Ecclesiastical & Heritage World Issue No. 101

SUMMER PROVES THE IDEAL TIME TO REPLACE CHURCH BOILERS

This issue’s cover picture is a view of the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Tettenhall, Wolverhampton. The traditional view belies a secret in the church’s recent history. It’s no secret, though, that the church is enjoying the benefits of a new heating boiler installed by Mellor and Mottram. The installation also included measures to maximise the advantages of modern technology while protecting the system

Together with two other Staffordshire churches that have enjoyed similar installations this summer, it is in a position to save on its CO2 emissions while staying cosy this winter.

Read the full story on page 7

5 Reflections

Hoard acquired by

of the Year announced at cathedral ceremony

Roofing firm scoops historic awards treble

of Thorns

Blenheim to embark on roof restoration

Lead contracting industry presents its annual

31 Speakers confirmed for ISCVEx lectures

33 Can we console you?

34 St Leonard’s Church gets clear sound throughout – for those with and without hearing aids

35 What is a new audio-visual system going to cost me?

36 Milestone church gets 21st-century upgrade

37 Conference celebrates 40 years of sound reproduction

38 Illuminating Putney: where creative sound meets spectacular lighting WINDOWS

39 New steel windows meet stringent conservation requirements

40 Pioneering tiling restorer just keeps adding to his achievements

41 Hinowa spider boom ‘vital’ for conserving ancient cathedral for future generations

45 New facility will boost lightning protection product offering

46 Magdalen College tower regains 16th-century lustre

47 Ironwork award-winner

48 Somerset House directors hails efforts of fire services following blaze

[YOU REALLY DO HAVE to be a romantic poet to see autumn as the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. For most of us it’s a season of rain and drifting leaves. It’s when the clocks go back and we begin to think of winter.

It’s also when we start up our heating systems. And in the case of three churches with the foresight to have new boilers installed over the summer, it’s a time to look forward to fewer emissions and the accompanying lower bills. Those three churches feature in our cover story. They are within the geographical orbit of one of our regular contributors.

• The other side of autumn is that it’s a time to look back at the year, and in some cases recognise achievements. In the case of the roofing industry some companies have been celebrating more than others. There has been triple success and a shining example in Scotland and – possibly among the most eagerly anticipated of all – the Murdoch Awards for leadworkers. This year the scheme has expanded once more to include a Contractor of the Year Award.

The more recently established Award for Heritage Metal Conservation has also been presented.

• A whole series of gongs were presented at the National Church Awards – organised by the National Churches Trust –including the Church of the Year. These awards reward the dedication and selflessness of the regiment of volunteers and lay workers who keep churches going and allow them to shine their light onto society.

• The people recognised at the National Church Awards are the flipside to the criminals and vandals who haunt churches in some areas. Counter-intuitively, keeping churches open during the day can act as a deterrent to delinquent behaviour. Research by Ecclesiastical Insurance has shown that locked churches attract crime and open churches suffer less.

• The meeting place for all those involved in the upkeep of churches and chapels across the country is CRE. This year the event took place in Milton Keynes for the first time. In recent years the show has resumed its wanderings, but is returning to its spiritual home at Sandown Park in Surrey next year. There it will celebrate its 40th anniversary as the premier outlet for everything to do with Christian worship.

• Among regular exhibitors at CRE are many firms who specialise in helping churches to get their message across: the suppliers of sound, vision and lighting services. These days it’s a highly-technical world, and can be expensive. Another regular contributor offers some ideas on how much a suitable AV system should cost.

We also hear about how the design of a control console can enable a full range of church members to operate it.

• Adaptations of another sort can enable ancient buildings to keep their place in the modern world, where environmental considerations are uppermost. The ‘eyes’ of a building are its windows – and they can also be the conduit through which much of its heat is lost. Replacing windows within a Conservation Area is possible, contrary to popular myth, but requires compliance with strict rules. We find out what hoops need to be jumped through.

Historic England has also published helpful guidance on adapting historic buildings for energy conservation and mitigating climate effects.

• Another Historic England report reflects on the state of the thatching industry. Despite demand for thatchers being high, with new builds joining the ranks of thatched buildings, the industry is under threat on three fronts: outdated machinery, shortages of materials and a labour shortage – partly due to Brexit.

Now, we don’t want to say: “I told you so”, but… q

Chris Stokes

Editor, Ecclesiastical & Heritage World

SUMMER PROVES THE IDEAL TIME TO REPLACE CHURCH BOILERS

[THE PARISH CHURCH of St Michael and All Angels in Tettenhall Regis, Wolverhampton looks at first sight to be a traditional listed church building. It is sited in one of two manors in Tettenhall parish, the other being Tettenhall Clericorum.

It is indeed Grade Two listed. But that belies a secret. In 1950 a terrible fire virtually destroyed the old church, leaving only the 16th-century tower and Victorian porch standing.

The church was rebuilt in the modern Gothic style, creating a delightful hybrid of ancient and modern, which was consecrated in April 1955.

Time marches on, however, and a couple of years ago the church heating was in need of a makeover. The old boiler, which dated from the 1980s, had split, to the extent that flames were visible through the splits. It was time for a new boiler.

The church turned to church heating specialists Mellor and Mottram, based in Stoke-on-Trent, also in Staffordshire. Over a period of three weeks over this summer a team from Mellor and Mottram replaced the old boiler with a new, modern Gas 120 Ace 65kW model from Remeha.

The boiler was fitted with a plate heat exchanger to separate the boiler side from the heating side.

Stuart Mottram, MD at Mellor and Mottram, explained: “That prevents the heating side from over-pressurising. It also keeps any magnetite out of the boiler, which could damage it.”

In addition to the boiler installation, a pressure unit and expansion vessel were installed on the heating side, with the boiler side left to openly ventilate.

The new boiler at Tettenhall was one of a trio of installations carried out by Mellor and Mottram over the summer. The same period also saw them on site at Stoke Minster in their home town. Although the building itself dates from the 1820s, on

the site of churches dating from the Saxon era, it only had the name Minster conferred in 2005 in recognition of its importance to the civic life of the wider area.

The church had been without heating for more than 18 months as the existing Clyde boilers, dating from 1982, were obsolete; so the team from Mellor and Mottram were a particularly welcome sight.

In the case of Stoke Minster the new installation comprised a brace of Remeha Gas 120 Ace 65kW boilers (pictured above). Both are fitted with plate heat exchangers; and the pressure units and expansion vessels (pictured below) are fitted to both the boiler side and heating side. Like all such devices they are sized to suit the particular installation.

Stoke-on-Trent is contiguous with the borough of Newcastle-underLyme, which in turn includes the village of Knutton. St Mary’s Church in Knutton was the site of the third installation by Mellor and Mottram, in this case during July. Again, it was the boiler that was replaced – in this case an appliance dating back even further, possibly to the 1960s.

The new boiler is a Remeha Quinta Ace 65kW model. Although designed as a wall-hung boiler, in the case of St Mary’s it is fitted onto a free-standing frame.

Again, a heat exchanger has been fitted, together with a pressure unit and expansion vessel on the boiler side only.

In all three cases the chimneys were relined with 316-grade stainless-steel liners. The controls fitted to all the boilers can be operated via a mobile app on a smart phone. All the upgrades have resulted in a saving of up to 45 % of CO2 emissions, helping all three churches to follow the Church of England’s Shrinking the Footprint policy.

By having the installations done during the summer all three churches are now in the perfect situation to stave off the winter chill. q

PEEBLES HOARD ACQUIRED BY NATIONAL MUSEUMS SCOTLAND

[ONE OF THE MOST significant hoards ever found in Scotland has been saved for the nation, having been acquired by National Museums Scotland. The Bronze Age Peebles Hoard was discovered in the Scottish Borders by a metal detectorist in 2020. It has since been painstakingly excavated, analysed and catalogued, revealing dozens of rare objects for the first time. Efforts are now underway to secure funding for the continued research and conservation of the hoard and to uncover the secrets of this one-of-a-kind discovery.

Dating from 1,000-800 BC, the Peebles Hoard comprises over 500 unusual bronze and organic pieces and components that had lain undisturbed for 3,000 years. It was allocated to National Museums Scotland under the Treasure Trove process, with an ex gratia payment made to the detectorist who discovered it. The hoard represents a complex set of material, some of which has no archaeological parallel anywhere in western Europe. It includes many unique artefacts, the use of which is yet to be discovered and could transform our understanding of life in Bronze Age Scotland.

Larger and more recognisable objects within the hoard highlight Bronze Age Scotland’s position as part of an international network of

communities across the North Sea. Two rattle pendants, the first ever found in Scotland, are more commonly found in Denmark, northern Germany and northern Poland. These remarkable objects (pictured) are created from interlinked bronze rings and pendant plates that would have hung from a horse or wooden vehicle and rattled as they moved.

Other exceptional survivals include a sword still in its wooden scabbard, as well as an array of small bronze buttons looped onto cords. The hoard also contains rare survivals of minute bronze pins, studs and bosses embedded in wood or leather. The remains of complex decorative straps, the purpose of which remains to be investigated, are preserved

still mostly articulated after more than three millennia in the ground. The preservation offers a level of detail and insight not usually glimpsed for the Bronze Age.

CT scanning revealed that some of the objects were produced using ‘lost-wax casting’, a rare technique in Bronze Age Britain. They represent some of the earliest evidence of its use in Scotland. A meticulous excavation by archaeologists and conservators followed at the National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh, finally unearthing the fragile components of the hoard after more than 3,000 years hidden underground.

Dr Matthew Knight, Senior Curator of Prehistory at National Museums Scotland, said: “The Peebles Hoard is exceptional: an utterly unique discovery that rewrites our understanding of both Bronze Age communities in Scotland and our prehistoric international connections.”

The many unique survivals in the Peebles Hoard, most notably fragments of fragile organic material, require essential conservation to prevent further deterioration and to carry out critical research. To that end, National Museums Scotland is launching a fundraising campaign to support the urgent costs of conserving the hoard and unlocking its enormous research potential. q

LATEST ROUND OF CONSERVATION WORK COMMENCES AT TINTERN ABBEY

[ THE FIRST PHASE of conservation works on the chapels at the iconic Tintern Abbey has begun, Wales’s heritage body Cadw has announced. Tintern Abbey is one of Cadw’s finest monuments, with its ancient ruins standing on the banks of the River Wye. There have been many campaigns to address the deterioration of the stone due to hotter summers and wetter winters, as well as original stones being put in the wrong way.

With the completion of scaffolding, conservation work has started and includes brushing off loose and flaking stonework to expose sound underlying surfaces.

Loose mortar will be removed from the joints and vegetation carefully picked out so as not to leave any roots. Fragile stones will be consolidated using a weak, lime-rich mortar before they are pinned together and then back to the surrounding masonry. The old copper straps – originally designed to hold stones in place – have decayed so will be removed once the new pins are in place. The masons wrap the completed work in wetted hessian to try and control the drying out of the new mortar.

recently

Cadw appointed Ferrier Hart Thomas and David Odgers Conservation to survey, provide design information and specify in detail the works stonemasons need to carry out. The extensive survey took almost a year to complete and included archaeological investigation of the floors within the church and directly outside its walls. The works are being carried out by Grosvenor Construction Ltd, a specialist conservation contractor from north Wales who have

Gwilym Hughes, head of Cadw, said: “For nearly 900 years the abbey has been welcoming worshippers, wealthy patrons and visitors to this tranquil location, and once again it requires some attention. It’s fantastic to see this work beginning so generations to come can enjoy this iconic historic site.”

