EVENTS

Our last Little Newsham Forge forge-in was nearly seven years ago and that was definitely going to be the last one, because it takes a lot of organising and we are getting older. However, for the last year or two the BABA council have been asking if I would consider doing a masterclass. Clare Collier has been very persuasive and I’ve agreed to have a gate-making event at our forge. I have been talking to our best customer, Tony Cooper of Bussey and Armstrong Homes in Darlington and suggested that we make two gates of different designs that will be used either on one of their showhomes or in the garden of his favourite home buyers. He has agreed to contributing the cost of the marquee, portaloos, materials, fuel, galvanising and finishing.

We will provide a large barbecue for people to cook their own food. In the past we have done the catering at our forge-ins but we are getting a bit old for that! As is the norm at forge-ins, we hope people will bring a contribution of food for the picnic table for Saturday lunch.

Originally, the plan was to limit the number to 20 blacksmiths, ten for each gate, but I don’t really want to exclude anyone who would like to come even if it’s just to watch and chat.

The date will be Sat 21st – Sun 22nd June 2025 with people welcome to turn up on Friday. There is plenty of camping space here and various accommodation available in our area.

So, if you fancy working hard and unpaid for two days on a couple of tricky gates, you’d better let us know…. It could be fun!

There are limited tickets so book your place before they all go! Tickets are available via the BABA members website.