Mr Jeffree’s Model-building Endeavour

Over the course of this year, Resthaven Craigmore resident, Mr Ronald Jeffree, has worked hard crafting a model of the HMS Endeavour. Ron explains, "After I retired, I struck up the hobby of building model boats. It was always a rewarding activity, and it certainly kept me busy!"

"When my wife and I became residents at Resthaven Craigmore, I thought it would no longer be possible to continue my hobby. But how very wrong I was!"

"To my surprise, my dear wife, Joyce, gave me a kit for building a model of the Endeavour for my 90th birthday."

"The model is a faithful replica of the British Royal Navy vessel commanded by Lieutenant James Cook on his 1768–1771 'voyage of discovery' to Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti."

"It features laser-cut birch and linden wood parts, oak veneers for the hull construction, and basswood."

"Measuring 80cm long and 65cm high, it is so realistic, with very precise photo-etched and die-cast details," he says.

To assemble the 1/65 scale model, Mr Jeffree followed more than 500 pages of extensive step-by-step instructions, as well as video tutorials.

Soon enough, the word spread about Mr Jeffree’s model-building endeavour, and he quickly gained a keen following from the site community.

Specifically, Mr Jeffree was overjoyed to receive some special assistance from two Resthaven staff members - Sam Kariru, Registered Nurse, and Michael Halliday, Maintenance Officer.

Manager Residential Services, Jessica Traeger, says, "Sam and Michael have both avidly supported Mr Jeffree, eagerly keeping updated with his progress throughout the whole build."

"Michael dedicated his own time to help Ron along the way. Towards the completion, he sourced materials and built an amazing display cabinet for the model, so that Ron could keep it on display for years to come."

"Sam went out of his way to take professional photographs of the model and created a keepsake photo book, with storyline. He presented it to Ron as a surprise gift for him to treasure."

"They have both said it was an honour to help out, and that seeing the smile on Ron’s face has made their year!"

"Ron came to see me personally, with so much joy and appreciation for the support he has been given by Sam and Michael," she says.

The beautiful model is now on display at the café in Resthaven Craigmore, for all to admire.

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