News

12th March 2008 - Three Anelay Contracts recognised at the National Civic Trust Awards 2008

11th February 2008 - Gorton Monastery receives a Built in Quality Award

23rd January 2008 - Anelay Stonemason raises money for Charity

14th January 2008 - Charles Anelay involved with Conservation Project Management events

23rd November 2007 - 260th Anniversary Dinner Celebration

1st November 2007 - Anelay Manchester office moves to Monastery

10th October 2007 - Constructionskills Event at Victoria Baths

14th September 2007 - Another Royal Visit to an Anelay Site

13th August 2007 - William Anelay secures contract at Clitheroe Castle and Museum

6th August 2007 - Anelay wins contract for St. Peter's Church, Huddersfield

1st July 2007 - Vernon Carter is appointed as Regional Chairman for the NFB

14th June 2007 - William Anelay apprentice wins Team Masonry Skills UK Challenge

23rd April 2007 - Restoration contractors win contract for Hollin House

1st April 2007 - Anelay employee gets through to final eight of National Bowls Competition

26th March 2007 - Phase I restoration work has now commenced at Victoria Baths, Manchester

22th March 2007 - Work begins next month at Preston Hall Winter Gardens Museum, Stockton on Tees

12th March 2007 - Phase III works begin at St Laurence’s Church, York

7th February 2007 - Royal visit for William Anelay project

10th November 2006 - William Anelay Company Day

17th October 2006 - William Anelay employees receive York Guild of Building Team Craftsmanship Award 2006.

5th October 2006 - Ripon Civic Award Ceremony

4th + 5th October 2006 - National Construction Week

12th March 2008 - Three Anelay Contracts recognised at the National Civic Trust Awards 2008

A total of three major landmark restoration projects involving York and Manchester based building conservation specialists William Anelay came in for national recognition at the Civic Trust Awards in Newcastle.

Two projects received Commendations. These were for the extensive restoration and refurbishment of Gorton Monastery in Manchester and the other was for the restoration of 78 Derngate, Northampton; a Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed house.

In addition, Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park picked up a Special Partneship Award. the park which contains 26 listed buildings, monuments and follies has undergone a massive transformation as part of a heritage-led regeneration project.

Gorton Monastery has received a Manchester Built in Quality Award 2008. The building, which was restored and refurbished by contractor William Anelay Ltd is now being used to provide corporate and events facilities as part of regeneration plans in the east of the city.

Projects are evaluated from conception and throughout the construction process. The Awards are unique as they recognise excellent practice across a range of building projects and are assessed against a formal 'Built in Quality' standards.

Stonemason John Cocker entered the Paris-Brest-Paris Randonneur (cycle) event last year and in the process, raised £1500 for the York Special Care Baby Unit Support Group. The event covered 1200 kms and had to be completed within a 90 hours timescale. John managed to do this in 80 hours and 4 minutes.

The Unit Support Group relies purely on donations to provide assistance for ill babies and their families. Please visit www.supportscbuyork.co.uk for more information.

John presenting his cheque to Sheila Coyle and Debbie Elsegood at the Special Care Baby Unit at York Hospital

14th January 2008 - Charles Anelay involved with Conservation Project Management events

Charles Anelay, Special Projects Director is taking part in a series of events that help people involved in the care of the historic environment to understand factors in delivering successful conservation projects.

A programme of conferences has been organised by the CIOB and will include the varying perspectives of different disciplines, professions and other partners that make up the project team.

The first conference took place at Hardwick Hall in November 2007 and will be followed by a second in Dublin on February 29th and a third in Glasgow on April 4th 2008.

William Anelay celebrated their 260 years in construction with a lavish banquet at the historic Merchant Adventurer’s Hall in York. The Dinner was attended by the Company’s five directors and a number of employees, clients, suppliers and business partners. The guest of honour was The Right Honourable, Lord Mayor of York Councillor Irene Waudby accompanied by the Lord Mayor’s Consort Mr. Derek Waudby.

The black tie event included a formal four course dinner celebrating local Yorkshire produce. During the course of the evening, Special Projects Director Charles Anelay entertained guests with a brief yet humourous review of the Company’s history followed by the Lord Mayor’s observation of the Company’s longevity and relationship with the City of York.

