so we were able to supply and reprogramme a new microphone to work with their old system.

After the initial on-site consultation we put together our no-obligation proposal. As with lots of churches, the proposal made its merry way through committee meetings, but was soon accepted and the work was authorised. We provided all the required health and safety paperwork to allow us to work safely with the church and the project was completed in a timely fashion, to the total satisfaction of the church staff and, most importantly, the congregation.

We often hear stories of churches being sold equipment that they do not need and systems are often unnecessarily overcomplicated. Our business relies on word of mouth as a main source of obtaining work and we pride ourselves on honesty and integrity when dealing with all our customers. We will always make sure that we understand our customers’ needs and make sure they spend within their budgets to achieve the outcome they need. On occasions where budget just simply isn’t enough, we’d rather walk away and advise the church to save up a bit more rather than waste their money on a half-hearted system that simply won’t get used. q

Choosing the right expert is crucial [ANY ARCHITECTURALLY or acoustically

demanding building which requires sound or communication systems needs input from experienced audio specialists, to ensure the right products and design input are incorporated into a new or upgraded system.

The Institute of Sound and Communications Engineers (ISCE) is a specialist learned society and professional body for sound and communications engineers. Founded in 1948, it is an entirely independent institute, run by a council elected by its members. Members maintain a code of conduct in professional activities, embodying high ethical standards and concern for the environmental and sociological impacts of professional activities.

Members of the institute are professionals from the field of audio – especially public address, voice alarm, sound systems, audio frequency induction loop systems, audio-video or acoustics.

Membership includes consultants, manufacturers and specialist installers, who are all able to engage with end users or their architectural advisors to develop and deliver solutions in even the most demanding of buildings. Contact with members in most areas of the UK is available via its website at www.isce.org.uk.

Some church specialist installer members have experience of working in several hundred

church buildings of different faiths and can offer a complete service tailored to the needs of worship.

With the recent introduction of many exciting new audio products, many of the traditional problems that churches encounter with sound systems can be reduced and possibly eliminated, such as feedback, poor microphone pick-up, lack of intelligibility and ease of use.

Digital audio mixers enable systems to be set up during commissioning by the installer, with lots of sophisticated control, yet leave the end user with a simple-to-use system which can revert to default settings in the event of unauthorised adjustment.

High sensitivity condenser microphones can provide discrete yet effective pick up from lecterns, pulpits and altars, with many options for mounting, positioning and appearance. Options vary tremendously with different mounting options, heights and finishes.

With many budget products flooding the market, choosing the correct radio microphone is important and selecting the ideal one for installation in a church is vital.

ISCE members have access to products from many manufacturers, which can be more suited to use in worship applications than some available through retail channels. q

Expo pre-empts coronavirus lockdown [

THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION and conference of the institute, ISCEx 2020, was able to go ahead prior to the introduction of the COVID-19 regulations. The event took place at Coombe Abbey on 17-18 March.

Those exhibitors and visitors in attendance did so with a sense of camaraderie; many commented they were grateful the event had not been cancelled. In spite of record preregistration for the event, numbers for the second day were down; however the Members’ Day, which took place on the first day, was the best attended in the event’s history.

One of many highlights of the Members’ Day was a virtual presentation, made via Zoom,

by Dr Gianluca Memoli, Senior Lecturer in Novel Interfaces and Interactions (Informatics) at the University of East Sussex, demonstrating the Shaping of Sound: highlighting how a sound projector can be used to beam audio to a moving person. q

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Castle restoration starts with a drone flight [THE COMPREHENSIVE RESTORATION and

extension project at Nottingham Castle – set for completion next year – began back in 2018 with a drone flight over the historic site.

Peterborough-based aerial survey specialists Sky Revolutions were approached by the main contractor – with whom they had a history of successful collaborations – who asked them to provide drone survey data for the project.

Sky Revolutions' pilots were tasked with carrying out an aerial survey of the site, including the castle and its grounds, as well as Castle Rock on which it stands. The aim was to provide condition survey data about the rock face and parts of the structure. The information would be used to plan the next steps in the ambitious and widely publicised rejuvenation and redevelopment project.

The plan was for a £30m investment to carry out construction work on the Ducal Palace, the grounds and the sprawling cave systems hidden within Castle Rock. The castle sits atop a site known to contain thousands of years of history, meaning work would have to be carried out with great care in order to preserve the archaeology and stories that were sure to come to surface.

The process of surveying the site is described in a case study on the Sky Revolutions website at skyrevolutions.co.uk.

Sky Revolutions knew they would have to devise a strategy to deal with the location's distinctive setting and features. To that end, the company had its pilots fly DJI Matrice 210 drones equipped with both Z30 and X5S cameras.

The Z30 was chosen for its excellent stability, even at extreme focal lengths. Featuring 30x optical zoom and 6x digital zoom, the Z30 can

provide a combined magnification of 180x. That capability, combined with its sophisticated gimbal technology and precision controls, made it an ideal choice for such a surveying challenge.

The other camera – the X5S – features a large, micro four-thirds sensor. That has a large dynamic range of 12.8 light stops, meaning it can capture visual data in scenes that contain both bright skies and dark crevices: a task which is beyond the capabilities of lesser cameras, but one that is vital at a site like Nottingham Castle. With the right combination of skills, technology and knowhow, Sky Revolutions was able to provide the data needed to move the project forward.

