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Tanganyika Architect

Started by Graham Hutton, 07 July, 2015, 10:30

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Graham Hutton

Hello,
I am writing, not as an ex Tanzanian, rather the son of one!
My mother, Penny Bransgrove, went to the Junior European School in Dar es Salaam from 1949 to 1952 and then to Southern Highlands School, Sao Hill between 1952 and 1956. She then went onto Limuru for Secondary education.
Her older sisters Diana and Julie went to Arusha School between 1949 and 1952, before boarding in England. Her 2 younger sisters, Pauline and Liz (twins) followed my mother at the same schools a few years later. I think they also went to Lushoto School from 1957 to 1959.
Now some of you may recognise their names and you are welcome to enquire after them. My main reason, however, for writing on this forum is to find out if any of you can help me with my research into my grandfather, Peter Bransgrove. He had his own architectural practise in Dar es Salaam, between 1948 and 1966 named C. A. Bransgrove & Partners. He designed the Junior European School in Dar. Here is a web site showing some of his work.
http://www.dumville.org/dar/bransgrove_1.html
I would be interested to hear if anyone remembers my grandfather or his family. I would also be interested in photos that you may have of some his buildings. I would also love to hear from any of you who were the children of architects, engineers, surveyors, planners or builders.
As an aside, I would be grateful if anyone knows who designed the Riddoch Motor Company's premises in Arusha in the 1950's? It's a wonderful looking building.
Thank you
Graham Hutton

Simon Watson

Hi Graham,
I have been looking through my Father's Photo Albums and Dar address book between 1961 and 1966 hoping to find something for you but nothing has come to light,but i do know that he had an Architect friend from Dar who might still be alive.I will check. Do you know whether your Grandfather was a Cricketer or Tennis player and frequented the Gymkhana Club? Knowing this might help.

It's so strange reading about your Mother and her sisters. They are older than me, but i too went to Sao-Hill,but between 1957 and 1961 and in the 50s whilst we were living in Tanga, we used to go to Lushoto to take out friends at the School there or play Cricket. Also being a car nut even then, i remember Riddoch Motors all over Tanganyika.
Best regards...
Simon.

Graham Hutton

Thanks for looking for me Simon and its' great to hear from you.
My grandfather did a couple of garages for Riddoch, some for Motor Mart & Exchange, Tanganyika Motors and Benbros Motors.
I think the only building he did in Tanga was the house for Lady Lead.
Please let me know if you have any success with your fathers architect friend.
As for my grandfather, I don't think he had any time for the cricket or tennis, but he may have been part of the club as it would have been good for business?
I think 1956 was the last year that any of the Bransgrove girls attended Sao Hill...so you just missed them!
Look forward to hearing back from you.
Graham

Simon Watson

Hi Graham,

I have been waiting for news regarding my Father's old Architect friend before writing back but no joy as yet! It might take a while as my Dad is no longer around and i have contacted a couple of people who are now unfortunately not totally compos mentis! Very sad!

Lady Lead...That's a name I remember even as a child. Massive house!My parents knew her and went to Bridge parties etc..

Best...Simon.

Graham Hutton

Hi Simon,
Thanks for trying with the contact.
Let's hope something comes through.
I don't suppose you can find a picture of Lady Leads's house...would be great to see!
Do you know what she did for a living?
Would be interested to know.
Cheers
Graham

Simon Watson

Hi Graham,

Sorry,no photos of Lady Lead's house. As far as I know she didn't have to work! I believe it's possible that Sisal grew on her plantation and she derived a living from the sales,especially as in the 50s Tanga was the largest exporter of Sisal in the World.

Best regards,
Simon.