Country Images Magazine Derby Edition December 2016 | Page 9

He said: "After leaving school, I was inspired by my grandfather and father
to continue in the antiques and furniture trade. As well as running a
furniture removal business they both dealt in antiques. I wanted to train in
the restoration of antique furniture, so in 1984 I enrolled at the Midlands
school of French Polishing. In 1986 Heldreich French Polishers was started
from a barn at my parents' home in Longford."

Trust enterprise programme. The Trust works with 13-30 year olds who have
struggled at school, have been in care, are long term unemployed, have been
in trouble with the law or simply need help to launch their own business.
Neil, who met Prince Charles through the Trust, is delighted the good work
is continuing to help people just like him.
Throughout his working life he has gained immense job satisfaction
restoring antiques to their former glory, and he has shared his knowledge
by giving talks and taking part in the occasional TV programme. He was
commissioned to restore a mahogany bookcase for the BBC's Trust Me, I'm
a Dealer. He says: " The conservation and restoration of antique furniture
requires the attention of craftsmen who both understand and respect the
history of the piece. The success of this