This is the first of five phases of conservation works. Progress can be followed through the Tintern Abbey conservation timeline and on social media. q

completed the exciting redevelopment project at Kings Gate, Caernarfon Castle.

LANCS STUDENTS GET ‘HANDS ON’ WITH HISTORIC ARCHIVES

[A TEAM OF FOUR STUDENTS from Burnley College in Lancashire completed an enriching six-week work placement at the renowned Lancashire Archives in Preston.

Abbie Whitehead, Faith Henstock, Patrick Wilson and Paxton McNaught took advantage of the unique opportunity through Burnley College's long-standing partnership with Lancashire County Council.

During their time at the archives, Abie and Faith (pictured) – who are studying ‘A’ Level History – created a fascinating blog about how they embraced the challenge of transcribing three historic journals.

Abbie said it was not straightforward: “Transcribing the journals was increasingly difficult, but we had great fun trying to decipher weird and wonderful recipes, such as candied oranges, strawberry cream, gingerbread and cherry wine which they ground the pips into!”

The tasks required meticulous care in handling artefacts and ancient texts. Faith said it was an amazing experience: “We had a great time examining lots of different artefacts, like a beautiful Book of Hours with hand-drawn designs

that were amazing to see, as well as a document signed by Queen Elizabeth I. We got the chance to visit different strongrooms – which were cold to keep the texts and artefacts safe – and were really interesting for independent research.”

The supportive and friendly staff at the archives provided exceptional assurance and guidance to ensure the Burnley College students could fully immerse themselves in their roles.

The placement also provided an opportunity for independent research. Abbie and Faith learned to use LANCAT, the archives’ online catalogue which tracks artefacts.

Faith added: “That allowed us to track down a letter written by the Earl of Liverpool in 1821, and some awesome photos from the Second World War.”

Throughout the placement, the students were introduced to different facets of archival work, from conservation techniques to exploring the sound room and experiencing the diverse roles of an archivist.

Abbie expressed their gratitude to staff at the archives: “We really want to say ‘Thank You’. We had a great time over the six weeks we were there and it has been a lovely opportunity to gain experience. This has been an amazing experience and we’ll be returning to continue our own research in future.”

A representative from Lancashire Archives said it is always keen to find ways to get young people engaged in local history and heritage.

“Having students come to the archives during the summer on a volunteer work placement was brilliant,” they said. “The work they put in will allow us to make these books available and searchable through our online catalogue.” q

DEVELOPER UNCOVERS CORNWALL’S INDUSTRIAL PAST

[JOHN WILLIAMS is shaping West Cornwall’s future while uncovering relics of its ancient history. As he delivers modern housing developments to the local community, his work has unexpectedly revealed long-buried traces of the region’s rich tin mining heritage.

Cornwall, renowned for its rugged coastline and rich industrial history, was once a global centre for tin mining. Remnants of that past still dot the landscape, with landmarks such as the Geevor Tin Mine standing as testament to the region’s mining heritage. In this historically rich setting, local groundworks contractor John Williams is spearheading a complex residential project with the help of three Yanmar mini excavators – while also uncovering hidden relics of Cornwall’s past.

In addition to large-scale housing developments, John has used his Yanmar SV60-6B for personal projects, including building his dream home. Located in the idyllic village of Pendeen, his land revealed a hidden chapter

from bygone times: five tin mine shafts, discovered beneath the foundation of the old farmhouse he was rebuilding. As he excavated the site John uncovered layers of Cornwall’s industrial past: a reminder of the region’s deep-rooted mining heritage, particularly near the iconic Geevor Tin Mine.

“To build our dream home, we had to start from the ground up, which sadly meant demolishing the old farmhouse that stood on the land,” John recalls. “The property had been derelict for 40 years and was in a complete state of disrepair. During the excavation process to lay down the new foundation, we were amazed to uncover five mine shafts – a piece of history right beneath our feet.”

The mines below John’s home trail toward Geevor Tin Mine, a World Heritage Site that once extended far beneath the sea. Tin, first extracted from the beds of streams in Pendeen during the Bronze Age, played a pivotal role in Cornwall’s metalworking legacy. q

BIRMINGHAM LOOKS TO ITSELF FOR MUSEUM REOPENING

[BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY has reopened following a £5m revamp that has been taking place since its closure in 2019.

The reopening is marked by an exciting new display exploring the characteristics of Birmingham and what it means to be shaped by the city. Made in Birmingham can be seen in the Industrial Gallery: one of several spaces to reopen to the public after essential maintenance work to the heating, electrics, lifts and roofing was completed on schedule across the whole Grade Two*-listed Council House complex.

Everyone has an opinion on the city and Made in Birmingham looks beyond the stereotypes to examine the real Birmingham – sometimes wonderful, sometimes frustrating, and with a tendency to knock everything down and start again.

The display opens with items such as the giant logo from the now-demolished HP Sauce factory, a sign from the Eagle & Tun pub (made famous in UB40’s Red Red Wine video), vintage advertising signage from Bird’s Custard and a large model showing an abandoned vision of what Centenary Square might have been, among dozens of other quirky items that tell the story of a city that 'will be nice when it’s finished'.

A new display called Wild City includes two new galleries dedicated to children and families, telling stories about nature in the city. Wild City looks at wildlife and the natural environment in the past, present and future and Birmingham’s historic links to animals. Key objects include the famous portrait of the Official Rat Catcher to the City of Birmingham by Arthur Charles Shorthouse (1870-1953), children’s artworks on the walls and a small soft play and coffee area.

The popular tearoom has also reopened for refreshments in a beautiful setting, while unique gift collections and collaborations with local artists and makers can be found in the new-look museum shop.

A showcase for Birmingham’s art collection for almost 150 years, the impressive Round Room gallery has reopened with One Fresh Take, a new display about how art can be a way to see the world differently. Visitors can discover how artists from David Cox to Lubaina Himid, Bridget Riley to Cold War Steve, have brought their own fresh take to places that are meaningful to them. Familiar Round Room favourites –Jacob Epstein’s bronze Lucifer and the much-loved painting of penguins, Dominicans in Feathers, by Henry Stacy Marks – are also back on display.

BLUE PLAQUE HONOURS

ZEPHANIAH

[A BLUE PLAQUE commemorating Birmingham poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah has been unveiled in his home city. The prestigious plaque honours the poet and his decades of work and activism in Birmingham and across the world.

The plaque has been commissioned by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, which memorialises the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people in Britain and beyond; and has been co-sponsored by The National Trust and The Black Writers Guild.

It has been put up inside the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, which has his typewriter on display as part of the new stage of the gallery’s phased opening from 24 October.

Benjamin Zephaniah, who died in December, was born and raised in Birmingham, where his earliest memories include writing poetry. His poetry is strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he calls ‘street politics’.

His first real public performance was in church when he was 10 years old. By the time he was 15 he had developed a strong following in his area of Handsworth, where he had gained a reputation as a young poet who was capable of speaking on local and international issues.

Qian Zephaniah, Benjamin’s wife, said: “Benjamin’s words and actions worked tirelessly to bring the histories, struggles and triumphs of the community into the light. I believe Benjamin’s passion for truth and equality will continue to inspire future generations in Birmingham and beyond.” q

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-CEOs at Birmingham Museums Trust, said in a joint statement: “This reopening is a big first step in the development of a new museum for the people of Birmingham. The new displays are a celebration of our vibrant city and its rich history. It brings us great joy to be able to welcome visitors back into these spaces and we hope people will share in that joy and see themselves reflected in the displays.”

Major capital works to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery were made possible thanks to funding from the Government’s Museums Estate and Development Fund through Arts Council England. FCC Communities Foundation, DCMS/ Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund and Friends of Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery provided support towards the reopening of the galleries.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Visitors do not need to book a ticket. q

MAJOR EXHIBITION CHRONICLES MEDIEVAL WOMEN’S LIVES

[THE BRITISH LIBRARY is currently mounting an exhibition that tells the story of medieval women as they lived life. Medieval Women: In Their Own Words runs until 2 March 2025.

Narratives about the Middle Ages are dominated by men. Male authors recorded history and wrote great works of literature; male rulers commanded kingdoms and fought wars; male authorities controlled religion. In traditional histories, medieval women's roles have often been sidelined and limited to a few stereotypes and generalisations.

In a new, major exhibition, the British Library explores the history of medieval women and illustrates how their voices still resonate across the centuries and speak powerfully to our world today. The objects in the exhibition draw from the British Library's rich collection of original manuscripts, documents and printed books with significant loans from UK and international lenders that provide an unprecedented insight into the lives of women from this period.

The exhibition explores women's limitations and remarkable achievements, telling the stories of individual medieval women, from the forgotten to the famous. Medieval Women includes Hildegard of Bingen, visionary, prophet and author of theological, musical and medical works; Estellina Conat, the first recorded woman to print a book under her own name; Christine de Pizan, the first professional woman author in Europe; Joan of Arc, the visionary and military leader who led the French to triumph at the siege of Orléans; Trota of Salerno, the influential female physician; and Shajar al-Durr, the first woman sultan of Egypt and Syria, who defeated the crusader army of King Louis IX of France.

The exhibition comprises a number of sections, highlighting different aspects of women’s lives.

In Private Lives visitors will explore the inner lives of medieval women as they provide healthcare, marry, raise families, run households and in some cases write letters to their loved ones. The importance of family life will be explored through texts like a Hebrew prayer book from 1469 which contains illustrations of women participating in Passover rituals, a birthing girdle from the early 15th century, inscribed with prayers and charms that promise a quick and painless delivery, and a copy of the Passion of St Margaret, the patron saint of childbirth, which has been smudged by devotional kissing.

Public Lives features a host of women who shaped medieval society through their work in areas as varied as agriculture, textiles, sex work, finance, writing and printing, and political engagement. Objects on display will exemplify how women navigated change and wielded power, from the largest hoard of gold coins ever discovered in Britain – believed to have been raised by Margaret of Anjou to support the Lancastrian military campaign in the Wars of the Roses – to a letter from Margaret to John Paston requesting military supplies to defend their manor while he was away in London.

Religion was an integral part of medieval life and in Spiritual Lives visitors will encounter one of the most famous women and martyrs of the period, Joan of Arc. On display for the first time in the UK is a signed letter from Joan to the citizens of Riom, sent on 9 November 1429, requesting gunpowder and military equipment for a coming siege. It provides a direct physical connection to a woman who still inspires many as a political and religious hero.

The British Library has also commissioned scent designer Tasha Marks to develop four immersive fragrance installations that evoke different scents and experiences from medieval life.

Lead curator Eleanor Jackson commented: “Through over 140 amazing objects, Medieval Women highlights the importance of original manuscripts, documents, printed books and artefacts in recovering the lives of women in the past. While their stories have been traditionally overlooked, this exhibition restores women to their central place in history and reveals the vital contributions that they have made to our society.”

The exhibition is made possible by generous support from Joanna and Graham Barker and the Unwin Charitable Trust. q

ADVICE NOTE AIDS UNIFORMITY IN RETROFIT PLANNING

[HISTORIC ENGLAND, has published new advice on adapting historic buildings for energy and carbon efficiency.

The organisation is a partner of the National Retrofit Hub, which commented: “The world faces a climate emergency and buildings are a major consideration in addressing this challenge. Historic England has produced this Advice Note to provide clarity and support consistent decision-making for proposals to reduce carbon emissions and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings, whilst conserving their significance and ensuring they remain viable places to live in the future. It reflects current national planning policy.”

Primarily aimed at local planning authorities, heritage consultants and those involved in the planning process, the Historic England Advice Note is available to access at historicengland.org.uk. A number of case studies are also available to download.

