Fransham Forge reviews

12 Oct 22'

Richie Allen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic course! Nigel was a real character ! I loved it all and my main aim is to return for a more advanced , longer session. Highly recommend to any one interested in Blacksmith forging ."

9 Oct 22'

Russ and Louise. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was the most informative and fun experience. The hosts were thoughtful and the accommodation was excellent - especially given the very fair price. The huts are beautifully made by Master Blacksmith Nigel, and toasty-warm even when it’s cold, with electricity, kettle, lighting and log-burners. The site itself is relaxed and comfortable. Nigel gave so much instruction and guidance whilst at the same time allowing us the independence within his forge to develop our skills and create several lovely pieces to take away. Even as part of a Saturday group he was always attentive and the resources and facilities within the forge are excellent. He is a passionate craftsman and artist, and the gallery and shop that he runs alongside the forge is worth a visit in its own right. Everything exceeded our expectations from start to finish. We very much look forward to returning :) "

26 Sep 22'

Lucy Bird reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son completed his Silver DofE skills section with Nigel. He had the best time and learnt so much from Nigel. Nigel was really relaxed and supportive, helping my son discover a passion for blacksmithing. I would 100% recommend one of Nigel’s courses to anyone who might be interested in learning more about this amazing art form."

11 Sep 22'

Stuart Boon reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Superb day. Nigel gives you the basics and then lets you explore and learn. He's on hand to help all day and has an easy manner. I came away with several pieces that will all be put to use. Going to book another day for sure. "

9 Aug 22'

Darren reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had an excellent day and covered quite a lot of ground in terms of skills. There were 6 attendees on the day, 3 of them were on day 2 of their longer course, but seeing what they were being taught gave me great insight into how what I was learning could be applied/adapted. Nigel demonstrated everything with ease, and was open to any type of question. Some of what we did was "now copy what I just demoed", but Nigel also gave some freedom to let the skills meet any artistic ideas we had of our own. I was a little apprehensive about what I would learn in one day. but came away with a lot more knowledge (to be turned in to skill with practice) that I ever expected. Nigel has a passion that shines through, and his straight talking down to earth personality makes it easy to absorb. Brilliant day! "

25 May 22'

Dee Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a fantastic day. Nigel and his relaxed teaching style was just tight, no pressure. Thanks for a great course."

12 May 22'

Phil reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Well organised, I learned a good deal in a short time. Whilst I'm not going to pass any welding exams the main thing was the enthusiasm for welding which I gained through attending this course and the desire to do far more welding after this. The location is great and the facilities are great. Would recommend to anyone looking to gain enthusiasm for welding."

3 May 22'

Matt GB reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a brilliant day! Cannot fault it, Nigel is very skilled, he does make everything look so easy, and very amusing he kept us on point throughout the day. We made four items to take away and got to practice the basic techniques, Nigel was always on hand to help out or to advise. Superb experience and definitely recommend."

24 Apr 22'

Bob keens reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great day making 4 items covering many different aspects of blacksmithing. Good laugh with Nigel. Very clever man and always with a tale to tell and willing to help where and when needed. Going to book another day soon to take the learning a bit further."

29 Mar 22'

Robert Hodges reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is a great instructor with tips and tricks and lots of stories from his welding career. His skills are amazing and I soon realised it would take me a lot of practice to get my welds as neat as his, if I ever could. However I did gain the immense satisfaction of actually welding things that stayed together at the end! It has given me the confidence to give it a go. He is very safety conscious and we all came away unscathed and buzzing. It is an immensely useful skill and I'm very grateful to have tried it and learned so much from a master. The beautiful gallery and sculpture park nearby were a bonus, Thanks Nigel."

25 Mar 22'

Mike reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Excellent course, very enjoyable day."

16 Mar 22'

John P. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A really interesting and instructive day run by a "guru" of the blacksmithing arts. You learnt practical skills and finished with several of your own handmade items at the end of the day. The numbers on the course are small, 3 in my case, and you get individual instruction and all equipment and materials provided. A great day out, highly recommended, so much so I'm going back for the welding course!"

