Welsh Windows

Cheapest Glass in the World and that's a fact!

2010-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Even your Gramp can't remember glass this cheap!

To celebrate the start of our 24th year in business, we will be selling 100 sheets of Greenhouse Glass to Pensioners at a tanner a sheet. Yes! That's 6d. Gramp may remember 6d a square foot but this is 6d for four (4) sq ft.

The conditions are very simple.

1) You must be a pensioner.
2) You must pay in old money. We do not give change. No decimals accepted and definitely no Euros.
3) Maximum of five (5) sheets per person.
4) Octogenarian gardeners can have two extra sheets free.

Offer day is for one (1) day on Friday, June 18th, 2010 ONLY!!

100 sheets only and after that we are still the cheapest in town for greenhouse glass £4.00 a sheet.

Contact Cavan today!

Welsh Window systems has been appointed as an approved installer of Record automation

2010-05-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

We currently install and repair many aluminium door systems for schools, colleges and business premises.

The next logical step was to supply and fit Automatic doors.

DDA regulations are changing the way we think and in many instances, a design and access statement is required to make sure persons with disability’s are considered.

After looking at various systems on the market, Cavan decided that the “Record system” was far more technically advanced than all the others. Our fitters have now received the relevant training and we can quote for the complete installation without being reliant on others.

One area where we will excel, is in most cases, an existing door should be serviced before fitting automation. Most automation companies insist on this being carried out by others before they attend site. However, with our vast experience we will be able to service replace any worn parts and then fit full automation.

Joanne, at Record automation, said it is fantastic to have a company like Welsh Window Systems on our approved supplier list. We were looking for a company in the South Wales area and Welsh Window Systems were the ideal choice, due to their knowledge in the Aluminium door industry.

Being established over twenty three years is something Welsh Window Systems are rightly proud of and we wish them all the success in this new venture, together with our support.

Quick Tips on Buying Double Glazing

2010-05-27T19:08:00.000-07:00

· Always try to use a company that has been reccomended by others.

· Do a little research on what you want and be armed with some facts.

· Two or three quotes is ideal maybe four at the most. If you are obtaining more than this then you are wasting yours and a lot of other people’s time. Someone who asks for lots of quotes is normally looking for cheap. If you really want this, email or fax your sizes to ten companies saying you want the cheapest.

· Anyone fitting windows/doors in the UK should be Fensa registered and they should be able to give their registration number. If you wish to fit yourself then you would need to contact your local council who after fitting the windows can register the installation. Typically this costs around £120.00. However you need the right advice on safety glass,types of glass/hinges etc so make sure you use a profesional supplier who gives the right advice or it will cost you.

· A lot of companies use sub contractors to fit their windows and the quality of installation can vary hugely. Ask if the fitters are employed direct and how long have they been fitting windows.

· There can be a huge difference in prices and an even bigger difference in quality of products and installations.

· If a company is extremely cheap the reason should be obvious.

· Local companies may well be able to offer a better after service which is very important. Even the best products can go wrong and with most companies offering a Ten year warranty you are more likely to get a good response from a local company. Imagine if your door won’t close at 4.00pm and the company are a hundred miles away what do you thing your chances are of having the problem sorted quickly.

· Having double glazed windows will reduce your heating bills but cannot be guaranteed to stop condensation. See www.welshwindows.co.uk/condensation

· Insurance backed guarantees are a must, however some insurance backed guarantees some are as much use as a “chocolate fireguard”, So do some research.

· Installers normally need to ask for a deposit but check if the deposit is guaranteed (see above) Paying by credit card will guarantee your money is safe but many companies do not take cards. Why not agree a deal with your installer that you will pay a percentage the day he turns up and rest on completion. Most companies will agree to this. However if everyone decides not to pay a deposit the company may well struggle financially.

· You and your home should be treated with care and respect and all respectable companies will do this.

· Remember fitters have feelings to and plenty of hot tea is always welcome. As you normally will have been given a price giving them tea and biscuits wont cost you much and who knows they may well seal along that bath for you.

· All above written by Cavan who is only a “simple window fitter” and makes no excuse for poor grammer or spelling.

Water, mist or fog in between your glass units

2010-04-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Sealed unit failure is a constant headache for many people who have spent their money on double glazing. There are hundreds of thousands of units with moisture in between the two panes of glass. There are many different common names for this failure.

Unit breakdown, sealed unit failure, failed seal, broken down unit, fog, misted units, foggy units, broken seal and others. However they all mean one thing. The unit needs replacing. Or does it? Look here for my explanation: Welsh Windows

Hat Foundation

2010-04-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Hat Foundation

Who can forget that awful day in 2004 when we woke up to the news that a tsunami had devastated Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and Thailand among other countries.

