shoot and be safe Posted March 3, 2015 Report Share Posted March 3, 2015 Where do I start? I am the worst person to buy a Christmas present for as I am not bothered by Christmas or birthdays. I would much rather people saved their money and if they insisted on getting me something, then a pint would be enough. I know I'm a miserable sod. This Christmas just gone, the good lady, with the help of magman, organised for me to have a day with Old farrier in his forge. She had heard me talk about OF's prize he donated to last year's charity shoot and how I would have loved to have taken up the challenge. Sadly during the raffle, that prize had already gone or I didn't see it :( Anyway, when OF joined us on the Crown Shoot late last year, Amy began to hatch a plan I awoke Christmas morning and when it came around to open the various gifts (mostly tat, (I wish people would save their money)) off the extended family, I was handed a Christmas card from Amy, which contained the gift of a day with Old farrier. My face was a picture and was really excited The good lady had worked her magic and found a gift for the person who has to be the hardest to buy for. Thank you sweetheart This weekend were the chosen days to venture down to the Isle of Wight and meet with OF and see what we could knock up. Friday: this involved the journey from North Wales, a ferry crossing from Portsmouth, navigate across the Isle of Wight, check in to the accommodation (which was absolutely fantastic),a quick libation, then Old farrier came across to meet us and then took us for a walk along the clifftops with the dogs. He was a perfect host and guide, enlightening both Amy and I to the local history. Later Friday evening he and his wife joined us in the pub for a evening meal where we chatted about many things including the day in the forge the following day. Saturday and time to bash some metal. After a good night's sleep (must have been the ports), Nigel joined us for breakfast in the pub. Once the full English was consumed we headed over to his forge. I was like a kid in a sweet shop, excited by all the little bits and bobs mixed in around the tools. A good honest working workshop. Nigel explained what processes I would need to do as the metal warmed in the fire. He asked how I would like to be guided through the process, "do you like to be told, shown, or have your hand held". With a new process, I have always preferred to be shown so I can see "live" how to do something, so that is the way we proceeded. The aim of the day was to make something practical and functional. As I have open fires in my little cottage, and after discussing ideas the night before, I stepped up to the challenge of a ram's head poker, a bit like this one. The process started by flattening the end of a round bar and drawing it out. Next was to split the now flat area and extend them further. After that, the the nose was formed by bending the round part of the bar back on itself and weld it together. Then it was time to add some features to the face, eyes nostrils and a monocle. The monocle was a artistic way of hiding a mistake that would have left one eye lopsided Time to shape the horns. This took great care as there was a risk of ruining all the hard work done so far by breaking one off or burning them away in the fire. After a few tweaks, an extra twist and a pointed end, this was the finished article. and again at Stonehenge on the way home The Good Lady even had ago and made the basic parts for the next project a coat, hat and dog lead hook. We still had a bit of time left and finished with this door knocker made from a horseshoe. The time we spent in the forge with Nigel was amazing. He has the patience of a saint and has a great way of showing/teaching people new skills. The weekend continued but I will leave that for another day. I would like to thank The Good Lady for finding a Christmas gift for someone who is a nightmare to buy for. I would like to also thank, magman and Old farrier for helping Amy find me a Christmas gift that I will always remember and use for years to come. I can't thank Old farrier enough for the experience and for his time and patience. This would have to be the best Christmas gift I have ever received. Nigel, you are a legend to be continued... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notsosureshot Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Now THAT is a Christmas present. Must have been a superb experience, certainly looks to be. Great pics, great write up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBeaky Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Loved it! Kudos to your good lady for hatching such a brilliant present, and to OF for providing the necessary. Now waiting with bated breath for the next episode... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Glad you enjoyed it Mark, knew you'd like it! Nigel you are, as ever, a star 😃 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigman Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 What a awesome experiance I'm going to show my good lady this ,it's my bday in a month and that's gotta be the best gift going Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootgun Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Well done Mark, and hat off to OF! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Looks like a great time was had , I really think OF needs a few more bits and pieces to properly fill his shelves though ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sha Bu Le Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Wow that is some man cave OF has. Glad you enjoyed the experience and all kudos to OF and your lady. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 A fine off topic read. Good friendships have resulted from the Crown Shoot activities. Having described your Christmas presents last year as 'mostly tat' be prepared to get fewer presents this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loriusgarrulus Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Looks a really good present and some nice metalwork to remember it by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martyn2233 Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Good write up I want to go now lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Glad you both enjoyed yourselves and a thank you to OF for helping me help a friend . Great pic's by the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun4860 Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Nice write up Mark, Well done to all involved for making a great present for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malkiserow Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Great stuff. Looks you are a dab-hand in the photos, although I am not sure who is who. Is the horseshoe knocker on your door now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
la bala Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 A mystical art Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoot and be safe Posted March 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Thanks for your kind comments, I'm chuffed to bits with it. I christened it last night and it performs well I will put the door knocker up over the weekend, it will fit nicely on the porch pillar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbird Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Wow Amy is a legend fair dos! Looks like you had a fab weekend with OF what a superstar he is. Oh, and so are you of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Good write up of a great day. I was bought a day at a forge as birthday present by a mate, we learnt loads and had good fun doing so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petethegeek Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Great write up and photos. Really enjoyed that and now awaiting the next instalment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrclark Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 I am decidedly envious Mark, I really fancy a day in a forge learning from a genuine craftsman. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul223 Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 I think that once again this is a shining example of why it really can be so good to take part in the charity shoot, I've known Mark for a number of years and Rob for a year or two before the first charity shoot, I think it's fair to say all 3 of us have forged some good friendships through, both, attending and donating prizes for the charity shoot. What's not to like about it, get involved!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 That's a true thought out gift. You seem to have had a fantastic time, your next holidays to the Isle of Wight as apprentice to OF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bb Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Glad to see you travelled on the "proper" ferry. If you go again, let me know, if I'm driving I'll arrange a bridge visit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 hey thats fantastic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted March 4, 2015 Report Share Posted March 4, 2015 Hi BY HAMMER AND HAND Just a bit of the story so far there's more to come so just a little bit from me First though I would like to thank you for your kind comments much appreciate them This trip and experience was plotted and planned long before Sabs posted his Xmas thread with the help of members of the crown shoot Now I'm not sure if it was ment to be a preasant or punishment 😗 However as you can see Sabs rose to the occasion and went for it As you have worked out we met for a bit of a chat the night before and sort of worked on the project for the day Utube and a 5 minuite video later and jobs a good one Sabs can tell you how long the 5 minuites was 😂 It took a few minuites in the forge to work out his skill level and learning curve Anyone whose met him will know what I mean 😗 And he was off I personally think he achieved a great deal in the day Mastering the basic skills and creating 3 artistic functional pieces of metalwork His face when the rams head started to come to life priceless I will leave it to Sabs to tell you more as it was his day Thanks for rising to the challenge and who knows what there plotting for you next ? All the best Of There's more 😎 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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