Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day
Description
Blacksmithing is a trade that used to be found in every village and has been at the heart of countryside life for hundreds of years. The day starts with an introduction to the workshop, workshop safety and the tools. During the day you will be learning basic skills from a full-time professional blacksmith. Skills covered include taking a heat, drawing out, scrolling, and twisting. To learn these processes you will make a S-hook, a key-fob, a bottle opener, and a decorative toasting fork. These items can be tailored to suit individual physical abilities whilst still teaching the same skills. All items can be taken home after the workshop. This day is suitable for everyone. Blacksmithing is about technique and making sure the steel is heated to the right temperature before working it, not about using heavy hammers and hitting the metal very hard! The course is limited to just 4 participants, so that each person has their own anvil to work on throughout the day. Teenagers from 16+ are welcome to take part in this course, but must be supervised by an adult. Please note: hard soled boots, preferably safety boots, are recommended due to the possibility of hot coals falling out of the fire. Your tutor for the day is John Wills, who has been running a professional forge for nine years & has been teaching blacksmith skills since 2017. He specialises in making historical reproductions in iron, steel, copper and brass for museums and re-enactors. As a member of the Heritage Craft Association, John is actively involved in promoting and preserving metalwork skills and traditions that would otherwise be lost. The course will take place in our training barn at Stanwick Lakes, a beautiful 750-acre nature reserve and visitor attraction in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
What's included in the price?
Tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Basic tea/coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge during the course. Car parking is also free of charge on the day of your course. Food and drinks can be purchased in the café in the Visitor Centre, or you can bring your own packed lunch.
Duration
1 day
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
At Stanwick Lakes, we offer a range of Arts & Crafts and Heritage Courses, from watercolour painting classes to blacksmithing and wood-carving workshops. Alongside offering craft courses, Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
Suitable for
- Adults
- Seniors
- Teenagers
- Father's Day
- Stag dos
- Mother's Day
- Hen dos
- Romantic
- Suitable for beginners
- Corporate days out & team building
- Christmas
- Parking provided
- Easter
- Engagement, birthdays & anniversaries
FAQs
Stanwick Lakes is a unique 750 acre nature reserve and countryside attraction located in the heart of Northamptonshire’s Nene Valley.
We have extensive play areas, open spaces and paths that families, walkers, cyclists and nature lovers can explore at leisure. We also have specially considered areas dedicated to nature and its wildlife, as well as the history of the site.
Parking is free for workshop attendees - please give your registration plate details to our reception staff in the Visitor Centre on the day.
Alternatively, you can become a member for just £42.00 per year, giving you free access to all our facilities for a whole year, while supporting Rockingham Forest Trust.
