Students and staff reveal hand built Forge workshop at Ruskin Mill College (From Stroud News and Journal)

Students and staff reveal hand built Forge workshop at Ruskin Mill College

3:30pm Monday 5th July 2010

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STUDENTS and staff at Ruskin Mill College in Nailsworth were joined by funders, craftspeople, suppliers and dignitaries to celebrate the completion of a hand built Forge workshop in the Horsley Valley. The self-build project, conceived over two years ago, provided students with the unique opportunity to help build a structure and craft all the decorative and functional ironwork featured. Principal Michael Frosch said: "Student involvement in the self build was high and it provided them with valuable experience.

"Two of our students have just heard that they have been accepted on blacksmithing courses after their graduation next week."

Forging and blacksmithing is part of the land based, practical skills therapeutic education programme taught at Ruskin Mill College. Students used recycled metals to craft a range of objects including fire pokers, candle holders and hooks and learn about forging and blacksmithing techniques from the Iron Age to the present day.

Garrick Nelson, blacksmith tutor, said: "We practically lost our old Forge in the 2007 floods but our beautiful new workshop will be standing when we are all long gone."

For more information on the Forge visit www.rmet.org.uk

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