Alright, so I wanted to build a little amphitheater, you know, like the ones you see in old movies, but smaller and, well, in Canterbury. I had this image in my head, all stone and grand, but also cozy. So, I started sketching.
First, I grabbed some paper and a pencil. Just started drawing circles and lines, trying to get the basic shape down. Think half-circles, steps, a stage area. Nothing fancy, just getting a feel for the layout. My initial sketches were terrible. No joke, they looked like a toddler had a go at it. But hey, everyone starts somewhere, right?
Finding the Right Spot
Next up, location, location, location! I walked around, looking for a good spot. I needed somewhere with a bit of a natural slope, to make the seating easier. I didn’t want to have to dig out a whole mountain! I found this perfect little nook, kind of tucked away, with a gentle incline. Perfect!
The Materials Game
Then came the materials. Originally, I was dreaming of big, beautiful stone blocks. But, reality check! Those things are expensive and heavy. I started looking into alternatives. Concrete was a strong contender, but felt a bit…blah. Then I stumbled across these reclaimed bricks. They had character, that worn, aged look I was after, and they were way more affordable.
Getting My Hands Dirty
- I started by marking out the area, using string and stakes. Just to get a clear outline of where everything would go.
- Then, the digging began. Oh boy, was that a workout! I dug out the basic shape, level by level, creating the tiers for the seating. It was slow going, but satisfying.
- Next, I laid down a foundation of gravel and sand, to make sure everything was nice and stable. No wobbly seats here!
- Then, brick by brick, I started building the walls and steps. I learned how to mix mortar (messy, but fun!), and how to make sure everything was level. Lots of checking with a spirit level, I tell you!
The Finishing Touches
The seating was the trickiest part. I wanted it to be comfortable, but also durable. I ended up using wooden planks, treated to withstand the weather. I sanded them down, stained them a nice, warm color, and bolted them onto the brick structure.
Finally, I added a few little touches. Some plants around the edges, to soften the look. A couple of small spotlights, for evening events. And that was it! My very own Canterbury amphitheater.
It’s not perfect, of course. There are a few wonky bricks, and the mortar is a bit uneven in places. But I built it with my own two hands, and that’s what matters. It’s a place to sit, to chat, to maybe even put on a little show. And I’m pretty darn proud of it.