Towards the close of the evening, a raffle was held with all proceeds being donated to Martin House at Tadcaster.

L to R: Directors Tony Townend, Charles Anelay, Lord Mayor’s Consort, Lord Mayor, Vernon Carter, Stephen Brown, Tim Donlon

The Anelay Manchester office base has now moved from the The Angels to Gorton Monastery. The new address is Gorton Monastery, Gorton Lane, Manchester, M12 5WF. Telephone and fax numbers remain the same.

William Anelay Ltd were once again delighted to be asked to help facilitate an introduction to construction for year 10 and 11 students from schools in and around the Manchester area. The event which took place during National Construction Week was held at Victoria Baths, where Anelays are project managing Phase I restoration works.

The Skills Day was arranged by Constructionskills with the assistance of the Victoria Baths Trust team and supporters. Over fifty children were given the opportunity to try out a variety of construction skills. These included heritage joinery, leadwork, tiling, slate roofing, fibrous plastering, glass leadwork and fibrous plaster moulding.

All students that attended, of which approximately 25% were females, are all either studying for a GCSE in Construction or BTEC in Construction and so enjoyed trying out construction skills in a real life setting rather than a classroom situation.

HRH Prince Charles paid his second visit of the year to another Anelay site; the Rotunda Museum at Scarborough. Prince Charles is well know for his interest in conservation and the preservation of the nation’s architectural heritage and so was a very welcome visitor to the project.

The museum, owned by Scarborough Borough Council and managed by Scarborough Museums Trust is undergoing an extensive restoration programme that is due to be completed late 2007. Those involved in the project include Project Lead Turner and Townsend, architects Buttress Fuller Allsop Williams and of course ourselves, principal contractor William Anelay.

The photograph below shows Prince Charles finding out what it is like to use a masonry tool with Lord Derwent of the Scarborough Museum’s Trust and William Anelay employees Mark Green and John Crump looking on.

13th August 2007 - William Anelay secures contract at Clitheroe Castle and Museum

Restoration experts William Anelay has successfully won the contract to carry out restoration works, including the provision of a new link building at Clitheroe Castle and Museum in Lancashire.

The 69 week project is the biggest heritage restoration project in Clitheroe's history. The aim is to provide an all-weather venue which is anticipated to attract in the region of 17,000 visitors per year.

William Anelay Ltd has been appointed contractor to carry out restoration works at St. Peter's Church in Huddersfield.

The contract will include high level masonry repairs to the Church tower and slate and lead re-roofing works. High level scaffolding will be implemented to minimise inconvenience to church visitors and the passing public.

Vernon Carter, Managing Director of restoration and building contractor William Anelay Ltd has been appointed as the Regional Chairman of the National Federation of Builders (NFB). Vernon takes over from head of Kendall Cross Holdings Ltd, Neil Ramsey.

The trade federation was established 15 years ago and represents small to medium sized contractors in England and Wales.

Vernon comments, "Today's construction industry is very different to what it was when I first embarked on my career. It's gratifying to see that the Client/Contractor relationship has come a long way since then. It is much less adversarial and more about partnering. The NFB can help by providing advice and training so that businesses and individuals are better equipped to cope with industry changes."

14th June 2007 - William Anelay apprentice wins Team Masonry Skills UK Challenge

Stonemason John Crump, employed by York and Manchester based building and restoration contractor William Anelay Ltd., was one of three York College apprentices to be entered in the first ever UK Masonry Skills Challenge organised by the Stone Federation of Great Britain.

The York College team were one of nine who travelled to Weymouth in Dorset to take part in the challenge, with some candidates travelling from as far away as Limavady and Glasgow.

Each student was given a drawing from which they had to produce templates and from these create a finished piece of masonry work from Portland stone throughout the one day event. Candidates were assessed on the accuracy of their planned design and the standard of finish to the worked stone.

Individuals were marked on their own efforts and then scores were combined to identify the overall winning team, which this year went to John and fellow students of York College. In recognition of their winning achievement, the team are presented with the Peter Ellis Trophy.

