Local MP Jesse Norman had the honour of being the first user of the new forge at Hereford MAKE, a social enterprise dedicated to Herefordshire’s crafts community.

Hereford MAKE Community Interest Company was founded by local resident, James Baker. It has a metal, wood and forging workshop open to all, whether it be a hobbyist wanting to develop their skills, a student working in wood or metal, a person wanting to make or repair something themselves, or a professional needing the space and equipment to work with in order to make their business more successful.

Jesse had the opportunity to use MAKE’s new forge to heat up and hammer some hot metal. Commenting afterwards, he said "Using this equipment as incompetently as I did drives home just how skilful a good blacksmith is!

“Hereford MAKE is a pioneering effort to build and support a community of local craftsmen and women, by giving them the big tools of their trade. I would encourage anyone wanting to work in wood or metal to get in touch with James, and join MAKE. The more members they have, the more they can do for all.”

Link: www.makecic.co.uk