Having stated back in 2019 that 'fixing' this kite might best be done by not using bamboo I eventually decided that actually it might be the best material in terms of strength relative to weight.

Not having tried to buy bamboo previously that posed another hurdle and after finding the 'right' type at retail outlets in Belgium and Holland I almost got stuck!

Finally I opted for 16-18mm supplied in 10 foot lengths from a Garden Supplier based in Morecambe, Lancashire: ordered on Tuesday 4th August and delivered on Thursday 6th August!

Laying the new besides the old was a moment of truth but that was surpassed by finding that the 30cm aluminium tubes that I had purchased way back were almost a perfect fit!

I decided to re-use the original bamboo where possible initially and marked them up for simple assembly.

The central spine was test fitted and the connector re-knotted.

The real work started with fitting the two aluminium tubes to the central connector for the spreader.

Two main lengths were selected and cut down to match the original components of the spreader.

The outer ends were notched and taped, likewise.

It did not look as if there would be enough breeze for a test flight on Blackheath on Sunday 9th August but the kite was assembled without issue and so flight was attempted. The 2mph breeze would have just about been enough but it was not consistent, fading after a couple of minutes to still air!

It was good to get the kite in the air, even if only for a few minutes at a time.

Nothing was broken and replacement of the old elements will continue.