John is currently working with other William Anelay experts at the Rotunda Museum in Scarborough, putting his masonry skills and abilities to good use. This 12 month long project which includes masonry repairs, a new front entrance, new lift shaft and staircase and lead and roofing works is due to be completed late Autumn 2007.

William Anelay Ltd is pleased to announce that they have won the contract to carry out refurbishment works and additions to the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds residence at Hollin House in Leeds.

The property will benefit from refurbishments to the main house and the currently redundant Coach House with a new link building between the two to provide office and meeting space facilities.

Works have been delayed until August to avoid disturbance to the property’s protected sitting tenants (long-eared bats and pipistrelles).

1st April 2007 - Anelay employee gets through to final eight of National Bowls Competition

Congratulations to William Anelay’s first year joinery apprentice, Gareth Townend aged sixteen. Gareth plays short mat bowls for the North Duffield league and also bowls for the England under 18’s (along with his twin sister Jacinta).

Gareth was entered and won the Open Age Group North Yorkshire Tournement at Easingwold in February this year which lead to him being entered for the National Competition at Kettering in March 2007. Gareth was one of 100 people that had qualified for the competition and after a gruelling series of matches, succeeded in getting through to the final eight before being knocked out by the eventual winner.

26th March 2007 - Phase I restoration work has now commenced at Victoria Baths, Manchester

York based building conservation and restoration specialists William Anelay Ltd has begun work on one of its most high profile and prestigious projects todate. Victoria Baths in Manchester, winner of the 2003 BBC Restoration programme, is undergoing a £3 million external and internal facelift that aims to restore it to its former glory with Anelay named as principal contractor.

Built in 1903 - 1906 by Manchester Corporation, the grade II* listed baths are testament to the pride and attention to detail taken by early 20th century municipal bodies in the creation of public buildings. The baths were in constant use until closure in 1993 and are home to the first ever ’jacuzzi’ in a public baths in England, known as an Aerotone when installed in 1952.

William Anelay MD Vernon Carter explained: "This prestigious building is one of the most high profile conservation projects we have undertaken and will present a number of challenges which fit perfectly with our experience and knowledge of restoration."

22th March 2007 - Work begins next month at Preston Hall Winter Gardens Museum, Stockton on Tees

William Anelay Ltd has secured the contract to carry out the restoration of the Preston Hall Winter Gardens Museum Conservatory. This victorian conservatory, owned by Stockton Borough Council and thought to date back to the 1880’s is due to receive a major overhall. Works will begin mid April over a 27 week programme. The project will involve substantial glass repairs, timber roof and frame restoration and redecoration and the replacement of stone cills. Work is due to be completed by the end of October 2007.

William Anelay Ltd have been contracted by the Parochial Church Council to carry out restoration works at St. Laurence’s Church in York. Anelays carried out earlier Phase I and II works and have now begun Phase III in earnest working again with architects Ferry and Mennim. Over a period of 22 weeks, the Company will carry out essential repairs to the remaining un-restored roof timber structure. There will be some re-lining and re-leading of the Church’s gutters, some minor masonry repairs and re-pointing and some glazing refurbishments. Work is expected to be completed before the end of August 2007.

York-based building conservation and restoration specialists William Anelay has been mixing with Royalty following a recent visit by TRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall to Gorton Monastery. William Anelay Ltd is principal contractor for the £6 million 18 month long restoration of the famous Pugin-designed 19th Century landmark just two miles from Manchester city centre. The Royal Highnesses were on hand to inspect the work being carried out at the monastery as well as viewing a range of master classes in heritage craft skills.

William Anelay’s Managing Director Vernon Carter commented: "Gorton Monastery represents a real landmark project for William Anelay. It is an added bonus to have the Royal visitors interested in the extensive conservation and restoration work we are doing here". "We have a long and proud history of restoring many of the nation’s most famous buildings," added Vernon.

Paul Griffiths, Chairman of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust said: "It is a great honour to be able to show Their Royal Highnesses this wonderful building at such an important stage in the project. The restoration work being carried out by William Anelay and their sub-contractors is on time and close to completion.

