Chalk Pit Forge reviews

6 May 15'

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

"I attended the second day of a two day course for my wife. Alex is an excellent teacher, calm, clear and the sort of patience that I've not seen for a long time! We came away with some nice pieces and (I think) the ability to reproduce should we happen across a forge somewhere. I would whole-heartedly recommend spending some time with Alex if this sort of thing interests you. He's got a nice list of things to make if you're not sure. If you do have a project in mind, he seemed more than willing to work with you to develop something unique. Book a course and get it 'otter!"

28 Apr 15'

Ian Dewey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"You got to do it, male, female, it does not matter, the only way you can appreciate and understand the work that goes into blacksmithing is to do it yourself. If you're wondering about the cost, then don't, where else these days can you get a full days tuition, one to one, and enjoy every minute of every hour. Good luck ALEX see you again, Ian Ian Dewey- 19th April"

28 Apr 15'

Harry Newington reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Joining Alex for a day's blacksmithing in the historic and beautiful surroundings of Chalk Pit Forge is an experience not to be missed. He is a calm, patient and humble teacher who is passionate about what he does and wants to share that passion. My Ram's head poker is now centre stage by my stove. Every time I jab it into the fire, I do so with pride! Thanks Alex!"

25 Apr 15'

Arielle Johnson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course was a birthday present. I was studying GCSE Resistant Materials, and Alex was brilliant, not only as a teacher, but in helping me to contextualise everything to my schoolwork. I made two handles for my school project, and Alex was patient and his expertise was just amazing - I was very happy to realise that he let me do everything myself! I really gained confidence with metalwork under his tuition. Having Alex as a teacher was truly inspirational and I would recommend taking a course with him in a heartbeat."

24 Apr 15'

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

"Spent the day with Alex and made a Rams head poker, I really didn't think I would manage to make it in one day but I did. It was such an amazing day and Alex is such a great teacher. Really am pleased with the result. Enjoyed it So much I booked my dad on a course for his birthday. Everyone comments on the poker at how good it is! I would recommend anyone giving it a go!"

23 Apr 15'

Josiah Jones reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely fantastic, thoroughly nice bloke. Completely understands whatever your capabilities are and can guide you through anything you want to do. Very knowledgeable man, any questions I asked, he was able to explain both simply and in detail. I will be whole-heartedly recommending this to my friends and family"

21 Apr 15'

Jon Little reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The course was a 60th birthday present from my family who knew I was keen to try my hand at blacksmithing. Alex is a truly inspirational teacher. Under his patient, hands on, and very thorough one to one instruction, we were working the whole day, with a break for lunch and refreshments. The time flew by. I learned a great deal, and haven't enjoyed myself so much for years. There is nothing quite like getting to grips with a forge, hot metal and the right tools and producing something unique! With Alex's friendly and expert help you can make it happen, give it a try!"

20 Apr 15'

David Wilson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was given a one day course with Alex as a Christmas present by my family. I thoroughly enjoyed it for many reasons, but primarily because Alex is not only an excellent teacher but also very good company. Alex has got the balance just right between showing/explaining how to do things and letting you have a go, which is important if you only have a day - too little tuition and you'll end up frustrated as you mess it up, but too much and you'll not get to have much of a go yourself. We jumped straight in and learned as we went along, which was perfect, and I got to try lots of different techniques too. Alex is also more than happy to explain the reasons why things are done as they are, which I found really interesting. The day left me wanting to find out more about blacksmithing in terms of the theory and science behind it, as well as wanting to have another go at bashing things, all of which speaks volumes for the course. My wife and son came down with me (it was the school holidays) and there was lots for them to see/do at the museum while I was on the course, but Alex also made them feel welcome to the forge and was more than happy to show and explain what I doing to a curious 12-year old - he'd now like to have a go when he's old enough. Beautiful location too. Definitely recommended."

20 Apr 15'

David Beer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The blacksmithing course was a present. Probably because I had said I very much enjoyed metalwork and welding at school- best part of 40 years ago. Alex explained everything very clearly and answered my numerous questions. He is a good teacher. Don’t be afraid if you’ve never done this before, it’s great fun and satisfying to create something. I would recommend it to everyone. I made a chestnut roaster, which is well used and much admired. Ask to see the photos of some of the work Alex has done. Very impressive."