The project at the castle is now well advanced, with the scaffolding around the Ducal Palace having been removed in February. q

Drones come into their own [

IN RECENT WEEKS the role of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones has once more leapt into the public consciousness. Stories of police forces using drones to spot and deter sightseers at beauty spots around the country have been followed by the news that they could be deployed to deliver medical supplies to hard-to-reach areas.

It is just those geographical descriptions of the places where drones come into their own that push home the practical applications in more usual circumstances. Drones can access hard-to-reach areas – and in situations that may be hazardous for human operatives.

In the ecclesiastical and heritage sectors such situations are common. Church towers and steeples need surveying regularly and are of their nature challenging to access, while the whole expanse of a huge roof can by surveyed in one session by a drone.

Their deployment in beauty spots points up a further function UAVs are perfectly suited to displaying the character of a site for marketing and publicity purposes.

The usefulness of the data generated is heavily dependent on the skills of the operator and the quality of the equipment in use, so an experienced, professional company is de rigueur.

All in all, however, for drones the sky appears to be the limit. q

Helixcopters Ltd

Drone photographic, survey and inspection services T: 01923 671433 M: 07905 126356 E: info@helixcopters.org W: www.helixcopters.org

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Roofing Awards shortlist offers a glimmer of hope [

ON 16 APRIL, despite the difficulties thrown up by the need to work remotely, the judges of this year’s UK Roofing Awards announced the shortlist for the competition. The announcement came as a glimmer of joy in trying times for the industry.

The awards luncheon had already been postponed from its 1 May date to 2 October. The rescheduled event will take place at the original venue – the InterContinental London, formerly the O2.

NFRC CEO James Talman said: “Thanks to all the companies that submitted entries to this year’s UK Roofing Awards. As always, we were pleased to see the quality of projects submitted, which made it a tough challenge for our reviewing panel to decide on the final shortlist.

Congratulations to all the finalists and we look forward to revealing the winners at our rescheduled Awards Lunch on 2 October.”

Considerations that were taken into account in the selection process include the degree of difficulty, workmanship, problem solving, contribution to the built environment, environmental qualities and the aesthetics of the build.

As with past awards, the finalists in the Heritage Roofing category have been complemented by a number of ecclesiastical and heritage projects shortlisted in other categories.

The shortlist for the Heritage Roofing category itself features four highprofile projects. Carrickfergus Castle is one of a list of heritage projects carried out by Carrickfergus-based Penrose Roofing 2014 Ltd, while John Williams & Company are shortlisted for their work at The Queen’s House (pictured).

West Dean College in West Sussex is more often featured in this publication for restoration projects carried out by its own staff, but on this occasion the college’s own building is shortlisted in the UK Roofing Awards for the roofing work by Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd. The reroofing project of Wythenshawe Hall in Manchester by Fulwood Roofing Ltd, following a disastrous fire in 2016, completes the line-up in the category.

Other categories have also proved to be fruitful for heritage roofers. The copper dome of Ludgate House in London features in the Fully Supported Metal category for the work by Full Metal Jacket, while the Heartspace project at the University of Sheffield links two heritage buildings with a new engineering space. That project is shortlisted in the Multi-discipline Project > £250k category for Protech Roofing – the category that also sees the reappearance of the West Dean College project.

Ecclesiastical projects also feature, with Invictus Roofing’s work at Holy Cross Priory in Heathfield rubbing shoulders with a cemetery lodge in Essex by Contour Roofing Essex Ltd in the Small Scale Project < £25 category. The restoration of the Cathedral Yard at Exeter Cathedral following a fire has earned DFR Roofing a place in the Single Ply Roofing category.

Perhaps the project that captures the imagination most among all of the shortlist is the El Alamein War Memorial in Egypt, carried out by the Complete Roofing Company Ltd. That vies for glory in the Reinforced Bitumen Membranes category.

The awards ceremony in October will also see the presentation of the Local Hero Award, which is drawn from nominations from the general public, and the Young Roofer of the Year category. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Storm causes further damage to lead-theft roof [

A GRADE ONE-LISTED building described as ‘a very pretty church in a peaceful location’ has been left in a parlous state following Storm Ciara on 9 February. A large part of the roof of the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Edmondthorpe, Leicestershire, was blown off during the storm, exposing the chancel and organ to the elements.

The roof was a temporary structure, having recently undergone repairs following the theft of lead four years ago.

St Michael and All Angels is a redundant church in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

A spokesperson told the BBC: “This damage would not have happened if the lead had not been stolen in the first place. Sadly we are very used to dealing with heritage crime at other churches that we look after.”

The church is notable for its battlemented tower and semicircular stair turret.

According to the Churches Conservation Trust, the roofs of its churches require more than £2m in repairs: more than the trust can spend at one time. It means there is always the risk that further damage will occur to some of them while waiting for funding. q

Martin-Brooks carries out landmark castle project

[

SHEFFIELD ROOFING SPECIALISTS, Martin-Brooks is playing a pivotal role in one of the UK’s most significant heritage regeneration projects of recent years.

The firm secured a contract to undertake the large-scale refurbishment of Nottingham Castle’s roof, as part of a £30m scheme to regenerate the entire site.

Working with main contractors G F Tomlinson, Martin-Brooks are replacing all roof coverings on a series of buildings to preserve the Grade One-listed monument, including extensive areas of slates, patent glazing and guttering.

The main body of Martin-Brooks’ work has taken place on the Ducal Palace, the principal part of the castle, which has been undergoing a complete refurbishment. The historic building was shrouded in scaffolding and covered, to enable the roof to be stripped back and its structure overhauled, before reclaimed Burlington slates and new rainwater goods were fitted.

