thanks to all who advised me
 

At the beginning of July I posted a couple of requests for info on
laying a patio. Well, after all your helpful advice we got the materials
all arranged and last week we successfully finished it. We'd already
pretty much prepared the ground beforehand so it only actually took a
couple of days. Quite hard days, in that heat! Anyway I'm just writing
to thank all those that contributed - it was a pain but we did it. It's
not perfect but nothing we do is! Now, I just need to get that kitchen
finished......