PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Len Swimmer, chairperson of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society (VPHS), gets his opportunity to delve into the history of the legacy of the Bains - Thomas (not to be confused with artist and explorer Thomas Baines) and his father, Andrew - and their remarkable talents and achievements.
The Bains were responsible for constructing some spectacular mountain passes. "We have all enjoyed the breathtaking views from the passes that enable us to travel over our spectacular mountains and into the beautiful valleys beyond," says Lesley Mallows, secretary of the VPHS.
Foresight
"But do we ever stop to think of the extraordinarily difficult journeys that faced our ancestors before these incredible gateways were built?" asks Mallows. "Do we pause to acknowledge the foresight, planning and engineering that went into the construction process?"
Arguably the greatest of these road builders and engineers was Thomas Bain, who is probably the best known of the 19th century's road makers who played such a major part in opening the hinterland of the Cape Colony.
Striking views. Photos: Supplied
Thomas Charles John Bain and his father, Andrew Geddes Bain, perfected the technique of constructing dry stone retaining walls - many of considerable height and length.
The roads they built are still standing and are in use to this day. Andrew was responsible for seven major passes and Thomas for an incredible 26.
These were all completed in the days before modern equipment.
Two of the better known ones - the Swartberg Pass between Oudtshoorn and Prince Albert and our own Prince Alfred's Pass, which links Plettenberg Bay to the Langkloof - still have gravel surfaces and remain largely as Thomas built them.
Amazing man
"Thomas Bain is rightly credited with opening up South Africa for trade and travellers," says Mallows.
Len Swimmer, chairperson of the Van Plettenberg Historical Society. Photo: Chris van Gass
There was, however, much more to this amazing man. "As well as being an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, he had a profound knowledge of geology and was an enthusiastic botanist. Thomas' artistic skills are evident in his drawings, plans and maps mostly lodged in the University of Cape Town. He enjoyed singing and also played the violin. He was a devoted family man and father of 13 children who were home-educated by his wife, Johanna."
The talk
Swimmer's talk, coinciding with Thomas' birthday, will take place in the Lagoon Room, Beacon Isle Resort, on Friday 25 July. Tickets can be obtained online via Quicket or in person at Barney's Kiosk, Market Square, Plettenberg Bay. For additional information, phone Swimmer on 082 452 1799.
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