Green Apple Conservation Award

Local sash window renovation experts, Ventrolla, have received a coveted Green Apple conservation award for their work to upgrade the windows of the Catherine Wheel, a former coaching house in the centre of Henley on Thames.

Ventrolla South East, who carried out the work at the Catherine Wheel in 2002, were presented with the award by the Environment Office in a ceremony at the House of Commons in November.

The Catherine Wheel is a well-known landmark in Henley, with parts dating back to the 17th and 18th century. The former coaching inn is a listed building, and was renovated for the owners JD Wetherspoons, who were keen to ensure that all work was carried out in accordance with its original authentic style.

Ventrolla South East renovated the windows on the first and second floor of the building, in an intricate operation requiring replacement of several cills and sashes to match the existing windows. They then introduced their unique draught proofing and window upgrading system, which is approved for use in listed buildings and conservation areas, to improve the comfort of the upstairs rooms.

Jim Neale, from Ventrolla South East commented: “It is a real honour to have received the Green Apple Award for our work at The Catherine Wheel. All our window upgrading work aims to respect the traditional appearance of the property involved, and this is an excellent endorsement that we can improve window performance, without compromising our heritage.”