BOBSMAG

I was born in London during WW2 where I completed my basic schooling before going to the Acton Hotel & Catering College to pursue my chosen career.

On completion of my college training I started work at the Westbury Hotel in Bond Street London – a commie chef – from there it was onto Claridges along with a pay rise.

From there onwards it was into the management side of the industry, completing my training with Fortes & Co.

I then came to Africa – Rhodesia – to marry Leslie which took place in January 1968. After a short time in Africa I was offered a job back in the UK with my previous employer.

After a short time in Manchester I was given my first General Managers Job in Malta

After three years in Malta we returned to the UK along with our 2 sons Andrew & David, this time to the Cotswolds.

Africa was calling and we returned to Pretoria.

After 4 years in Pretoria it was off to Durban and I must admit Durban was not one of our favourite cities.

After 1 year in Durban we thought very seriously about returning to the UK, however things changed after I was offered the General Managers job at Zululand Safari Lodge.

From Zululand – a great 5 years – it was onto Cape Town and the Newlands Sun and it was here that I had one of my best management teams ever. Eventually things came to an end and we entered the Guest House business, first in McGregor and finally in Franschhoek.

In 2012 we called it a day and retired to Durbanville in the northern suburbs of Cape Town.

I lost Leslie in 2015 and still miss her.

Our sons are in Spain and Cape Town and both have great families and children