The firm had teams of expert heritage joiners and slaters on site for nearly a year.

Speaking at the commencement of the project, Martin-Brooks director Nick Brooks said: “Following in-depth discussions about the scope of roofing works required, we are excited to be finally embarking on this momentous heritage project. Great care is being taken to ensure the materials we use are sympathetic to the castle’s age and character and we are looking forward to discovering its hidden secrets.”

Andy Boam, senior contracts manager at G F Tomlinson, added: “Having worked with Martin-Brooks on heritage projects, we know they have the knowledge and experience to carry out the delicate, yet significant, repairs required at Nottingham Castle. The firm’s skilled teams are taking great care to preserve the site’s integrity and we have every confidence the finish achieved will be of the highest quality.”

Nottingham Castle’s transformation is due to be completed next year.

The multifaceted regeneration scheme includes the construction of a new visitor centre and extensive landscaping to improve the setting of its listed buildings. q • For further information visit www.martin-brooks.co.uk

Martin-Brooks (Roofing Specialists) Ltd T: 0114 244 7720 E: mb@allroofing.co.uk W: www.martin-brooks.co.uk

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

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Lead sheet training looks to the future [THE Lead Sheet Training

Academy (LSTA) has developed a unique opportunity for those seeking leadwork and hard metals training in the future. The industry training body has been delivering Specialist Applied Skills Programmes (SAP’s) for the CITB since 2009 and since then 130 students have been registered for the programme.

The LSTA reports a very high level of satisfactory completion – every candidate registered has successfully completed the course – and users also rate the courses highly.

The LSTA has been appointed

by CITB as the sole provider of the course for England, Scotland and Wales. SAPs are available at both Level 2 and Level 3 in either Hard or Soft Metals (not combined).

The contract provides for up to 35 places a year on the programmes: 20 for Level 2 and 15 for Level 3, with grant funding available to meet most of the course fees. The initial course is at Level 2. More information is available at https://leadsheet.co.uk/service/the-lsta-specialist-appliedskills-courses.

Accredited courses The LSTA also offers six other certificated courses, all of which are CITB and City & Guilds accredited programmes. A deposit of £200

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reserves a place, with the remaining balance due 10 days before the course starts. To find out more visit https://leadsheet.co.uk/service/ lstas-lead-hard-metal-courses/.

LSTA On the Road At the beginning of the year LSTA began a programme to deliver a five-day Lead Bossing & Welding course in collaboration with Burton Roofing Ltd, at the company’s locations throughout the UK. The courses scheduled for the rest of the year are in Hull (15-19 June), Stockton (13-17 July), Sheffield (24-28 August), Stockport (21-25 September; 2-6 November), Newcastle (5-9 October) and Southampton (14-18 December). There are also courses scheduled for next year in Leeds, Newcastle and Southampton.

It should be noted that the dates may be subject to change because of the coronavirus emergency. q • To enquire about dates or to book places contact the LSTA on 01622 872432 or info@leadsheet.co.uk

Lead roofing has its own awards category [

IN RECENT YEARS the Lead Contractors Association (LCA) has used the occasion of the UK Roofing awards for the official presentation of its own Murdoch Award and Murdoch Sponsors Award, together with the Young Leadworker of the Year Award.

The UK Roofing Awards, however, have their own Lead Roofing category – sponsored by Chandlers. Although the category is not specifically aimed at heritage roofing projects, the reality has seen most shortlisted projects falling into either the heritage or ecclesiastical sectors.

This year that applies to three of the four shortlisted projects.

The project to replace the lead on the South Quire Tribune at Canterbury Cathedral (pictured below) is the most high-profile of the candidates. The cathedral was awarded a major grant to undertake essential repair work to both the South Quire Tribune roof and its associated gutters. The project was carried out by long-established contractor Full Metal Jacket.

Environmental company Viridor Credits – which provides funding

for community, heritage and biodiversity projects throughout the UK – provided a major grant to allow the work to progress.

The company’s operations manager Gareth Williams said: “It’s vitally important to protect and conserve our wonderful heritage. Viridor Credits is excited to, once again, be involved with the great work being carried out at Canterbury Cathedral.”

A roofing company with a 150-year heritage, as featured in the last issue of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World, has been shortlisted for the leadwork on a listed mill site (pictured right) that now houses a variety of niche market outlets. John Williams and Company have been active in delivering high-quality leadwork for over a century.

In the North East of England, a 19th-century Grade One-listed house in Northumberland has earned Newcastle-based Redhead Roofing a shortlist place in the category for their leadwork. Nunnykirk Hall, built in 1825 by John Dobson, is now a school for those with dyslexia.

Redhead Roofing worked with Calder Industrial Materials.

The ability to apply traditional crafts to the creation of new buildings has become a way of fusing the traditional with the modern. The fourth candidate in the Lead Roofing category of the UK Roofing Awards does just that in the shape of a dome on a new building. The traditionallydesigned structure was created by Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd. Hosted by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, the award winners will be revealed on 2 October in London – postponed from 1 May. q

Has your leadworker got the right stuff?

[THE Lead Sheet Training Academy is at the forefront of training for

those using lead or hard metals in the construction industry.

It is the one-stop-shop for information on courses and qualifications in lead and hard metals, listing those qualified to a range of standards.

