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A member of the Federation of Master Builders and his staff have received a 'People of the Year Award' for their charitable construction work in an African village.
Mark Orchard and five employees from his building firm in Weston-Super-Mare, Clayton Construction, met Prime Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street. From there they attended an awards ceremony at the London Hilton for the Lunn Poly/RADAR (the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) People of the Year Awards, which is celebrating its fortieth anniversary. They were presented with their award by past winner, Lisa Potts, the teacher who protected her pupils from a knife attack.
Mark and his colleagues won the award for a project to build a schoolroom following a visit to the village of Dabaso whilst Mark Orchard was on holiday in Kenya. He was so concerned by the poor existing schooling facilities, and classes of 90 or more, that on return he suggested to workmates that they build a new school room.
Chris Fisher, Andy Difford, Reg Daniels and Dave Rayner all agreed to help, and after raising money from friends, clients and suppliers, returned to Dabaso. Despite difficult working conditions, including a lack of electricity or running water, temperatures of 1200 and unfamiliar materials such as hand dressed coral and rubble blocks, the project was completed in one week.
Many of the villagers lent a hand, and were taught how to make moulds for concrete blocks and lintels, and it is hoped that the children will be able to make these blocks to help finance the school in the future.
On completion of the project the five strong team were honoured by being made village elders at a ceremony in front of a 5000 strong audience. Interest in the project has been such that a film is to be made, with 10% of any profits to go to the people of Dabaso.
Mark said:
"It's been a very rewarding experience. I went out there with a small group or workmates and came back with a group or friends. I'd like to thank everyone who has made a contribution and help bring a bit of hope to this community in Kenya."
The group were also honoured by the Federation of Master Builders at a reception held on Tuesday 8th November, which was attended by Dabaso village elder Geoffrey Chegge, on his visit trip away from Kenya.
Derek Ovington, President of the FMB, praised their efforts and observed:
"Mark and his colleagues are a prime example of the reputable building industry in the UK, showing a high degree of professionalism and conscientiousness, and it is gratifying to see their efforts justly rewarded, and the building industry seen in a positive light.
"Furthermore, the FMB Insurances Foundation is delighted to donate £1000 to the Dabaso village funds for reconstruction work."
Further links are to be forged with Dabaso by twinning it with Hutton in Somerset, where Mark Lives. Mark is also developing a scheme to bring fresh water to Dabaso.
Further Information
Contributions for the scheme to bring fresh water to Dabaso can be sent to Mark Orchard at the following address:
Clayton Construction,
Walnut Barn,
Church Lane,
Hutton,
Somerset,
BS 24 SN.
First posted: 15 November 1999. Last modified: 1 December 1999.
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