Simon Hall

Branscombe blacksmith forges ahead with fifth national champion win

Simon Hall, tenant blacksmith at the National Trust’s Branscombe Forge in Devon has been crowned as the National live forging champion for the fifth year in a row.

His traditionally made Trivet (a metal stand that is placed on a dining table to support a hot dish) also won him the title of Reserve Champion in the British Blacksmithing Championships.

The National Blacksmiths...

Branscombe blacksmith forges ahead to be crowned national champion 

Simon Hall, tenant blacksmith at the National Trust’s Branscombe Forge in Devon, has been crowned as both national British static and live forging champion for the second year running.

His leafy garden gate, which was based on his Chelsea flower show design, and metal flower bouquet saw him win the titles, seeing off competition from 22 other blacksmiths.  

The National...

'TV Detective' to give talk at Plympton Library

If you’ve ever fancied yourself as the next Agatha Christie or PD James, head to Plympton Library on Friday 3 May for a special crime fiction event.

Simon Hall, BBC crime correspondent for the South West and author of the 'TV Detective' series of novels, will be visiting the library to launch his latest book and give aspiring crime writers useful hints and tips.

Simon will give...