M P Hare Ltd

T: 01732 842655 M: 07971 902631 E: marc@mphareheritageworks.com W: www.mphareheritageworks.com The Shaw, Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BG

While many qualified leadworkers are employed by larger contractors, many others provide their own bespoke services.

The businesses here all meet the rigorous standards for heritage work set by the LSTA. q

Black Dog Roofing T: 01249 321969 M: 07808 840491 E: blackdogroofing1@outlook.com W: www.blackdogroofing.co.uk

J W Roofing & Leadwork

Specialists in: • Conservation Roofing • Lead Sheeting Association Standard • Leadwork including Welding • Slating, Tiling and Stone Tiling

9 Medway Crescent, Altrincham, Cheshire W14 4UA

Landsdowne Close, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9DR

T: 07824 640 025 E: jwroofinginfo@gmail.com W: www.jwroofingmanchester.com

• EPDM Flat Roofs • Green Roofs • Installation of Cast • Guttering

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Wrought iron is still available – thanks to a 40-year love affair [ONE OF THE MOST impressive of traditional

building materials – and one that evokes a sense of the great strides forward of the Industrial Revolution – is wrought iron. Instantly recognisable are the highly-decorated gates and railings around the country’s great public buildings.

Not long ago, however, there were fears that wrought iron would not be available for much longer, as mild steel and other materials became predominant.

Fortunately, a small number of craftspeople Estate entrance in wrought iron refused to compromise in their choice of material – and one man in particular formed a company to Wrought iron is the only ferrous metal that contains siliceous slag and it is produce and supply wrought iron for both new and restoration work. to this slag that wrought iron owes the properties which are of interest to Chris Topp has championed the cause for 40 years and TOPP & Co is the conservator and the blacksmith.” now the world’s only remaining supplier of wrought iron.

There are two main types of wrought iron. So-called ‘charcoal iron’ What is wrought iron? was in use from the Iron Age itself up to the 18th century. That was iron Chris Topp describes wrought iron thus: “Wrought iron literally means produced in charcoal fires and combined with the elements of the fire, in ‘worked iron’, which refers to the method of manufacturing the metal by particular carbon. It was the material used in the great wrought ironwork working repeatedly under the hammer.” of the 18th century.

The essence of the metal is the fact that it is not a pure metal.

According to Chris Topp: “Charcoal iron can withstand corrosion for “Wrought iron is best described as a two-component metal consisting hundreds of years, as proven by the fact that there is a wealth of heritage of iron and a glass-like slag. Slags are in effect an impurity, the iron and ironwork in existence. Traditional ironwork is not easy to maintain, as the slag being in physical association, in contrast to the chemical alloy elements of design are frequently difficult or even impossible to paint.” relationship that generally exists between the constituents of other metals.

The Real Wrought Iron Company – a branch of TOPP & Co – recycles old charcoal iron and makes it available once again. Sheet is available in standard rolled thicknesses or in billet form.

Towards the end of the 18th century a number of advances led to the production of larger batches of iron with no carbon content – so called ‘puddled iron’. Puddled iron is a mixture of iron and up to 5% siliceous (glassy) slags, which take the form of linear fibres. That gives the metal its characteristic grain.

According to Chris: “Puddled iron is for the more advanced forger, more so than steel or Hot punching holes in wrought iron homogeneous pure irons. for a new gate Care must be taken to respect the properties of the material. It is necessary when forging puddled iron always to do heavy forging at a high temperature – around 1350 to 1450 degrees centigrade (bright to sparkling white heat). At these temperatures, the iron will move very quickly, whilst doing no damage to the grain structure.”

TOPP & Co Chris Topp founded TOPP & Co in 1980 with the aim of preserving the supply of wrought iron for the future and making it available for succeeding generations of craftsman blacksmiths. He could little have realised that 40 years later he would be the last remaining supplier of the material and would be honoured by a Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers in the National Heritage Ironwork Group.

In the next issue of Ecclesiastical and Heritage World Chris will reflect on the early days of his campaign and some of the notable achievements of his career. q

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Traditional skills continue decorative style

[MUCH OF THE wrought iron we see around us is of a highly

decorative nature. In particular, gates and railings adorn many notable historic public and church buildings.

Fortunately, because of the enduring qualities of wrought iron, in many cases the original pieces survive. Time does take its toll, however, and restoration work is required. The craftsmanship surviving among todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blacksmiths allows accurate restoration to be carried out, as in the case of the garden gates of Nostell Priory.

The restoration was carried out by David Cooper Blacksmiths Ltd for the National Trust and the pictures above left and middle show work in progress and the finished work installed at the priory.

Those same skills and accumulated experience can also be deployed to create new pieces in a classic style. The picture above right shows a new gate created by Ridgeway Forge after an 18th-century design

by Jean Tijou. It is installed at the entrance to Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Seminar attracts delegates from across Europe [

THE EFFECTS OF the COVID-19 lockdown were pre-empted in March, when delegates from as far afield as Cumbria, Belgium and Athens descended on Bath for the National Heritage Ironwork Group’s seminar on Treatment and Protection of Heritage Ironwork.

In the grand Council Chamber of Bath’s Guildhall, course leaders Andy Thearle, Geoff Wallis and Toby Petersen gave a comprehensive overview of the challenges of corrosion and outlined potential approaches to dealing with it. Case studies on Shrewsbury Flaxmill and Abbey Mill Pumping Station illustrated real-world application.

A post-lunch walk around some of Bath’s ironwork, including a stunning, recently-conserved church screen, provided the context and the chance to ask specific questions on techniques.

