PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Well-known Plett resident and the former face of TV in South Africa, David Hall-Green, gave a farewell presentation to the Van Plettenberg Historical Society on Thursday 16 February about the ill-fated Portuguese trading ship, the São Gonçalo.
Hall-Green related the history of the São Gonçalo, that went under in Plettenberg Bay in 1632, to a full house at Formosa Garden Village.
There were more than 200 sailors on board the São Gonçalo, which was carrying a cargo of pepper, on the return leg from Goa in India to Portugal when it went down.
The São Gonçalo had sought refuge in the lee of Robberg, but a heavy storm lashed it and it floundered onto the beach at what is known as Robberg Hoek.
Len Swimmer, chairman of the society, thanked Hall-Green for a fascinating talk. "And thank you for the years of support you have given the Van Plettenberg Historical Society. Not only have you addressed and entertained us on several occasions, but you have also served as a much-valued member of our committee for many years," he said.
"We accept your resignation with great regret. We will miss your company at our meetings as well as your valuable input."
The speaker at the next meeting, on 27 April at the Burnt Orange Restaurant, will be Andrew Rattray, who will focus on the Battle of Isandlwana, where the Zulu unexpectedly defeated British forces in 1879.
David Hall-Green with the ill-fated Portuguese trading ship, the São Gonçalo, on the screen in the background.
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