Terms of service

CHILTERN FORGE LTD – Experience Day Terms & Conditions

Welcome to Chiltern Forge Ltd. By booking any experience day with us, you agree to the Terms & Conditions outlined below. These ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-managed experience for all participants.

1. BLACKSMITHING EXPERIENCE DAY – TERMS & CONDITIONS

1.1 Eligibility

  • Minimum age: 11 years

  • No exceptions for anyone under 11

  • Ages 16–17 (school/college groups): must be accompanied by a responsible adult

  • Ages 15 and under must meet the supervision ratios:

Age Group

Adult-to-Minor Ratio

14–15 yrs

1 adult per up to 15 minors

11–13 yrs

1 adult per up to 6 minors

Chiltern Forge Ltd may refuse participation if ratios are not met.

1.2 Course Capacity

  • Maximum 5 participants per session (excluding the instructor)

  • Additional participants may be refused once capacity is reached

1.3 Safety Requirements

  • PPE provided (full-length apron, safety goggles, safety gloves)

  • PPE must be worn whenever instructed

  • Participants must follow all safety instructions

  • Unsafe behaviour may result in removal without refund

1.4 Conduct & Supervision

  • Participants must behave safely and respectfully

  • Supervising adults are responsible for minors in their care

  • Sessions may be paused or ended if behaviour is unsafe or disruptive

1.5 Insurance & Liability

  • Chiltern Forge Ltd is insured for up to 25 experience day courses per insurance period

  • Participation is at your own risk and dependent on following safety instructions

  • We are not liable for injuries or damages resulting from: 

    • ignoring instructions

    • refusing PPE

    • unsafe behaviour

    • inadequate supervision of minors

  • We do not exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence

1.6 Changes or Cancellations by Chiltern Forge Ltd

Sessions may be amended, postponed, or cancelled due to:

  • safety concerns

  • staff illness

  • equipment failure

  • insufficient bookings

If this happens, you will receive:

  • an alternative date or

  • a full refund

We are not responsible for additional costs such as travel or accommodation.

1.7 Payment Terms

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking

  • Bookings are not confirmed until payment is received

  • Prices may change prior to confirmation

  • Unpaid bookings may be cancelled

1.8 Cancellations by the Participant

All cancellations or amendments must be made in writing.

Refund policy:

  • 30+ days: full refund (minus transaction fees)

  • 15–30 days: 50% refund

  • 14 days or fewer: no refund

Failure to attend without notice = no refund.
Rescheduling is subject to availability and may be treated as a cancellation.

2. KNIFE & AXE MAKING EXPERIENCE DAY – TERMS & CONDITIONS

2.1 Eligibility

  • Strictly 18+ only

  • No exceptions

  • Participants may be required to show valid photo ID

  • Failure to provide ID when requested will result in refusal without refund

2.2 Legal Compliance

Chiltern Forge Ltd operates in accordance with UK legislation relating to knives and offensive weapons, including:

  • Offensive Weapons Act 2019

  • Criminal Justice Act 1988

  • Knives Act 1997

Key points:

  • Only participants aged 18+ may make, handle, or take possession of a knife or axe

  • Completed blades will only be released after age verification

  • Chiltern Forge Ltd may retain any blade if legal requirements are not met

  • Participants must not be legally prohibited from possessing bladed tools

  • Blades must be transported safely and responsibly

2.3 Safety Requirements

  • PPE must be worn whenever instructed

  • Participants must follow all safety instructions

  • Unsafe behaviour may result in removal without refund

  • Participants must be physically capable of using forging tools safely

2.4 Conduct

  • Participants must behave safely and respectfully

  • Alcohol or drug use before or during the session is prohibited

  • Anyone suspected of being under the influence will be refused participation without refund

2.5 Ownership of Finished Items

  • Participants may take home the knife or axe they create if legal requirements are met

  • Chiltern Forge Ltd may refuse to release a blade if: 

    • age cannot be verified

    • the participant is prohibited from possessing a blade

    • the item is unsafe

  • No refund will be issued if a blade cannot be released

2.6 Finished Products & Liability

  • All knives and axes produced are hand-forged by beginners and may not meet commercial tool standards

  • Items are released only when legally permitted and deemed safe at the time of handover

  • Once a finished item has left the premises, Chiltern Forge Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for: 

    • injury, damage, or loss

    • misuse or unsafe handling

    • sharpening, modification, or repair

    • structural failure or breakage after handover

    • legal consequences relating to possession or transport

  • Participants are solely responsible for safe, lawful use, maintenance, and storage

  • Transport must comply with UK law, including having a reasonable excuse for carrying a bladed article

2.7 Changes, Payment & Cancellations

These follow the same rules as the Blacksmithing section.

3. GIFT VOUCHER TERMS

  • Valid for 6 months from purchase

  • Refundable within 14 days if unused

  • Non-refundable after 14 days

  • Cannot be exchanged for cash

  • Bookings subject to availability

  • Price differences may be payable

  • Cancellation policies apply from the initial booked date

  • Lost vouchers may be replaced with proof of purchase

  • Resale without permission is prohibited

  • One-time 3-month extension available before expiry (20% fee)

  • No extensions after expiry

  • Discounted vouchers cannot be extended

  • Discounted vouchers must be used within the original 6-month period

  • Use of a voucher constitutes acceptance of these terms

4. PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA CONSENT

  • Photos or videos may be taken during sessions for marketing

  • Participants consent unless they opt out before the session

  • For minors, consent must be provided by a supervising adult

  • Identifiable images may be removed upon request where reasonably possible

  • Chiltern Forge Ltd is not responsible for photos taken by other participants

5. DATA PROTECTION (UK GDPR)

  • Chiltern Forge Ltd is the data controller

  • Data is collected only for booking, safety, legal compliance, and operations

  • Data is not kept longer than necessary

  • Data may be shared only when required for legal or operational reasons

  • Participants may request: 

    • access

    • correction

    • deletion (where legally permitted)

    • restriction

    • objection

    • portability

  • Requests must be made in writing

  • Appropriate security measures are used to protect personal data

  • By booking, you consent to this processing