While the Advice Note is largely for a specialist audience, it will also be useful to building owners and occupiers.

The document provides:

• Advice on what permissions, such as listed building consent, are

• needed for some of the common changes required to decarbonise

• and improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings

• Advice to assist local planning authorities – and other parties

• involved in the planning process – in determining proposals to

• enable positive climate action. Some typical building adaptations

• in response to climate change impacts are also included.

• Signposting to other relevant information, advice and guidance.

In an interview for the Financial Times by Leyla Boulton, National Retrofit Hub Working Group 3 co-chair Cara Jenkinson said: “Right now a builder looking to retrofit two similar homes in neighbouring council areas could face very different planning decisions. With a shortage of builders skilled to undertake retrofit work, this presents yet another barrier. This guidance from Historic England should help councils make more consistent decisions.” q

CALL GOES OUT TO IDENTIFY THREATENED

[THE VICTORIAN SOCIETY is asking the public to nominate threatened Victorian and Edwardian buildings for their list of Top 10 Endangered Buildings, to be announced in 2025.

The society’s campaign highlights dilapidated and neglected buildings in England and Wales that are in desperate need of saving. The media coverage the campaign gains helps to spotlight buildings that would otherwise lie forgotten and decaying.

Griff Rhys Jones, president of the Victorian Society, said: “The Top 10 Endangered Buildings list is coming up again. I urge you to consider

VICTORIAN HERITAGE

nominating a building. We get publicity and genuine help for threatened heritage from it. We get attention. We have seen some extraordinary cases over the years. Some amazing buildings. The fight has to go on. We need in these straitened times of emergency growth to make an ever more cogent case for the value of heritage and the importance of informed recycling.”

The public can nominate a building by emailing media@ victoriansociety.org.uk with the year it was built, its location, whether it’s listed, a brief description of its history and architecture and the threat it is under, with at least one good photo. Nominated buildings must be in England or Wales and built between 1837 and 1914. Preference is given to listed buildings. The deadline for nominations is 31 December.

No fewer than three of the buildings nominated in 2024 have had positive developments since the list was published at the end of May.

St Agnes’s Vicarage and Hall at Sefton Park in Liverpool was designed by architect Norman Shaw and they are extremely important listed buildings. The Grade Two*-listed vicarage would make a special home. Both buildings were placed on the market by the Church of England.

The new council at Southend-on Sea – which owns the seaside landmark The Kursaal – has committed to taking enforcement action if essential maintenance by the current leaseholder does not materialise.

The Chance Heritage Trust-owned former Glassworks in Smethwick (pictured) was thrilled to announce £250,000 of support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in August, and that will help the trust push forward with its industrial heritage projects at the site over the next three years. q

LOTTERY OFFERS NEW GRANTS TO PLACES OF WORSHIP

[THE National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced a new strategic initiative to address the challenges facing the UK’s beloved places of worship and build a brighter and more sustainable future for them at the heart of communities.

The three-year initiative will be delivered as part of the Heritage Fund’s 10-year strategy, Heritage 2033 It will challenge the sector to devise and deliver strategic projects at a national and regional level to address sector-wide issues and funding gaps. Those strategic projects will be backed by an additional funding pot of at least £15m.

The new initiative aims to encourage organisations that can have a broad impact across the places of worship sector to address widespread needs and challenges and develop strategic projects with a focus on sustainability, accelerating new ideas and interventions, and proactively tackling longstanding heritage issues at scale.

enable it to also fund building repairs which benefit historic objects, support a conservation training programme to expand skills within the sector and award special project grants for work such as condition surveys or supporting previous Church of England projects which are facing difficulties.

The expanded scheme will leave heritage within places of worship in a much better condition and equip the sector with the reports, expert advice and skills needed to care for that heritage into the future.

Around a further £85m is expected to be awarded through the National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme over the next three years. Any place of worship in the UK, of any religion or denomination, is encouraged to apply.

The Heritage Fund has made its first award through the strategic initiative, investing £4.68m to support the Church of England’s Conservation Grants Scheme over the next five years and enable it to expand. The investment has unlocked further match funding, bringing funding for the scheme to £5.5m.

Currently, the Church of England awards around £250,000 per year to its churches for the conservation of historic church interiors and churchyard structures and awards grants for creating conservation reports. The National Lottery investment will see it invest nearly £5m over the next five years and

Simon Thurley, chair of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Places of worship are some of the UK’s most historic buildings often at the heart of communities. There are many challenges facing these places, some new and others long-standing. Our new strategy commits us to working with everyone concerned about their future to ensure that they are valued, cared for and sustained for everyone.

“We are delighted to make our first award to the Church of England’s fantastic Conservation Grants Scheme and we are looking forward to working with organisations in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the rest of England over the next three years to support them in tackling the problems they face.” q

THATCHERS FACE TRIPLE WHAMMY OF THREATS

[ THE MAJORITY of growers and producers of cereal straw for England’s traditional thatching industry are currently relying on old, inefficient and unreliable machinery, according to a new report from Historic England.

English thatchers are also warning that they are facing a shortage of thatching materials, due to poor harvests caused by changing weather patterns.

The skills of the thatcher are in high demand and they report growing interest from a new generation keen to learn the trade. Thatchers are often booked years in advance and developers are even beginning to use thatch – a local, sustainable material – on new properties.

In many areas, traditional thatch is key to maintaining regional diversity and conserving the character of historic buildings. The thatching industry is also a vital part of the rural economy.

Despite that positive outlook, challenges to the supply of good quality, authentic materials could yet put the industry at risk. The issues affecting supply are complex. Alongside the difficulties linked to outdated machinery, the Historic England research highlights a number of issues.

Climate change and the increasing

frequency of extreme and unpredictable weather events make it difficult to drill, cultivate and harvest wheat. Traditional wheat varieties used for thatching are taller and more vulnerable to wind and rain. High water levels linked to climate change also hamper water reed growth and harvesting.

Labour shortages as a result of restrictions on seasonal workers from the EU introduced since Brexit are a particular issue for labour-intensive wheat processing and harvesting. There is also a shortage of skilled reed cutters.

Escalating rural land values affect availability of housing for those working in

the industry, and of appropriate storage facilities for straw and reed and machinery.

The report outlines opportunities for mechanisation that make conventional harvesting and processing for cereal straw more efficient, safer, less labour intensive and more financially viable. The next stage of Historic England’s research will provide practical guidance for growers seeking to increase the efficiency of their existing machines or adopt new mechanisation options during straw production.

More efficient processes have the potential to mitigate two of the most significant issues the industry faces: climate change and labour shortages. Making harvesting quicker and more efficient would make it less vulnerable to adverse weather conditions and, with fewer working hours required, the pressure of labour shortages would be eased.

If the growing of thatching straw can become more commercially viable that would encourage existing growers to continue production and also be key to bringing in new growers. That is important because, from its recent research, Historic England estimates that 80% of cereal straw grown for thatching in England is produced by around 25 English growers. q

CHURCH OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED AT CATHEDRAL CEREMONY

[ON 22 OCTOBER the 15 winners of the National Church Awards – the ‘BAFTAs for churches’ – were revealed, together with the UK Church of the Year.

The awards, organised by the National Churches Trust, were co-presented by the new Dean of Lincoln, Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, and Canon Ann Easter, former Chaplain to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in a prestigious ceremony held in the ancient Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral.

Back in August churches were invited to nominate their buildings for achievements in conservation, tourism and volunteer work. Nominations were welcomed from churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK, which are currently open for worship, with all denominations invited to take part. Two new award categories were introduced this year: the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Lord Cormack Award for Public Service.

Lord Cormack’s family were honoured guests at the ceremony, and his granddaughter Katie Cormack was among the judging panel.

Winning churches took home a range of rewards and mementoes including prize money of £500, £750 and £10,000 (for the Friends Award), a display plaque and the award itself, hand-crafted by Craig Mace, one of the cathedral architects, in Lincoln Red stone.

Awards included honours in all four nations, including five in England, three in Northern Ireland, two in Scotland and two in Wales.

The main award, the Church of the Year, went to St James the Great in Aslackby village near Sleaford, Lincolnshire (pictured top). Aslackby is a tiny, isolated village of 100 dwellings. The building was influenced by the Knights Templar and has a simple, unadorned character.

One of the volunteers who submitted the application, Chris Gudgin, told the assembled audience: “Three weeks ago we held a party in the church to celebrate the end of a project to Repair The Roofs And Bring Church And Village History To Life, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Other awards included the Church Care and Conservation Awards, which bring a human story to conservation and maintenance. The overall winner was the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Strabane, County Tyrone NI. There were also two winners in England: Geddington, St Mary Magdalene in Northamptonshire and Larling, St Ethelbert in Norfolk.

The Friends Award is a special award that gives Friends of the National Churches Trust the opportunity to help the charity select a church they have recently funded to receive an additional grant of £10,000 to help with urgent repairs. Churches in that award make a short film and Friends vote for their favourite. This year’s winner was Withersfield, St Mary, in Suffolk.

Of the two awards new for this year, the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the achievement of an individual or group which has dedicated time, care and love for more than 25 years.

“Since our Dementia Friendly Award about 10 years ago we have been working with the charity Dementia Support South Lincs on a regular basis.

“This project gave us the perfect opportunity to work with members of our church community living with dementia to explore the history of the church. Our starting point was the roof lead, which was smothered in historic graffiti. We called the project Scratching The Surface.

“We could not have foreseen the depth of engagement that first hand investigation and experimentation stimulated. Club members used census returns to cross reference the names recorded in the lead and stone and put forward the idea of an audio trail and a walk-round guide for visitors.”

Trevor Cooper and Rebecca Payne are among the first recipients for their outstanding work to save church buildings, particularly through the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance. Husband and wife team Anne and Mike Powell were also honoured in recognition of their roles as the ‘go-to’ lay people in Shillingstone parish, North Dorset, for 30 years.

The other new award was the Lord Cormack Award for Public Service. To remember Lord Cormack, and in the spirit of his love of churches, this year the National Churches Trust chose to commend Sir Stephen Timms and Lord Parkinson with this new award.

Sir Stephen Timms is recognised for his work in introducing the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme in 2004, which has allowed thousands of historic churches to claim back the full rate of VAT on repairs. Lord Parkinson’s award honours his work in helping to bring about the Cultural Recovery Fund, which delivered an unprecedented £1.57bn package of emergency cultural funding during the COVID-19 pandemic and supported 165 church projects.

At the close of the awards, Richard and Charles Cormack, sons of Lord Cormack, spoke about their father and his legacy. q

Aslackby St James was named Church of the Year

Image credit: Kate Marshall

Image credit: Richard Croft CC BY-SA 2.0

ROOFING FIRM SCOOPS HISTORIC AWARDS TREBLE

[KILMARNOCK COMPANY DM Roofing & Roughcasting Ltd has been celebrating an unprecedented trio of wins at this year’s NFRC Scotland Awards. Two of the accolades were for the firm’s work on the historic roof of the University of Glasgow – in the Roof Slating and Heritage categories.

The project featured Welsh Slate's iconic Cwt-y-Bugail roofing slate and the producer paid tribute to the Glasgow University team. In a statement the firm said: “The University of Glasgow project showcases the pinnacle of roofing expertise and the timeless beauty of Welsh Slate.

The Cwt-y-Bugail slate, renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal, perfectly complements the heritage architecture of the university. A huge congratulations to the entire team!”

The cherry on the cake came when apprentice Lee Lidington was announced as the winner of the Ronnie Forsyth Young Roofer of the Year Award.