26 Feb 22'

Jon Hobday reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Excellent day on Welding with confidence course. Plenty of hands on experience and no shortage of consumables to practice on. Nigel has a wealth of experience and illustrates the use of all the techniques taught with real life applications. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to get an insight into the skill of welding"

25 Feb 22'

Charles Julian reviewed: Welding with confidence

"a great welding course and a brilliant workshop"

25 Feb 22'

Conor reviewed: Welding with confidence

"February 2022 had days welding course at fransham forge, was an excellent day lernt far more than i expected amazing work shop n great friendly people would definitely do the blacksmithing course next! thanks again."

6 Feb 22'

Evonne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was interesting and enjoyable. The instructor was very knowledgeable and we made several items during the course of the day. I am particularly proud of my spoon... The axes that the second day attendees were making looked fearsome! I would recommend this course to anyone who's looking for a craft experience that is a little bit different."

28 Jan 22'

Trish Barnes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"From the moment I walked in the door the learning began with experienced anecdotal tales to help reinforce the do’s and don’ts within the forge. Nigel is a little like a waterfall, a force of nature spilling forth all of his experience for others to benefit from. I walked away incredibly fulfilled, proud of what I had achieved and working out how I was going to manage to arrange another day in the future. It is absolutely worth every penny."

25 Jul 21'

william flaherty reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"One of the best learning experiences in years. Did and learnt so much, yet never felt rushed. As result will be looking to do more Smithing in the future. Teacher had a demonstrably large and deep experience which he generously shared. Large amount of machinery onsite so no waiting."

19 Jun 21'

Karina Lee reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had a truly wonderful day on my blacksmithing 1 day course. Nigel at Fransham Forge, is the most incredible tutor, nothing too much trouble, incredibly patient, and extremely knowledgeable, in almost everything. I came away with more pieces than I thought I could or would make, and a sense of great satisfaction of achievement. All this was possible because of the very relaxed environment. I have already recommended this course and I only completed yesterday, 18/6/21."

29 May 21'

Des Waterfall reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I really enjoyed this introduction to welding with MIG. Excellent demonstrations of different methods which we were allowed to practice. Nigel made it look easy and after practicing I managed to get some half decent welds. Like anything practice will improve the results. It has given me confidence to try at home with a MIG welder I bought many years ago when I had a Landrover. The use of the Auto mask made it easier to concentrate on the welding and not worry where the torch was pointing. Thanks Nigel, your sense of humour, stories and advice relieved the worry about striking that first arc."

29 May 21'

Dean Newton reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Great day on MIG welding with Nigel. Went from total novice to someone who would be confident tackling projects at home. The majority of the day was hands-on practice, with Nigel setting us various tasks as the day progressed, each supported by a story or two from his past exploits. Very entertaining."

22 May 21'

Corease Green reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a day course for my partner and he has just come home very happy and excited to go again. Thank you Nigel!"

2 May 21'

John Williamson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a highly experienced teacher and master blacksmith, giving you ample time to work on individual projects or smaller ones to build your confidence. If you have never done any blacksmithing before, this is a great place to start. The hand's on training is well worth it. Best of luck!"

2 May 21'

Philip Brodie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best Forge ive ever been to and Nigel was a fantastic teacher perfect bslance of hands on experience and smithing knowledge to all levels attending left with some great pieces and a wealth of knowledge. Great teacher Gereat host Fantastic Forge I would Thoughrully recommend a day with Nigel if you want to know all ther is to know about forging and blacksmitjing"

1 May 21'

John Williamson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is a great teacher with a lot of tips to make welding easier. He demonstrated every step and then you got the chance to learn by doing. I learned a lot from him and I accomplished what I set out to do. That is to give welding a try and see if is something I can do as a hobby when I retire in another year. Thanks Nigel!"