Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd reviews

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. "

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. "

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"

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"

JJ Alonzo reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"This class was a great experience. From the lessons learned to the conversations, it was a great way to spend a weekend. Bill is a great teacher and is helpful to everyone, no matter what your level of experience may be."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you JJ for coming and for then taking the time to write a review. Much appreciated as I know how busy you are. You know where I am if you need any more info. Thanks Bill"

Sophia and Jake reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"We had the most wonderful weekend learning from Bill on the introductory woodworking course. Never having chiseled wood before, we made a joint and a phone stand by the end of the two days. Bill is very knowledgeable not only about his craft, but also about the history of woodworking, and we enjoyed chatting with him and hearing his stories about the National Trust properties and other collections where he has worked. I can only recommend this course!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you both for attending and for the taking the time to complete a review, I know you are both very busy. The positive comments are much appreciated, thank you. You know where I am if you need any help. "

Naomi Collier reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"A really excellent two days. Bill is a very good teacher - all his explanations are clear and he's very patient. I learnt a lot."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you attending Naomi and for taking the time to complete a review. I am glad you enjoyed the weekend. Good luck with your projects. "

Pauline Townsend reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"I had a very enjoyable day on this introductory course last week. Bill is an excellent teacher and explained everything clearly and patiently. The course was very informative, particularly as I was a complete beginner. I took a chair and a small table and have a plan to take both forward now. I definitely feel enthusiastic about continuing the work started on the day. Would highly recommend this course. "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Hi Pauline, Thank you so much for attending and for taking the time to write a review. The positive feedback is lovely to hear, thank you. Good luck with those projects and you know how to contact me if you have any questions. Regards Bill"

Andy reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"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"

Rebecca reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"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"

James reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"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"

Sam reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"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"

Michal reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"Bill is a great teacher. Clearly explains the “why” behind the techniques used in the course, he’s an excellent communicator. The course was great fun and I’ve learned a lot. I will be back for more!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Hi Michal, Thank you so much for attending and also for writing this review. I look forward to welcoming you back to workshops. Bill"

Penelope Walker reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"A very thorough introduction to woodwork. Bill was both knowledgeable on the craft as well as being a great teacher. The schedule was thorough with the right amount of detail. I'll be back! Thank you!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Penelope for attending and also for taking the time to write a review, much appreciated. I look forward to welcoming you back. "

Remi reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"A really well paced day where Bill walks you through the basics and some extra little nuggets of information around woodworking. Excellent work shop for beginners looking to get into a new hobby or just round out their understanding of hand tools and woodworking. Very relaxed atmosphere too and Bill is happy to answer any queries on the day."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Remi for attending and thank you again for taking the time to write a review, it is so appreciated. Keep woodworking and you know where I am if you have any questions or need any help. Thank you Bill"

Kathryn Winstanley reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Angela reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"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 "

Tim reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Vicky Gaillard reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking Weekend - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Dave Smith reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Warren Barber reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Grainne reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"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. "

Kevin Simmons reviewed: Woodwork Joints Skills - Cambridgeshire

"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"

Ben reviewed: Woodwork Joints Skills - Cambridgeshire

"Great course and delivery! Bill balances letting you get on with it and coming over when needed really well. Great playlist as well! "

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Ben for attending and the feedback, much appreciated. You did a great job cutting your first joints 👊🏻 I am glad the music went down well too. Keep in touch. "

Vikki Browning reviewed: Introduction to Woodworking - Cambridgeshire

"What a great day. Bill is so patient and knowledgeable, and explains it so well! He coped admirably with 2 intermediates and 2 beginners at the same time. We all managed to learn new skills. However, his tea-making is appalling, so take your own flask. Highly highly highly recommend his courses."

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Vikki, Roy, Roger and Caleb. I am glad you enjoyed the day. I will have to introduce a new rule, nobody can ask me questions and distract me when the tea bag is in and brewing 🤣 Have a great Christmas and I hope Santa brings you a lovely shiny flask. Bill"