Hundreds of thousands of people were killed, hundreds of thousands more lost everything and some of the poorest countries were left wondering how they were going to pick up the pieces and start all over again.

For Cavan Sullivan, a businessman from Barry, the event spurred him to action. Like millions of people watching the horrific events unfold on our television screens, Cavan knew he wanted to do something to help.

"I decided I didn't want to give money to a charity. Instead, I decided I wanted to pay for house to be built for one family" he said.

Read more and the updates on Hat Foundation.

About Me

2010-04-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yep my bottom line is "I am only a window fixer". (Tell you more about it later!)
Established in 1987. My company is Welsh Window Systems.
We are specialists in the supply and maintenance of all PVCU and Aluminium windows, doors and conservatories.
Based in Barry South Wales.
If you have a problem with your double glazing give me a call, advice is professional and free.

The Final Day

2010-02-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Final visit to the water board. However, sadly we have missed 2 persons. So once again, a trip into Galle to pay and more paperwork. Paperwork in hand we phone and it is promised that the water meters and pipes into the individual homes will be laid that afternoon.

A few more jobs to sort and then back up the village where there are meters being fitted, people working hard, backfilling and digging! The villagers have to fit their own pipe and tap. However, everyone is helping and soon a shout as the first tap is fitted.

We look up and there is a very happy person standing by his tap. He turns it on and the joy on his face is obvious, which is only matched by ours. A dream come true for so many people - it’s a fantastic moment, and one that will never be forgotten! We leave at about 2.15 as determined to have an hour off!

The villagers have asked us to call back at 4.00 pm for some sort of ceremony. Looking back at the village it is in total chaos with people backfilling madly everywhere. With only one tap fitted and mess everywhere it is obvious it will not be completed by 4.00pm.

4.00 pm and 2 Tuk Tuk's arrive to take us to the village. We are stopped just before the village and greeted by a huge crowd. The children give us garlands to wear and we are stood at a huge entrance banner which is fantastic and must have taken days to make.

It is incredible and in the shape of a goal post and made from bamboo and banana leaves.

Sadly, as usual it is my name on the banner and the others mentioned as visitors. My name is spelt wrong but this makes no difference, it is a work of art and we wish we could take it home. A very emotional moment – glad of the sunglasses!

We are told to wait and then we hear jingling and 6 dancers in traditional costume arrive.

Incredible costumes, dancing and singing, we follow slowly into the village and firecrackers are let off.

As we are walking through the village many of the home-owners are standing proudly by their taps and the joy on their faces is incredible. Some turn on their taps to show us but then turn off asap, as they are on a meter- “Fantastic”! The entire road has been levelled and every single house has a tap fitted. Totally amazing, considering the chaos a few short hours ago!

Three years ago I started to look at sinking a well for this village and hit many setbacks. However, now every house has mains water fitted instead. “How incredible”.

We reach the bottom of the village and the dancers finally finish their act. How fortunate we are to be involved with such a worthwhile project. Stupidly, I take off my glasses and thank everyone, and then ask how they managed to find the dancers and was told that everyone in the village paid. I tried to say something, but it just came out as garbage and I quickly put my glasses back on, as the emotion got the better of me!

Finally, we were ushered to one of the houses, where they had provided some 'traditional' Sri Lankan food (much to the girls dismay as we were leaving that evening for a 24 hour journey home!) They provided coke, as they know we do not drink the water and someone stood waving away the flies for us. Finally we took lots of photos and said an emotional goodbye.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to help thousands of people through the “HAT Foundation” over the last few years. However, nothing comes close to this project.

On reflection, this was a huge undertaking which was completed in just two weeks.

Every person deserves the right to clean fresh running water and everyone involved with the “HAT Foundation” should be proud that on the 25th Feb 2010 we made the dreams of 16 family’s come true.

Oh, by the way, did I say how many houses I promised water to! Well initially, another 65 homes, but expect that figure to grow. This is good as we all need targets to aim for.

I think if we each sent this report to ten friends not already supporting us, we would each soon have at least five donations to fit water into homes.

Cost is just £100 with a marvellous plaque with their name on.

Just another marvellous idea from me!!

Marvellous

Cavan (& Mark, his able, if sometimes annoying helper!)

That’s not entirely true, Mark has been an asset to me.

Thank you Mark

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View the full report here.

The Big Day --- The Digger Arrived!

