Solding Nightmares! :-(

[niceguyjoe]

Evening everyone.

I'm a complete beginner and need some advice on soldering a bezel strip to a flat sliver 1mm plate. (18x14) . Ive tried 5times now and the solder just isn't melting.
Ive fluxed both pieces well.Put them on a charcoal brick. Cut small 1mm squares of hard solder.I'm using a butane mini torch that I bought of Cookson £20. I concentrated the heat on the outside of the silver sheet base. Its turned pink/red and still the solder doesn't melt.

My question is how long should it normally take for the solder to melt?? Also im worried that i'll end up melting the silver. Is my torch to weak?
Ive managed to solder the bezel strips fine, and also two d-shaped silver rings no problem.

I would be VERY grateful for any tips. Im pulling out my hair :-)

Thanks
Joe