Fransham Forge reviews

Nicky reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"We had a fun day both listening to Nigel sharing his life experiences and learning basic blacksmithing forging skills from his wealth of knowledge. Making your own creative tools has a certain sense of achievement, and Nigel is so supportive guiding you through each process. You don't have to be creative or talented to enjoy the day, just up for trying something new that's a bit different. "

A Wiley reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Excellent course with an exceptionally capable and knowledgeable instructor. A really fun and educational time for all attending, including making a large number and wide variety of items practicing a range of techniques, with some personal projects thrown in at request. By far the best days blacksmithing I've had."

Howard reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A great introduction to welding with plenty of opportunity to put into practice key skills. Great balance between theory and practical guidance."

Carl reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had an amazing and interesting day, Nigel was great at explaining and teaching the skills of blacksmithing, A nice life experience, would recommend everyone to give it a go."

Jane Pearce reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Excellent day. I would recommend to anyone to give it a go. "

Oli Town reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Great course for absolute beginners or those looking to practice existing skills - I was worried having never welded before that I might be out of my depth but I had a great time and actually managed to get some alright welds going by the end of the day! "

Martin reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A great day full of teaching and practical learning "

Tim Wightman reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A fascinating day, not least for the welding tuition! Loads of support and tips, and importantly, practical hands-on welding time, ensuring that you end the day with a real sense of achievement. Nigel has immense knowledge and communicates well on the welding basics. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to gain an introduction to the black art! "

Steve reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Excellent course. Enjoyed very much. Thank you."

Rebecca Curtin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My husband did this course a few days ago and we stayed for two nights in the shepherd's huts on site. He had a fantastic day on the course and was brimming with enthusiasm afterwards. He learned a lot and said that Nigel was an excellent teacher with masses of knowledge and interesting anecdotes. The items he made are lovely 😊 Our stay in the shepherd's huts was magical. Cosy, well-equipped and utterly peaceful. We are already planning when we can do another course and stay! "

Jacky Brett reviewed: Welding with confidence

"What an enjoyable day. Excellent tutoring with easy step-by-step instructions, no waiting around for equipment as we all had our own welder to use. "

Graham parke reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had another excellent day, Nigel is a wonderful bloke, will bend over backwards to help. I would whole heartedly recommend a day or two here at Fransham Forge. I'm looking forward to booking another day here soon "

Heather Webster reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel was aware of what I wanted to achieve by the end of the day and ensured that this happened. I have come away with full confidence to create. Thank you Nigel"

Mark Benson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"My son and I attended this course last week and really enjoyed it. Both of us had welded many times before but it was great to be shown how to do so properly. Nigel is very talented and friendly. I will have a go at the blacksmith course sometime in the future."

Jeremy Gee reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I was the oldest person present and my welding was rubbish but I welded my heart out. Thanks to the inspiring tuition from the infamous Nigel Barnett I had the best but tiring day out. I would and will highly recommend everyone to attend if you're lucky enough to get a booking. "

Neil Harris reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I recently attended this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. It gave me a good insight into the basics of welding and Nigel gave us lots of demonstrations and information which was not only useful but entertaining. I would recommend this course."

John McGough reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I enjoyed this course, and if I decide to take it up I think I will Weld with Confidence, though I think I will not necessarily Weld Well with Confidence as that will need a lot of practice."

Ben Hansen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I was bought the Blacksmithing experience as a Christmas gift. Nigel was very knowledgeable and made it a lot of fun to learn from him. The experience day was filled with a great deal of different techniques that we were able to put into practice and we were able to keep the pieces we had crafted to take home. The site itself was full of things to see and Nigel was happy to show us around the site and show us a huge variety of the things that he had made. Would definitely recommend and hope to go again."

Fransham Forge responded:

"Thanks for your review Ben -we are glad you enjoyed your day at the Forge."

Natasha Day reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A wonderful whirlwind day into the life and skills of a professional blacksmith. Nigel is hugely knowledgeable and shares this generously as well as helping people successfully go home with a wonderful array of forged items. Thank you Nigel."

Fransham Forge responded:

"You are very welcome! Nigel"

Laurence Burton reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did a two day course (Fri/Sat) - a really great experience. Nigel was really patient - especially after I got it wrong for the 3rd time! :-) We've covered far more than I thought we would be able to - Nigel loves to share his knowledge and expertise!"

Bob Hunt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great hands on experience. Well equipped workshop with heavyweight equipment. Nigel is extremely knowledgeable and has a very wide experience of forging on some impressive projects. We came away with our own forgings which demonstrate our achievements and will have use. It was an icy cold, January morning so needed some warm overalls even with all of the forges running. Great to see demonstrations of the big hammers and press. Great day. Thanks Nigel. "

Lee Van Rensburg reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic course, great to be taught by a Master craftsman. Perfect facilities, would not change anything."

Mark Harrison reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Excellent opportunity to get some experience of MiG welding, after initial H&S talk, Nigel was keen for everyone to just get hands on and start. During the course, Nigel provided instruction on what next to attempt having demonstrated what to do and again left you to it. At the end of the day I had learnt enough to take away skills for basic MiG welding and learnt about the different machines available and their capabilities."

Mike Dowson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Great course with lots of hands-on time welding pieces of metal together. Great equipment to work with and good instruction from Nigel. Might have liked a little more feedback on my “work” but it was an enjoyable and very useful day."

Ben & Aislinn reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic experience, did the one-day course which results in a few created pieces to take home yourself! Nigel was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with his teaching, made everything look so easy! He's also great to talk to, full of interesting stories! We also stayed overnight in one of the cabins by the forge, incredibly comfortable and warm even in Autumn! Highly recommend the course and overnight stay to anyone interested in blacksmithing, or just doing something creative."