2010-02-17T00:22:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 17th

The digger arrived at the village. We were expecting a big digger but half a medium size digger came instead! What does half a digger look like? Well no top cab at all, no engine cover and a plastic water butt for fuel. However, it started well and dug approx 20 metres in 45 mins, marvellous.

Our delight was short lived however, the ground is now much harder and the digger is not a man enough for the job. A quick recalculation and it works out that it will take 30 hours to dig – DISASTER, as we pay by the hour! At around 4PM, Nimal phones a different company with a real JCB --success, this will arrive at 8AM tomorrow.

The following day Mark and I arrive at about 8.00am and the JCB arrives shortly after. Problem! It won’t fit up the narrow access path. The wheels of the digger are up the bank on one side and on the edge on the other. The driver phones his boss as he does not want to make the decision to carry on. However, the boss says carry on and the JCB inches very slowly and finally success! He starts to dig and it is obvious the job will be done in no time at all.

We leave and I say to tell the other persons requiring water that we will meet at 5.00pm not 1.00pm.

We call back about 6 hours later and he has only 40 meters left - the whole job dug in about 7 hours – fantastic! We pay the man 12,600 rs about £73, however Mark insists on giving him a 1000rs tip equal to a day’s wages. “Crazy, but I am overruled”.

That evening Mark and I returned to see the other villagers who require water. Originally, I was going to ask the girls (Deb & Fiona ) to take details, but decided against this in case the meeting got heated. We arrived at 5pm and set up camp at a neighbour’s house. A very large welcome committee greeted us, however, all was conducted very peacefully and we took the names of many, all of who live in Udumulla.

Following this, I explained that there were a large amount of applications which would cost us over 1 million rs. However, we believe everyone should have the right to clean running water and we will eventually fit water into their homes, but it could take up to two years. Everyone left happy and we left for our well deserved evening meal.

The following day we had to go back to the water board where we needed to meet with everyone from the village to sign papers. The next day, the water board and 6 employees turn up and soon start laying the pipe which is fed along the path by all of the villagers.

Not only were their tools extremely blunt, they had a tub of glue to join the pipes together, where they had to borrow a toothbrush, as they did not have a brush to apply the solvent – most amusing!

Everyone joined in, including women, young and old and all worked very hard. It was a fantastic community event. In approx 90 mins 160 meters of pipe was laid. The pipe runs out and so we must order more and make another visit the water board to pay the bill – nothing is ever straight forward in Sri Lanka!

We arrive at water board and he says still awaiting quotations which could take a long time.

However, as usual we insist on finishing the project before we leave. Finally we managed to arrange to meet with the head man in Gallle who will give us quote to pay. Mark kindly offers to go so I can have my first dive, as so far I have been too busy. He pays 298,000.00rs about £1700 to pay for the extra pipe and the connection fee for the extra 12 houses.

A day or so passes and we have only two days left. Another meeting with water board and he confirms that we should have water into everyone's home on the day we leave. (Good job, we leave at 10.00pm).

Continue reading....

View the full report here.

Udumulla Village – February 2010

2010-02-02T00:17:00.000-08:00

Following meetings with the water board and a trip to Galle (1 hour round trip) to pay our monies, we are ready to start.

We meet the manager on site who measures the distance to every house, with the last being at 275 meters. We then arrange to meet the following morning, some of the 12 villagers have the correct paperwork, however five have none. The water board manager says everyone must come back down his office the following morning where he will issue one big application. The entire village are in attendance and they are told this at the same time. Anyone who fails to do so may have to wait months, as we are not being messed around. A complete surprise, the following day every villager turns up!

Sadly, we were then informed they do not have any 3 inch pipe in stock and it will take two weeks for materials to arrive. We explain that we need to finish the whole job within two weeks and are desperate to start, so the manager agrees to do his best. Following another two visits over the next three days, there is still no pipe.The manager then recommends that we travel to Galle to see the regional manager to try to move things along. Happily, the following morning, before we depart for Galle, our water board manager calls us to his office to let us know that he has managed to find the pipe we need! It appears that they have diverted pipe meant from other projects, not strictly fair for others but marvellous for us!

A trip to the village on my own where I explain that we will start work the following morning. During this visit I notice that 3 of the children are at home and did not attend school - I am not amused. I ask why Samina and the other two are not in school and was told that following a sports day, it is common for children to miss school the next day as they are tired. Nimal (our local taxi (tuk-tuk) driver and part-time employee of the HAT Foundation) agrees that this is true. However, I am still not happy. The children realise something is wrong and sit sullen faced on the wall. I ask Nimal to explain to the three parents how angry I am and that I blame them not the children, and that I was tired but I am still working on their project and that being tired is a pathetic excuse for not going to school, and they either make sure the children go to school or I help someone else. As usual this was carried out with the whole village listening in, however, most realised that there was something wrong and rapidly retreated.

