CJR Heritage Services

ABOUT US

Colin Richards

MBE, BA Hons, Dip Arch Cons

Joint Proprietor

Colin is a joint founder of The Institute of Historic Building Conservation and has worked extensively within the heritage building industry as a professional consultant, site manager, conservation officer and traditional skills trainer.

He is experienced in working with tact and sensitivity at the highest level leading national and international projects for government departments and non governmental organisations. In Eastern Europe he has worked for conservation trusts under the patronage of HRH Prince of Wales, advising senior government officials on the formulation of policy to safeguard their cultural heritage and delivering training to local building professionals.

In 2007 Colin was awarded an MBE by HRH Prince of Wales as recognition for his services to building conservation.

He is a competent demonstrator/teacher in a range of traditional building crafts and has many years experience delivering accredited university lecture and workshop based courses to both students and experienced building professionals.

In recent years Colins expertise has been sought by television companies to provide commentary and practical demonstrations of skills required to conserve the built and natural landscapes. He is currently a technical consultant and presenter of intermediate technology in the BBC Farm series which covers the 1500-1940's period.

Joe Richards

Advanced Carpentry Dip, HND Construction, MA Conservation of the Historic Environment

Joint Proprietor

Joe is an experienced Master Carpenter with a wide knowledge of the construction industry. He has worked on multi-million pound restoration projects and small cottage extensions.

Joe has made new structural timber frames and repaired/reinforced historic framing. He is competent in all aspects of carpentry including kitchen fitting second fix, skirting and architrave.

Many properties Joe has worked on over the years have been listed and as such he understands the need for precision work and care. He specialises in the restoration of sash windows and has a wide array of skills allowing him to complete other building tasks to a high standard outside his own trade.

Joe has extensive experience of working on World Heritage sites in Eastern Europe undertaking and demonstrating traditional skills on behalf of the British Council and UK based Conservation Trusts.

Dan is a highly competent machine operator, experienced using excavators and access platforms of all types.

He has qualifications in landscape and horticultural chemical applications. Most recently he has been awarded a Certificate in Carpentry Skills from Herefordshire College.

He is extremely pragmatic and has added all round competence to the company.

Dan Richards

Cert Carpentry Skills

CJR HISTORY

Since launching in 2014 CJR Heritage Services have been involved in the restoration of iconic historic buildings along the Welsh border and the dramatic Lyulph Castle overlooking Ullswater in the Lake District.

Other projects have included a comprehensive refurbishment of the Old Mayors Parlour in Church Street, Hereford. This included re-roofing, complete renewal of the timber frame infill panels (to the latest Historic England eco specification) and notably restoration of the 17th century decorative plaster ceiling which was suffering delamination and fracture.

Conversion of a dovecote to residential use near Ross-on-Wye. Chimney and stonework repairs to the dramatic Broadgate in Ludlow. The major refurbishment of residential properties in Leintwardine and Puddleston have provided fascinating work allowing historic buildings to tell their story yet remain relevant for contemporary living.

The team have done much work aloft in Quarry Place, Shrewsbury. Repairing decorative chimneys and the very fine wrought iron cupolas of number 4 and 5 Quarry Place. This embraced metal work repair, extensive lead work, renewal of the plinth area and reglazing.

Smaller projects include: repairs to historic timber framing, sash window repair/renewal, construction of a straw bale birdhide for the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, restoration of a Victorian conservatory and repointing/rebuilding sections of Ludlow's ancient town walls.

We have worked for the National Trust in the picturesque Fishpool Valley, this involved restoration of a ruinous Ice House and Lime Kiln along with repair/consolidation of a Grotto and Gothic Pump House.

The restoration of a squatters cottage at Burley near Craven Arms received a Shropshire Conservation award, as did consultancy services to the restoration of the former Angel hotel in Ludlow.

Our film and TV work has continued providing period sets and participating in historical documentaries around the world. Recent work has included the production of 15th century style bricks for the BBC and conducting training workshops on the Great Wall of China for the Discovery History channel. We also gave technical analysis of the construction of Petra in Jordan, Machu Picchu in Peru and Mont-St-Michel in France for Pernel Media.

An unusual commission was building: a wattle and daub car, a brick car and a clay car on old Land Rover chassis for the Clarkson, May and Hammond Grand Tour programme.

Throughout this period in parallel to the restoration programme, the consultancy has been very busy producing: Heritage Impact Assessments, securing planning permission/listed building consent for clients and providing design/conservation advice on projects ranging from simple building repair, to major redevelopment of large historic properties.

The company comprises Colin, Joe and Dan Richards working alongside a wide network of specialist associates as project requirements dictate.