Feedback on the day was extremely positive, with comments including: “It was a great day, very well run, very informative; expert and interesting speakers…” and “The really practical advice was great, and being able to ask questions and get informative answers was valuable – as was the field walk to see actual situations.”

Chris Mace, a student on the Artist Blacksmithing BA at Hereford, commented: “I’m very aware that, while we are on a contemporary design course, we need to consider historic ironwork, not only as we may be called upon to restore it during our careers, but because our own work will hopefully become historic ironwork in time.”

On the content of the talks, Chris said: “The lectures, well illustrated by slides showing many examples, covered how and why ferrous

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metal corrodes, how to identify the root causes of the corrosion, how to decide on a suitable scheme of treatment and repair, and finally how to choose an appropriate system of protection.”

Eleftheria Mavromati took up one of the NHIG’s student CPD bursaries and travelled from Athens to Bath for the seminar. Eleftheria is a PhD student and professor of archaeology and conservation, as well as Conservator of Antiquities and Pieces of Art at the Technological Educational Institute of Athens. She shared her thoughts and impressions of the day on the NHIG website.

Eleftheria writes: “Being from Greece, a country in southern Europe that still faces the financial crisis of previous years, the decision to attend the seminar was not an easy one. However, this difficulty was addressed by the organisation itself, which had provided some free places for students.

“The final decision to attend the seminar had to go through many trials, with the most decisive consideration being the exposure to the coronavirus, but the seminar seemed extremely attractive to broaden my knowledge and perspective on ironwork conservation, so I found myself in Bath on the eve of a modern and unknown war for Europe. The will to progress and to learn is sometimes insurmountable and contrary to the rules of logic.

“The most important thing for a conservator is to know the modern techniques and materials and to approach the science of conservation in a way that suits their country, the monument or object and ethics.” q

Historic colliery boiler gets some TLC

(L-R) The Califat boiler on display under its protective roof cover; the boiler prior to surface cleaning; and detail of the iron surface showing the original red oxide paint layers beneath the later bitumen

[

THE CALIFAT BOILER in Swannington, Leicestershire, gets its name from its association with the Califat Colliery, also known as Coleorton No 2 colliery. It sits in the Califat Spinney to the north of the village and is of national significance. The boiler is a rare survivor of the first type of commercially successful steam engine, the Newcomen atmospheric engine.

Only six are currently known to survive.

Introduced by Thomas Newcomen in 1712, they used condensed steam to create a vacuum, which allowed atmospheric pressure to force a piston down in an open cylinder. The piston was connected to a rocking beam that allowed a pump to lift water out of a mine. It was also known as a ‘haystack’ boiler due to its shape: circular with a domed roof and made of a series of overlapping riveted wrought iron plates. The top was partially covered with an opening left for a steam injection pipe, which is no longer present. The base had a slightly domed profile and there were the remains of two cast iron pipe connectors around the base line.

After a period of time the boiler was used for water storage only, as no evidence for a hearth was found when it was ‘discovered’ in 1969 by industrial archaeologists on a field walking survey.

The Leicestershire Industrial History Society excavated the boiler in the early 1970s and it was then donated to Leicestershire City Museums, where it was restored before being put on display. The ironwork was treated and painted on the outside with a bituminous coating and areas of wrought iron loss were filled with fibreglass patches.

In 1995 the boiler was transferred to the Snibston Discovery Park, where it was placed in storage before being loaned to the Swannington Heritage Trust in 2011. It was then placed on display close to the location where it was found.

Leicestershire County Council employed the Historic Metalwork Conservation Company to undertake a detailed condition report on the boiler in March 2018. A series of conservation recommendations were drawn up in order to stabilise the boiler for the short, medium and long term.

It showed evidence of repairs during its earlier life, with later iron patches riveted over the original. The boiler was displayed outside, under a wooden roof structure supported on wooden uprights. While that prevented rainwater from getting inside the boiler, it only provided limited protection from the weather. As a result it showed evidence of on-going slow deterioration. The external paint coating was heavily degraded and there were accumulations of dirt and algae present on the surface. Rusting and metal losses had occurred around the cast iron pipe fittings, due to dissimilar metal corrosion. The glassfibre repair patches had deteriorated due to their age and some had become partially detached from the wrought iron surface.

Leicestershire’s senior curator and the Swannington Heritage The Califat boiler after the protective Trust have embarked on a paint layers had been applied programme of conservation works to improve the preservation of this nationally significant boiler. They have begun by removing the boiler from under its wooden roof structure for display in a new location close by, under an improved roof covering. As part of this first phase, the Historic Metalwork Conservation Company was employed to carry out the recommendations for short-term conservation.

The outside of the Califat boiler was cleaned down to remove dirt, algae, loose paint layers and corrosion back to a sound surface. That was carried out using wire brushes, scrapers and abrasive papers. Much of the degraded bitumen paint, which had shrunk and cracked extensively, was also removed.

The cleaned surface was then finally prepared by lightly abrading with fine Scotch-Brite pads. It has not been possible to clean the inside of the boiler at this stage due to the difficulties of accessing it safely.

Removal of much of the later bitumen coating revealed an underlying layer of red oxide, which was still providing some protection to the original iron surface. The small areas of rust present – particularly around the cast iron pipe fittings – were treated with a commercial rust converter, Loctite 7500. That was left to act for 24 hours. The outside of the boiler was then protected with two coats of Sherwin-Williams Kem-Kromik 155: a quick-drying, alkyd-based, anticorrosive protective finish containing zinc phosphate. That was applied using rollers and brushes and will provide ongoing surface protection until the next phase of the conservation works can be carried out. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Forum brings together lime enthusiasts [

BUILDING LIMES have been used as the principal binder for mortars and plasters for thousands of years.