I check with the parents which school the children attend and let them know that I will visit the principal to check their attendance records. If when I look at the records there is a lot of absence then I will stop helping. It is so important that they realise that the help they receive is in return for improving their education, in order to hopefully improve their standard of living – if they do not keep up their end of the bargain, then hard though it may be, we will stop helping.

I head back down the village still not a “happy bunny” however, stopped by a family who require water, so I take details and as this is only one extra, I say “no problem”. Then another gent opposite says he requires water. Ah well, I think, let’s do the job properly, so I promise we will do his water at same time. Turning to leave there are now two other persons with letters, one is representing ten villagers who do not have water. I decide to look briefly, and as I walk around more people turn up with letters. I had no idea but “Udumulla” village starts at the bottom of the hill and it looks like another 15 houses or so at least!

I ask Nimal to explain that I will look at installing water in their homes but as there are another 12 persons it will be done in our next batch in approx 3-6 months time. I ask everyone to meet me in the village at 1.00pm the following day and I will take their details.

Continue reading....

View the full report here.

Cruising to Double Glazing

2009-04-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Welsh Window Systems is a family run business established in 1987. We specialise in the repair and maintenance of all PVCu windows, Doors and Conservatories. Our glazing shop is situated in Vere Street Cadoxton Barry.

We supply all types of glass including laminated toughened Fire glass Stained, Green house glass and sheets of mirror 8ft x 4ft in stock. We recently supplied glass that was used on the Cunard ship Arcadia. We are presently manufacturing specialist glass for the Orianna.

All this and more to come from the man who is only a "window fixer"

Update 01/07/08

2008-04-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

I am currently talking to a new school in Galle about the possibility of putting water facilities into their toilets.
Exiciting new project. We are organising a presentation of shoes for a large amount of schools. This will cover a huge area and we are hoping to cover schools from all over southern galle with shoes for so many of the poorest and the most acedemic children in each school. This will bring all the poorer schools together and will be quite a huge event.

I am aiming for 500 students, it would be a fantastic achiement, with a few logistical problems. Ie most teachers do not own cars. This together with our commitment for the other schools we support will see us hopefully purchase 1000 Pairs of shoes and socks in Feb 2009.

Should any one wish to donate, £5 will purchase shoes, socks, and cover the cost of food transport and hall hire. £100 will pay for all twenty children from one school. It is then the idea to have banners on each bus with the sponsors name.

We have now run this charity very sucessfully for over three years and have paid all running costs ourselfs, down to the last stamp. However, from approx December 2009 we will be registering as a charitable trust.
The extra costs involved will be covered by “gift aid” and hopefully we will then be able to spend more than 100%.

Our main aim will always be to simply spend every penny you donate on our projects. This way the charity will receive a higher status and we will continue to spend 100% of all money collected on our projects.

Cavan Sullivan.

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View the full report here.

2nd part... February 2008 Update

2008-04-15T22:31:00.000-07:00

Majuwana School

We bought all the children in this school shoes and socks and once again all the children were very grateful. We have now given the school 90,000 (£450.00) rupees to carry out the following repairs for the toilets.

New toilets, pans, re-tile floors, new door and frames.
New drainage to girls outside urinal, new floors and tile floors and walls.
Rebuild new steps leading to toilets. New wall to side of toilet for safety purposes.

As soon as all the work is carried out I will be able to take photos etc. Although some of the toilets had running water, they were in a very bad state of repair and the steps extremely dangerous, so once again this will be a very worthwhile project. The outside urinals did not have running water.

Miss Nishamani Tharukshi

I went to vist a family to give the two children shoes. I always make sure I call later on in the day, when Im least expected, to check on how they live and if they really are poor. The mother works as a cleaner and spends approx one sixth of her income paying for extra education lessons for her daughter, who wants to become a teacher. The family are immensely poor and it is sad when you look at her daily shopping basket, which is so small it really makes you think life is so very unfair.

Grandmother and daughter sleep in the only bed, while the mother and son sleep on the floor in the living room.

I purchased food and shoes and a mattress for the family and arranged to help pay for the childs education, which will enable the mother to have more money to spend on food.

Shoes for Children

Once again, this is a super project and all together we purchased 460 Pairs, including two new schools which we had not visited before. So many children are immensely happy and it averaged out £3.50 for a pair of shoes and

socks. This is my favourite project and if possible I would like to buy 500 plus pairs every year.

