Hi from the UK

[Cybertalis]

Hi Everyone, I'm a Welder/Fab of 23 yrs exp (38 yrs Old) based in the south west, though I'm looking to move into the realm of the Smithy. I have some exp but would like to gain qual's LCG ect... Does anyone know of courses availble in my area. Any info greatfully recived.
Best Wishes
Talis

[Glenn]

Frank Turley has a blacksmithing school in that area.

[matt87]

Welcome, Talis. Which part of the southwest are you to? Try contacting John B (member on this board) -- he runs courses at the Westpoint forge, just outside of Exeter.

[Ted T]

Talis (AKA) Cybertalis;
Welcome to “I Forge Iron”.
Please forgive me up front because I did not quite understand where you live.
We have found from past experience that it is very useful to know where you live, in order to provide you with more accurate and useful information.
The greeting says: “Hi from the UK”. Right off hand the UK means the United Kingdom to me. And we do have many highly skilled blacksmiths from the UK who are members here.
But then I read your location, it says “South West”. So I am not sure if you mean the southwest in the UK, or the US.
Glenn has pointed out that “Frank Turley has a school in that area.” Meaning the South West” USA.
Frank Turley’s school (Turley Forge Blacksmithing School) is located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have several friends that attended his school and they were all pleased.
919-A Chicoma Vista
Santa Fe, NM 87507
505-471-8608
Like I say, I am still in the learning mode, and I am not familiar with what the abbreviation “qual’s”, or what the acronym “LCG ect….” means. Could you help me with that please?
I would be happy to research information in my area (Utah/ Western States) if it would help you.
The best to you!
Ted Throckmorton

[John B]

Hi Talis, and welcome, if you go to our website Blacksmiths Guild Home you can get details of what we are about, and whats on up to the end of this year, we are sorting out what to offer in 2009, courses, social events, tool sale, group forging project, along with open days to make stuff you can see on the blueprints pages which are not yet available, but we have details from previous downloads.

(see Blacksmiths Guild UK on groups on this forum for past comments.)

We have a pattern welding course coming up on November 8th and 9th, at Westpoint, and there will be a forgeing day on November 22cnd at Finch Foundry at Sticklepath near to Okehampton, Blacksmiths from near and far will be coming along to that, a competition to make a trivet for those interested, winner gets a trophy and a bottle of whisky, (Free bacon and egg butties and beer to those competing) see the water powered tilt hammer working, blacksmiths demonstrations, firing the anvil, and ironwork on sale and to see. At night there is a gurning competition in the local hostelry if you fancy it.

I have attached a couple of picture from last years event and the pieces made. A good day out for smiths and families, if you come introduce yourself.

Good luck with your new venture into the world of smithing.

[Glenn]

We need a little more information, like southwest of where? Help us out, what country, state, near what city, something so we can direct you toward information in your area.