They were used for the major building and civil engineering projects of the Roman Empire over 2,000 years ago.

Lime based products continued to be used for all forms of constructions – including houses, castles, churches, cathedrals and bridges, and for internal and external decoration – until the development of Portland cement in the mid-to-late 19th century.

Lime should be the default material for the repair of traditional structures. Portland cement is too hard, strong and impermeable and the high temperatures required in its manufacture make it energy extravagant and a major emitter of carbon. The use of lime mortars and lime finishes prevents the trapping of moisture, keeps walls drier and warmer by allowing dampness to evaporate outwards, and facilitates the recycling of materials. All of these things are relevant in the context of the current climate change crisis.

To raise awareness of building limes, generate discussion Delegates enjoying a chimney-head tour at Doune Castle during the Stirling and share knowledge, the Building Limes Forum (BLF) was Gathering in 2019 Photo courtesy Building Limes Forum set up in 1992 to bring together the community of lime As the BLF explained: “Even if restrictions on travel and gatherings are enthusiasts, practitioners and professionals. The BLF welcomes all; no lifted over the summer, many members will need to catch up with work prior knowledge or experience in the use of lime is required. Being a and would not be able to attend if it went ahead as originally planned.” member provides access to a wide body of accumulated experience and Until then members are being encouraged to use the Members’ Area expertise and an opportunity to share knowledge. of the BLF website to connect with fellow members and enjoy the other Members enjoy discounted rates for BLF conferences and training membership benefits, which include newsletters and the annual Journal courses. This year many of them have been postponed due to the of the Building Limes Forum. current crisis, including the popular BLF Conference and Gathering To get involved and become a member of the Building Limes Forum, in Exeter. It was originally scheduled for this September, but has been go to the BLF website at www.buildinglimesforum.org.uk q rescheduled for 27-29 August next year at the same venue.

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Springtime repairs breathe new life into All Saints [

IN APRIL 2018, in the first of some glorious spring weather, Ryedale Plasterers began restoration work on the interior plaster and exterior render of the Grade Two-listed Church of All Saints, Ingleby Arncliffe, in North Yorkshire. The church was built in 1821 on a medieval site, where a previous church had stood. Gothic in style, All Saints’ is constructed with coursed tooled sandstone and has a Welsh slate roof. A simple stone-built building with a small square tower, sizeable nave and smaller chancel, it is charming little parish church with box pews.

Ryedale were commissioned to carry out repairs to plasterwork in the chancel and to the render in the porch. Both areas had suffered damage over the course of time, partly due to having been previously repaired with incorrect materials.

Exterior gypsum render removed from the porch area, back to masonry (left) and the same porch area repaired with a 3-coat lime haired plaster

The porch had been rendered with gypsum, from one-and-a-half metres upwards, and the render was erupting and falling off the masonry beneath. It was agreed that repairs would be carried out by completely removing the gypsum and replacing it with a three-coat lime-haired plaster using NHL 3.5. The beauty of natural hydraulic lime is that each grade is suitable for different kinds of masonry and levels of weather exposure: in this case NHL 3.5 was the perfect mortar for the job, as it is best for medium density masonry with moderate exposure and is typically applied to bricks, blockwork, sandstone, limestone and terracotta.

The interior of the church is plastered and has a flat plastered roof.

The chancel was where the damaged interior plasterwork lay. It was erupting, having become damp and unsightly where the plaster had lacked breathability.

Managing director Catherine Windross explained: “It was important that we thoroughly protected the area while we worked, especially since we had to work around one of two effigies: survivors from the old church and dating from around AD 1300. The subjects of the effigies are Sir William Colville and his brother Sir Robert, who during the reign of Edward I was present at the Muster at Carlisle and from 1300-1320 was the commissioner of the Array for York, responsible for conscripting local men to fight.”

Taking into account the historical importance of the effigies, the craftsmen carefully built a protective frame around Sir William, where the area of plaster above had to be knocked off and replaced.

Catherine Windross continued: “With preparation of the area completed, we were able to knock away the areas of damaged plaster, and used an NHL slurry coat to even up the masonry surface, ensuring good adhesion to the wall.

We then applied a scratch coat that required a week to cure, followed by a float coat that was left to cure for another week.

“Before applying the final skim coat, we rubbed up the float coat to prevent cracking. For that area Craftsman Ben creating a we used a lime putty, which is soft, protective frame around the breathable and extremely flexible. effigy (top) and the repaired wall It is manufactured by slaking up to scratch coat stage quicklime in clean water and leaving it to mature for at least 120 days – the end product is totally breathable and suited for building conservation projects such as this.”

The final process for Ryedale Plasterers was to clear away all the waste generated and tidy the area. Within a couple of months, with an important wedding booked for June, the areas restored and repaired were re-decorated and problems of failing plasterwork were remedied by using building materials sympathetic to the fabric of the building and its age. q www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Diverse projects reflect conservators’ skills From the cleaning and repair of external stonework to the complex conservation treatment of wall paintings, gilding, ceilings and monuments, Cliveden Conservation undertakes a diverse range of ecclesiastical conservation work. Managing director LEWIS PROUDFOOT highlights some of their latest projects.

