Fransham Forge reviews

7 Feb 19'

James Bell reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Well another great day with Nigel first time Mig and stick arc welding again learnt loads this guys has tones of knowledge and of tricks of the trade. The stories he told us were hilarious. Thanks mate see you soon cheers James ??"

7 Feb 19'

James Bell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks Nigel for a great day learnt loads and made some fantastic and special items. Hope to see you again soon cheers mate James ?"

21 Jan 19'

Laurence reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a 1 day course in Blacksmithing with Nigel as a Christmas gift only a couple of weeks ago. The day is full on forging right from the start making it great value. Nigel is a good teacher and you can work at your own pace and skill level. The forge is an Aladdins cave of presses and machinery used in the day to day running of the forge. Nigel has plenty of anecdotes to share with you as the day goes on too. It was not too cold on the day I went but the advice in the joining instructions to wear warm socks and footwear is a good tip. Hopefully be back for another session (with my other half she said) soon."

16 Dec 18'

Glenn Gooding reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My wife bought us both vouchers to celebrate our wedding anniversary and 6 months later we found time to attend Nigel's One Day Blacksmithing Course. It was a very cold December Saturday when we rocked up. Nigel is a true character, with a story for every occasion! But, what Nigel is, is a true artisan craftsman, with a wealth of experience in his trade and craft that shines through in his teaching. His explanations and demonstrations on the various items we got to make on the day are precise, yet relaxed and well delivered. Soon we were left to wield hammers and tongs to make our first item - a drop forged leaf key ring. What followed, complimented by an unexhaustible river of tea/coffee, came thick and fast. Pokers, toasting forks, acorn key rings were manufactured in quick succession. Everything made with Nigel's advice, help and good humour. As the day progressed, I asked if I could make a wood working marking knife. No problem and we set about forging it. At the end, the knife was exactly what I wanted and all hand made. We couldn't recommend this course highly enough - good chance we will be back, as there is a garden fire pit to be designed and made! Thanks to Maxine and Nigel for a great day."

2 Dec 18'

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is what I can only describe as a true craftsman - upholding all that is true to his craft and art. He has a breadth of knowledge spanning decades drawn from a lifetimes work of creating and problem solving. He not only knows how to creat wonderful work but also how it should be made - what materials are best suited to a particular application. He's also a tool maker - while I was on one of his extremely popular and I might add very entertaining courses he showed me many custom made jigs, tools and processes he has developed over the years. He takes a real delight in show and explaining how things are done and why different types of steel work in different ways. If your looking for an introduction or something more advanced don’t hesitate to book a day. His workshop is an Aladdin’s cave of light and heavy machines where anything is possible."

22 Nov 18'

Bob reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My oldest son did the one day course and on the back of that gave my other son and I the chance to do the same. Fabulous day, relaxed and educational as well as practical and we came away with all sorts of ‘stuff’ made during the day. Nigel is excellent company and adds something special to the day. Would recommend in an instant and have already done so. Will be back for more and so will my sons as all hooked now and looking for a forge for home ! Would be great in the summer as accomodation can be in one of Nigel’s Shepherds Huts in the woods that surround the forge. All in all a great day and would recommend to anyone. Girls included as you don’t , as Nigel demonstrated, need ‘strength of arm’ to form red hot metal. Rob - North Suffolk."

11 Nov 18'

Roger Sylvester-Bradley reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I'm a crop scientist, so I hate it when people only think food comes from shops. But then I was thinking spoons and forks come from shops ... I hadn't thought that forging was needed, or what forging really meant ... but once I'd twigged it's about melting and bashing bits of metal, I really enjoyed it ... and as everyone else is saying, Nigel was an excellent and enthusiastic introducer ... and now I have my own self-made spoon ... and poker, BBQ spatula, and weird wiggly thing to stick in the garden, etc. Activity / experience gifts seem to be in fashion, and this is one, par excellence, especially if you arrive from outer space, like me."

6 Nov 18'

Nicky reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Attended a 1 day course as a Xmas pressie & if I’m honest I didn’t know what to expect. I needn’t have worried as the day was brilliant. Nigel is a great story teller & unique character who kept us entertained all day. His skills in his craft are second to none & he has the patience of a saint! A great teacher & all round good guy. We started at 8.30 & left at 5.30 having made bbq burger flippers, leaf key rings & two bespoke structures for the garden. Highly recommended!"

16 Oct 18'

Kirsty reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a one day course, after being given the day as a gift. What a fantastic and exhausting experience. Nigel is a patient, friendly teacher and full of stories to keep you entertained and put you at ease. He clearly goes above and beyond to share his craft and his passion is infectious. I would love to return next year and learn more. Thanks to Maxine and Nigel for a great day."

12 Oct 18'

Nigel Flatt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had a fantastic 2 days with Nigel such a nice guy and a master of his craft. He inspired me to set up my own forge so now i can improve on everthing he showed us."

28 Sep 18'

Gav reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An amazing day learning the basics from an artisan craftsman. Nigel is a phenomenon. A true master and gent. He made everyone feel at home at the forge. Showing us the processes to make a piece step by step then allowing us time to follow suit. Always on hand for some guidance and a good yarn. Had a fantastic time and can't wait to return to make our wedding bands."