Unfortunately, I still had a few schools yet to visit, but I run out of time. However, my daughter and her friend Nicola who had travelled out a week later than us, presented shoes in a few schools and made presentation speeches, as they stayed a week after we left. As the toilets and well projects were unchartered territory, I had no idea of costs, so therefore, we still have money left in Sri Lankan bank account. We will use this as soon as

possible, probably on shoes and possibly another school in Galle which also, has no water in their toilets.

We firmly believe that educaton is the best way to help. It is with this in mind, if we are asked to help, we certainly will do so, where we can. All we ask of them is something in return. That is, simply, anyone we help, we insist they must attend school regularly. We also insist that any individuals we help learn to speak English, as this is so important to secure a better chance of a more successful future.

Pens

This did seem a very good idea and “Barclays Bank” ( Barry) kindly donated 750 pens, which was loaded into every little slot in our suitcase. Every day while I was out, I took with me forty or so pens and was always distribuiting them on buses etc.

An awlul lot of children were very happy to receive them, but I also had many requests from adults, some of which were very very insistent that they also needed pens.I even distributed some pens at the local bank! However, every day giving out pens was a bit weary, and at the end of our hols I still had approximately one hundred left, which I then left for Aimee to distribute. Once again this very simple gift left a lot of people happy, although I would be very glad not to see another Barclays pen for a while!

Diving

Sadly, I did not get in as much diving as I would have liked, due to work on the toilets. However, one day my local diving school had forty new students to teach. They were all ex “Coral skin divers” ( which has now been banned) and this was a government program to give them the possibility of a job within the diving industry. I was therefore asked to help with the training.

I was the only person who had a “Dive Sites Lanka” tee shirt. Due to business not being good they had not ordered for a while and no one else had one. Needing to look very professional, as there was a chance of further enrolments for the dive school, if this worked, I had a marvellous idea.

I went quickly back to the hotel and returned with six brand new tee shirts. Sadly, as I had not opened them previously, I did not realise we had one of every size, so I ended up wearing the “extra exra large.” However, we did all look the same and it did show a united front.

These tee shirts were once again donated by “Barclays Bank”, with the logo clearly printed on the front.

Sorry Barclays, I know these shirts were not meant for this, but the whole group looked professional and my dive centre may end up with more work.

As we have mentioned previously, all running costs are paid for by ourselves i.e stamps, letters, printing photos, flights, accomadation, etc nothing is take out from the donations. We had a late donation of £2064 from “Ysgol Glan Taf “ which, as previously reported, was used on our toilet and well projects. We are extremely grateful to all of the teachers, staff and most of all, the pupils, who raised the money in the first place.

One day i was on my travels and started to talk to two teachers from devon. They had been sent by the local authority as a group of about thirty to see how the children and schools worked over their. They stayed at the Coral Gardens Hotel (one of the best) and were visting schools etc, which is a fantastic idea to see the differences between the two countries educational needs and haves. However at the end of the day it was just a free Jolly.

Saying that i am the worst person in the world to put their hand up for a freebie so i can’t criticize.

Would it not be far better for some one over here to influence our authority to pay to bring over teachers from over there. With teachers earning approx £80 per month it is totally beyond their means. Who knows one of my supporters over here may have some clout with the right people.

I would have no problem putting someone one up in our home and i think others would do the same so it is only air fares that need funding. Just a little seed planted and who knows their are a lot of clever teachers out their who may have connections.

We had £5350.00 to start with.

We are, however, owed £350, as we ordered travellers cheques and forgot that the donation from Barclays was in travellers cheques so we were £350 short. So we put in an extra £350 to cover. This money has not yet been taken back.

Many thanks once again to our supporters who have helped us in our task, to help others. It is no exageration to say that many of the children we helped would have dreamed of owning a pair of shoes and we have together made many of these deams come true. Many thanks also to St. Helens Infant School, Ysgol Glan Taf and Barclays Bank ( Holton Road).

We spent a total of:

Shoes - £1610.00

Toilets (Horigampita School) - Approx £800 not finished yet

Toilets (Majuwana School) - £440.00

Shrimping Boat, nets - £165.00

Mattress, food, Tuk Tuk Hire etc. - £100.00

We currently have three bank accounts in Srilanka, amounting to a total of £2376.00 (£350.00 of this is ours).This will be spent as soon as we are able, on more shoes and toilet facilities.

Many thanks, once again for all your support. Without your generosity, we would not have been able to accomplish all this. Your kindness is so much appreciated. I am really sorry that i did not spend all the money due to running out of time. However i am currently talking to two other schools about well and toilet projects

Cavan A. Sullivan.

