Chalk Pit Forge reviews

Mr Brian Taylor reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A really fantastic, enjoyable day at the forge making a candlestick holder. This was my first go at blacksmithing, but Alex is a great tutor, guiding me through the process and techniques step by step. The day went really fast, but we got the job done! Very pleased with the end result. Thoroughly recommend having a go at one of the courses that Alex offers!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Brian, Thanks for the great review. Glad you're happy with the candlestick holders and what you made. All the best Alex"

Marc Draper reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I spent an excellent day under Alex's tuition. I was not a complete beginner when I walked into his forge and came away from it with much more knowledge and confidence to try more at home. The tongs I made will be very useful for future projects. I would not hesitate to recommend the course at the Chalkpit forge"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Marc, thanks for the great review. Glad to hear you learnt lots and are happy with what you made. All the best Alex"

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

"A great day in a fantastic authentic environment. Alex was a patient and friendly teacher who could step in to fix things if they went awry but otherwise led through the processes step by step by example and gave me a real sense of achievement and an insight into how much skill blacksmithing must take. I really had fun and the day flew by, the poker I made and Alex's toasting fork with ram's heads are in pride of place each side of my fire!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John, thanks for the great review. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and are happy with what you made. Alex"

Jessica Parkes reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely wonderful 2 days with Alex at Chalk Pit Forge. Used loads of tools, learnt more than I thought possible and laughed a lot. Came home with a knife and remarkably level table base. Such a great, 1 off experience to learn a traditional skill in a fun and relaxed environment. Couldn't recommend more. Thanks Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're very welcome Jessica. And thank you for your company, I had a laugh to! Glad you've made something you're proud of. Good job. And thanks for the review, much appreciated. Alex"

Kenneth Dummer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brilliant day with Alex at a great old traditional forge located in the grounds of a lovely museum. Very quickly put at ease by Alex upon arrival and made to feel at home. I decided to make a Rams Head toasting fork and Alex very professionally set about showing me the processes. The day just zoomed by and I absolutely enjoyed every minute, including lunch with Alex in lovely surroundings. I am now the proud owner of a toasting fork (made by me) and poker (made by Alex) to match. I would thoroughly recommend this for pure self indulgence or as a great present for someone else! Cheers."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Ken, Thanks for the great review, it's much appreciated. Really glad to hear you enjoyed it. Alex"

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

"What a fantastic day in the forge where I heated, bent and bashed metal rods to create a tree-like bird feeder! Alex is a patient and encouraging teacher whose blacksmith and artistic skills helped me create something I am proud of."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Justine, thanks very much for the great review. Glad you're proud of what you achieved. Well done! Alex"

Sarah Tullett reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brilliant 1 day course with dedicated 1-1 tuition. Alex was an excellent and positive mentor and enabled me to realise my paper weight idea within the time. A very traditional forge located in a beautiful rural museum. Absolutely loved it and would thoroughly recommend."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thanks so much for the great review, it means a lot and am glad you enjoyed the blacksmith experience. All the best Alex"

Stephen Penfold reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The day spent with Alex was great and well worth the long wait due to covid etc! My goal was to make a set of house numbers and Alex patiently guided me through each new step but was happy to let me get on with repetitive tasks once mastered! The project took all day, which flew by and I went home a happy camper with my new numbers. Alex is a great teacher with his forge in a fab location, would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in traditional crafts."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Stephen. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thought it was worth the wait. All the best with the volunteering. Alex"

Rob S reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic day and learnt a lot of new skills, a highly recommended experience. Alex is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and is keen to share his skills and knowledge. I was really impressed with his portfolio. I made an obelisk for the garden that ended up being around 1.5m high with swirls at the top of each leg. The circles use to create the shape we’re also hand made and hot riveted into place. Alex took me through each step showing me how to do it and then expertly guiding me as I replicated his work (or at least tried to ?) As we finished ahead of time Alex suggested filling it by making some additional small ‘shepherds crooks’ which can be used for bird feeders or hanging garden lights, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Many thanks Alex and I’m looking forward to returning for another great day, maybe even two"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Rob, glad you went home happy. I hope the obelisk and t-light holders are looking good in your garden. Look forward to seeing you next time around. Alex"

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

"A long delayed present - covid has so much to answer for.... Alex was very welcoming and helped me transpose my basic sketch into an achievable project for the day, incorporating a wide variety of elements of the blacksmith's trade., and then exposed me to them one by one with simple demonstrations and patient encouragement whilst I attempted to follow them. The final product was prominently displayed at home after the course, which reflects the value placed on the results ... a fantastic day"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thank you for the great review, Mike. I'm glad you're happy with what you've made. All the best Alex"

Carl G reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course used my idea of something to make as a basis for learning. Alex is a patient tutor, who helps you fulfil your ideas. It’s obvious he has a wealth of practical blacksmithing knowledge which helps your little creation come alive. Its fully hands on which is great."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Carl. Glad you're happy with the experience and what you made. Alex"

Lesley Mitchell reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My mum bought the course for my 16 year old son. He has a totally fantastic day! He would love to do more. Alex was a great teacher and my son produced an amazing item. He gifted it to his grandparents who were amazed at what he had achieved. He loved understanding the process and working with the tools in the creation of his piece."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Lesley. Glad you're happy with what he achieved. Alex"

Danial Farahabadi reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day, one to one blacksmith course with Alex which was a present from my fiancée. This was my first ever time blacksmithing and I made myself a dragons head door knocker which will be going on the front door of my house. I would like to say thank you so much to Alex for all his help and direction. He is an amazing teacher and an extremely talented blacksmith! I had such an amazing time, and blacksmithing is definitely something I would love to do again!"

