Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

Contact name: Bill Ratcliffe

87
Total bookings

Rating

(42)

about 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,

Furniture Restoration - Project based - Cambs/Suffolk border.

2 days

Next date: 19th Apr 2025

£325.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

1 day

Next date: 30th Mar 2025

(29)

£165.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Woodworking

6½ hours

Next date: 29th Mar 2025

(6)

£165.00

gold award

Ely,

Introduction to Woodworking Weekend

2 days

Next date: 1st Mar 2025

(2)

£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: 17th May 2025

(2)

£325.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

17 Feb 25'

Kathryn Winstanley reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"A very informative day. I learnt so much that I could never have got from a textbook. Bill was an excellent teacher. Came away with lots of top tips. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Kathryn, firstly for attending but also for taking the time to do a review. That is much appreciated. I am so glad you enjoyed the day. Thank you. "

17 Feb 25'

Angela reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking

"Bill was absolutely brilliant. He was very patient and thorough throughout the day, even waiting an hour for some of us to finish our work and helped us double check our measurements. He is a wealth of knowledge; you can really tell he has a passion for what he does and enjoys sharing that passion with others."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for coming Angela. I am so glad you enjoyed the day and really appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Thank you. Top sawing by the way. 👊🏻 Bill "

10 Feb 25'

Tim reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend

"Had an excellent weekend introduction to woodworking with hand tools. Bill is a great instructor, knowledgeable and experienced in not only woodworking but in instruction. Was patient helping my easily distracted teen through the weekend while still ensuring each of us received equal tutelage. Can't recommend him or his courses more highly and will certainly be looking for the next step in our journey for my son and I to attend."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Tim for attending and for taking the time to do a review, much appreciated. I am glad that you both enjoyed it and it was great to see your son engage with his work and also be creative. I look forward to welcoming you both back to my workshops. Thank you again. "

9 Feb 25'

Vicky Gaillard reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend

"I had a brilliant two days. I love the phone stand I made but worth more than any of that is the legacy of insights Bill shared … why when I do simple DIY projects they feel harder than they need to be … well it’s because no one had ever told me some really basic things (and I’d never thought of them). Bill filled in lots of gaps in my knowledge in a fun and friendly way. His workshop is a joy to behold so carefully and beautifully put together the two days gave me far more than just skills and a product but also inspiration. Thank you Bill. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much to you both for taking the time to attend and also to then do a review, much appreciated. I am glad you enjoyed your time at my workshop and look forward to hopefully welcoming you back soon. Thank you. "