Credit: Chester Cathedral

[CLIVEDEN CONSERVATION covers all aspects of the conservation

and restoration of plaster, stone and the decorative arts. That includes everything from paint research, gilding, and figurative carving to the rebuilding and consolidation of brick and stone structures, as well as the cleaning and restoration of interior marble and stone floors.

We also undertake the cleaning and repair of diverse memorials and monuments. For example, we were commissioned by the Church of St Peter and St Paul at Coleshill in Warwickshire to conserve four of its medieval tombs, two effigies of knights, a wall monument and a white marble 17th-century urn.

Cleaning trials of the alabaster and polychrome were carried out to specify the most appropriate cleaning methodology for each object. Each of the objects was then carefully cleaned and areas of loose, lifting paint consolidated. Loose or cracked pointing was removed and repointed with an appropriate lime-based mortar.

Further repair work was required for the chest tombs to stabilise the disaggregation of the sandstone base stones and impart strength to some areas: one of the chest tombs was completely dismantled and rebuilt. The 17th-century marble urn and pedestal also needed to be dismantled to carry out repairs.

The project involved an intense programme of conservation work. We were delighted to receive this feedback from the Rev Nick Parker: “The conservation of the effigies, tombs and monuments was an amazing thing to behold, and it was a delight to have senior conservator Julia Gynn and her team on site to answer many questions about historic techniques and modern-day conservation processes.

“The work carried out has certainly given us a renewed appreciation of the very fine heritage that hitherto we had rather taken for granted, and we now look forward to welcoming many more visitors to enjoy the unique treasures our church contains.”

Another project which received glowing feedback is Chester Cathedral.

We were appointed by leading UK conservation architectural practice Donald Insall Associates to repair and clean the wall mosaic designed by JR Clayton and executed by A Salviati, which was installed as a memorial to Thomas Brassey and his wife in 1879.

First, we made tracings of the designs to be replicated and reinserted.

By using the tracings, our conservators were able to make replacement sections using both original and new smalti tesserae, carefully cut to size and sourced to match the texture and tones of the originals.

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Tony Barton, Cathedral Architect and chairman of Donald Insall Associates, commented: “We were pleased to meet Cliveden Conservation and to take their advice on the consolidation and reinstatement of the mosaic, reusing the collected smalti supplemented with new. We congratulate the conservators on their skilled craftsmanship.”

This year we celebrate 30 years of the company, which was originally set up for the preservation of the National Trust’s statuary collections. Since then Cliveden Conservation has become one of the country’s leading experts for the conservation of stone, terracotta, plaster, wall paintings and the decorative arts.

If you would like to find out more about our services, we would be delighted to hear from you. Visit us online at www.clivedenconservation.com. q

Life under lockdown can still be productive IAN STREETS , managing director of accessibility consultants About Access, offers some insights into plans that can be made even while the country is in lockdown

[ AS HIGHLY-EXPERIENCED accessibility consultants our focus is

not on the tasks that people cannot do, but on the things they can do; and that shapes our approach to COVID-19.

The human cost is appalling and the economic hit unprecedented, but amidst the grief is a growing realisation that things will get better and that businesses can begin the recovery even when their doors are still closed. That might mean organising remote training sessions for staff working from home, updating marketing materials in readiness to raise profile, or contacting clients to provide reassurance ahead of a return to normality.

The limits imposed by a lockdown create obvious difficulties when it comes to improving the physical environment for visitors to once again enjoy their favourite heritage buildings, even when a project is already underway. But the evidence of the weekend which preceded the lockdown, with crowds flocking to country and coast, highlighted the huge appetite among people to get out and about – and that can only be increased by time spent in isolation.

We can help the owners of heritage buildings prepare to meet that demand by carrying out key tasks even while they are in lockdown.

Our design appraisals are proven to save money by identifying accessibility issues before it’s too late. It doesn’t matter what the project is or what sort of property is involved: it might be an extension to a building, addition of toilets, new space for community activities or maybe a café or gift shop – something as large as a wedding venue or something relatively modest such as building a ramp as an alternative to steps.

We can walk through the designs on paper without visiting

the premises and advise whether the proposed work will create accessibility issues. In the past we’ve found that plans for an education centre didn’t include an accessible loo, and in another case that the emergency egress was too narrow for wheelchair users. We can make sure a ramp has the appropriate gradient, and that the top and bottom are free from obstructions.

By identifying such oversights, we save building mangers the hassle and potentially considerable cost of making changes after the work has been completed, and we can leave the project set for the contractors to start work as soon as they able to get into the premises. q

www.ecclesiasticalandheritageworld.co.uk

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Awards showcase apprentices’

[ ON 5 MARCH the Steeplejack and Lightning Protection

Training Group (SLPTG) held its annual Apprentice Awards, which celebrate apprenticeships in the steeplejack and lightning protection industries. This year the awards were held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester – Piccadilly.

The Apprentice Awards allow the SLPTG to showcase their continued support and commitment to the lightning protection and specialist access sector as a dedicated training group. The awards ceremony also allowed employers to join together in demonstrating their support for new talent in the sector, share knowledge of best practice and meet other professionals who also have an interest in the industry.

This year the awards were presented by multi award-winning stand-up comedian Matt Richardson (above left). Known for his TV appearances on shows such as Celebrity Juice and The Xtra Factor, Matt entertained guests at the event with his routine as well as presenting the awards to the 22 recipients.

