I was fortunate to spend three enjoyable and exciting years working as a surveyor in Southern Africa during the 1970’s.
One of my many interesting assignments was assisting local appraiser Tony Torr in valuing the assets of a failed conglomerate, Summit Construction. This involved travelling far and wide throughout South Africa in Mr Torr’s wonderful 1943 Beech Staggerwing.
Overflying many mines of one sort or another, I was intrigued to learn more about the history of the country’s mining. A chance discussion with Gary Bees in Northampton many years later rekindled my interest. Actually meeting a relative of the famous Fanny Bees, wife of Barney Barnato, was the spark I needed to commence researching, which within a couple of years resulted in this book.
I hope you enjoy reading about Gary’s relatives as much as I have enjoyed writing.
It is an incredible story.
