Sorry for the delay!

Well it’s been a few days since we’ve blogged but we’ve been busy....beach, bars and a spot of shopping - Only joking, honest Tony.

Actually, this is what we’ve been up to: On Saturday, all seven of us (‘magnificent’) arrived on site at 8.30 and by 10.00am the second half of the roof was completed by teamwork again (after overcoming a few access obstacles – a steep drop down one side). After that it was the internal ceilings – bit of an issue, baton or board first. A disaster first time round as the boards fell down so we decided on the second method – boards then batons. It’s now got miniature beams in each room – a bit like an English cottage! We got both bedrooms done. Meanwhile the local tradesmen started rendering the external walls. We think we did pretty well despite the demoralising rugby result......although the Scottish members of the team had a mysteriously French spring in their step.....

Starting the second part of the roof

First bedroom with ceiling complete

On Sunday part of the team visited the Victoria Market in Durban to purchase crafts and jewellery etc. Some were for gifts but also some readers of the blog will be seeing these items for sale at fundraising events so hope you like them! Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Barry and Mark were up on the roof on a ridiculously hot day. Apparently the tiles were a bit hot so they hopped around ridging the roof to complete it. Once the shoppers returned, we all prepared the inside walls for the local tradesmen to render later in the week. At the end of the day we handed out donated clothes to the children which we’d travelled over with.  These were donated by local schools in the Banbury area which Alan had collected. The kids were delighted and performed a few songs in thanks – a very worthwhile experience.

Barry & Mark laying the ridges on the roof





Monday arrived and we headed over to the site to complete the internal ceilings. The first step up to the building was also laid along with the facia boards and guttering being completed. Meanwhile half of the team completed another chicken coup and also witnessed the attempted mating of rabbits.....not very successful due to dubious sexing of the rabbits earlier in the week. Onwards and upwards! This is for a rabbit breeding program to hopefully produce food security for the Ithembalihle community. To continue the farming theme, we’ve witnessed 10 chicks being hatched this week.   

Guttering up and ready to harvest water for the veg garden

Mother hen with her new babies!