Description
Enjoy a Blacksmith beginners experience day, with me, Richard Hazell at my forge in the heart of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site in the rural historic town of Belper. Please note, minimum age 15 for safety reasons and under 18s will need an adult to be present for the entirety of the session. (No extra charge for the non-participating guardian). But please contact me if you're thinking of an experience day for a youngster - we may be able to sort something out. The day runs from 10am - 4pm with a break for lunch. Coffee, tea and biscuits provided, but please bring your own lunch. Please wear sensible workshop clothing (avoid man-made fibres please) and appropriate footwear (e.g. stout boots). We will provide specific health & safety equipment where required. The day can be quite physical and the access route to the forging workshop has both steps and a narrow path so please do get in contact before booking if you are concerned about your ability to take part - Strike while the iron is hot!
What's included in the price?
The day starts at 10am with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety and the tools. We’ll begin the fun with a small project to familiarise yourself with some basic (but very much essential) blacksmithing skills. A nifty little spiral from round bar – this can be used as a keyring or a pendant. Once you’ve got this nailed we’ll move on to the main event. For the main event in the afternoon you can choose from a selection of decorative wall hook sets. Many styles available tailored to your taste and flourishing blacksmithing skills! Everything you make can be taken away. All equipment and materials supplied.
Duration
6 hours
Cancellation policy
Strict - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 8 weeks before the course starts
Maker
I'm a one man operated blacksmith workshop with over 40 year engineering experience. My forge is situated in the rural historic town of Belper in the heart of the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site, Derbyshire.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Hearing impaired
- Limited mobility
- Hen dos
- Overseas Holiday
- Father's Day
- Residential
- Corporate days out & team building
- Mother's Day
- Suitable for beginners
- Easter
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
- Spooky
- Romantic
- Stag dos
- UK Holiday
- Christmas
FAQs
No previous blacksmithing experience necessary. This course is suitable for absolute beginners as well as people who already come with hammer swinging skills.
Yes - Everything that you make on the session is yours to keep - and be proud of.
Start at 10am and finish at 4pm. We usually have a break for a cup of tea and a biscuit around 11.30am and for lunch about 1pm. These are very flexible and I'm quite happy keep as short or as long as you wish.
Also - I am not too strict if we overrun slightly - you may need an extra 5 or 10 minutes to complete your masterpiece.
If it's the one to one you choose, it'll be me and you. If it's for a couple's event, you guessed it... it'll be me and you two only.
Please wear sensible workshop clothing (avoid man-made fibres please) and appropriate footwear (e.g. stout boots). I'll provide specific health & safety equipment where required.
The forge is outside but under cover so please bring appropriate warm/cool clothing. Things will warm up in the forge area through the day so layers will be best.
I'll provide safety glasses, a leather apron, hearing protection and gloves. You'll probably not need hearing protection and gloves but they are there should you feel the need.
I appreciate it's not always easy to turn up at a specific time - especially if you’re new to the are or the traffic is bad. I don’t want you to be hanging around outside if it’s cold and wet, but I do ask that you don’t turn up any more than around 10 minutes before the start time of your session - I may still be setting up and lighting the forge and not be ready for you yet.
There's plenty of on street parking within easy walking distance.
Yes you can, but there are a few restrictions:
Onlookers will not be allowed in the work area or to stay for a long time. They are welcome to stay for a bit for a drink of tea or coffee.