The Young Roofer of the Year award is named in honour of Ronnie Forsyth, who passed away earlier this year. NFRC was pleased to welcome Ronnie's wife Ticia to the awards ceremony.

Among those paying tribute to Lee’s achievement was MSP Carol Mochan, who said in the Scottish Parliament: "Lee has been recognised for his high level of skill in traditional roof slating, which combines his strong work ethic with technical skills and problem-solving abilities, and recognises that his employer, DM Roofing & Roughcasting in Kilmarnock, is a long-term supporter of roofing apprenticeships, having provided young people in the area with career opportunities for years, whilst promoting the industry as a career of choice to future generations.” q

CROWN OF THORNS RESTORATION WINS INDUSTRY AWARD

[THE ICONIC SPIRE atop St Michael’s Parish Church in Linlithgow, West Lothian, is once again gleaming golden following the successful completion of a £400k restoration project that has saved it from potential collapse.

The Crown of Thorns spire has undergone a thorough refurbishment to repair extensive rot in its structural timbers and replace the external cladding. The new cladding, a bronze alloy, returns the spire’s colour to the golden glow of the original structure which was erected in 1964. This time, however, the gold is here to stay: aided by modern sealing

BLENHEIM TO EMBARK ON ROOF RESTORATION

[ A MAJOR ROOF RESTORATION PROJECT has been announced by Blenheim Palace, involving the major repair of the roof of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting in January.

The £10.4m undertaking aims to preserve the historic architecture of what has been described as Britain’s greatest palace, safeguarding its heritage for future generations.

Kelly Whitton, head of built heritage at the palace, described the project thus: “This is a crucial new undertaking that we must deliver if we are to secure the future of wall and ceiling paintings of international importance, whilst also protecting the palace from further damage. We’re not just maintaining a structure; we’re safeguarding a legacy.”

Roofs are notoriously expensive to replace, notwithstanding access issues. The scale of Blenheim Palace and the impact on visitors means that the project has been developed over a seven-year period.

During the works there will be an opportunity for visitors to enjoy unprecedented panoramic views across the palace site and rolling Oxfordshire countryside from a rooftop vantage point. q

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

technology designed to keep the Scottish weather at bay for decades to come.

The main contractor for the project was Matheson Plumbing Company Ltd. At the recent FTMRC Awards, held online, they were announced winners of the Ian Harvey Architectural Award.

Rev Dr Liam Fraser, minister of St Michael’s, said: “Both a beloved symbol of the town and a representation of Christ’s Crown of Thorns, it speaks to people in many different ways: of certainty, of renewal, and even of eternity.

“It’s fair to say the spire was far more controversial in its early days. Driven forward by the vision of the then St Michael’s minister Very Rev Dr David Steel, the design was variously dismissed as a rocket, a wigwam or even left-over scaffolding. But over time, it has come to be hailed as a masterful marriage of modern design to historic architecture. The church is here for today and tomorrow, not just yesteryear.” q

LEAD CONTRACTING INDUSTRY PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL MURDOCH AWARDS

[THE MURDOCH AWARDS have long been recognised as a symbol of excellence for those engaged in the leadwork industry, and the awards ceremony continues to be a highlight of the leadwork sector’s calendar.

Without a doubt, every passing year poses a greater challenge for the judging panel tasked with selecting the recipient of one of the prestigious awards. Members submit only their finest projects for entry, making the competition extremely fierce. Considering that, it becomes easy to understand why winning a Murdoch Award is regarded as the ultimate accolade for any lead craftsperson.

Since its inception in 1996, 12 years after the Lead Contractors Association (LCA) itself was founded, the standard of entries to the Murdoch Awards continues to impress. In this, the 40th anniversary of the LCA, the quality of submissions has remained exceptional.

This year’s award ceremony was held in Warwickshire in September, and was the finale to a successful and engaging technical seminar, where a record number of participants came together to stay informed on the latest industry developments, listen to insights from important partners and connect with peers.

A highlight of any seminar programme is the presentations and keynote speakers, and this year’s event was no exception. The packed programme offered delegates an impressive line-up of industry titans, who shared their expertise on a range of topics. They included contract law by Holmes & Hills Solicitors, training by Denise Cherry and captivating case studies of projects in England (Architectural Lead & Metalwork Ltd) and abroad (Groupe BALAS on Notre Dame de Paris), as well as insightful workshops led by prominent figures such as PREFA UK, Velux Rooflights, Nicholson Roof Products, VM Building Solutions and the LSTA. The fact that speakers of that calibre willingly volunteer their time to share their expertise with peers speaks to their passion for the industry.

Codes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 lead. They employed various lead details, such as flat and pitched lead bays and welted lead cladding.

The other Murdoch Award 2024 finalists were King’s College by Norfolk Sheet Lead Ltd and a building of historic significance by A R Lead Specialist Ltd.

The King’s College project involved reroofing the main chapel and south side aisle, replacing deteriorated leadwork and addressing inadequate ventilation and corrosion issues. The entire roof needed to be removed, recast and re-laid. Both sections featured vented eaves, complex guttering, abutment flashings and preparation for solar array installation.

Following the seminar, guests connected at a reception with drinks and enjoyed dinner. The event culminated in an esteemed awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements in the industry.

Presenting the awards, LCA chairman Alasdair White welcomed the new format of the event and looked forward to building on the strong legacy.

Murdoch Award

The Murdoch Award 2024 was sponsored by Sand Cast Lead Conservation Ltd and the winning project was the Manor House (pictured above) by Jackson + Dix Roofing Ltd.

The project on the Manor House near Wells was completed in February. The team undertook the entire roofing package, including bespoke designs for the fully-leaded dormers and a distinctive hipped feature roof. The project required around 20 tonnes of lead, with all leadwork completed in accordance with LCA specifications, using

The A R Lead Specialist Ltd project involved installing new leadwork on the roof of an annex of a building that holds historical significance. The flat roof was covered using Code 8 lead, with the sand side facing up.

Murdoch Sponsors Award

Next came the Murdoch Sponsors Award 2024, sponsored by Midland Lead Ltd. That category is for a project of excellence of under five tonnes, for instance a bay window or small flat roof, in lead installed with skill and technical precision. The winner was NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd for Liverpool University.

The existing lead canopy had failed; and to address that the upper tier gutter was removed, redirecting water forward to a lower tier with new lead bays, flashing and improved ventilation. The lower tier was fitted with a traditional external Code 7 lead gutter system, resolving previous drainage issues, and ventilation was added via soffit vents. Mop rolls were extended and a copper drip was installed. A lead downpipe and hopper were added for easy maintenance.

The other Murdoch Sponsors Award 2024 finalists were Greyfriars Roofing Ltd for Craighead Farm and Sussex Leadcraft Ltd for Peele Boarding House.

Completed in autumn 2023, the Craighead Farm project was for a private client who wanted a beautiful new lead roof for their summer house that would complement their walled ornamental garden. It was completed using Code 5 and Code 6 lead.

Some fine detailed work was carried out on the shallow pitched roof at Peele Boarding House in Horsham, using Code 8 milled lead and Code 6 on the lead flashings.

Murdoch Ornamental Award

The Murdoch Ornamental Award 2024, sponsored by Ecobat, is a category for an outstanding project of excellence in lead using molding, casting or bossing skills – for instance a statue, fountain or roof decoration – demonstrating innovation in design and construction. The winner was Lead It Be Ltd for Skinners Hall.

The project involved the restoration of existing 245-year-old pipes and hoppers, during which 5mm stainless-steel fixing plates wrapped in Code 8 lead were used to form stronger fixing ears. Sand casting, along with CNC CAD-designed casting blocks, was used to produce semi-circular astragals. Offsets were formed by grinding 45° angles on joints and welding areas to build up lead to form new joints, while eliminating any weld beads on show.

The other Murdoch Ornamental Award 2024 finalists were Architectural Lead & Metalwork Ltd for Hadley Lodge and LeadTech Roofing Ltd for Sackville Street.

At Hadley Lodge lead rainwater pipes and hoppers were installed above the canopies at both the east and west entrances. At the client’s request, the team designed and manufactured the rainwater pipes to follow the curvature of the lead canopies below, ensuring a seamless and visually cohesive design.

On Sackville Street a decorative lead stair runner was installed onto internal stairs based on an existing design concept found in nearby Albany Apartments.

Murdoch Contractor of the Year Award

Representing installers who uphold the highest standards and workmanship values, the LCA maintains an uncompromising attitude toward quality.

To further encourage and celebrate excellence in the industry, the LCA presented the fourth and newest category to the Murdoch Awards: the Contractor of the Year Award 2024, sponsored by Central Milled Lead Ltd.

It is an award that considers all the attributes expected from a lead contractor, whatever the size of the company. The winner was AR Lead Specialist Ltd, with the other finalists being NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd and Lead It Be Ltd.

As the independent guardian of the lead industry standards, the LCA represents the ‘Mark of Quality’, supplying technical information and services to support the industry and drive up standards.

Entries for the 2025 Murdoch Awards are now open. Once submitted, entries will undergo a vetting process and then will be selected for consideration. Regardless of company size or history, LCA members can submit their projects to the LCA Murdoch Awards Committee at MAwards@leadcontractors.co.uk Projects may be submitted by LCA members only. q

The Murdoch Sponsors Award 2024 winner was NRA Roofing & Flooring Services Ltd for Liverpool University

MAKE YOUR CHURCH A CHURCH THAT’S OPEN FOR ALL

[NEW RESEARCH from specialist church insurers

Ecclesiastical suggests the benefits of opening church doors far outweigh the risks. That’s according to a survey of 522 churches carried out by Bible Society on behalf of Ecclesiastical Insurance between 26 August and 11 September.

Some people come to church to pray or light a candle, while others may want nothing more than a place for a peaceful rest on their walk home from the shops. And given that the Church of England alone owns over 12,000 listed church buildings, it’s no surprise that tourists are also regular visitors to church estates.

An open church encourages those visitors, who in turn experience a warm and all-embracing institution. Some visitors may make a cash donation, tap a contactless payment point or even scan a QR code to donate online.

In the survey, over 78% of respondents agreed that keeping the church open encourages the community to use it and 84% said it encourages visitors.

A locked church can have the opposite effect, reinforcing the idea that church is for true believers and nobody else and fraying traditional ties between the church and the community it was built to serve.

The risks of open doors

Despite those benefits, churches often remain locked because of fears around crime and antisocial behaviour. However, there is little evidence to suggest keeping churches open makes those problems worse.

In Ecclesiastical’s survey, nearly 14% of respondents from unlocked and attended, or staffed, churches said they had experienced theft from inside the church, while half that number (7.4%) from locked churches said the same. Put another way, that means over 86% of unlocked and attended churches hadn’t experienced a theft from inside the church in five years.

The research also found that, while there were fewer incidents of theft and vandalism from inside locked churches, there were far more from their gardens and grounds.

Similarly, while nearly 8% of locked churches reported a break-in in the past five years, only 1.6% of unlocked and attended churches said the same.

Helen Richards, church operations director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, commented: “Open churches are living churches. Their unlocked doors welcome people regardless of faith or their reasons for wanting to visit. Unfortunately, new research from Ecclesiastical Insurance has found that a quarter of churches are only open for services or special events, while another quarter are only open when staff or volunteers are available to man them.

“Our survey also found that four out of five (91%) of church representatives support the principle of keeping churches open, but fears around crime mean many churches remain locked for most of the week.

as community hubs, while renting out church halls for meetings and activities. All of that helps turn underused buildings into places that brim with life for much of the week.

Even quiet rural churches can be open and accessible with the right precautions. For example, draw up a rota of volunteers who can be present in church. Ideally, volunteers will work in teams of two, and have access to mobile phones.

