If this course even calls to you a little, I suggest you heed the call. A weekend in the workshop with Matt, for someone who had no experience at all, was the perfect introduction to the art.
I turned up hungover and tired from a Christmas party, and within the first hour Matt had us hammering hot steel ... I woke up and stayed 'on' for the rest of the weekend. Matt is a great teacher, and the workshop is an inspiration. If you have any doubts, just join. You won't regret it.
Bought this experience for my 16 year old son who is a beautiful bright aspy (Asperger's.)
He absolutely loved it and I haven't seen him so happy after an activity probably ever!
He particularly commented on the knowledge and experience of the teacher and how kind and patient he was.
He loved being in the historical works and was galvanised (tee hee) by the sense of continuity he felt there .
He said it was amazing value and cane home with an incredible Victorian looking coat rack .
As a parent who has forked out thousands on courses which turned out to have very little substance and thus a large onus on chit chat and performing social activity (without anchor of true shared purpose or passing on of real.knowledge ) leading to more strain and stress on this very substance oriented young person I can't recommended this workshop enough !
I am very very stoked (geddit?) With this course and have already signed my young blacksmith up for the hammer forging one (unfortunately I did this before writing review !)
Terrific course excellently managed by Pierce who has the the special knack of "knowing when to hold 'em, knowing when to fold 'em," meaning he seems to immediately suss when you need some help or just work it out for yourself.
Why this whole place and all it's historic machinery is not on the Heritage List rather than the Danger List is amazing...then this is NSW!!!
Keep up the good work Matt and all the crew...will definitely be back for more in the new year.