News

Vagdia and Holmes reminds their Church clients to check their buildings

In line with the Church Of England's Calendar of Care website, we are reminding our Church clients to check their buildings.

Churches are reminded to have their boiler serviced, and to ensure that the boiler house and boiler are well ventilated to prevent the build up of condensation.

It's also a good time to get the electrics checked, especially those of the heating system.

Given all of the recent rain, it is worth checking and clearing gutters, downspouts and other rainwater goods (again!).

With any grounds and landscaping, cut back any new vegetation from around the outside walls of the Church buildings.

Why not consider generating a management plan for the churchyard too? This can be very useful in planning the future use of the churchyard, and indeed, for the care of its wildlife. Now is a good time to set up small groups to draw up such a plan.

Advice on managing your churchyard can be found in the publications The Churchyards Handbook and Wildlife in Church and Churchyard (Church House Publishing), or give our Office a call about how we may be able to help further.

Vagdia and Holmes sign up for Architect in the House to help the homeless

Local architecture practice Vagdia and Holmes has signed up to take part in Architect in the House, the joint charitable initiative by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and Shelter.

Homeowners can receive an hour consultation with an RIBA chartered architect (such as Dhiran Vagdia or Kenneth Holmes of Vagdia and Holmes) for a suggested donation of £40 to Shelter. Whether it's inspiration for a study, an extra bedroom, or just better living space you need, a chartered RIBA architect can offer creativity and professional advice that will help bring your ideas to life.

Dhiran Vagdia, Company Director said;

'I urge anyone in the West Midlands who is thinking of undertaking work on their home to use an architect who has signed up for Architect in the House. We can help people unleash the potential of their homes while helping those with more significant housing problems.'

Shelter estimates that more than 650,000 households in Britain are overcrowded, affecting over 1 million children in England alone. The donation will go towards Shelter's work to help all those living in conditions that have a devastating effect on family life and children's safety, health and education.

Homeowners can register for their consultation by visiting www.architectinthehouse.org.uk The project launched officially last month and matching will take place from May, with homeowners being matched to the local RIBA chartered practices and architects best suited to meet their needs.