Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

Contact name: Bill Ratcliffe

70
Total bookings

Rating

(38)

almost 7 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

I am a qualified & accredited cabinet maker and furniture restorer. I have a passion for traditional crafts and teach various aspects of making & restoring. I also write for woodwork magazine 'Quercus' and for 'Woodland Heritage'. I feel that our health & quality of life is enhanced by working practically, making and learning new skills. At a time in society, when consumerism has taken hold, we throw too many things away and do not appreciate materials or nature. We must make better and restore more. We need more relaxing workbench time and less screen time!

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Ely,

Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border

5 days

Next date: 3rd Mar 2025

(3)

£875.00

gold award

Ely,

Dovetail Devotion

2 days

Next date: 1st Feb 2025

£375.00

gold award

Ely,

Furniture Restoration - Project based - Cambs/Suffolk border.

2 days

Next date: 12th Feb 2025

£325.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

1 day

Next date: 19th Jan 2025

(28)

£165.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Woodworking

6½ hours

Next date: 18th Jan 2025

(5)

£165.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Woodworking Weekend

2 days

Next date: 25th Jan 2025

£325.00

gold award

Ely,

The Three Tenons

2 days

Next date: 15th Mar 2025

£350.00

gold award

Ely,

Woodwork Joints Skills

2 days

Next date: 8th Feb 2025

(2)

£325.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

3 Nov 24'

Dave Smith reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"What an excellent course and a lovely way to spend a day! Bill is clearly extremely knowledgeable and gave us a lot of useful information in a really understandable way. There was a good mixture of theory and hands on work. The idea of everyone bringing a different piece worked well as each had its own learnings. At the end I was enthused to carry on and have a go at home. Definitely recommend Bill and this course."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you for coming and for the positive feedback Dave. Really pleased that you enjoyed the day. "

30 Oct 24'

Warren Barber reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking

"Absolutely brilliant, Bill is a great teacher who makes learning fun & informative. Definitely going back to do more woodwork."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Warren, much appreciated and I look forward to welcoming you back. "

18 Jul 24'

Grainne reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking

"Ideal course for anyone who wants to learn basic wood work. Bill is so patient and a true Furniture restorer and Carpenter. My day was calm, relaxed with plenty of tea and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. Thank you Bill for a lovely day. "

24 Jan 24'

Kevin Simmons reviewed: Woodwork Joints Skills

"Brilliant course learned lots and Bill has a great way of teaching you new skills"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you for coming Kevin and for the positive feedback. Look forward to catching up with you in the future. Bill"