Bill's Workshop reviews

22 Apr 24'

Alice Graddon reviewed: Woodland Blacksmithing and Bushcraft Course

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a unique experience day that combined blacksmithing and bushcraft, nestled in a scenic woodland setting. Under the shelter of a rustic forge, our instructor Billy introduced us to the basics of blacksmithing. Despite the initial challenge, Billy’s expert guidance and fun approach made the complex techniques accessible and enjoyable. We crafted our own steel tools, which felt incredibly rewarding. The day continued with bushcraft fire making with Alex, who expertly demonstrated various traditional and innovative techniques, from flint and steel, solar, friction and chemical methods, and the different fire types. The highlight was undoubtedly using flint and the steel we had made earlier at the forge to spark fires, over which we boiled kettles for a well-deserved tea! This experience was not just about learning new skills but also about connecting with traditional crafts in a hands-on, immersive environment and I would highly recommend it. We will be returning for another course in the future! "

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hey Alice, I’m so glad all of you had such a great time and we’re really able to grasp the skills we went through so well and had so many laughs while we did! That is a lovely review, again I’m so chuffed you enjoyed your woodland Blacksmithing course and I can’t wait to see you again on another one ! All the best -Billy "

10 Mar 24'

Sarah and David reviewed: Garden Sculpture Course

"An absolutely awesome day! Billy is a fantastic teacher - patient, encouraging and very knowledgeable - and the day whizzed by. We blacksmithed in the morning making the separate elements of our plant support, poppy and trio of mushrooms and welded in the afternoon. We are so proud of what we made, and can't wait to come back! Thank you, Billy!"

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hi Sarah, it was an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you and David, you both really excelled at the activity's and would be great to have you back in the forge in future! Take care, -Billy"

6 Nov 23'

Carolyn reviewed: Garden Sculpture Course

"I had the most amazing day with Bill on Saturday. Great outdoors, away from traffic and phones. I made a Poppy and some mushroom sculptures for the garden. Bill was very patient and helpful. Definitely look out for more courses to go on."

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hey Carolyn! I'm glad you had an enjoyable day in the forge and workshop, it was a pleasure instructing you. Do stay in touch and I will keep you updated with new courses that I put together! Many thanks Billy "

16 Oct 23'

Lili Giacobino reviewed: Garden Sculpture Course

"I had such a lovely time during this one day blacksmith/ garden sculpture workshop. Billy is very friendly and knowledgeable. The settings are absolutely gorgeous as you are in the middle of the woodland and it is very peaceful. The workshop was fun, accessible and I have learned plenty of things. Really proud of what I have sculpted and was able to bring home after this class. Definitely recommend."

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Thank you Lili! Was an utter pleasure to teach you blacksmithing, I'm really glad to hear you're proud of your giant mushrooms and poppy! Hope to see you on another course again one day! All the best -Billy "

4 Oct 23'

Anthony Mcl reviewed: Garden Sculpture Course

"I recently had the pleasure of taking my other half to this blacksmith course, and I can confidently say that it was a truly outstanding experience for us both. I had the privilege of learning from Billy, whose expertise and friendly demeanour made this course an absolute delight. There was not an exact course available for us, but a simple message to Billy about what we wanted to do and get out of the day and he was more than happy to accommodate what we wanted with a custom day. Billy's guidance and encouragement throughout the course were exceptional. His passion for blacksmithing was evident in every step of the process, and he went above and beyond to ensure that me and my partner felt not only welcome but also inspired. His patience and willingness to answer questions and provide hands-on guidance were invaluable. Billy made sure that we both felt comfortable and capable, it felt like we had been doing this for years and just enjoying a laugh with friends while forging our first ever items, a fire pit stoker, a fire pit rake and a ‘blacksmiths knife’. The location of the course was equally impressive. Nestled in a forest, the woodland forge really lived up to its name and provided the perfect backdrop for our blacksmithing adventure. The peaceful ambiance and picturesque surroundings added an extra layer of charm to the entire experience. It was a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city where I live and work, and it allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the art of blacksmithing. I wholeheartedly recommend this, or any other course Billy has up when you read this. Thanks to the exceptional instruction and warmth of Billy and the combination of his expertise and the idyllic location made for a five-star experience that I won’t ever forget. Whether you're a novice or an experienced blacksmith, this course is an absolute must-try. "

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Thank you for your review Anthony ! I hope to see you again on another course soon, good luck with any blacksmithing endeavours until then! -Billy "