This was the pioneer project. The trip that set the tone for all subsequent projects and was the cementing of the relationship that now exists between those of us in the UK and all those involved with the Calabash Trust in South Africa. A Headteacher with exceptional leadership qualities with a drive and passion for the education of his pupils that would be difficult to surpass. Students from this school had died playing in the street because they had no playing field and for this reason the ‘grass roots project’ was born.
After three days of having a leveller and digger on site the overgrown and rocky area for the field was cleared. With picks and shovels the team constructed a 150 metre long step around the far edges of the field where it plunged down a natural incline, enabling us to weave together and secure over 1000 used car tyres to prevent simple erosion of the banks from heavy rainwater. By securing these banks the field could then remain protected from weather erosion whilst grass grew over the pitch.
Returning the following year to see this field covered with a carpet of grass, officially opening it, and watching football and rugby being played on it was quite literally magical.
