Chalk Pit Forge reviews

1 May 17'

Will collins reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course was absolutely amazing, in the space of one day Alex managed to teach me loads of blacksmithing skills. 100% recommend this course"

25 Apr 17'

Barry Miller reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"As a Welder Fabricator for over 30 years it came as a pleasant surprise to be shown by Alex a new set of skills to add to my arsenal. Absolutely loved it. Well done Alex for teaching an old dog some new tricks."

13 Apr 17'

Bob Antonini reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I recently did a two day course with Alex. Even before the course started Alex was very helpful with organising my dates, sending out course material and even giving instructions on how to find the forge. Alex was very friendly from the moment I poked my head through the forge door and introduced myself. We spent some time deciding what I could achieve in two days and jumped straight in with a ram's head poker. Alex showed me each stage and then it was down to me. He got the level of supervision just right, as I was allowed to get on with it without feeling I was being watched but always knowing that Alex was there to ask questions or jump in to make sure I was heading in the right direction. Lunch was provided by Alex at the Museum cafe and that was a good chance to have a nice chat and find out more about him. On the second day I made a six foot lily with two leaves. Alex was very helpful with the design but always allowing me to make the final decision before we moved on to the next stage. He was on hand to weld the bits together but left me to do the grinding and sanding, although if you're not confident with the power tools thenI'm sure he'd do that for you too. Alex is clearly a very talented blacksmith but he is equally adept at passing on his skills in a friendly, inclusive and patient manner. I had a total blast for those two days and fully expect to go back at some point and carry on learning. If you're even the slightest bit interested in working with metal, from novice upwards, then I would highly recommend contacting Alex for a great and instructive experience. Thanks Alex, I will be back!"

14 Mar 17'

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

"I really enjoyed my day blacksmithing with Alex! It was a fun day and I learnt a lot. Alex helped me make a large poppy sculpture on a one day course and I took away some ideas to use in my job as a goldsmith as well. Amberley is such a lovely place to spend the day and I would highly recommend the course to anyone!"

24 Feb 17'

Anthony Howard reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was bought this course as a Birthday present by my wife and what a present it was! I had a really great time at the forge learnt a hell of a lot and it was taught very well indeed. Couldn't recommend it highly enough."

7 Jan 17'

Nigel Wickham reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Fantastic two days spent making a hanging basket holder in the shape of a dragon. I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone"

14 Nov 16'

James woodford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had the best day with Alex. It was hard work but worth every second and Alex made it pretty easy to understand the basics as well as feel comfortable the whole day. Would do again"

20 Oct 16'

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

"I had a fantastic two days at the forge. Alex is really helpful and passionate about his craft, and helpful and pleasant company. On the last day I was running very late completing my piece, but he was perfectly happy to wait until I had finished quietly offering advice until I had finished. I cannot recommend him enough."

18 Oct 16'

Rod Bruce reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"An absolutely first class course. Alex has an excellent knowledge of the skills and provides brilliant explanation as to the processes and the theory. I fully intend to go back and do a bit more as the experiences and the skills acquired are priceless. The best birthday present I have ever had and I urge anyone considering the- day course to have a go at it."

15 Aug 16'

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

"To celebrate our 8th year wedding anniversary I booked my husband and I a 1 day course at Chalk Pit forge which is set in a beautiful historic work shop museum full of interesting buildings.Alex was really welcoming and made us feel very relaxed and ready to learn the basic skills of black smithing. He shared a lot of his designs and pictures of previous work to inspire us on what we wanted to achieve. We decide on a dragon shaped door knocker and Alex showed us the various techniques and made a demonstration on how to heat and work the metal into shape. We were delighted with the results and we managed to learn a lot throughout the day. Alex is an amazing teacher, he explained every step very clearly and easily to understand. The day was so enjoyable and the fact that we managed to make something special to remember our wedding anniversary was great. We really recommend this course and Alex as a teacher. Awsome unforgettable day."

15 Aug 16'

Laura c reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"For my 21st birthday I wanted a gift that was a bit more interesting and sentimental rather than a materialistic handbag or similar, so I asked my parents for a blacksmith lesson. It is located in chalk put forge which is a great place to go in itself. Straight away before I had even met Alex, he was so friendly and helpful- even helping me with directions before I got there! Given I didn't know anything about black smiths or how it works, Alex explained everything really well and was very patient with all the questions I had! I was also a bit indecisive about what I wanted to make so Alex showed me lots of things that I could make and what techniques I would be learning by choosing different items to make. I made some lillies and I am so proud of them. When anyone has seen them in my garden I have received so many compliments. I am very weak in my arms but Alex helped me when my arms got a bit achy. I would really recommend having a black smith lesson with Alex; he is so friendly and easy to get on with and he is a very talented man who makes everything he does look so easy! Whether you are male or female, old or young, it is a great thing to try out or give to someone as a gift. Not only is it a great experience but they will also have something that they can keep for life afterwards!"

