Course FAQs

 

Q: How do I book onto a course?

Please use the Course Calendar to select a course and date, and then follow the instructions to book and pay for your course places or your voucher.

We only operate a course when there are at least two people booked on. If we cannot run the course for this reason, we will contact you to discuss possible alternative dates.

Q: What if I have to cancel?

Course cancellations will require a minimum of 30 days’ notice from the booked date to be eligible for a refund (less a £10 admin fee to cover bank charges) or to re-book on to a later course. Any booking which is cancelled within 30 days of the course date will forfeit all fees unless we are able to offer the place to another customer.

Q: Do I need to be very fit to attend a course?

Blacksmithing is a physical activity and does require a basic level of fitness. The atmosphere in the forge can be hot and smoky, particularly when the fires are first lit, so if you have any medical issues including breathing difficulties then please contact us for advice before booking.

Q: What do I need to bring to a course?

Please bring with you any lunch you require, and note the following:

Tools and materials will be provided, however you must bring with you and wear at all times whilst in the forge the following items of personal protective equipment: 

  • Cotton shirt (long or short sleeves) 

  • Long trousers, ideally jeans or similar

  • Safety boots - ideally steel toe-cap, but stout walking boots will suffice

Safety glasses, an apron and all essential tools will be available to borrow as part of the course. Long hair must be tied back or covered. Jewellery can get extremely hot when you are close to the fire, so please cover or tie back items such as necklaces. Intake of fluids at regular intervals is most important. We have drinking water and facilities to make hot drinks in the forge, but remember to bring your own food.

Q: Can children come on the course?

Only children aged 12 or over can attend. This restriction is imposed on us by our insurer.

Q: Do I need any prior knowledge to attend a course?

For the beginners’ course you won’t need any prior knowledge.

Q: Is there somewhere local I can stay?

The New Inn at Heckfield is about half a mile from our forge and has excellent accommodation.