"This summer we will see the completion of the major restoration work and we will be looking forward to re-opening Gorton Monastery as one of the region’s premier multi-functional events venues, although we continue to have a further £1 million to raise to restore all the architectural features and altars. This special visit is recognition of the efforts made to save the building by the Trustees and local community over the last ten years," added Paul.

L to R: The Duchess of Cornwall, Vernon Carter, HRH Prince Charles, Mike Riley, Grellan Symes (Buro 4)

The Company’s annual corporate day took place on Friday 10th November for the second year running at Xscape, Castleford.

The day began with the company’s 110 workforce being greeted by bacon sandwiches, pastries, tea and coffee on arrival. The morning session started with the Director’s presentation on their short term and long-term strategy for the business growth; the main aim being to concentrate on improving business performance within a steady managed framework.

The Directors thanked everyone for their contribution towards the company’s success and recognised the importance of the workforce in achieving Company objectives.

The Presentation was followed by a series of workshops including health and safety, material and waste management and training.

Prior to lunch, the Directors announced the Employee of the Year Award. A number of people were recognised for their contribution to the company’s success over the last twelve months and worthy contenders for the Award. These were John Griffiths, Tony Patterson and Mary Gatus. The title of Employee of the Year went to Mick Feather. Mick has been with the company for less than four years but during this time has proved an excellent Site Manager, respected by employees and Clients alike.

After lunch, employees participated in an activity of their choice. Those brave enough faced the Ariel assault course with a strong Estimating contingent opting for Snow Boarding Lessons.

The Company re-assembled to hear a presentation by the current Forum representatives who explained what the Forum aims are and what has been achieved over the last two years.

17th October 2006 - William Anelay employees receive York Guild of Building Team Craftsmanship Award 2006.

Employees of York restoration contractor William Anelay were proud to receive the York Guild of Building Team Craftsmanship Award at a ceremony held at Bedern Hall. The Guild’s panel assess work carried out by York based companies and their employees to identify and celebrate excellence in trade or craft skills associated with the building industry.

Two William Anelay projects were nominated for recognition. Both nominations involved traditional lead work skills with the re-roofing works at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle receiving the Group Craftsmanship Award despite fierce competition from worthy contenders.

Lead workers Andy Wood, Mick Lawler, Carl Staton, Craig Bridgeman and Ray Waterfield were pleased to be nominated for the award and even more delighted to discover that they had won it.

William Anelay’s Operations Director Tony Townend comments, "Our aim is to become the leading restoration contractor in our industry. Receiving awards of this nature, particularly for a craft that forms a growing part of our operations, underlines our values of producing excellent workmanship".

Andy Wood, Mick Lawler and Carl Staton receiving the Team Craftsmanship Award on behalf of the team

William Anelay were proud recipients of a Highly Commended Craftsmanship Award, issued by Ripon Civic Society. The Award ceremony was held in the library of Ripon Cathedral to celebrate the achievements of architects, designers, contractors and craftspeople that have contributed to the City’s built heritage and the local environment.

William Anelay was contracted by The Chapter of Ripon Cathedral to remove and re-lead the cathedral’s main tower and bellcote involving the use of over twenty tonnes of lead. Deserving recognition for their contribution to the project are Will Campbell, Carl Wilkinson and Reece Yates.

The Monastery of Gorton and St. Francis Trust had asked William Anelay to assist in facilitating some Heritage Skills Days at the Monastery as part of the National Construction Week 2006.

Students from various colleges and schools in the Manchester area were invited by CITB-ConstructionSkills to attend the Monastery over a two-day period to learn about and where possible, try some of the traditional restoration crafts that are still used within the construction industry.

Students experiencing joinery skills
overseen by Trevor Copley

Carl Wilkinson showing a student
how to weld lead rivets

A number of meetings took place prior to the event to discuss logistics, skills demonstrations, facilities, resource requirements and Health & Safety issues.

Mike Riley, one of William Anelay two Site Managers at Gorton stated that despite all the activity on site, "it was important that business would continue as usual".

"This has been a fantastic event to increase the awareness of the built heritage sector and the badly needed work opportunities that exist within it. Being allowed to use this local historic building as the backdrop for such an event has provided a unique experience with a real context. Conservation and repairs to historic buildings contribute greatly to sustainability, so it is important that these skills are taken up by more young people".