The first issue of a new journal, the International Journal of Architectural Heritage: Conservation, Analysis and Restoration, has been issued.

The book "Enclosure Masonry Wall Systems Worldwide", prepared under the framework of the CIB, has recently been published by Taylor and Francis.

You can register for the Spring meeting via the "Events" page of this website

Cost £90.00 BMS Members £100.00 non-members

Applications for the Advanced Masters in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions, approved and financially sponsored by the European Commission within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus programme, have just opened.

The Government for England and Wales is currently consulting on a document "Building a Greener Future - Consultation Document".
This publication is a consultation document seeking views on the Government's proposals to reduce the carbon footprint of new housing development. It sets out the Government's views on the importance of moving towards zero carbon in new housing. It explores the relationship between the planning system, the Code for Sustainable Homes and the Building Regulations in delivering its ambitions for zero carbon; and it proposes a timetable for revising the Building Regulations in order to reach zero carbon development in all new housing in England & Wales.
The consultation period is from 13 December 2006 to 8 March 2007. The document will affect future house design and thus masonry construction. It can be down loaded from
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1505157

The Institution of Structural Engineers is hosting three new masonry related courses in London this autumn. They are all CPD events. Full details can be found on www.istructe.org.uk/courses and bookings can be made by telephone on 0800 781 2021.

* 'Design & Construction of basements for houses'. 1-day course on 19th September 2006. Tutors; Professor John Roberts and Alan Tovey.
* 'Eurocode 6; masonry design'. 1-day course on 19th October 2006. Tutor; Professor John Roberts
* 'Modern Design of low-rise domestic buildings'. 1-day course on 5th December 2006. Tutors; Professor John Roberts and Alan Tovey.

Users of the new Part L of the Building Regualtions have been waiting for the 'Accredited Construction Details' to be published by the Government. These have just appeared on the following link:-

www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/

Mr Cliff Fudge BSc CEng FIStructE AMICE FIMS was re-elected President of the British Masonry Society for 2007/8 at the Annual General Meeting in June 2007. He will serve in that capacity for another year.