Also, think about installing a secure storage area where valuables can be locked away – if you don’t have one already.

“Our research suggests these fears may be exaggerated, and that the benefits of being open are likely to significantly outweigh the risks.”

Simple precautions

Ecclesiastical also advises that open churches take some simple precautions to keep their property, buildings and people safe. Among the most practical steps to take is to enlist the help of neighbours and the local community. If you make sure local residents know your church is operating an open door policy, they’ll be more likely to report any activity that seems out of place.

Churches can also encourage local people to pop in. Promote the idea of the church as a space for a quiet break, or somewhere to use the Wi-Fi, or an architectural gem to admire, as well as a place for prayer and spiritual contemplation.

Parishes are breathing new life into churches by opening them

As far as insurance goes, the good news is that there should be no impact on premiums if proper risk assessments have been made. It is a condition of cover that doors are still locked overnight, though, and churches need to ensure they have the appropriate measures in place to ensure that is the case.

An open and welcoming church

There are huge benefits in keeping church doors open: people nurture and protect institutions that are important to the life of the community.

There are risks, too, but those are often overstated. Open, well-used buildings may actually be less prone to crime and antisocial behaviour than locked and lonely ones.

If you don’t already keep your church doors open, why not consider doing so. Make your church a welcoming space for all, at the heart of your community. q

• For further information, and guidance on opening your church, visit ecclesiastical.com/openchurches

St Mary’s Church in South Walsham, Norfolk

Photo Daniel Sandham

EXHIBITORS ENTHUSE OVER THE CRE EXPERIENCE

[ BY 4PM on the first day of CRE 24 at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, exhibitors Chris and Kim Dunphy had already had so many helpful and detailed conversations with visitors that they were ‘completely talked out’.

Chris, founder of ChurchEcoMiser, will now make several site visits to churches over the next few months – introducing them to the company’s eco-friendly heating system. In spite of two long days interacting with hundreds of visitors, Chris and Kim – along with more than 60 other organisations – have already booked their stand at CRE 25, taking place on 15-16 October at Sandown Park in Surrey.

Margaret Wylie was equally busy at Holy Socks. “Working from

home or an office is fine, but it is good to get out and actually meet people face to face,” she said. “You just don't know what's going to come from a face-to-face conversation.”

It was the first-ever CRE at the Marshall Arena. Total attendance over the two days was 1,786, comprising 1,446 visitors and 340 exhibitors: almost identical to CRE 23 in Solihull.

“Once again we sent out the 60-page exhibition handbook free to thousands of former visitors and new contacts, several weeks before the event,” said CRE owner Steve Goddard. “It meant they came fully informed and ready to do business.”

Modernising churches was a theme picked up by ITV News,

who filmed the exhibition in full flow and broadcast a report in a prime spot on the first evening of the show. The report is available to view on YouTube. The BBC also published a piece on their regional website at www.bbc.co.uk

But CRE 24 wasn’t just about ‘holy hardware’. Two days of worship and discussion about worship were led by popular worship leaders and song-writers Lou and Nathan Fellingham, Lucy Grimble, Roger Jones and Devon Brown.

“We have presented hints and tips on the practical way of writing from the heart,” said Lou. “It would be great if those who attended the sessions are released to use the gift that God has called them to exercise.”

Nathan, who wrote the popular song Lift up His Name when he was just 17, added: “There will always be a need for more songs and hymns and we hope many will be inspired to craft them.”

For two visitors in every five this was the first CRE they had ever attended. One of them was Ellen Andrews, a children and family worker at Biggleswade Baptist Church.

“The song-writing workshop looked interesting,” she said. “I had not thought of writing a song before, but it has inspired me to think more about doing so!”

A series of more than 40 talks and presentations covered fundraising, faith sharing, bereavement support, social media, church security…and much, much more.

The exhibition was opened by Daniel Cutting, football freestyler

and 10 times Guinness world record holder. Also a youth leader in his local church, Daniel declared the exhibition open while bouncing a football on his head, knee, foot and arms.

“I was surprised at the amazing range of subjects and equipment covered at this event,” he commented. “The friendliness of stand holders and visitors was wonderful.”

There were a number of new exhibitors, including Liverpool-based Nick Radcliffe, who gave up his practice as a GP to produce eyecatching Christian posters.

“This is the first time I have had a stand at an exhibition, but it has fully justified my decision to give up being a doctor,” he said. “I have had so many conversations and sold a good number of posters.”

The Rev Simon Faulks, a 56-year-old Anglican priest in Bletchley, was also enthusiastic about the number of people interested in his workshops on storytelling and circus illusions. “I have chatted to lots of people and was delighted to be here,” he said.

When the event returns to Sandown Park in Esher, Surrey on 15-16 October next year it will celebrate 40 years as the UK’s biggest and longest-running exhibition of resources for churches. To book a stand at CRE 25 contact James Batterbee on 0161 240 4500 or email james@creonline.co.uk q

SPEAKERS CONFIRMED FOR ISCVEx LECTURES

[ THE Institute of Sound, Communications & Visual Engineers (ISCVE) has announced the principal speakers for its annual seminar and exhibition, ISCVEx – to be held on 25-26 March next year at the Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire.

The first lecture of the day will be the Hopkins-Baldwin Lecture Is it me, or is it getting hot in here?, to be delivered by ISCVE Fellow Mark Faulkes.

With a growing reliance on digital signal processors and AI for both audio and video, AV systems require significantly more processing power than ever before. Complex processing generates a lot of heat which, if not suitably managed, can create problems for systems. The lecture will look at how much heat AV systems produce and the potential problems it can cause, together with some simple guidance of good thermal management and common mistakes to avoid.

between the Fourier Transform and the human auditory system and highlight how they trade off time and frequency resolution differently. That will enable her audience to understand some of the issues in measuring sound intelligibility and why it gets worse at high signal levels.

Finally, she will look at the unique ways the human auditory system allows us to hear the incredible complexity of the audio signal and how that might affect what we do in the future to make it even better.

In the afternoon session the Walker Seminar will be delivered by Rita Campos and Martin Bonsoir MInstSCVE. In Eco-sound: Amplifying sustainability in the audio industry they will explore the innovative ways the audio industry is evolving to make our love for music and sound more sustainable.

With over 20 years of industry experience, Mark Faulkes has worked across a wide range of market sectors in both live and permanently installed settings.

The morning session concludes with the Warren-Barnett Lecture Eh? You're too loud! Why intelligibility gets worse at high sound levels

The lecture will be delivered by Jamie Angus-Whiteoak, Professor Emeritus of Audio Technology at Salford University and one of the progenitors of the UK’s first music technology course at York in 1986.

Professor Whiteoak will first examine the operation of the ear, including its dynamic non-linear behaviour. She will then examine the difference

Rita Campos is a dedicated professional who is also pursuing a PhD in acoustics and audio engineering at the University of Salford. Martin Bonsoir began his career in the recording industry before transitioning to touring and eventually specialising in fixed installations.

From using recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies to adopting new behaviours and practices, join them to discover how ISCVE members are collectively responding to the demand for a greener industry.

The seminar day will be accompanied by an exhibition of the latest in audio technology. The day before will see the ISCVE Members’ Day followed by the Networking Dinner and Party. q

• To register, or find out more, visit iscve.org.uk

CAN WE CONSOLE YOU?

By Rob Alvis of Creative Audio-Visual Solutions (CAVS)

[A WELL LAID-OUT and tactile operating position is vital for the smooth running of any church audio-visual system. As well as the front-end control aspect of the system, careful consideration is required for equipment security, ventilation and cable management to ensure on-going system reliability and future serviceability.

Here at CAVS we have been designing and supplying bespoke racks and consoles for many years – working closely with each church to design the ideal working area for all their audio-visual requirements. We ensure regularly-used equipment such as switchers and playback/streaming devices are at eye level or close to hand, with other non-user items such as amplifiers and management systems ‘locked away’ or in lower racks when everyday access isn’t required.

Then there is the physical design of the console itself from an aesthetic point of view: matching the surrounding décor in terms of wood type/grain finish, colour matching to pews or other furniture with custom stains and varnishes and even incorporating materials that have made way for the new console into the final piece – such as frontages, pew ends etc.

The pictures show some of our consoles in situ, providing a clean and useable working surface and aiding operator communication during services. Raised plinths also provide an elevated position for a clear view to the front – over the congregation – as well as allowing incoming cables to be routed cleanly into the console itself. Creative Audio-Visual Solutions have the knowledge and experience to design your perfect operating console. A discussion at your building will quickly arrive at the right solution. For a free on-site consultation, or to begin the conversation, please get in touch. q

• You can ‘Like’ CAVS on Facebook or Instagram (Cavsolutions) for the latest installation case studies and product news, or contact them on 01707 518400; email sales@cavsolutions.co.uk; or visit www.cavsolutions.co.uk

ST LEONARD’S CHURCH GETS CLEAR SOUND THROUGHOUT

- FOR THOSE WITH AND

WITHOUT HEARING AIDS

[

NESTLED IN A PICTURESQUE Somerset village, St Leonard’s is a charming rural parish church commanding beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. The site and some parts of the structure are believed to date back to the 14th century. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade Two-listed building.

As part of a project to modernise and conserve the building, it was decided to upgrade the existing public announcement (PA) system and install an induction loop system.

The challenge facing univoxaudio was to modernise the building without destroying its ancestry, heritage and tradition. Many churches face this challenge. On one hand, they need to maximise participation and better serve the needs of the local community, but as guardians of our heritage they do not want to compromise the splendour and history that make these buildings special.

Univox director Ken Hollands takes up the story: “The acoustic challenge for this particular church, as with many old churches, was to prevent echo and reverberation from ancient stone walls - a particular problem for the hearing impaired.

“Assistive listening experts Gordon Morris Ltd of Somerton, Somerset were chosen for the project. They took time to ensure the brief was clearly understood by all parties before designing a solution to work in harmony with the rest of the PA system.

“The simple but very effective solution was a Univox professional loop series amplifier and a standard perimeter loop configuration. The proposed system was given a trial at the church, to ensure it met the needs of the building, and improvements were made to the initial set-up.

“All wiring was completely concealed and the installation was fully compliant with IEC 60118-4. The result is a perfectly calibrated loop system which guarantees that visitors enjoy crystal clear sound whilst enjoying the beauty and atmosphere of the church.” q

• For further information visit www.univoxaudio.co.uk

WHAT IS A NEW AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM GOING TO COST ME?

Stephen Neath of APi

Communications, addresses a thorny question.

[ CHURCH AND HERITAGE BUILDINGS

require constant maintenance and upkeep, which can make it hard to budget for a new audio-visual system.

Part of the reason it can be so hard to prepare for the outlay is that pricing information is not readily available. So, as we celebrate the 21st anniversary of the beginning of our journey in providing bespoke AV systems for all our customers, we will try to answer the question: what does a new AV system cost?

Giving accurate pricing is very difficult because of the unique challenges each building presents, which means no two quotations we send out are ever exactly the same. As a general rule, though, there are some important factors which will directly impact the overall price of a project with us, such as how complex your requirements are, how large your building is and if you need a custom solution which will cause the installation to take longer to complete.

Sound

If you only require a speech and background music system, then depending on the size of your church, you can expect to pay around £7,000-£9,000.

Churches with a regular requirement for live band reproduction will need to spend between £12,000-£16,000 to get a system capable of accurate and full-range music.

Projection/visual

For an installation using standard projection equipment, the price would be around £12,000-£14,000. That figure will increase to between £15,000 and £20,000 when a more complex method of projection screen deployment is required, such as the winch-down screen shown (above).

