| Buildings
RIDBA conference date
Defend your stock
Major industry conference on the future design of farm buildings.
Effective weather protection with Secure Windbreaks.
arm building design is changing, with new materials, techniques and regulation paving the way for improved animal welfare and structural integrity. In the first event of its kind, the Wessex branch of the Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association (RIDBA) is holding a national conference on Friday, 19th April to examine the issues and opportunities surrounding farm building design over the next 10-15 years. Attracting high profile international speakers, the conference will consider the impact of animal welfare and performance on building design; increasing landscape protection; emerging planning and agricultural policy changes and other topical issues. “As the farming industry develops, buildings are getting larger and having to deliver more than ever before,” says Peter Chance, Wessex secretary of RIDBA. “There is increasing pressure to protect the countryside, and planning permission is becoming more and more difficult to obtain. Design
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and siting of farm buildings is vitally important – but we must always remember that farming made the countryside as we all know and enjoy it and must be allowed to adapt to change.” The event, which will be held in the stunning Georgian Guildhall in Bath, will be followed by the national RIDBA AGM and the inaugural Farm and Agricultural Building Awards. “Farm buildings are capable of delivering more than just a roof over the heads of animals, crops or machinery,” says Mr Chance. “With the right design and build, they can be both functional and attractive. It is only right that we celebrate those that excel in achieving their objectives: Complementing the local landscape, being fit for purpose and designed with sustainability in mind.” Writer and broadcaster Kate Humble will be the guest speaker at the dinner and will present the FAB awards. A full programme of the event is available on www.ridba.org.uk. To reserve a place book online or contact Tony Hutchinson, national RIDBA secretary, on 01449 676049.
44 | Farming Monthly | February 2013
ecure Windbreaks have been designed in response to farmers wanting a tough long lasting alternative to traditional timber boarding for weatherproofing stock sheds. They can also be used to reduce draughts from above exposed doors and feed runs whilst still providing ventilation. Manufactured from the same long lasting UV resistant material used in our tried and tested Secure Covers silage covers, Secure Windbreaks have the same inherent toughness and resilience. However if accidentally damaged the material will not fray, overcoming the shredding problems seen in some woven windbreaks. Secure Windbreaks are very efficient in allowing fresh air and light into buildings whilst providing weather protection and can be quickly used to economically convert store sheds into comfortable, airy livestock shelters. Secure Windbreaks are held in place by a hook and ratchet system which makes it simple and quick to install. The tensioning
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straps are not fixed directly to the windbreak fabric but instead run through sleeves. This ensures that the windbreak fabric is not under tension thus increasing longevity. Our confidence in the quality of Secure Windbreaks means that we offer a full 10 year UV guarantee. Secure Windbreaks are available in a standard range of sizes from 4.75m (15 feet) to 13.7m (45 feet). Due to the nonfray fabric structure the standard sizes are fully adjustable to any width of bay. The windbreaks come in 4 heights 1.5m, 2m, 2.5m and 3m. In addition we can also make non-standard sizes. For more information about Secure Windbreaks please contact:Thomas & Fontaine Ltd Tel: 0800 7832804 or visit our website : www.securecovers.com
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