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View the full report here.

Update on our Feb 08 visit

2008-04-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

HAT FOUNDATION

Update on our Feb 08 visit

Niroshan

As per our previous report, we have visited Niroshan and could find no reason to carry on sending money, as we still have not received any receipts for the four cheques that we previously sent. We have, therefore, discontinued supporting the family with money for medicines. The family have had a fantastic european style bathroom built, by a world wide charity (World Aid, I think). However, they have not run any water into the extension.I have decided to look into the possibility of providing the necessary plumbing pipes / pump etc., as it will have to be pumped approximately 40 metres from the well. I have someone currently pricing the works and are awaiting estimates.

Update 1/06/08

I have had a price to pay for the building works but it is far to expensive. I will look at this again when we return next year.

Samina

We visited Samina very many times and she is looking really well. She has now started full time school and we have made sure that she has the necessary uniforms / shoes etc. It was fantastic to see her again, although a little shy to begin with, she soon came out of her shell and really enjoyed becoming the centre of attraction. One of the highlights of our holiday is seeing her and all the children in the village.

Udumalla Village

This small village is where Samina lives and we were hoping to buy school uniforms for all the children, but unfortunately our time ran out too quickly, as we were engaged in numerous other projects. We did, however, buy school shoes for all the children and also provided them with toothpaste and toothbrushes, to encourage them to brush each time after the many sweets and goodies. One evening, we rounded up ten of the children and arranged to take them out for a “tea party”to the local “House of Rotti” restaurant. This was, without doubt, the best event of the holiday. We turned up at the restaurant and arranged for two “Tuk Tuks” to pick up the children and one adult, from the village.

When the children arrived, they were truly amazing. We could not believe how they looked. Samina had recently been a flower girl and two other girls had been bridesmaids, so they turned up with their hair neatly fastened with bows and looked truly amazing. Everyone of the ten children were great, you would never guess that they come from a tiny little village. We ordered 15 Rottis, 15 fantas, 15 chips and finished off with icecream.

However, as we started the icecream, I took out balloons that I had brought from the UK. You can only imagine the total chaos. It is impossible to describe how exited the children were. Without doubt, our best idea yet. When all the children left in the Tuk Tuk, everyone was smiling and happy beyond belief.

I did not find time to look into the possibility of sinking a new well in Udmulla village, but it is still on my list.

Mr Lounaris

I was approached by Mr Lounaris, asking for money to buy fishing nets and a small boat. My initial reaction was to decline. However, after speaking with him more, he explained to me his reasons. He wanted to provide ,and support his family. On reconsidering, I decided to loan him the money, the sum of 33500 rupees. (£165) I asked him to sign a paper, stating he owed the money and would pay back when he could afford to. The agreement is probably as much use as a chocolate fire guard, but I really think he will repay. So far, to date, he has repaid two payments.

Horigampita School

This new project at the school took up the majority of my time. I visited almost every day. After arriving at the school and casually looking around, I noticed the old dilapidated buildings that were there the year before. However, what I didn’t realise was that these were the existing toilets, constantly in use. It is impossile to describe how bad they were, but, just to give you some idea, the Girls outside urinal consisted of four walls with a broken concrete floor and a crack that opened up to a huge gap.

Adding to all of this, I discovered that everything was blocked. What was more astonishing was that there was no water in the school whatsoever and children carried pails of water from neighbouring houses. Obviously, all the toilets were blocked and only seeped slowly.

The teachers tended not to use the toilets at all and most children only used the urinal. However, there are children as young as five attending the school, therfore, it could become quite difficult on times to stop a young child doing what comes naturally. All the drains were totally blocked.

Just days before we left the U.K., we were contacted by “Ysgol Glan Taf”, (Cardiff), who very kindly donated a generous sum, with which we had intended to buy computers for the school, but seeing the diabolicle state of the sanitation facilities, we decided that this was obviously far more important.

First of all, I decided that I would knock down the existing toilets, sink a new well and fit washing / drinking facilities.

One problem: Before we started, I was informed by the head teacher, that no work could be carried out on school property without permission from the local education authority. “Well” I said, “Let's go” but the head was adamant that nobody would see us. However, I explained, as a foreigner, I am able to open doors and see people that they could not. The head was still adamant that we would not be seen, but eventually agreed to try.

We travelled to “Galle” and in no time at all we were sitting in the office of the Chief of Education for southern Galle, much to the amazement of the teachers. I duely explained what I wanted and the chief told me it was very admiral but was not easy to carry out straight away. However, he wanted to introduce me to the project manager for southern Galle, who was downstairs, who coincidently happened to be a friend of his.