Systems using several flatscreen displays range massively in price, but will be anywhere between £10,000 to £18,000 depending on the number of screens and the complexity of the video distribution to each of them.

Live streaming

A typical live streaming system with one PTZ camera will cost roughly £6,000-£8,000. That will increase to over £10,000 when additional cameras are added and if several outputs are required to feed the church visual system as well as the live stream.

Acoustic treatment

A typical acoustic panel installation will cost between £4,000 and £7,000, depending on the size of the space and the amount of reverberation. However, for full acoustic treatment of a large building with a high amount of echo, you are looking more towards the £15,000 price point.

Hearing loop/assistive listening

The cost of a hearing loop installation with a cable running around the perimeter of the space and a dedicated amplifier would be

between £2,000 and £4,000 if done as a separate project. However, they are often fitted at the same time as a sound system, in which case the cost will be at the lower end of that bracket.

There are a lot of assistive listening products available and each has its pros and cons. A new product by Ampetronic has been winning awards for its revolutionary design and has the potential to start a shift away from conventional hearing loop systems. An infrared-based assistive listening system will cost around £4,000 with a single transmitter unit and five bodypack receivers.

APi is celebrating a big birthday!

We have been providing an honest, highquality audio-visual installation service to ecclesiastical and heritage customers since our foundation in 2003; and as part of our 21st birthday celebrations, we want to offer prospective and current customers a birthday treat.

As posting cake to everyone would have been very messy, from the beginning of October to 1 January 2025 we are running a special promotion which gives all customers 21% off the total cost of their new audio-visual system! q

MILESTONE CHURCH GETS 21st-CENTURY UPGRADE

[IN 1895 there were about 100 Catholics in the Colwyn Bay area and Mass was celebrated in a private house in the town. However, on Sunday Mass was celebrated in a large room in the Imperial Hotel.

The year 1898 was a milestone for the Colwyn Bay Mission. In January of that year, at the invitation of the bishop, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate – a priestly order – took charge of the mission. The order is still serving the parish today.

The town was growing and developing as a seaside resort, so the building of a church was felt to be a necessity. A benefactor, Monsignor James Lennon from Lancashire, donated the money to build a church in memory of his brother, Dean John Lennon.

The new church was to be dedicated to St Joseph. It was to be light, spacious and of sufficient size to accommodate the large number of Catholic

visitors, as well as the local residents. The church was built between 1898 and 1900, and opened on Whit Sunday 1900.

In 2024, Richard King Systems came highly recommended to the church as accomplished specialists of sound reproduction in places of worship. An initial consultation meeting with the church’s representatives established the shortfalls and limitations of the existing system and was a starting point to formulate scheme suggestions to improve the delivery of the spoken word to the congregation.

The interior of the church presented many challenges to designing a system that would provide the best possible speech intelligibility. They included a highly reverberant environment and limited options for the placement of loudspeakers.

Following submission of the initial suggestions for the system design, loudspeakers, amplification and microphones were installed on a temporary basis for evaluation purposes. The reaction to the new, improved sound was universally positive – from both the church officials and the congregation – leading to Richard King Systems being instructed to provide a detailed scheme for the upgrade of the facilities.

While some items of the original equipment – hand-held radio microphones and amplification for ancillary areas – have been retained, the new system is in effect a complete upgrade replacement.

The heart of the system is a powerful control processer with a bespoke software design specifically built for St Joseph’s Church, with a user-friendly simple-to-use control that operates wirelessly. That control system enables adjustments to be made from any position quickly, discreetly and effectively.

In addition, the control processer provides behind-the-scenes automatic mixing of the microphone signals for optimum system operation. Fine tuning of the sound by the engineers from Richard King Systems provides for a reliable, first-class performance. q

CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SOUND REPRODUCTION

[FROM 12-14 NOVEMBER the Electro-Acoustics Group Committee of the Institute of Acoustics (IoA) will be hosting Reproduced Sound 2024: the 40th Anniversary Conference and Exhibition.

The conference, being held at the Bristol Hotel with the reception and dinner at the nearby Mud Dock, represents the cutting edge of modern audio and acoustics in an informal environment that allows consultants, manufacturers, contractors, end users, academics and students to mingle and share insights and information.

The long-established conference will interest all those who work in the multi-disciplinary world where matters electrical and electronic meet with matters acoustic, architectural or concerning intelligibility. Each year, a core topic is set for technical contributions, around which are organised contributions on more traditional areas of interaction of acoustical space with audio systems.

Past conferences have covered issues as diverse as:

• Complex modelling of acoustic spaces

• Finite element modelling of transducers

• Noise in the environment

• Psychoacoustics and the neurophysiology of the hearing process

• Concert and live performance sound balancing

• Intelligibility in environments as varied as railway stations and

• classrooms

• Noise spill from raves and club venues

• Vibration and subsonic acoustical issues from various sources

The conference is supported by organisations and institutes whose interests are closely allied with those of the ElectroAcoustics Group. The IoA is the UK’s premier professional organisation for all matters dealing with acoustics, vibration and noise, and was established in 1974.

Peter Barnett Memorial Award

Inaugurated in 2001 by the Electro-Acoustics Group, The Peter Barnett Memorial Award honours Peter Barnett who died the previous year.

The award, which is made annually, recognises advancements and technical excellence in the fields of electro-acoustics, speech intelligibility and education in acoustics and electro-acoustics. A stalwart of the Reproduced Sound series of conferences, he was known for his mathematical approach to problems.

This year’s recipient of the Peter Barnett Memorial Award is Keith Holland, for his lifelong contributions to electro-acoustics, both through groundbreaking research and education.

Keith will be on hand at Reproduced Sound 2024 to deliver his award lecture Acoustics: Inside Out and Back to Front

Analogue synth workshop

Recognising that digital technology is already creating its own heritage, the Reproduced Sound Committee of the IoA have sourced a select number of examples of classic analogue synthesisers and modern digital/hybrid clones, which represent a range of the most iconic sounds. They are hosting an evening to explore select models by listening, inviting discussion, comparison of key features and performing fundamental measurements.

The hope is to explore the nuances with a bit of a sceptical mind – far from marketing stories – to understand what makes those synthesizers so celebrated. It promises to be a fascinating delve into the arcane world of some classic synth sounds. q

• For more information visit reproducedsound.co.uk

ILLUMINATING PUTNEY: WHERE CREATIVE SOUND MEETS SPECTACULAR LIGHTING

[FROM ITS FOUNDATION IN 1870 the story of Putney Methodist Church in London has been one of development and growth. Initially a dual-purpose church and school room, it was soon upgraded to a larger space, much admired for its lofty tower and Victorian Gothic features. However, when a Second World War V1 flying bomb fell directly opposite the church, the blast rendered it unusable until it was rebuilt in 1952.

Now the church has been given a high-tech makeover by lighting and AV specialists Clarity in Sound, Light & Vision, with a new sound system, theatrical lighting for the worship band, state-of-the-art LED house lighting and a beautiful new aspect courtesy of colour-changing LED external luminaires.

Sound system

Clarity proposed several modifications and additions to the church’s sound system to improve the features and flexibility of the equipment and greatly simplify the control for non-technical users. The design of the system makes it suitable for the multi-functional, community use of the spaces.

Clarity always use professional products that have a proven track record of being durable and reliable, and believe in a ‘plug and play’ mentality to keep things simple.

“Our specification required that the existing loudspeakers be replaced with high-quality, discreet speech reinforcement column loudspeakers from Yamaha, underpinned by a pair of Yamaha subwoofers,” explained Clarity’s Simon Bull. “These units offer a unique combination of outstanding sound quality and their slim format blends seamlessly with

the fabric of the building, rendering them almost invisible. Wall-mounted audio controls, in tandem with wireless iPad operation, ensure that no one is excluded from accessing the system.”

Yamaha digital processing incorporating Dante audio networking provides limiting, compression, feedback suppression, automatic gain control for microphones and numerous connection points for maximum versatility. Audio coverage is excellent and intelligibility superb.

Internal and external lighting

Clarity introduced a wirelessly-controlled new house lighting system. The award-winning ETC range of modular, highly-efficient lighting is being used in venues all around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall and the Tower of London chapel, so they were confident that the space was in safe hands. Thanks to some very clever design features the fixtures can be fitted into places of worship without the need to rewire, providing the power cabling is of a suitable standard.

Appropriate fixtures were chosen to perfectly suit the nave, aisles and chancel, ensuring even, consistent cover throughout and making the most of must-see features such as the wonderful beams in the ceiling. Externally, colour-changing battens are positioned at the bottom of each of the five main windows to highlight the architectural details, while five powerful colour-changing luminaires illuminate the main tower and front aspect of the church. For the benefit of the congregation, additional external fixtures are positioned outside the church to bring the chancel’s stained-glass window to life on dark winter evenings. q

NEW STEEL WINDOWS MEET STRINGENT CONSERVATION REQUIREMENTS

[UPDATING OR ALTERING a building located in a Conservation Area requires the owner to apply for permission, and securing that can be a lengthy process. Therefore, it is prudent to start discussions with the planning authority or to involve a conservation architect or heritage consultant early in the process. Ultimately, what those specialists will be aiming to achieve is the retention of the specific character of the building involved with reference to its style, age and the surrounding area.

Replacing steel windows in a Conservation Area may be necessary because the existing windows have deteriorated due to age or neglect and are no longer fit for purpose, or because there is a need to reduce the energy loss from the original frames. New steel windows are also required when an extension is added and the new fenestration needs to match the rest of the windows and doors, or to replace inappropriate plastic windows that were installed at an earlier, less regulated time.

We tend to think of steel windows as belonging to the mid-20th century. However, before the introduction of standardised rolled-steel window sections at the end of WWI, steel windows were already popular in domestic architecture, particularly as a result of the fashion for leaded light windows in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, the steel window replacement industry remains dominated by hotrolled steel windows whose profiles are close in appearance to those which have existed in a similar form for around 150 years. The look of a mild steel frame has changed little since late Victorian times and the basic ‘Z’ pattern section used to create both fixed and opening lights remains universal.

There are fewer profiles available today and steel windows do vary significantly, but new steel profiles can – at high cost – be rolled to replicate even rare and unusual examples of historic fenestration.

Modern steel frames are hot dip galvanised to EN ISO BS:1461, weather stripped and have a surface coating of polyester powder paint to BS 6497 2005 EN 13438 2018 applied. Subject to the historic significance of the property, conservation officers may insist on single-glazed replicas; but it is possible to produce double-glazed insulated glass units which are close to the look of a traditional steel window. Such double-glazed units will achieve energy preservation, security and the reduction of sound and solar gain, without detracting from the building’s appearance.

Hampstead Garden Suburb in London was designated a Conservation Area in 1968. Internationally recognised as one of the finest examples of early 20th-century domestic architecture and town planning, the suburb was conceived by Henrietta Barnett in the early 1900s as a model community of beautiful houses set in a verdant landscape; and the properties within it were designed by some of the best architects of the day.

Today Hampstead Garden Suburb comprises around 5,000 properties and is home to some 16,000 people. The Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust operates a management scheme which requires freeholders to get prior approval before altering the external appearance of their properties. That means that the suburb today survives relatively intact and still reflects the original vision of Barnett and master planner Raymond Unwin.

A number of the properties have original steel framed windows and the Trust stipulates that replacement windows must be similar to the originals. Clement Windows Group has two main window ranges which are suitable for those properties: Brooking, which was developed in conjunction with the Trust and other conservation bodies and takes is name from internationally renowned collector and architectural historian Charles Brooking, and EB20,

an exceptionally slender, high-specification steel window which replicates existing or original steel windows. Clement’s W20 steel profiles are also appropriate for replacement steel doors in this Conservation Area.

