Tucked away in one of the hundreds of containers stacked on board the MSC ELENI, currently on route from Durban South Africa to Felixstowe, are four crates of sculptures weighing almost three tonnes. Two crates are destined for Crawley and Horsham URC’s who are extremely busy planning week long sales in both church halls during November. One of the two other crates for Walton-on-Thames contains something rather special – a large stunning sculpture commissioned by a local community body, which will hopefully give the artists considerable publicity. The story behind this exciting project will be revealed after the unveiling. Some of the co-operative of artists for this commission are pictured perched on a rock, waving at Reform readers after exhaustive efforts moving this huge piece of springstone, cut by hand from the Mvurwi mountains, to Silveira House. The other crate contains some orders from URC members from all over the country. The crates also contain crafts made at Silveira House – uniquely designed baskets, handmade batiks, necklaces made from malachite stone, birds made from various seeds; a veritable treasure trove. There is a fair chance the proceeds from various sales over the next few months will support the artists, and their extended families of almost 200 souls, for most of next year despite inflation level of 11million per cent. Previous sales have covered the cost of a radio phone purchased over the internet from China. This is currently being installed and, when linked to a laptop, will ease communications problems. So, although the situation in Zimbabwe is still desperate on numerous fronts, the members of St Andrew’s URC have thrown fellow Christians, and their families, a lifeline of hope and reason to struggle on. It is nice to be able to provide some GOOD news for a change. To view samples of the artists’ work please click on;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27704691@N06/sets/72157605628074249