Danial Farahabad reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day, one to one blacksmith course with Alex which was a present from my fiancée. This was my first ever time blacksmithing and I made myself a dragons head door knocker which will be going on the front door of my house. I would like to say thank you so much to Alex for all his help and direction. He is an amazing teacher and an extremely talented blacksmith! I had such an amazing time, and blacksmithing is definitely something I would love to do again!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Danial, thanks for the great review, it's much appreciated. Glad to hear you'd do it again. Many thanks Alex"

Lee Horwood reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought me this 1 day experience as a Christmas present last year. I wanted a specific Saturday in Oct so my wife could come along and watch, which was accommodated. I came up with my own design for a wild camping pot hanger which we managed to produce and it was better than my original expectations. Alex is a very knowledgeable blacksmith with a lot of patience. The location is just perfect in Amberley working museum with adults and children popping their heads over the door to see what you are up to. I would highly recommend this experience and will probably book another in the future. :-) Thank again Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Lee, Glad to hear you enjoyed your self and are happy with what you made. Perhaps see you again on your next project. Alex"

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

"My wife surprised me with this course and it’s probably the best present I’ve ever had. Alex is a great teacher, very skilled and takes time to explain not only how to blacksmith but also theory behind metal working. On the one day course I made a fantastic garden lily sculpture which I will treasure in my garden. Fantastic experience and something really unique to take home. I hope to do another day soon!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Karl, Thanks for the great review. Hope your Lily birdfeeder looks good in the garden. Alex"

Philip Jarman reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I took a two day one-to-one course with Alex as a complete beginner and loved every moment. He's patient, funny, skilled and great at communicating his (extensive) blacksmithing skills to others. The work is physical and hot, but so enjoyable and it's great to be able to take home an armload of useful things you've made. Can't recommend it highly enough: as a present for someone or a a treat for yourself."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Philip, Thanks for the great review, much appreciated. Really glad you enjoyed it! Alex"

John & Sue Robinson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We completed a 3 day course with Alex and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the end of the course we came away with a completed lily sculpture and a hand rail for the garden and of course many new skills. Alex was very welcoming, encouraging and accommodating, we had to change the course days at fairly short notice. He was very patient, easy to get on with and he provided us with good instructions and explanations and, although absolute beginners at blacksmithing, neither of us felt that we were ever going to fail with our projects. The days were long and it was hard physical work but it was rewarding at the end of each day to see our progress. Both of us are in our mid 60s and I am hoping to continue doing some similar work at home."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John and Sue, Thanks very much for your great review. Glad you enjoyed your time in the forge. Alex"

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

"A splendid course, and a brilliant day out. Alex is a very patient tutor who will show you what to do, then let you get on with it. It's surprising how quickly you can pick things up too. I made a 7ft tall bird feeder which just about fitted into my car. There's no waiting about and you should expect a very busy day. I would recommend this course to anyone, you learn a lot in a very short time and its great fun too."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Simon, It was great to meet you and really glad you enjoyed the experience and came away with something you're proud of. Alex"

George Dummer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My girlfriend bought me a one to one a day at the forge as a birthday present. I was a complete beginner to this specific work and hadn't done anything so practical in a few years. Alex was very welcoming and an excellent teacher providing step by step demonstrations of techniques and how to recover from any potential mistakes. This was something I had wanted to do for years and this one to one training did not disappoint - Not only did I learn a lot but came away with a (most useful) Rams Head bottle opener. I would more than recommend this to anyone!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks very much for the great review George, really glad you enjoyed your self and are happy with what you made and learnt. Alex"

Derek Warner reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I found this a most excellent day in every way. First class teacher, great surroundings and a very useful product at the end."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks taking the time to review Derek, it's very much appreciated and good to know you enjoyed it. Alex"

Rob Hill reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Hi, I spent 2 says with Alex last week and thoroughly enjoyed my time and would recommend it to any one. Alex is a brilliant tutor who took time to explain all techniques and offered help when needed. The course was an excellent insight into the complex world of Blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Rob, glad you enjoyed it. It's good to hear your feedback. Alex"

Jason McAlister reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Hi All, had a day with Alex on Friday and it’s one of the best things that I have done.I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day making a rams head poker which gave me the chance to experience many techniques. Alex is a top guy and excellent tutor. Cheers Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed the experience and many thanks for the great review. Thanks again for coming for a days one to one at the forge."

Roger Mills reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex as a birthday present from my wife. This was right up my street. It was hands on right from the start. Alex showing me what to do and me trying my best to replicate it. Alex is very patient and clearly demonstrates what has to be done. He monitors how you are doing and helps when necessary. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies dipping their toe into the world of being a Blacksmith."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Roger, really great to hear that you enjoyed the experience and found it worthwhile. Many thanks, Alex"

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

"I really enjoyed my experience with Alex making a two-leafed birdbath over the course of two days. He gave me confidence in thoroughly instructing me in how to use the furnace to best effect then allowed me to undertake the various methods on my own carefully overseeing my work and offering helpful advice. I never felt hurried or out of my depth and was proud to produce something for my garden which I will treasure - and will be of use to the wildlife in my garden! Thanks Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sally, thanks for the great review. Really glad you are happy with what you made, I hope it sits happily in your garden for years to come. Alex"