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Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd

Contact name: Bill Ratcliffe
124
Total bookings
Rating
(57)
almost 8 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Welcome to 'Learn-Make-Restore'. I am an experienced cabinet maker, furniture maker and furniture restorer. I am qualified from various City & Guilds through to a Masters Degree in the Conservation of Historic Objects . I have a passion for traditional crafts and teach various aspects of making & restoring. I have also written for a number of woodwork magazines, for example, 'Quercus', 'Woodland Heritage Journal' and 'Furniture & Cabinetmaking'. You will also find my regular workshop posts on Instagram. I am a Brand Ambassador for a few woodwork related companies and this provides great opportunities for course attendees to try new tools and materials. I teach from my workshops near Ely, Cambridgeshire and will also be opening a new site in North Wales in late 2025. I believe strongly that our health & quality of life is enhanced by working practically, being creative, making and learning new skills. We can all be highly creative and practical when we get the opportunity. At a time in society, when consumerism has taken hold, we throw too many things away and do not always appreciate materials or nature. Both my workshops are chosen for their location, surrounded by nature and inspiration. We must make better and restore more. We need more relaxing workbench time and less screen time.

Courses, kits & gifts

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Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire
1 day
Next date: 21st Dec 2025
4 places left
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Introduction to Furniture Restoration in Wales
7½ hours
Next date: 8th Feb 2026
5 places left
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Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire
6½ hours
Next date: 20th Dec 2025
4 places left
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Introduction to Woodworking - Wales
7½ hours
Next date: 7th Feb 2026
4 places left
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Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire
2 days
Next date: 18th Apr 2026
4 places left
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Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - North Wales
2 days
Next date: 14th Mar 2026
6 places left
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Make a Traditional Dovetailed Tool Chest - Wales
5 days
Next date: 6th Apr 2026
6 places left
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Make a Traditional Tool Chest - Cambridgeshire
5 days
Next date: 23rd Mar 2026
3 places left
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Make a Welsh Stick Chair - Cambridgeshire
5 days
Next date: 16th Feb 2026
3 places left
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Make a Welsh Stick Chair in Wales
5 days
Next date: 2nd Mar 2026
6 places left
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Woodwork Joints Skills - Cambridgeshire
2 days
Next date: 14th Feb 2026
4 places left
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Woodwork Joints Skills - Wales
2 days
Next date: 21st Mar 2026
5 places left

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews
23 Nov 25'

Pavel reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"I did not know what to expect from a one-day course to learn about how to make a join. For the past year I have been watching videos and reading one or two books and to be honest I thought I knew the basics. I was proven wrong. I learnt how to approach a project, how to choose the correct tools, how ‘see’ wood – which is a lot more than a material. The atmosphere was positive and people were friendly. I have not checked any of Bill’s videos or books up to the moment of this review. All I can tell you is based on the course experience. He is one of the best teachers I have ever met. There is no failure, just ways to improve. He would explain the craft in a way that anyone would understand, no need of previous knowledge. The way I see it, you get a lot more than what you pay. I made a join and the end result was amazing and really surprising. I learnt that the whole process to achieve a final product is beautiful. To be honest, I think the ‘philosophy’ you learn in that workshop can be applied anywhere. I would recommend this course 100%. Thank you very much"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Pavel for attending and then for taking the time to give such kind feedback. This is so nice to hear because I am passionate about teaching craft. Thank you and good luck with your projects. "

14 Oct 25'

Jerry reviewed: Furniture Restoration - Project based - Cambridgeshire

"Really enjoyable and useful two days. I learnt such a lot about restoration beyond my previous basic knowledge of woodwork and upholstery. Bill is hugely expert and knowledgeable and an engaging and patient teacher. I thoroughly recommend this course. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Jerry for attending and then also taking to time to complete this kind review. I am glad you enjoyed the day. Good luck with your future projects. "

1 Oct 25'

Robin Wylie reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"What an excellent day. I really learned so much and Bill is an excellent teacher. Left me with the enthusiasm to go away and practice my new skills. Thanks so much!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Robin for attending and then taking the time to review so positively. Good luck with your woodworking journey and you know where I am. Bill"

30 Sep 25'

Alison reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"Thank you Bill, for a fabulous day. It opened up a whole new world to me and I left inspired, and more confident, to develop the new skills I learnt from you. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Hi Alison, Thank you for taking the time to attend and then to also complete a review, much appreciated. Lovely to welcome you to the workshop and you can email me if you need any further info. Good luck with your projects. Regards Bill"