19 Apr 15'

Raymond hunt reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I am 77 years of age and this course was a present from my family.I had a wonderful day, learnt a lot Alex was a great teacher patient and informative.I would recommend this course for anyone who would like to learn Blacksmithing."

18 Apr 15'

Paul Stacey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was a present and something I wanted to do. It was one of the best days I've had. Alex is a brilliant tutor, and helped me acheive what I wanted to make- a garden obelisk. I learnt an awful lot during the day and we used many techniques. Quite frankly one of the best creative things you can do. The forge is in the attractive surrounds of amberley chalk pit. My only regret is that I have not been back again."

18 Apr 15'

Charlie Batty reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Hi...had a one day course as a present ...brilliant! Loved it...now I just need to get my own forge ... Plus maybe a bit more tuition! Alex was a great teacher...very patient and attentive....chuffed to see my door grill in the pics too :0) I would thoroughly recommend it, and certainly be happy to go again Regards Charlie"

18 Apr 15'

Colin Palser reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended a one day Blacksmithing course at Amberley Chalk Pits Museum, which was given as a Christmas present, and found it to be one of the most instructive and enjoyable things I have done. The one to one tuition was excellent, to a degree that at the end of my day I had achieved a level of skill sufficient to produce a wrought iron door knocker which now has pride of place on my stable door. I would recommend this course for its friendly, instructive and relaxed approach to this skill and look forward to attending further courses at this venue."

17 Apr 15'

Barry moore reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Great fun you get very dirty and hot and very tired and ache the next day and if there is something you want to make its even better as its quite rewarding . I loved it ....."

15 Apr 15'

Neil Tonks reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was given a days course as a Christmas present. Made a rams head poker and a plant pot wall mount. As an engineer i found it very interesting, in no time at all i was at the hot end and the whole day went by very very quickly, the skill and patience of the man is just amazing. If i am ever lucky enough to do it again iI think i may ask for the anvil to be raised. at 6ft 4 it was a bit low and although during the course it didn't bother me, it certainly did the next day, and the next. If your reading this and wondering if you should do it. Phone him and do it. you won't regret it"

14 Apr 15'

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

"Had a great day and was put to 'work' in minutes, made a Rams head poker with an attachment to open the woodburner plus some lantern stands for the garden. Tutorial style is very much talk, show, your turn, with encouragement all the way. Fabulous place to have a go at an ancient craft. Low tech, high skill, great fun."

14 Apr 15'

Martin Holland reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"One day course bought for me as a present by my wife. Slightly apprehensive due to slightly arthritic wrists and very cold day that I chose to attend! Once started the time flew, Alex kept me working hard and I didn't have time to think about how I was feeling. Good instructor and very supportive of my efforts and design chosen. Resulted eventually in the component parts for a section of a wrought gate at home. A robin sitting on a branch, with leaves, in a hoop of metal - all ready to weld into the gate. Came away feeling very chuffed with myself and proud of what I had achieved. Recommend it to anybody who likes to create beautiful items and fancies having a go in metal. It is great fun."

13 Apr 15'

Nigel fry reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a one day course bought as a Father's Day present last year. I was apprehensive about attending the day but needn't have worried. Alex welcomed me and put me at ease straight away. It was a brilliant day and I made a plant hanger and 2 garden stakes. Alex was there to help and advise every step of the way. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. It was just brilliant and Alex was extremely helpful. I would like to have another day there and hope I get another surprise gift this year to spend another day there5"

13 Apr 15'

David Wallace reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex. I made a flower pot stand and a couple of lantern hooks for the garden and was very impressed with the way in which Alex demonstrates the techniques used and does not let you stand about, you are shown and then it is your turn to imitate. I was amazed how quick you pick up the art of bending and curling metal with just heat,hammer and anvil. Brilliant day out for me and would highly recommend it if you want to have a go. I found it facinating and Fun."

13 Apr 15'

Richard Ord reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did this one day course together with my daughter. Alex was an excellent tutor and very patient! We made a poker and a candle stick which we are still very proud of. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone trying it."