Chalk Pit Forge reviews

12 Nov 24'

Chris Young reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a fantastic day @ChalkPitForge with Alex really enjoyed myself and definitely recommended you try a day's experience @ChalkPitForge , made a great candlestick which is now pride of place next to my fireplace "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"That's great to hear you enjoyed your day in the forge and have a nice candlestick holder to show for it. I hope it lights many lovely evenings. Thanks for your review. All the best Alex The Smith "

22 Oct 24'

David Conniford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a great day spent at the Chalk Pit Forge Amberley with Alex the Blacksmith. My one to one introductory blacksmithing course exceeded expectations. An authentic traditional Forge in beautiful surroundings was the perfect setting to learn some smithying skills. We discussed what I would like to make namely a bird bath and Alex expertly and patiently guided me through the whole process from start to finish which included the use of the forge , tools and techniques required to complete my project. I was made to feel completely at home and totally at ease under the masters watchful eye. My day flew by punctuated only by a stop for a brew and the great inclusive lunch. I completed on time and the bird bath now graces our garden and there it will stay along with the memories of a truly wonderful day. Thank you."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi David, thank you for such a nice review. It means a lot to know I'm delivering a good experience for people. I'm glad you're happy with the bird bath... And the memories 😃 Alex "

18 Oct 24'

Melissa Manderson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Having wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing for over a decade, I was delighted to receive a one-to-one course with Alex for my birthday earlier this year. After much thought (and prior consultation with Alex) I made my penannular brooch on Wednesday, something new for both of us. On the day Alex expertly guided me through the intricate steps of brooch making, it was a welcome challenge and I’m delighted with the results. So, if you fancy a day of creativity and good banter in a timeless setting, don’t hesitate to get in touch, Alex is very popular so make sure you book early!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Melissa, Thanks for your great review. I really appreciate it. I'm very happy you're delighted with the results of your hard work and finally got to try the craft after ten years. There's always creativity and banter at Chalk Pit Forge. Thanks again Alex "

1 Sep 24'

John Aiken reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A great day and experience, learning with the highly skilled and approachable Alex. I have to mention he’s incredibly patient ! I highly recommend this experience."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for your positive comments and review, John. I really appreciate your feedback. Many thanks for having a bash at Chalk Pit Forge! Alex"

19 Aug 24'

Chris Scriven reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fabulous day delivered by an inspirational teacher; its proper thumpnology and that's a very good 'ology to have!!! I would heartily recommend to anyone..... "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Ha ha! Thanks Chris. I'm glad you enjoyed your lesson in 'thumpology' Thanks again for your great review Alex "

14 Aug 24'

Adam reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was gifted a one day course with Alex as something different, and different it is! Alex is a great teacher and I'm impressed at all that's involved and how much I was able to have a go at in one day. Everyone at home is beyond impressed at what I made! Thanks Alex!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're welcome Adam. I'm glad everyone was suitably impressed. You did a great job! Thanks for coming to have a bash and thanks for the great review. All the best Alex "

14 Aug 24'

Dave Smith reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was lucky enough to be given a one day course as a present and spent a really interesting and enjoyable time with Alex. Blacksmithing is something that has always fascinated me as my background is in engineering and I was certainly not disappointed with the experience. I managed to make a 2 lily bird feeders with expert guidance from Alex and I would recommend this course to anyone. I look forward to repeating the experience at some point in the future. Thank you Alex."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're welcome Dave. I'm glad you enjoyed the experience and are happy with what you made. Thanks for coming to have a bash and thanks for the great review. All the best Alex "

8 May 24'

Orla reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was lucky enough to be gifted the two day blacksmithing experience with Alex and what an experience it was! He educated me on a lot of the history behind such a unique trade, the various tools within the forge and where his love and learning of this skill stemmed from. I loved getting to create my very own pieces, with Alex's calm and confident guidance. I made a Lily sculpture for my garden and a dragon bottle open for my friend. Getting to work in such an old forge at Amberley Working Museum - which has seen many a creation made, added to the magical experience I had. I'm very proud of what I was able to make with Alex's knowledgable tuition and will definitely be turning my hand to the heat again someday in the future. Ps.... The snacks were very welcomed too! 👍"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Orla, Thanks so much for the great review and going to the time to say how you enjoyed the experience. It's really nice to hear! I'm happy you made yourself proud with the Lilies you made. You did a great job! Alex "

9 Apr 24'

Nick Healey-Browne reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I can't recommend this enough! A truly amazing day spent at the Chalk Pit Forge. Alex was extremely knowledgeable and creative in the ways he helped me to achieve the item that I was making."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Nick, Thanks for your great review. I am glad we managed to make it happen 🤣 It was a 'giraffe' Thanks for coming to have a bash Alex "

5 Apr 24'

David Pickles reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a wonderful and inspiring way to spend a day with a true artisan. Thanks so much it was an amazing experience - can’t wait to come back next year!!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review, David. I'm really glad you enjoyed your experience in the forge and would come back for another bash! All the best Alex"

21 Oct 23'

Thomas Canning reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Fantastic day at the forge. Alex was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and happy to accommodate little flourishes to add to the day. Arms still sore from all the 'bashing' but see it as a sign of a good day at the forge! Would highly recommend! "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tom, thanks for your great review. I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed it and you'd recommend it. All the best Alex"

12 Oct 23'

Mark reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"An excellent day, Alex made me feel very welcome. The one-to-one worked really well, the pace was just right and I was very pleased with my Birdbath !!! I would recommend this to anyone who would like to bash some metal !!!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Mark, Thanks very much for going to the trouble leaving your review. I am really glad you enjoyed it and that you are happy with what you made. All the best Alex "

