Just realised I've posted the same images twice - brain minced!
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Some views from central Ha Maquele.......! More tonight!
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These premises are being developed into a new gallery space with workshop, office, kitchen and, most importantly an indoor flushing toilet! The group produce wall tapestries and are developing new products. Some younger members have joined and they're really keen to work on the different products which is really encouraging. Mme Matanki shown here with, I think, her grandson showed us around.
We discussed layout, display and products - it's a great space in a good location with wonderful views. We're looking forward to seeing how this project develops
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Here we visited a group of women who weave mainly floor rugs and were shown around by Mme Mahlalafang and Mme Joyce. Their workshop and shop is made from drinks cans! They were very welcoming and have made good progress improving colour and design in their rugs and we're looking forward to visiting again and having them join the week of work shops planned for first week in November.
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Today we met some of the Action Lesotho team - Anne and I are with the Centre Manager Limakaatso (Maki) Rantooa, next to me and Assistant Mapule Radebe out side Ha Maqele. The Centre is used for training and as feeding centre for children at weekends. They are fed at school during the week. We're planning to do a fun art session with them (they get no art in school!) in a couple of weeks time!
Also some shots inside and outside surroundings......and finally the pub!!
We also met N'tate Mankoe who is the senior General Manager - He has renamed us - I am Mme Pule (Mother of Rain), Anne is Mme Puleing (Mother of more Rain) - very apt as they have had no rain for 5 months until we turned up!
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Spent most of the day, with Pippa, in discussion and planning. Also managed a visit to some fabric shops and here are Pippa and Anne looking at Seshoeshoe (pronounced Se-swayshway) fabric.
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Successfully collected our hire car from Bethlehem, really it's only an hour from Ficksburg! Stopped for coffee on the way back! Driving on the same side of the road as UK but hazards include STOP junctions, invisible traffic speed bumps, enormous potholes and at night cars without headlights and pedestrians in the road! And that's only South Africa!
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We left Glasgow last night - grey skies, torrential rain and 14 -15degrees, via Dubai - blue skies and 37degrees, landed at Johannesburg - grey skies and 13degrees!! Can you believe it? Good flights and easy travelling. Met by Dave who drove us, through torrential downpour and sheet lightening, for the 4 hours to Ficksburg - our 'home' for six weeks and have been made to feel really welcome by both Pippa and Dave.
So we're off to sleep now and photos will start tomorrow......
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