Apparantly, no building project at any school can commence without his permission. I met up with him and told him what my intentions were. I explained that the toilets were blocked and dangerous and also the fact that there was no water whatsoever in the school. He admired my passion and said it was not a simple task, as no foreigner could invest money in a Sri Lankan school without a lengthy investigation by several parties, taking 3-4 months. He asked me how many months I was here for. I promptly explained only two weeks. After a lot of discussion we finally decided that we did not want to build toilets or a well in the school. However, we were extremely lucky enough to know of a person in Horigampita village who also wanted to donate money, but who wanted to remain anonymous. As a local, he would be able to invest straight away.

Thirty minutes later, with all the correct paper work and official stamps, we were sent to the planning department.I went into four more different departments, and in each one there was someone already waiting for me and each was extremely helpful. In just three and a half hours, we left with all the correct documents, full plans and planning permission, and arrangements to meet the following day on site with the building inspector. Brilliant, and all to the forward thinking of some important people in the education department. “Well done!”, Sri Lanka Education department.

The next day we met on site with the well builder and planning inspector, and surprisingly, the following day the work began. We sunk a new well, 21 feet deep x 4ft 6 wide, with concrete rings all around. This then fed a 1000 litre tank, which has been installed in an old disused storeroom, to stop any vandals tinkering with the water. We bought the biggest pump and all wiring, plumbing and building work was completed by local tradesmen. The old outside girls urinal was knocked down and two brand new toilets were built in its place. We also refurbished the three other toilets with new floor and pans, new drainage and re-cemented and tiled all floors. All toilets then painted.

The well had a huge concrete slab, to cover it, and make it safe. We also dug a new cess pit, 6ft x 6ft x 10ft deep, which was then double bricked on four sides. The bottom is not bricked, therefore allowing the waste water to drain. Due to the size of the pit, it is thought it will take five years plus before it needs emptying. Planning personell were there practically every day and were very thorough. We managed to finish about 75% of the work while we were there and the rest was finished off afterwards.To think what we have achieved in a few weeks was fantastic and a school of 164 children and staff now have proper and adequate water and toilet facilities.

The difference these toilets have made to this school is beyond belief and was truly a fantastic project. Also, we purchased shoes and socks for every child in the school. Last year this school had 123 students. However, after buying shoes for all the children last year, word got around and there was a rumour I might return. So now, everyone wants to join this school. They now have 164 pupils - a huge increase. Who knows what will happen next year as we have carried out all this work.

The final bill for the school is expected to be less than £1000 for all the building work. I have collected books from “St Helens Schools”, but, at the moment I am experiencing a few problems with shipping. As soon as it is sorted, I will send them. The difference the well and toilets has made on all the childrens/teachers life’s is incredible and was a fantastic project which will benefit everyone for years to come.

Majuwana School

New toilets, pans, re-tile floors, new door and frames.
New drainage to girls outside urinal, new floors and tile floors and walls.
Rebuild new steps leading to toilets. New wall to side of toilet for safety purposes.

Miss Nishamani Tharukshi

Grandmother and daughter sleep in the only bed, while the mother and son sleep on the floor in the living room.

I purchased food and shoes and a mattress for the family and arranged to help pay for the childs education, which will enable the mother to have more money to spend on food.

Shoes for Children

socks. This is my favourite project and if possible I would like to buy 500 plus pairs every year.

possible, probably on shoes and possibly another school in Galle which also, has no water in their toilets.

Pens

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View the full report here.

Update 20.01.08

2008-01-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

HAT FOUNDATION
Update 20.01.08

Niroshan
In 2006 we sent money to the parents of Niroshan. They needed another £250 to pay for Anti-rejection drugs before a kidney operation could be carried out. We sent £250 and the operation was a success. We then left four post -dated monthly cheques, to pay for ongoing medicines and aftercare (average cheque £17.50).

We simply asked for receipts to be sent to us on a monthly basis and we would send a cheque each month.
However, we only ever received one receipt in four months, even after sending our friend, the taxi driver “Nimal” around to the home.

Sadly therefore, we had to stop sending money, as i cannot justify giving them money without a receipt.
Nimal our taxi driver has told me that Niroshan is well and therefore must now be receiving the neccessary medicines free of charge from another hospital.

The family has also asked if i could supply pipework and a pump in order to pump the water from the well to the house. I have not supplied them with any further funding but i will be visiting them in February this year. They are a large, poor family and i will possibly help with food and/or clothes when i visit. Should anyone, however, still decide they want to help Niroshan and family specifically, then your money will only be used for that purpose.