10 Oct 23'

Gary Tester reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a fantastic day spent at the forge being taught some blacksmithing techniques and skills. You end the day with an appreciation and understanding of how skilled this ancient trade really is and the time it would take to learn and make some of the wonderful pieces that Alex has crafted over the years. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone that wants to try this old craft."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Gary, Thanks for taking the time to write your review. And thank you for giving me 5 stars, I really appreciate it. I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed your day, getting an insight into the blacksmiths craft. All the best Alex "

13 Aug 23'

Kevin Rawson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely fantastic. I throughly enjoyed every minute. Alex is an excellent tutor, patient and encouraging during every step. Was over 55 years since I was in a forge at school and I was 14 again, reliving every moment and came away with a passable Rams Head poker which stands pride of place next to my indoor log burner. Grateful thanks for the memories Alex. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're very welcome, Kevin. Thank you so much for coming, it was a real pleasure meeting you and sharing the skills that you enjoyed all those years ago! Alex"

15 Jun 23'

Isabell reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a brilliant day at the forge. Alex is so knowledgeable and great to get on with, too. The boot remover I made is really handy and beautiful, as well as a conversation starter. I had no aches and pains the following day either, which surprised me as I am not used to this sort of work at all and am quite a weak lady. Can highly recommend this experience. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Isabell, I'm glad you had a brilliant day and didn't wake up with any aches and pains... That's a bonus. Glad you're happy with what you made and would recommend a hot day in the forge! Thanks Alex "

14 Jun 23'

Adrian Jones reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did the one day course with Alex last week and made a dragon headed firepit poker, Alex is so knowledgeable and his step by step process while explaining the fundamentals of blacksmithing was very informative and enjoyable. Absolutely perfect day loved it. Would highly recommend doing this course to everyone - five stars all day long !"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Adrian, It was nice to read your great review. Thanks. I'm glad you'd recommend it. I'm sure poking the fire with your dragons head poker will be fun too. All the best. Alex"

12 Jun 23'

Andrew reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended the course a few days ago and it was a brilliant experience, it is well worth the money as an all day course. Alex is very knowledgeable and patient, I went from turning a straight piece of steel into a rams head style poker with twists. Would definitely recommend it to others."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Andrew, Thanks for the great review. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and have a proud piece to show for your hard work. Well done! All the best Alex"

22 May 23'

Simon Walker reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day. Alex is a natural teacher. The day was wonderfully paced with Alex showing you what to do step by step. I had never done this before and came away with a fabulous ram's head poker, which encapsulates several different disciplines with fire welding being undoubtedly the most fun. I will definitely return and have already recommended it to friends. Thanks again Alex for a magnificent day. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Simon, Thanks for the great review. It's really appreciated. It's great that you enjoyed the day and the fire welding!!! All the best Alex"

17 May 23'

Richard Armit reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a great time on the course and achieved the result I wanted as well as learning to appreciate the blacksmith’s art. Alex has great teaching style as well as the ability to create. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Richard, thanks for the great review. I'm glad you're happy with what you made. It's a very unique item. You certainly couldn't buy that in the shops. All the best Alex "

9 May 23'

Connel reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Great one day course with Alex, made a crown, a bottle opener and a birdfeeder holder with time to spare! Alex clearly has a passion for smithing and passing on his knowledge, it shows in the way he explains the details. 10/10"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Connel, Thank you so much for your review. I am chuffed you gave the day 10/10 and that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you get lots of use out of the bottle opener. Alex"

1 May 23'

Graham Prosser reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex and made a welly storage rack. I throughly enjoyed the day, it was great to make something useful. Alex is an excellent teacher."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Graham, thanks for the great review. It's nice to hear you enjoyed the experience as I love sharing the craft. All the best Alex "

25 Apr 23'

Zoe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The course was a gift for my husband and he loved it! Alex is a fantastic tutor. My husband arrived early and we, having purchased tickets to the museum, followed on an hour later. It was a lovely day for all of us. The trivet he made sits proudly on the table, but more importantly the memories of the day will last just as long! Alex is very knowledgeable and ensured that the day went smoothly. I don't think I can recommend this course highly enough, a proper treat."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Zoe, thank you so much for the great review. It's really appreciated. I'm glad your husband enjoyed it and it's great he's got a trivet he can use and remember the day. Thanks again Alex "

25 Apr 23'

Jeremy Dolan reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I would recommend this one on one session to anyone interested in blacksmithing. Fascinating craft! Alex's teaching allowed me to make the valuable mistakes necessary to learn from, without adversely impacting the outcome of what I wanted to build. I now have the confidence to have a bash at home and further the skills I learned. This was a gift and a great experience. I genuinely felt childhood levels of excitement and feel very satisfied when thinking about the day."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks very much, Jeremy. That's really nice to hear. I'm glad you would happily do it again and found it satisfying. Get that forge lit! Alex "

17 Apr 23'

Richard Fothergill reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Yep another 5 stars. If you fancy doing this (it’s a lot of fun and very creative), you are looking in the right place. Even made me a cuppa or two! Fab poker made for the winter, with an ornate Rams head that was the result of my efforts!!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Richard, thanks for the great review. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience. It's such a great craft and I love sharing it with people. So, thanks for coming. Alex "

9 Apr 23'

Martin Marlow reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I spent a very enjoyable and informative day with Alex who was a very patient teacher, demonstrating various blacksmith skills and allowing me to make a bespoke boot scraper/wellie puller. A great way to get an insight into the ancient craft of blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Martin, That's great you enjoyed your day learning about the Blacksmith craft while making your boot scraper. Thanks for coming and thanks for leaving a great review. All the best Alex "