BLACKSMITH COURSES
Come along to the forge and enjoy being a blacksmith for the day!
No experience is necessary, courses are suitable for all.
Please take a look at the calendar below for availability – if you can’t see what you want, do please ask.
On-line booking system
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch about a gift voucher for a course, or if you have a specific date you wish to reserve please use the calendar below to book. We look forward to hearing from you.
Other days are available – please just ask
We run courses all the time to suit you – it can be a half day or a full day experience, taken during the week or weekend (limited Sunday availability). The calendar is provided as a guideline for dates, but is not a definitive list of availability – please contact us to discuss your preferred option!
There are two forges and two anvils so you have your own space and equipment for the course, but if you are willing to share, you can add additional people to your party. See Group Rates below.
What:
A half day or day-long blacksmithing experience (9.30am – 1pm) with weekday or weekend options available
Where:
at Standalone Farm Forge run by Jo Fry
When:
all year round (if the dates are not showing on the calendar, please just ask)
Who:
Designed for anyone interested in having a go, that might be you or it might be a present for a friend, relative, special occasion, work colleague or as a way of saying thank you.
Course involves…
There is no need for any previous experience; Jo will help you develop your skills further. Participants can choose items they wish to make (such as toasting forks/poker etc) and the day will cover the relevant techniques required to make your chosen product (please note: not all techniques listed below will be covered in the day’s course; this will be dependent on the choice of product).
- Health and safely
- Forge management
- Drawing down technique
- Twisting technique
- Scroll work
- Ribbon ends
- Fish tail finish
- Snub finish
- Forge welding
- Tong making
- Hand made nails/bolts
Jo is a natural at explaining and believes that there is no substitute for getting on and just having a go. With his expert eye and wealth of experience you will be surprised at just what is possible in even half a day!
What to bring?
- Packed lunch or eat at the farm café (April to October only)
- Old, comfortable and loose fitting clothing
- Sensible, sturdy and comfortable shoes. No open topped shoes please.
What we provide?
- Safety equipment provided includes goggles, ear defenders, apron and gloves. You will also be given a health and safety talk to help you work safely and minimize the risks associated with a forge. You will receive a personal risk assessment and be asked to sign to confirm your understanding of this procedure.
- Lots of tuition, expertise and guidance
- Coffee/tea
Costs:
Week Day Rates:
- One day course – £185 per person (or book both places for a discounted £350 for two people)
- A half day course – £220 for two people (please note that we are unable to accept bookings for one person on a half day course)
Weekend Rates:
- One day course – £200 per person (or book both places for a discounted £385 for two people)
- Half day course – £250 for two people (please note that we are unable to accept bookings for one person on a half day course)
- Only two attendees per course guarantees lots of one-to-one tuition
- Choose items you wish to make
- Bespoke options available – please contact us for further information
- Come with a friend or come on your own and meet someone new, it’s up to you
- Gift vouchers available
- Does your partner wish to take part in an activity whilst you are forging metal? (My wife Dawn runs chocolate workshops in Hitchin so you can both enjoy a new experience – see details here).
How to Book
Booking is simple – just click on your preferred date (or contact us with alternative dates) and send us your booking request.
On confirmation of your place (via email), we will ask you to forward a deposit payment of £50 per person to secure your booking – the remainder will become due just prior to attendance of your course.