Special recognition was given to two apprentices who demonstrated outstanding individual achievement throughout their training. Winner of the A W Elliott Award for Best Lightning Conductor Engineer Apprentice was Joe Wright of Omega Red Group, while the Ted Fuller Award for Best Steeplejack Apprentice went to Curtis Mulholland of Stone Technical Services.

Cuttings

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With over 25 years experience our in-house design team are trained and certified to the current British & European Standards BS EN 62305:2011 for Lightning Protection Systems and BS 7430:2011 for Earthing.

• Lightning Protection Systems and Surge Protection Design • Testing and Inspection surveys • Steeplejack maintenance • Fall arrest safety systems

Head Office: 01461 337951 Rep of Ireland: +353 45 913 129

E: enquiries@directstrike.co.uk W: www.directstrike.co.uk 18 Canberra Road, Gretna, Dumfriesshire, Scotland DG16 5DP

South West Lightning Protection T: 07807 334441 E: south@lightningconductor.org W: www.lightningconductor.org

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

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T: 0115 965 7400 E: sales@horizonsc.co.uk W: www.horizonsc.co.uk Unit 7, Burma Road, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire NG21 0RT

Lightning Protection Services

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

achievements

Training body has long pedigree [

SLPTG chairman Paul Cripps said: “I am delighted to see so many apprentices graduate this year, and to such a high standard.

Apprenticeships are vital to our sector, and as a training group we must continue to show our support to a pathway that brings skilled employees into our specialist workforce.”

SLPTG expressed its thanks to its sponsors ATLAS, Cuttings, PTSG Electrical Services and Stone Technical Services for their support, without whom the event would not have been possible. q

Rafferty Lightning Protection 70 years experience in the steeplejack and lightning protection industries • Surveys • Risk Assessments • Design and Installation to BSEN 62305 • Specialist Earthing • Annual Testing, Inspection & Maintenance • Surge Protection

T: 01782 834567 E: enquiries@rafferty1949.com W: www.rafferty-steeplejacks.com Nash Peake Works, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5BT

Dawson Steeplejacks Specialising in all areas of working at height

Specialising in all areas of working at height, from restoration of ancient buildings through to the repair and installation of lightning conductors • Lightning Conductors • Restoration • Weather Vanes • HVI Lightning Protection Systems • Surge Protection

T: 01934 876665 E: dawson@dawsonsteeplejacks.co.uk W: dawsonsteeplejacks.co.uk The Stable, Wick Lane, Hewish, North Somerset BS24 6RR

Harrison Lightning Protection & Earthing Ltd

THE Steeplejack and Lightning Protection Training Group was formed as the Steeplejack Industry Training Group in August 1974, to organise systematic training for the industry.

SLPTG works closely with government, industry bodies and its members to formulate and develop operative training and development for the lightning protection and steeplejacking industries. That has included developing the steeplejack and lightning protection national apprenticeship schemes and the NVQ Level 3 Lightning Protective Systems Inspecting and Testing.

SLPTG also organises sector-specific training courses for its members, from apprentices and operatives through to management and supervisory roles. Courses are organised throughout the year at low cost or free of charge for members.

The group work closely with the National Specialist Accredited Centre (NSAC), Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the National Construction College (NCC), together with the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists (ATLAS), whose membership criteria require all UK-based full members to be a member of the SLPTG. q

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 Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers

Providing lightning protection services since 1978 Installation, maintenance and testing of lightning protection systems, utilising rope access systems for safe access.

• Cathedrals • Churches • Towers • Sports Centres

• 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

Lightning Strike Ltd Lightning Protection and Earthing Specialist for Churches and Historic Properties • Lightning Conductor Testing • Earthing Systems • Earthing System Testing • Surge Protection • Safe Strike ESE Systems • Soil Resistivity Testing

T: 01325 464464 E: contact@harrisonlp.co.uk W: www.harrisonlp.co.uk

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

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

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

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ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATION

ARCHIVE STORAGE BOXES

BAFRA

ARBORICULTURAL CONSULTANTS

BATHROOMS

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BELLS

BUILDING SERVICES

CARVERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MASTER CARVERS ASSOCIATION

BOOK & PAPER CONSERVATION

BUILDING CONSERVATION & RESTORATION

CHURCH HEATING & INSULATION

CHURCH LINEN

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CLOCKS

DISASTER RECOVERY

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING

EXHUMATION SERVICES

FIREPLACES, STOVES & CHIMNEYS DAMP SPECIALISTS

FURNITURE

DISABLED ACCESS

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HYMNODY

JOINERY

LANDSCAPING

LEADED LIGHTS

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LEADWORKERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LCA MEMBERS

LIGHTING & SOUND

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METAL THEFT PREVENTION

ORGANS

PICTURE FRAMES

RAINWATER SYSTEMS

LIME & LIME PLASTERERS ROOFING

Black Dog Roofing METALWORK

T: 01249 321969 M: 07808 840491 E: blackdogroofing1@outlook.com W: www.blackdogroofing.co.uk Specialists in: • Conservation Roofing • Lead Sheeting Association Standard • Leadwork including Welding • Slating, Tiling and Stone Tiling

• EPDM Flat Roofs • Green Roofs • Installation of Cast • Guttering

Landsdowne Close, Calne, Wiltshire SN11 9DR

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SOUND, AUDIO VISUAL & LOOP SYSTEMS

FTMRC

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STAINED GLASS ISCE

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STONE & STONE SUPPLY

TRAINING

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TRANSPORT & STORAGE

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