“Thanks for a really enjoyable fun day yesterday - It was great to learn new skills and have a good laugh at the same time. Sam is a lovely talented guy; he commanded the group, was clear in explaining and showing us what to do, was patient and supportive and it was inspiring seeing his skill and craftsmanship when demonstrating the different techniques. Good for him. “

Steve (Sept ‘25)

“I had a brilliant day and achieved more than I could have envisaged, I enjoyed this so much, not just the practical learning but the camaraderie of my fellow Blacksmiths on the day. My wife, seeing what I had done and made will be going on a course in January 2025. Thank you Ian and your wonderful team for a memorable day and yes I'm booked to do a more advanced course.”

Martyn (April ‘25)

“Thank you very much for an amazing day. I learnt so much and couldn't believe what we all achieved.  I've attached a picture of my toasting fork in action”

Natalie (Feb ‘25)

“Huge thank you to you all for a fabulous day! It was great fun, complete distraction from normal life, I now own a beautiful and completely unique piece of metalwork and your kindness and support were exemplary. 

Your encouragement fostered my own self belief and helped me get the most from the day.  Thank you.  It is a day that will stay with me for a long time and I will definitely recommend this to others.”

Sally (Nov ‘24)

“Your welcoming friendly approach and teaching style made for a very enjoyable and informative introduction into Blacksmithing. The course structure and tempo was ideal. The constant positive approach and encouragement of our efforts was appreciated. I highly recommend anyone to take one of your courses”.

Terry (Feb ‘24)

“I thoroughly enjoyed my day of blacksmithing, I learnt so much, for myself I can’t see any way you could possibly improve the course. Both yourself and Ian were amazing and so knowledgeable. I have been showing my toasting fork to everyone at work today and they all think it is amazing.”

Gary (May ‘23)

“I just wanted to say a massive thank-you for the course yesterday, Henry had the most fantastic day and absolutely loved it! He thought it was such a great experience and was also very proud of his efforts when bringing home the toasting fork!”

Nick (Oct ‘22)

“Mum and I have just got home and have been showing off our handiwork already. Thank you both for an amazing day! It was such good fun. Thank you for your patience and your encouragement”

Natalie (May ‘22)

“Sam was an amazing instructor and I had a brilliant experience at the Forge. I asked for a an off-project adaptation and I am very, very pleased with the end result, warts and all! I cannot praise him enough for his patience, skill and enthusiasm for making my day. I loved the certificate and thought you an excellent, welcoming team, I look forward to returning!”

Luke (Sept ‘25)

“Thanks for a brilliant day, I will be saving up for the forging forwards course or trying to persuade someone I'm worth it for my birthday!”

Matt (Feb ‘25)

“What a day! What an experience! I have wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing for many years, but the opportunity and some nervousness prevented me from trying it. The team at Parmenter took every opportunity to make us feel welcome, and like we should be there, and we could create art from metal.
By the end of the day, we left with both the knowledge and confidence to try this for ourselves and with a completed piece of work to be proud of.
I cannot recommend this enough! No matter what age, sex or experience, everyone should experience what it is like to work at an anvil. I will be going back for the advanced course and to bug the team with more questions! Thank you again Parmenter Forge!”

Gareth (Nov ‘24)

“Totally absorbing and great fun. Thank you Ian for your amazing patience and encouragement for someone with no former metal work skills. Would recommend, very well organised, thank you”

Pauline (July ‘24)

“We had a fabulous day. We could not have asked for more to be honest. I've recommended your course to everyone I've come across this week! The combination of knowledge, passion for the craft and humour is perfect. To come away with items you can actually use, be proud of and keep forever is amazing”

Gilly (July ‘23)

“Great communication before the Blacksmithing course, and a very friendly time. What's even better... I have a very happy husband who had a great day... a super Christmas present for him. Thanks Parmenter Forge team”

Felicity (April ‘23)

“It was a great day and you’re an awesome, patient teacher. Would love to take this further and do more courses with you. Keep me posted about any future events and opportunities as I’d love to learn more“

John (March ‘23)

“I enjoyed the day I spent in your forge so much. I am finding it very difficult waiting for Christmas present time until I can come and hammer hot metal again”

Julie (Sept ‘22)

“It is not just about moulding hot metal into something or other - with Ian it was about history, about techniques, about pride in your work AND about having fun. Right from the start I was made welcome. My anvil was 300 years old - what had been made on it I wonder and I didn’t break it either. You start off with a 50cms rod of steel and Ian demonstrates each step along the way using the terminology of the trade. As you try to follow his example, corrections are demonstrated but you correct your own piece of work so basically at the end, what you take home is what you worked, not something that is nominally yours but is actually basically the instructors work.
All along Ian added bits of information to broaden your knowledge. London, Portsmouth, Mousehole are different types of anvil - did you know that? Each anvil has different characteristics and so on. It was just so interesting and fun.
I would really recommend that you try it but be warned; you will sleep that night because it is hard work.
Thank you Ian and team for a fabulous day.”

Peter (Aug ‘25)

“Thanks for a great day at the forge. Your skills of smithing and then imparting those skills to others were truly awesome”

Bill (July ‘24)

“Thanks Ian for today, Max loved it so much so first task before we sat down was booking him back in for a return visit in August!”

Stephanie (Jun ‘23)

“Recently took a beginner blacksmithing course with Ian. One of the best courses I have ever been on. Ian is very knowledgeable, great at teaching and you really learn skills on the course. Very highly recommend and can't wait to go back”

Tom (April ‘23)

“Great day at Parmenter Forge. Thanks to Ian and Dan. Had a brilliant day. Great tuition, mega friendly, made learning fun”

Doug (Feb ‘23)

“It was a great day and you’re an awesome, patient teacher. Would love to take this further and do more courses with you. Keep me posted about any future events and opportunities as I’d love to learn more“

John (March ‘23)

“Had a fantastic day! Great course, great company. Would really like to learn more. I’ll keep an eye on what other courses you run”

Lawrence (March ‘22)