9 Sep 18'

Chris Almond reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the Forge with Nigel, With his help & advice I amazed myself at what I was able to achieve. What topped the day off was the night spent in the shepherds hut, a fantastic experience and I would recommend this course to anyone considering it"

28 Aug 18'

Sam Andrews reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Thanks for a great day Nigel. Had a great time at Fransham Forge on Saturday and staying in the shepherds hut. Your workshop is amazing. Made some fantastic pieces, never thought i would be able make things that look so good on my first day. Would definitely recommend and maybe come back for a couple more days."

11 Aug 18'

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said. I really enjoyed my one day course. Came home with a nice bbq spatular, a poker and a knife! I will 100% be returning to fransham forge most likely for a 2 day course next time as I've left wanting so much more time in front of the anvil. Nigel is a great teacher and a clear master at what he does. He's clearly led a full life and shared many of his interesting stories. All in all, it was everything I was hoping my first blacksmithing experience would be. Highly recommended."

28 Jul 18'

Adam Burch reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel was an excellant tutor, enthusiastic and showed all the processes in detail before allowing you to have a go and offering assistance when needed. The amount we managed to get done during the day was impressive. Highly reccomended"

11 Jun 18'

Margaret Lock reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"just come back from a 2 day courses with Nigel, found him to be a really good teacher. I enjoyed every bit of it, made some great bulrushes ,and other things. I stopped in one of the shepherds huts, very clean and comfy. I would not hesitate in recommending this courses"

29 May 18'

David Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A magical day of forging with the charming Nigel; with Robin, Julian and me. Knowledge, expertise, amazing stories and kindness - and catch phrases for life! 'The hammer will find you!' 'It's a design change!' 'The blacksmith's vice has no teeth and this one's actually made from an old canon'. Surrounded by scary heavy hammers and monster machines; with welding, twisting, cutting and honing. And a new knife made from hardened steel saved from an ancient wrecked farm machine. There's even a giant whistle in the woods - and Nigel's a surprising whistle player too with hundreds of beguiling tunes! Two peacocks in the tree, the wonderful wood and a cosy Shepherd's Hut. What more could you ask for? What a total inspiration!"

26 May 18'

Julian Foulkes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a great and special day we had with Nigel. Great company, great stories, great whistle performances and of course great forging."

24 May 18'

A.Rowland reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Spent the day with Nigel on the 19th May. Excellent day. Nigel has so many stories and information. He clearly loves his craft. Thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who's never picked up a hammer. Nigel manages to put you at ease with all the tools and machinery small and large! Will definately be back for another day"

27 Apr 18'

Ivor Hudson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Excellent Course, and just what I needed to get me MIG welding. Nigel is a very friendly and helpful instructor and he soon spotted what I was doing wrong and put me right. Lots of opportunity to try different welding machines, and much helpful advice from someone who is a very accomplished and experienced welder. Thank you Nigel"

26 Apr 18'

Elinor and Richard reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I highly recommend this course, It’s a great introduction to blacksmithing and beat all my expectations. Nigel is really friendly and very passionate about his work. We stayed in a shepherd hut which was really cosy and peaceful and was nicely tucked away in the woods. Everything you need is provided for a truely memorable weekend."

7 Apr 18'

Norman Boyd reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If you read all the other reviews you'll see that Nigel is a brilliant raconteur and knows exactly what he is doing in smithing and I agree. He is friendly and approachable and very giving. The layout of the course follows a pattern I would expect - theory, practice, theory, practice and self-learning time based on demonstrations. I loved the fact he assured us we could not make mistakes but can produce individual works! This is so important for an insecure beginner and here is my minor criticism. I would have liked to see him hovering a bit more to ensure learning had taken place. But that might be the educationalist in me talking! BUT as I say I agree with the other reviews here...and who doesn't like a good story! Thanks Nigel for a very interesting day and my three bits of work!"

18 Mar 18'

Jessica benstead reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I spent two days with Nigel and I loved every minute, he is welcoming and is full of brilliant stories and knowledge, this is a profession he clearly loves and loves to share with people. The Shepard Hut was lovely, very cute and sweet, I went to a pub down the road for dinner that was awesome. The sculpture trail is lovely, there's a little river and grass, even a resident cat and peacock. I didn't have anything in mind to make so Nigel gave me options of things to do and developed me from there. He's patient and even when it wasn't quite right he made it work! I spoke to Maxine via email. I rearranged a few times to make it work with my work and she was really helpful. I will certainly be back :)"

5 Mar 18'

Martin Cavicchioni reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was a birthday gift from my fiancee and what a cracker of a day it turned out to be! What can I say about Nigel that hasn't already been said, brilliant, funny, entertaining and of course a true craftsman and artist in every sense of the word. The workshops reflect Nigel's passion, filled with a fabulous collection of mechanical hammers and tools from a bygone era and the gardens with shepherd huts and sculptures. At the end of the day to walk away with several hand crafted pieces, ( which I was very happy with ) is a true reflection of Nigel's ability to convey his passion and wealth of knowledge to all around him. A huge thank you to Nigel for the best day I've had in years and look forward to booking my next course soon."

22 Feb 18'

graham butcher reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Outstanding experience exceeded my expectations. Nigel is a natural teacher - and story teller! Minimal, but sufficient, tell and show - maximum hands on learning, just what I wanted."