However, without our initial funding, the operation may well have not taken place, so we have already made a huge difference to this young boy’s life.

Samina
We send out an extra 1000 rupees (£4.70) per month to help with food for Samina. We have had lots of contact and we personally ( myself, Deb & Aimee) have sent out presents for birthdays and Christmas.
Nimal, our taxi driver, has been assisting us trying to obtain a copy of Samina’s birth certificate, as without it, she would not be able to attend school. Samina now has an official letter which allows her to attend school while awaiting to receive the birth certificate. (it has probably been received by now).

“Shoes for Children” This will be our main project again as it is so rewarding. It helps so many children for a small amount of money. Last year, we helped over 450 children and hopefully we would like to help a similar amount again. This project has proved to be so rewarding,with many of the children wearing shoes for the very first time.

Udumalla Village
This small village is where Samina lives. There are approximately ten houses and roughly the same amount of small children. Hopefully, if we have enough money, we would like to buy school uniforms and shoes, to encourage the children to attend school every day.

Water Well (Udumalla Village)
Should the land owners decide they will sell at a fair price, i will start the process to purchase land. Once purchased, to arrange to sink a well. ( Once i have read up on well building) This is another project i will complete as soon as funds and time allows. Last year the landowners could not agree or were asking for too much.

Horigampita School
This is one superb school but, unfortunately has no facilities or books etc. As it is situated approximately 20kms inland, it was not affected by the Tsunami. However, as it is out in the sticks, the main employment is farming and the wages are very low. I am really determined to help this school over the coming years.This school really does have an air of enthusiasm for learning and once we obtain our goals, hundreds of children will benefit for many years.

I hope as soon as funds become available, to put a computer classroom together. I will be purchasing second hand equipment in Sri Lanka. Computers ideally need to run in Singaleese as well as English. £1000 will set up a ten computer classroom (used machines and computers are quite expensive over here) Not sure if the school will be able to afford the internet connection, however, there is a huge amount that can be accessed from disks and the childrens educaton would benefit enormously.

Also, i have collected books from St Helens Schools, but due to business commitments, i have been unable to organise shipping as yet, so i will sort out all details while i am there and ship the books over when i come back to the U.K.

Probably the most astonishing fact of last year, was an email I received in October. We had a letter from Horigampita school saying that they had received more applications to join their school than ever before. The reason why, - “some crazy Welshman had walked in and bought a pair of shoes for each child”. I had not, at this point, promised any further help. So it appears that a £3.00 pair of shoes could educate a child for a year.
Immensely satisfying and yet very sad at the same time. Apart from the above we do buy food and clothes for some of the poorer families.

We do not interfere with any religous beliefs or way of life but, where possible, we insist that children attend school regularly, if they want us to continue trying to help them. We firmly believe that educaton is the best way to to a more secure future.

So far in the two previous years “together” we have achieved the following:

A new Brick built home for The Lounaris family.
Furnished the above home.
Paid for electricity to be connected.
Put funding in place to pay for milk and food for Samina.
Bought new beds, pot, pans etc.
Purchased bicycle.
Purchased many new clothes for Samina and Niroshan and families.
Put the funding in place so that Niroshan’s operation could be carried out.
Purchased approx 450 pairs of shoes.
Purchased 50 School starter packs ( uniform books rucksack etc)
Purchased food parcels.
Put funding in place to help three children learn the English language.
Bought approx 70 writing books and pens to help small nursery.
Helped many other people.

Incredibly, all the above has been acheieved with the help of just 120 supporters/donors. In two years we have collected approx £5500.00 and at this moment. we have approx 90,000 Rupees in the commercial Bank of Ceylon. This means that all of the above was completed for approx £5100.00. We also have approx £1400.00 in Barclays for this years aims.

Special thanks to the Teachers and especially the children at St Helens Infant School for their continuing support. Shoud you prefer not to receive our updated letters in future, please let us know, as it is only sent to the people who have supported my projects, or have requested updates. Should you have an email address please let me know and i will send by email, which is far more environmentally friendly.

As we have mentioned previously, all running costs are paid for by ourselves i.e stamps, letters, printing etc do not come out of any donations. Please do not feel you have to support us.

If however, you wish to continue to help, we are leaving on the 14th February 2008, for a two week visit.

Please make cheques payable to: HAT FOUNDATION

This year, myself, Deb, Aimee and her friend Nicola, will be visiting, so if i can ease them off the sunbed my job will be easier and perhaps i could do some serious diving.

Many thanks, once again
Cavan A Sullivan

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