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Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

Contact name: Bill Ratcliffe
91
Total bookings
Rating
(49)
over 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

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Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border
5 days
Next date: 16th Jun 2025
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Furniture Restoration - Project based - Cambs/Suffolk border.
2 days
Next date: 7th Jun 2025
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Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation
1 day
Next date: 25th May 2025
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Introduction to Woodworking
6½ hours
Next date: 24th May 2025
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Introduction to Woodworking Weekend
2 days
Next date: 10th May 2025
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Woodwork Joints Skills
2 days
Next date: 17th May 2025

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews
2 Apr 25'

Andy reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking

"A really good day learning basic carpentry knowledge and skills. Recommended "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you for attending Andy and for taking the time to complete a review. Good luck on your woodworking journey. Bill"

1 Apr 25'

Rebecca reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking

"Really enjoyed the day, with Bill showing and encouraging us through some of the basics. Left confident to practice more at home "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Hi Rebecca, Thank you for attending and then for taking the time to write a review. I really appreciate the kind feedback. Good luck on your woodworking journey. Bill"

31 Mar 25'

James reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I couldn’t recommend the introductory day with Bill more. A great teacher covering many essential basics for furniture restoration. A fantastic workshop in beautiful surroundings. I left at the end of the day enthused to take this subject further. Ignore the rest and go with the best. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you for attending James and for taking the time to write a review. Really appreciate the kind comments. Good luck on the restoration journey and you know where I am 👊🏻 Bill"

6 Mar 25'

Sam reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend

"Really fantastic intro to woodworking course, learnt loads and Bill had such depth of knowledge. Really looking forward to doing more courses in the future!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Hi Sam, Thank you so much for coming and also for taking the time to complete a review, much appreciated. I look forward to seeing you at the workshop again in the future. Bill"