The stunning Arts and Crafts-style house pictured is located in Hampstead Garden Suburb and has recently been fitted with new leaded Brooking windows and W20 steel doors – providing a great example of how similar to the original fenestration new replacement steel frames can be.

The front and back elevations are very different and yet the new windows provide just the look that the owner and the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust were seeking, without detracting from the character of the property.

The new windows and doors are expertly engineered, high-performance, double-glazed units which are krypton gas filled, making them more thermally efficient; and the exceptionally slim frames allow the maximum amount of light to flood the interior. Both the windows and the doors were polyester powder painted RAL 9005 Jet Black. q

• For further information call 01428 643393, email info@clementwg.co.uk or visit www.clementwindows.co.uk

PIONEERING TILING RESTORER JUST KEEPS

ADDING TO HIS ACHIEVEMENTS

[ STEVE SINNOTT can be said to be a man with a mission. That mission is to restore as many historic tiled floors and walls as he can, whether they are listed or not: so they can be viewed and enjoyed once more – by their owners in the case of private residences or by the general public in the case of the many public buildings he has worked on.

Steve began his working life as a stone carver, but a contract that had a badly damaged marble mosaic floor changed his life. It took him nearly three years to restore that floor, involving the cutting of almost one million cubes, or tesserae. It proved to be Steve’s epiphany. Before long he had travelled to other countries to restore mosaic floors, but soon specialised in Victorian encaustic and geometric tile restoration. Encaustic tiles revolutionised tiled flooring by allowing several colours to be included in one tile. The resulting patterns epitomised Victorian tiled floors.

As there was no training programme for the restoration of encaustic and geometric tiling – a situation that persists to this day – Steve taught himself the craft from scratch. In 1982 he established the Heritage Tiling & Restoration Co, which has worked in as many as 22 different countries.

Since then he has carried out restoration projects on over 300

listed buildings – ranging from major public buildings such as the Harbour Commissioners’ building in Belfast and many churches, to a huge range of private Victorian homes. He can rightly claim to have been in the business for longer than most!

Said Steve: “My work is all about restoring historic tiled floors. The biggest percentage is Victorian encaustic and geometric tiled floors and occasionally wall tile schemes: again, these are usually Victorian. However, as floors are under constant wear and tear it is geometric and encaustic tiled floors that comprise our bread and butter work. Mosaics – oddly the type of floor that started it all –feature less now.”

A major boost to the company’s fortunes came in 1986 when the company was tasked with the restoration of the tiled floors of the Capitol Building extensions in Washington DC.

In this country, one of his favourite floors is the tiled floor of St George’s Hall in his home town of Liverpool – like the Capitol Building a fine example of Minton tiles repaired following the resurrection of the company’s patterns. He is not alone in his admiration: the floor has been described as ‘the world’s best example of an encaustic tiled floor’.

One of his most complex jobs was the restoration of the floor of a Victorian hotel in Lancashire. The floor had been substantially damaged during the 1970s when it re-opened as a night club following a long period of dereliction. Large parts of the floor had been ripped up to provide access for pipework. The 25,000-plus tiles that were laid were a mix of reclaimed tiles and new reproduction units sourced from specialist manufacturer Craven Jackfield Tiles –pictured before (left) and after restoration. Some curved tiles were hand cut by Steve as there was no pattern for them.

A further element of Steve’s work is the training up of young people interested in carrying forward the craft of encaustic tile restoration – both in this country and as far afield as New Zealand. Steve explained: “I have now worked in many different countries and have helped train tilers or at least encourage them to try this very difficult but satisfying branch of tiling.”

Summing up his approach to his work, Steve commented: “I’m not concerned about the project size as such: what matters is the floor! I love what I do and like to see a happy customer. Bringing a damaged floor from a ruin to a beautiful floor is what matters.” q

HINOWA SPIDER BOOM ‘VITAL’ FOR CONSERVING ANCIENT CATHEDRAL FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

[A CATHEDRAL that dates back almost 1,000 years is being maintained in a condition that promises to see it thrive as a place of worship for centuries to come with the help of a Hinowa spider lift.

Expert teams dedicated to conserving Winchester Cathedral, in Hampshire, are using the Hinowa Lightlift 14.70 IIIS for multiple maintenance tasks inside and outside the ancient building.

The spider lift, supplied by Access Platform Sales (APS), the UK and Ireland distributor for all Hinowa products, is also used to carry out maintenance work at height on 35 properties in and around the Cathedral Close.

Purchase of the Hinowa spider boom was made possible by a donation from the Friends of Winchester Cathedral, an independent charity that raises funds to support its upkeep.

Joe Meader, head carpenter and works manager at Winchester Cathedral, said: “We’re so grateful to the Friends for their assistance. Our Hinowa spider lift is vital to our maintenance programme. It allows us to complete a huge range of works in a timely, safe and cost-effective way.

“The cathedral is Grade One-listed, and we maintain other Grade One and Grade Two-listed buildings, so having a spider lift to work from allows us to inspect and repair structures with a minimum of physical intervention, which is very helpful.”

Bruce Parker, chairman of the Friends of Winchester Cathedral, said: “We have provided the cathedral with many pieces of useful equipment over the years but none so versatile as this latest cherry picker.”

APS regional sales manager Jonathan Wiseman said: “To see the way this Hinowa platform plays such a pivotal role at a cathedral as iconic and important as Winchester is truly impressive.

outrigger levelling and stowing. We’re very pleased with it.”

The Hinowa Lightlift 14.70 spider lift is kept busy all year round by carpenters, painters, stone masons and arborists – all assisted in their conservation work by the platform’s precision and flexibility.

Over summer it was used by the cathedral’s carpenters and painters and decorators who have replaced and painted wooden windows in a 17th-century house in Dome Alley just off the Cathedral Close.

In the autumn, it is handed over to the cathedral’s landscape maintenance teams to manage shrubbery and trees – some of them nearly as ancient as the cathedral buildings themselves.

By working from the spider lift, the cathedral’s arborists can make sure any tasks, such as crown reduction, are done in the most sensitive way, preserving the trees’ long-term future.

Throughout the year, stone masons use the spider lift to inspect, clean and repair stone work and stained glass windows throughout the cathedral and in other buildings.

The precision achieved by the Hinowa Lightlift 14.70 spider lift’s proportional controls gives the cathedral’s maintenance teams confidence that they can work at height with minimal risk of damaging precious and, in places, fragile centuriesold and irreplaceable structures.

“The extra effort that would be needed, and the cost incurred, to achieve the same maintenance standards if it wasn’t available would be truly enormous.”

The Hinowa Lightlift 14.70 has a maximum working height of 13.9m and a maximum outreach of 6.76m, with a basket capacity of 120kg. It has an outreach of 5.92m with a basket capacity of 200kg.

At just 786mm wide, it can be tracked into the tightest of spaces. This is ideal for working in and around the cathedral, which has many nooks and crannies that could otherwise restrict platform access.

“The new spider lift replaces a Hinowa Goldlift 14.70 spider lift the cathedral maintenance team had been using around 20 years, reflecting the reliable service it had delivered,” said Joe Meader.

He added: “The new spider lift has about the same working envelope, but has new features that make it much easier to use and more productive, including dual speed tracking and one button

The cathedral has selected a bi-energy version of the platform. It can be powered by a low-emissions Honda petrol or by 110v mains cable electricity for indoor operations or where near-silent working is required, for example not to disturb activity in and around the cathedral.

The Hinowa Lightlift 14.70 can also be supplied with a diesel engine and mains cable electric power, or as an all-electric powered platform with lithium batteries.

As a tracked MEWP, the platform can cope well with all surfaces and ground conditions across the cathedral estate, including working across low-load bearing and sensitive surfaces when combined with protective matting inside the cathedral.

Also, the tracks can be widened to 1,150mm to improve the platform’s stability when it is being tracked over sloping or uneven ground.

It has a range of advanced safety features, including load and tilt sensors and alarms, and emergency lowering systems that can be accessed from the ground or in the basket, to optimise operative safety.

Hinowa’s Performance IIIS range, available exclusively from APS, offers machines with working heights from 13m to 40m, with a shared operating system that allows operatives to switch confidently and seamlessly from one to the other to work at different heights. q

• For further information about Access Platform Sales visit the website at www.accessplatforms.co.uk

The following companies are all specialists in Lightning Protection Systems:

MDS Consulting Limited

• Lightning Protection

• Church Steeple Repairs

• Chimney Inspections

• Drone Surveys

• Anchor Point Testing

• Window Cleaning & Repairs

T: 07833 785257

E: enquiries@mdsconsulting.co.uk

W: www.mdsconsulting.co.uk

2 Victoria Cottages, Silton, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5DG

Lightning Strike Ltd

Lightning Protection and Earthing Specialist for Churches and Historic Properties

• Earthing Systems

• Surge Protection

• Safe Strike ESE Systems

• Lightning Conductor Testing

• Earthing System Testing

• Soil Resistivity Testing

T: 01158 752686 M: 07581 266493

E: info@lightningstrikeltd.co.uk

W: www.lightningstrikeltd.co.uk

452 Watnall Road, Hucknall NG15 6FQ

Horizon Specialist Contracting Ltd

With over 30 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

T: 0115 965 7400 E: sales@horizonsc.co.uk W: www.horizonsc.co.uk

Unit 7, Burma Road, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire NG21 0RT

• Lightning Conductor Engineers

• Steeplejacks • Flagpole Specialists

• High Level Access

Providing lightning protection and steeplejack services since 1978.

• Churches

• Cathedrals

• High Rise Office Blocks

• High Rise Residential Blocks

Wiltshire

Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers

We specialise in:

• Lightning protection systems

• BS EN 62305 & BS 6651

• Earthing and resistivity testing

• High maintenance work • Flagpoles

• All rope access work

• Full architectural surveys & cover meter surveys

T: 01225 761330 M: 07973 397770

E: info@wiltshiresteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.wiltshiresteeplejacks.co.uk

44 Eastbourne Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 7HW

G

& S Steeplejacks Ltd

Over 30 years experience in the Design & Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.

• Annual Testing

• Inspection & Maintenance

• Surge Protection

• Height Safety Systems

Churches, Schools, Hospitals, Universities, Colleges

T: 01761 437796 M: 07974 184449

E: graham@gnssteeplejacks.co.uk W: www.gnssteeplejacks.co.uk

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

Direct Strike Ltd

Lightning Protection and Earthing Solutions

• Lightning Protection

• Inspection & Maintenance

• BSEN 62305:2011

• Consultancy & Design Services

• Supply & Installation

• Earthing Systems

• Height Safety & Fall Arrest Systems

• Surge Protection

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

Cuttings

The UK’s largest independent Lightning Protection & Earthing contractor

Design, installation and maintenance

• Lightning Protection

• Surge Protection

• Schools

• Hospitals

• Towers

• Sports Centres

A C Wallbridge & Co Ltd

T: 01722 322750 E: office@wallbridge.uk W: www.wallbridge.co.uk

Unit 7, Centre One, Lysander Way, Old Sarum, Salisbury SP4 6BU

• Earthing Services

• Height Safety Services Offices in London, Sussex, Essex and Bristol.

T: 020 8371 0001

E: info@cuttings.co.uk W: cuttings.co.uk

10-12 Arcadia Avenue, Finchley Central, London N3 2JU

Lightning Protection Services

For all of your lightning protection and access requirements, we are here to help.

