Fransham Forge reviews

15 Aug 14'

Graham Hannah reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did this course because I have a fascination with craftsmanship and the history of metal work. It was absolutely fantastic and I very much hope to go back. Nigel was brilliant and wonderful to work with. A real pleasure."

19 Jul 14'

Diz Swift reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our children bought a two day course for my husband's 70 birthday - and I was allowed to go along too! Nigel was so welcoming and regaled us with tales his life; it was all so informative. Nigel is a very good teacher; he is relaxed, encouraging and forgiving of beginners' mistakes. We made items in mild steel, pure iron, bronze and stainless steel - with a lot of guidance. It was a great two days and we learned a lot. Nigel is a true artist and a gentleman."

6 Jul 14'

Jane and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked this course for a birthday gift for my husband and we weren't disappointed. Nigel was a perfect tutor; informative and patient. He was keen to pass on his knowledge and inspired us by talking us through his own sculptural creations. We had a wonderful day learning new processes and techniques and I'd thoroughly recommend this to any one/couple who enjoy learning practical skills. Thank you Nigel, the sculpture of the Bullrushes looks amazing and nobody can quite believe Steve made it!"

2 Jun 14'

David reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought for me as a birthday gift and was an excellent day. Nigel was very informative and had the balance of instruction perfectly balanced with the amount of practical,he was always at hand to give instruction when needed. From the start to the end an excellent time was had. Thank you"

27 May 14'

Luke Flatman reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I stayed at Fransham Forge for my stag weekend. We had an amazing time! I would strongly recommend going here and trying this out. Nigel and Lee were both very friendly and accommodating. We started out with a basic project that Nigel showed us how to complete. After this, we could work at our own pace and make anything we thought of. Any mistakes made were quickly ironed out by the professionals! I'm definitely thinking of going back in the future."

10 May 14'

Ian Crofts reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought this day for my Dads 60th Birthday. Nigel provided an enjoyable, relaxed and informative day which my Dad thoroughly loved. An over night stop in the Shepherds Hut is a must and Nigel's hospitality and friendliness was much appreciated. Would definitely recommend and value for money too. Big thankyou Nigel."

7 May 14'

Dante Eales reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An amazing day. Nigel is inspirational and the level of tuition is first class. The day was tailored to my own learning curve, and friendly tuition helped me quickly gain confidence in a new skill which I look forward to developing further. It was a very productive day having made several lovely items, which have been greatly admired by everyone. The forge is set in beautiful countryside surroundings, and there is also a chance to see some of Nigels own work set out in the surrounding woodland. I cannot rate this course highly enough - an absolute must for anyone with an interest in this trade. An experience day would also make an ideal present."

6 May 14'

Mike Goodrick reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a fantastic day I had, with lots to do, advise and help all the way, nice friendly guys with great skills to help you with your project, would definitely do this one again. Fantastic day thanks guys."

3 May 14'

Jodie Delray- Jay Delray reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Was awesome meeting two very lovely people, Nigel and Lee, they looked after us so much and were so friendly and sweet. Fascinating to watch the amazing talent and such a treat to have a go, Jay, (12) didn't want to leave for home he enjoyed the day so much and is looking forward to staying next time in the Shepard hut surrounded by the beautiful wood full of treasures. :-) Fantastic place to go for all. Thanks guys, and see you again soon. Jodie, Jay and Tina. xx"

20 Apr 14'

Sue Falch reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son, Will (14), had the most wonderful experience working with Nigel over the last 2 days. He has learnt so much and is very pleased with what he has made (I will send photos). Will is already making designs for things he would like to start at school and this experience has inspired him and absolutely captured his imagination! Thank you very much indeed Nigel for your patience... I don't think William will ever forget his time with you (he also loved staying in the beautiful shepherds hut)."

16 Apr 14'

paul reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Me and the lads had areally enjoyable weekend, your sheppard huts are great Nigel. We`ve told our mates all about your brill machinery, such a lot to take in, your patience with us was much appreciated. My fiance loved the flower you helped me make for her, she`s insisting I have to come back and make some more, in fact she loved them so much she wants some as centre pieces at our wedding next year. I think i need your help with that if she wants them done in time. Ha, Ha, please send me any future events going on, I will be back in a few months for some more instructions from the master. Thanks Nigel . You were great."

16 Apr 14'

debbie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a brill weekend, Nigel your a great teacher, so patient, i got some smashing pics of the beautiful things we made, my friends are all quite envious and they have all been given your phone. I would highly recommend anyone, male or female, who would like to work with a PROPER ARTIST and learn something completely differant, for fun or as a gift to someone you love. Go on you`ll have a brilliant time and next time I want to stop in the sheppard hut, they are really beautiful. Your skills are great Nigel, thanks to you and your staff. See you all soon. Thankyou again. Debs."

16 Apr 14'

Carolann reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My friends and I had such a fantastic weekend with Nigel assisting us all the way to help create some wonderful things, what a fantastic blacksmith you are. We would highly recomend the great hospitality we were given, the 6 of us had a memorable Birthday weekend doing something completely differant. WOW..........Nigel you are a great artist and an even GREATER teacher. We are all coming back for round 2 in a couple of months time. THANKYOU........."

1 Jan 14'

Richard Lowery reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended one of Nigel's courses and was given a large amount of time actually forging coming away with useful ironwork and a thirst to do more. The accommodation is good with basic facilities to cook and a number of close hostelry's. I understand that new accommodation in showman vans are being constructed to support the new courses to help people assemble Shepherd Huts--cant wait!!"

31 Dec 13'

John Rutland reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a 1 day course in Blacksmithing with Nigel at Fransham Forge in September 2013. I would rate the training as first class; the tuition was adapted to my interest and level of skill with most of the instruction being hands on. I came away with some nice pieces which have been much admired by my friends and family! Nigel has a wealth of experience in all aspects of metal-working and the forge itself is equipped with amazing tools and equipment.I definitely look forward to going back for more tuition."