27 Jun 16'

Alan Mayell reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was a Christmas Present and i can only repeat what everyone else has said,had a great day and learnt so much ,Alex made this course so interesting an relaxed that the effort of swinging the hammer was a pleasure. thank you Alex"

27 Jun 16'

Elaine hughes reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended the day with my partner and son. Alex could not have been more helpful or friendly. I was making a kinetic sculpture for my final project at college for which I obtained a distinction and Alex's help was invaluable. The setting for the course is beautiful ,we had a taste-vin lunch included in the cost overall we all had a brilliant day . My 20 year old son enjoyed it so much that he intends to go back and do a longer course. I would recommend this course to any one who wanted to try something different ."

22 May 16'

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

"I really enjoyed it, a great day. Alex's skill at guiding me through the process was really appreciated, it is something that a lot of teachers can not get right but you do it to perfection. Very enjoyable highly recommended."

18 May 16'

Alex Steer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day making a ram's head poker - fantastic introduction to an age-old skill and a chance to try a number of different techniques. Alex was a great tutor and very patient - the process is broken down into a series of manageable stages, and whilst there is a lot to take in, I never once felt overwhelmed - he managed to pitch it to just the right level. Would definitely recommend!"

16 May 16'

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

"The 5 star ratings in other reviews is well deserved. This is an excellent introduction to the art of the blacksmith in a lovely setting. Alex is friendly and relaxed but there is little opportunity rest. I could have done with bigger biceps! :) If you are interested in metal working, this course is thoroughly recommended."

12 May 16'

Paul Stacey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was my second visit to see and work with Alex after a really enjoyable first experience, the second visit did not disappoint. I made another matching garden obelisk to match my first visit. Alex is friendly, patient, supportive and allows you to push yourself so you can get what you want out of the day. Also had the bonus of lunch being included. It's a great experience in a great place and its really enjoyable skill and material to work with."

9 May 16'

Keith Knight reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was my second visit to the forge, as I had such a great day out the first time. I had a candle stick project in mind which Alex said was achievable in the one day. We did a lot of forging but the best bit was fire welding which I had always seen done but did not know how the process worked. I was a bit nervous but Alex is a good and patient teacher, and he was happy to answer all my questions, I had a really good and interesting day. I would highly recommend his one day course."

8 May 16'

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

"My wife bought me the course as a Xmas present. Had a really good interesting day with Alex, where I made a snail letter rack. Alex is a first class teacher and happy to answer all the questions I had - highly recommended."

3 May 16'

Robin Seccombe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"It would appear that everyone gives Alex a Five Star review and I have to agree with them all. I had a great day making (like many others) a Rams Head Poker and yet feel I had created something unique. Alex makes the whole experience interesting and fun taking you through each process but leaving you to do all the work on your piece, whilst keeping a watchful eye, so if you do go wrong he'll point it out before any disaster occurs. This was a Christmas present that I was never going to guess, I hadn't done any Metalwork since I was at school in 1972, yet thanks to Alex I walked out with my poker and everyone (thus far) has been mightily impressed – and it works a treat in our wood burner. Thanks for a brilliant day Alex."

28 Apr 16'

Nikki Avery reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day at the forge, Alex was a great teacher, patient & informative, I really learnt a lot and came away with a wonderful ornament for my garden. I hope to go again, a fabulous day."

27 Apr 16'

simon corrie reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"One day course was great fun, a good mix of tuition and being left to have a go (in a safe controlled way). I made a Rams Head poker which is used with pride and joy even when the fire doesn't need it :). I would recommend this course to anyone who has ever wondered what it would be like. Alex is very skilled and good company."

19 Apr 16'

Joshua Williams reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I am 15 and got this course as a present from my parents. Alex was a fantastic teacher who excelled in guiding me through the process with much support and wisdom. It was a very fun experience and I learnt a lot about a craft that I was interested in. It was also a very rewarding feeling to have the end result, a rams head toasting fork."

19 Apr 16'

Joshua Williams reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

16 Apr 16'

Mike Eyre reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My 1-day course was a 65th birthday present from my wife, bought after we'd enjoyed a day out to this incredible museum, a hidden gem! As well as being a master craftsman, Alex is a natural tutor brimming with enthusiasm for his craft and infinitely patient in explaining the basic techniques. He has a real gift for sensing how far to leave you to practice what he's shown but always willing to step in and guide, help or takeover as he senses you need. I made a pair of log tongues with pteradactyl handles and two garden lampholders which will have pride of place round my yet-to-be-built fire pit. I came away with an even greater respect for this centuries old craft."