• Lightning Protection

• Earthing Systems

• Height Services

• ATV Access

North(Head office): 01461 800323

South: 01582 511036 N.E: 01914 661145

E: info@lightningconductor.co.uk W: www.lightningconductor.co.uk

Ivinghoe Business Centre, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5BQ

NEW FACILITY WILL BOOST LIGHTNING PROTECTION PRODUCT OFFERING

[LIGHTNING STRIKES and electrical surges disrupt critical operations and cause billions of pounds of damage to structures and equipment each year. In response to a growing reliance on electronics and data centres, lightning protection product supplier ABB Installation Products is investing £27m in a new facility in Nottingham to meet increased demand for its Furse earthing and lightning protection products.

The new state-of-the-art site is expected to open early next year and will integrate advanced technology, flexible automation, research and testing and digital processes to boost production capacity and enhance efficiency and sustainability.

More than 100 employees will relocate to the new facility from the existing ABB Nottingham foundry, which has continually operated for over a century in the area where Furse originated in 1893. In addition to an expanded footprint, the site will be constructed in line with the BREEAM Excellent rating for sustainable building standards and include efficient equipment and technology, photovoltaic rooftop cells, electric vehicle charging stations and processes centred on reducing waste and energy.

The space will be designed to support collaboration and training, accelerate R&D and drive automation to serve European customers and increase available inventory globally.

Worldwide, an estimated 1.4 billion lightning flashes occur annually, equal to over 42 strikes each second. Even indirect lightning strikes up to a kilometre away can create transient overvoltages and have devastating consequences such as fire, shock hazards, equipment damage and costly outages, resulting in downtime and financial losses.

Furse solutions from ABB are engineered to provide reliable earthing, lightning risk and electronic systems and surge protection, helping safeguard structures and the electrical systems within. The products are used in more than 20 countries across a broad range of applications and environments.

“This important investment builds on 130 years of Furse technology, enabling us to remain at the forefront of earthing and lightning protection and deliver solutions that improve safety and reliability for our customers,” said Khalid Mandri, president of ABB Installation Products. “As part of our global growth strategy, we continue to expand our capabilities and capacity, further strengthening ABB’s manufacturing footprint and supply chain and regionalising production of high-demand electrical solutions customers, installers and distribution partners need.

“Building this site in Nottinghamshire further reinforces our commitment to the industries we serve and to the community where we have operated for more than a century and want to continue to be a leading employer.” q

MAGDALEN COLLEGE TOWER REGAINS 16th-CENTURY LUSTRE

Conservation specialist Peter Meehan ACR relates the story of the restoration of a storm damaged pinnacle in Oxford

[

MAGDALEN COLLEGE is part of the University of Oxford and is located in the centre of the city to the east of the river Cherwell, with the Great Tower – also known as Magdalen Tower – sitting next to the High Street. The tower is an iconic piece of the college’s architecture and is currently listed Grade One by Historic England as part of what is known as the ‘Range’.

The college was founded by William Waynflete, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, in 1458. It started with 40 fellows, 30 scholars and a large choir. He inherited the buildings of the Hospital of St John before beginning construction of the Longwall that enclosed the site in 1467. Works to the cloister, chapel, hall and library were completed between 1474 and 1480. The Great Tower was completed in 1505 after Waynflete’s death, with the Range along the High Street also being completed, connecting the existing buildings to the tower.

The tower is built of Headington limestone and is approximately 44 metres high. It consists of four unequal storeys with an octagonal turret enclosing each corner. The north west turret is slightly larger as it contains a spiral staircase giving access to the roof.

Each of the four towers has a decorative stone pinnacle topped by a gilded copper pennant or flag. At least three of the pennants appear to be original, being made of copper and completely gilded. The main flag panel measures about 360mm wide by 315mm high and is decorated in relief on both sides, with profiled copper strips soldered into place.

Attached to one side of the flag is a copper tube that forms the pivot point for the pennant. It rises above the top corner and is topped with a cruciform fleur-de-lys. Attached to the side of this tube is a further shaped horizontal tube with a fleur-de-lys attached at the end to form a pointer, which is weighted with lead. To each of the three remaining sides is a small fleur-de-lys approximately 110mm high, and a larger one (140mm high) fitted to the two corners opposite the pivoting point. All the fleurs-de-lys have raised relief to their surfaces formed of applied copper pieces.

During a heavy storm in the autumn of 2023 one of the four pennants was blown from the Great Tower roof, landing in the grounds of the college and being damaged by the fall. As a safety precaution the remaining three pennants were removed from the tower by specialist rope access team Wall Walkers Ltd of Bristol.

The college surveyor asked Peter Meehan ACR of the Historic Metalwork Conservation Company to prepare a condition report on the four pennants and advise on their conservation. During the examination it was found that the fallen pennant appeared to be a later replacement, being slightly different in

its details and assembly. All had been repaired in the past, principally due to corrosion and metal loss from the applied copper relief pieces.

The three ‘original’ pennants had suffered from heavy black oxidation to the exposed copper surfaces where the gilding had been lost. The solder joints connecting many of the copper relief pieces on the fleurs-de-lys and main flag were failing, and some pieces had been lost. The pointer tube, one corner fleur-de-lys and two small ones had become detached from the fallen flag, but otherwise damage was not too significant. One of the original pennants had an old repair to its pivot tube made using iron. That had corroded to excess causing the copper tube to swell and split open. Examination found that all the pennants could be repaired and re-finished for a reasonable cost, preserving most of the original pieces.

Conservation works

The four pennants were transferred to a workshop for conservation treatment. Each was cleaned manually using abrasive papers to remove the remains of the gilding and black oxides, back to a sound copper surface. A sample of each decorative relief piece that formed the raised surfaces of the various fleurs-de-lys was removed and transferred to a specialist fabricator to create replica pieces. Each relief piece type was drawn using CAD software to allow a plastic former to be created by 3D printing and used to make new copper pieces.

The loose copper relief pieces were removed, cleaned and then refixed using a lead-free solder. The new pieces were also attached by soldering. The detached pointer arm and fleur-de-lys from the fallen pennant were cleaned, straightened and re-attached using leadfree solder. The connection of the pointer arm to the pivot shaft was strengthened by the addition of a copper alloy block set inside the wide pointer end.

The pennant with the later iron repair was partially dismantled, with the cruciform fleur-de-lys removed so the corroded iron could be removed. The distorted pivot shaft was straightened and repaired and a new section of copper tube soldered into place before the fleur-de-lys was re-attached.

The four cleaned and repaired pennants were degreased using acetone before being painted using an alkyd system. Each was initially primed using an etch primer before brush application of one coat of Tikkurila Rostex Super Metal primer and two coats of Tikkurila Miranol gloss (golden yellow) to form a base for the gold leaf. Each pennant was completely oil gilded using 23.5 carat double thickness transfer gold leaf.

The conserved pennants were delivered back to Magdalen College for re-fixing. Each had to be first transferred to the roof of the

(l-r) The fallen pennant before conservation; during the cleaning process; and the pennant after cleaning and repair work

The pennant after conservation

The pennant being refitted in place

Great Tower before they could be fitted. As the only access to the roof was via the narrow, spiral staircase, the pennants had to be transferred up outside via ropes.

Each pennant was packed and padded using bubble wrap and cardboard, leaving only the pivot hole accessible. They were transferred in two stages: first via a scaffold pulley winch to a platform above the Range roof. The second stage involved them being belayed up the outside of the tower to the roof by the specialist rope access company.

Once on the roof, a ball bearing was placed into the pivot hole of each pennant along with plenty of grease. That was to ensure they rotated freely once re-fitted, as the bottom edges of each pivot tube had worn down over time. Using a series of ladders and ropes, each pennant was raised up to the top of the pinnacle, where the rope access specialist placed it onto its original pivot. Once safely back in place the pennants were finally unwrapped and turned to ensure they rotated freely. q

IRONWORK AWARD-WINNER

[THE National Heritage Ironwork Group (NHIG) has announced the winner of its 2024 Award for Heritage Metalwork Conservation. From a shortlist of exceptional quality and variety, first place was awarded to the team at Ironart of Bath for their work on the Edwardian public conveniences in Bath’s Sydney Gardens.

The judges were particularly impressed by the consideration and attention to detail displayed by the Sydney Gardens project. For example, planning and preparation prior to commencement of conservation included the building of bespoke crates to protect the toilets’ cast-iron panels during transportation and in the workshop environment.

Great care was taken to save as much of the original structures as possible, welding damaged panels and guttering and only casting new elements where they were missing. Research found another extant structure produced by the same foundry, which enabled the team to make a mould of the bear’s head waterspouts and recast them in grey iron.

Another nice touch was the replacement of some missing cast panels with glass panels etched with the motif on the cast iron panels. That has allowed the public to view the interior of the Gentlemen’s toilets, as the structure is no longer used for its original purpose and is locked. Overall, the judges were impressed by the meticulous care in the use of conservation techniques, as well as the client’s willingness to save these increasingly rare examples of British craftsmanship.

The NHIG judging panel had great difficulty in separating the shortlisted projects, as each of them demonstrated strong aspects of best conservation practice which will certainly preserve these important artefacts – and the narrative of their creation – for future generations. q

SOMERSET HOUSE DIRECTOR HAILS EFFORTS OF FIRE SERVICES FOLLOWING BLAZE

[THE FIRE at the historic Somerset House could have ended in ‘complete disaster’ if not for the efforts of staff and the fire service, the director of Somerset House Trust has said.

According to a report by the Fire Protection Association, 125 firefighters and 20 fire appliances from the London Fire Brigade (LFB) were mobilised after a major blaze broke out at the popular arts venue in central London on 17 August. The fire resulted in considerable damage to the roof and part of the building’s west wing.

Trust director Jonathan Reekie thanked staff and firefighters for their efforts in tackling the fire and preventing its further spread, saying: “I think I can say that if that fire hadn't been spotted and tackled as quickly as it was by the extraordinary emergency services, this could have been a complete disaster.”

The cause of the fire at Somerset House is still unknown, with LFB stating that an investigation is currently underway.

Fire Door Safety Inspection Services

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In a statement released on 20 August, three days after the fire broke out, Somerset House confirmed that parts of the venue had been reopened.

“Saturday’s fire was successfully contained to one part of the building. London Fire Brigade’s operation on site has ended, and its investigation will continue,” the statement read. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individual firefighters of the LFB, the emergency services and our staff for ensuring everyone’s safety and preventing much greater destruction.

“We have been very moved by expressions of support from around the world over the last few days, which has served as a reminder of how cherished Somerset House is as an arts destination and the home of cultural innovators, housing its unrivalled creative community of talented individuals and enterprises.”

Speaking about the reopening, Reekie explained that reconstruction work could take ‘years’. “We focused on how to get the building back on its feet; how to get people back into the building,” he said. “I think, in terms of the majority of what we do, we’re talking about a few more days. Of course, the reconstruction will be months, if not years.” q

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Earthing Equipment Supplies Southern Ltd

is a well-established, ATLAS accredited, company offering a wide range of lightning protection services. ATLAS is the UK governing body for lightning protection. 30 years trading.

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Over 30 years experience in the Design & Installation of Lightning Protection Systems.

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and Lightning Conductor Engineers

We specialise in:

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44 Eastbourne Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 7HW

Lightning Strike Ltd

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• Lightning Conductor Engineers

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Providing lightning protection and steeplejack services since 1978.

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A C Wallbridge & Co Ltd

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Ivinghoe Business Centre, Houghton Regis, Dunstable LU5 5BQ

Direct Strike Ltd

Lightning Protection and Earthing Solutions

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