Description
Our one-day introduction to blacksmithing classes on a Saturday are designed for a maximum of six students at any one time. This guarantees each participant a high degree of individual tuition in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Blacksmithing is for everyone! If you have a basic level of fitness, are aged 14 years or more, and prepared to give heart and soul for a short time to our fascinating craft, we guarantee an enjoyable and rewarding day. Participants will use traditional forging techniques to create a piece of work to take home, typically a toasting fork or similar decorative and functional item. In addition to this, you will have a fascinating insight into the history of forge work and blacksmithing. You will need to bring: enthusiasm, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn.
What's included in the price?
We provide all the tools and materials which you will need for the course. In addition, hot drinks and bottled water will be available throughout the day. Please bring your own lunch, as this is not provided. Parking and toilet facilities are available on site. Please wear stout footwear, long sleeved top and preferably cotton trousers (avoid man-made fibres). All other safety equipment such as ear and eye protection and aprons will be provided.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Ian Parmenter has been a smith since 1986 when he was trained during service at the Royal School of Military Engineering. As a result of his distinguished work, Ian has been made a Fellow of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, which today provides a globally-recognised standard for smiths, and allows him to use the title Master Blacksmith. In 2017, Ian was awarded the Freedom of the City of London and became a Liveryman following sponsorship from the late Hugh Adams, Past Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths. Fulfilling commissions throughout the UK and following a six-year spell in Australia, Ian’s business has gone from strength to strength. Ian’s goals have remained the same throughout this time: to provide innovative design matched by a lifetime’s understanding and feel for the materials, and to provide excellence in teaching the craft to the next generation of smiths. Having set up the highly-regarded Ferrocity School of Blacksmithing in Australia, Ian is now repeating this success in the UK, driven by a passion for the craft, attention to detail and a focus on quality, creativity and service.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Parking provided
- Easter
- Stag dos
- Christmas
- Hen dos
- Father's Day
- Corporate days out & team building
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- School holiday workshops & activities
- Romantic
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
FAQs
Blacksmithing is a physical activity and does require a basic level of fitness. The atmosphere in the forge can be hot and smoky, particularly when the fires are first lit, so if you have any medical issues including breathing difficulties then please contact us for advice before booking.
Only children aged 13 or over can attend. This restriction is imposed on us by our insurer.
Please bring with you any lunch you require, and note the following:
Tools and materials will be provided, however you must bring with you and wear at all times whilst in the forge the following items of personal protective equipment:
Cotton shirt (long or short sleeves)
Long trousers, ideally jeans or similar
Safety boots - ideally steel toe-cap, but stout walking boots will suffice
Safety glasses, an apron and all essential tools will be available to borrow as part of the course. Long hair must be tied back or covered. Jewellery can get extremely hot when you are close to the fire, so please cover or tie back items such as necklaces. Intake of fluids at regular intervals is most important. We have drinking water and facilities to make hot drinks in the forge, but remember to bring your own food.
For the beginners’ course you won’t need any prior knowledge.
Our insurance does not cover non-participants. However, guests can attend if they remain within the viewing area at all times when the forge is in use.
The New Inn at Heckfield is about half a mile from our forge and has excellent accommodation.