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Name: FOSTER, Robert Hugh 'Robo'

Nee: son of Hugh Gascoigne Foster

Birth Date: 1931 Uganda

Death Date: 4 Dec 2006 Diani

Last Date: 2005

Profession: Farmed at Kaptagat

Area: Kaptagat

Book Reference: Gillett, mini-Sitrep XXX

General Information:

Robert Hugh - KR 3747
mini-Sitrep XXX - Robert had an idyllic childhood on the 1300 acre farm at Kaptagat, bought because the climate was so much healthier for young children than Uganda. The home had a lovely garden and large orchard running down to the River Kipsinandi which Hugh had stocked with trout. Included on the farm were the Kaptagat School, Club and Arms Hotel, all of which were started by Hugh and Zoe. Later Zoe started a riding school. Aunt Lil and Uncle Fronny built a house half a mile downstream, so a large family community was established at Kaptagat. The Club comprised a polo ground, tennis courts and later a squash court, and in the clubhouse, a full-size snooker table. ……….
The children were day scholars at Kaptagat School (Neville was a founder member), which was 500 yards from their house. Robert went on to the Prince of Wales where, whilst he didn't shine academically, he was, apparently, very popular.
After attending the one year course at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester he returned to Kaptagat to help his parents on the farm, now 2800 acres, Hugh having bought the adjoining 1500 acres in 1950. Called up by the Kenya Regiment, Robert joined 'C' Company, and apart from guarding Eldoret's 2 girls' schools, spent some time with the Gloucester Regiment as an interpreter ……… Hugh died in 1956 and whilst Zoe remained at Fosterville, Robert and Francis took over the running of the farm, by then a large, mixed concern comprising cattle and agriculture, including flax. ………..
Like their parents, the four children played lots of polo, eventually forming the formidable 'All Fosters' team which never lost a mixed tournament. Robert, a steady 4 handicap player, played back for Kenya in 1959 in the first test against South Africa. Practical in every way, he rarely broke a stick having ensured that he bought only the thickest, least pliable ones he could find, most of which lasted his entire career! ……………… [lots more on his life - bird shooting etc.]
Demanding little from friends, Robo marched to the beat of his own drum and did exactly as he pleased. Cheerful and humorous, he was generous to a fault, fiercely loyal to friends and family and he lived his life to the full on his own terms.

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