WestPoint Courses

[Ethersin]

Hey John, Are the courses at west point still availible? And are they still £50?

I was thinking of coming up on one if they're still being done.
But the Home Page site hasn't been updated for a while, by the look's of it.

Drop me a pm or leave it in here if you know.

Thank's

Rich

[John B]

Hi Rich, the courses are still on, there is a taster day coming up on this coming Saturday October 25th and there are two places curently available on it.

The website you were looking at is an old one we are having difficulty contacting the webmaster to update, try Blacksmiths Guild Home for more recent details, or go to National Blacksmiths Competition and click on link to Blacksmiths Guild

Looks like you have made a good start on your blacksmithing journey

[Ethersin]

Thank's mate,

Ha, can't read properly, I thought the cheque arrival, was an arrival date for me... Ah well, dunce.

I'd like to do both the October 25th, and the Novemeber the 8th and 9th but it's finding somewhere to stay, and travel expenses.. I'm sure you'll have them up again, but I'd like to try get up there for them, I'll see what I can get together.

One more question.. Do you run the courses, It's just looking through the old site I'm guessing it was your name that was mentioned, to similar to not notice :P

Thank's alot

Rich

[John B]

Hi Rich, that 5 days before is usually for the booking to arrive, but that is flexible, courses can be booked up to the day before, subject to places being available,

We operate on a one forge per student ratio, and like to keep to classes of up to six students at a time, we can accomodate 12 students with an extra 3 portable forges available for use if required. Normally if there are more than six on a course, we draft in an extra tutor, that is why we like the 5 days notice, it gives us time to arrange this as all of the tutors are working or retired smiths and can have other commitments.

Most students from Cornwall can travel up relatively easily by vehicle, Port Isaac to Westpoint for instance takes less than two hours in a transit van. I would suggest coming on the Saturday the 25th of October course first and we can discuss how we can help you for an overnight stay and with fees etc.

Other forms of transport can be a little more awkward, we can arrange to pick up from Exeter International Airport, rail and bus connections are a little more difficult, taxis are available.

Camping on site or nearby is available, and there are numerous bed and breakfast establishments also.

You can contact me by phone, the number is 01626 890503, (should be on the website) I have been organising the courses as a point of contact for many years now.

Tutors vary with the type of course being held, but all are experienced within the craft and subject being offered, some excel or specialise in a particular area and we try to match courses with tutors for maximum learning opportunites for the students, I take some myself, and usually attend in support at others as I am familiar with the tools we have for students to use or purchase, and there location in the Forge, I also keep the teas and coffees coming.

[Ethersin]

Thank's again mate, I'll see what I can do, I have some friends who may be intrested in doing it, So i'll have to sort out a time when we can, so I'll keep watch on the date's if not next weekend, Do you know when next year's date's will be or is that still to be arranged?

Thank's alot.

Rich

[John B]

Courses for 2009 are still to be arranged, but if you and some mates want a course, I can get one sorted specifically for your group and what you require outside the dates listed.

We can cater for groups or individuals, such as Viking re-enactors, families or friends as a special experience day or weekend, or even individuals such as the ten year old who was given a days forging experience as an eleventh birthday present

Have attached some pictures of what they made on the course

[Ethersin]

Ah awsome mate, So are they similar price's? I mean, I'll have a chat round and see who what and when, and hopefully get something together, else i'll just come on my own, and enjoy myself anyway :P

Thank's you been a great help.

Also hope this thread can help anyone else, If anyone want's to go to one of these or are sorting something else drop me a pm be awsome to meet some of you guy's

Cheer's

Rich

[John B]

Hi Rich, yes normally £50 per person per day if you are a guild member you get a discount of 10% on the two day courses plus other benefits of course. (see website)

The reason we are able to keep the cost so low is because the tutors are only paid their travelling expenses, they give their time as payback for help they got as they were learning, and as a guild we exist to promote blacksmiths and the craft, and to provide training in traditional blacksmithing skills.

[Ethersin]

Ah I see, that's a very kind thing for you guy's to do.

Rich