Chalk Pit Forge reviews

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"

Jane Bransgrove reviewed: One-to-one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic time with Alex at Chalk Pit Forge. As a complete beginner, I was delighted to be able to produce a bird bath (with Alex's help) at the end of the day. It's a real hands-on experience and lots of fun. Alex is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor who patiently guides you through numerous techniques. Book it, get stuck in, get it hot and hit it!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

" Thanks for the great review. You did an excellent job and really got stuck in. Full credit to you. Hope you enjoy your bird bath and keep being creative. Alex"

Bill Field reviewed: One-to-one, One day, blacksmith course

"Turned up for the day course and thought there would be a few of us. But it’s was one to one , Alex not only was a great guy , but his teaching excellent as well . Basically he shows you first and then you do it . The whole day was fantastic and I went home with something I made from start to finish . Well worth the money ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

" Hi Bill, thanks for the great review. I am glad you enjoyed learning the techniques and are happy with what you made. Alex"

Andy Wilson reviewed: One-to-one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had an excellent day with Alex and I certainly recommend his courses. Alex was friendly and helpful throughout the day and he clearly enjoys both blacksmithing and sharing his skills with others. I wasn't entirely sure on what I wanted to produce but Alex offered helpful guidance and was very supportive as the design evolved. I left with all the components for a pretty substantial plant pot holder that both my wife and I are very pleased with."

Martin Hayward reviewed: One-to-one, One day, blacksmith course

"3 day course. I decided to book the course after watching a blacksmithing feature on Countryfile. Alex was nearest to me down near Arundel and the setting of his forge was lovely. He was a great teacher, asking what ideas I had, then breaking down the process of planning and construction into simple, easy to understand chunks. He showed me the processes and then watched over me completing them - and telling me how to alter what had gone wrong! I made a six hook coat rack, fish shaped bottle openers and a twisted ammonite key ring. I really enjoyed the whole process and hope to put some of the techniques into practice before too long. I would 100% recommend Alex's courses. What a fantastic experience!"

Matthew Lawson reviewed: One-to-one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought me a 2 day course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Alex is a very good teacher breaking down both of my projects into a series of simple steps which he demonstrated for me to follow. I had a real sense of achievement at the end of my visit going home with a rams head poker and candlestick. Be warned that the forge is drafty and uninsulated so can be cold."