PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Architect, raconteur, storyteller and Plett history boffin Rodney Grosskopff’s talk at the next Van Plettenberg Historical Society gathering will focus on the second wave of British Settlers in 1830, who brought life, culture and prosperity to Plettenberg Bay.
Grosskopff admits he has fallen in love with the characters from that era and has even drawn most of their portraits, which he will use to illustrate his talk.
The British government raised vast funds and actively promoted the Cape Emigration Scheme, later known as the 1820 Settlers, to inhabit the eastern frontier and provide a boost to the English-speaking population in South Africa.
A few years later, in a second wave of the Cape Emigration Scheme, attention turned to populating smaller coastal villages such as Plettenberg Bay.
“By 1830, Plettenberg Bay was in full swing, and these wonderful people and their families brought life, culture and prosperity to the town,” says Grosskopff.
He says he loves everything about Plett. “I’m madly interested in its history, development and its people.”
The meeting takes place from 17:30 to 18:00 at the Formosa Garden Village, Ferdinand Street, on Thursday 14 May. Further information is available at [email protected]. Alternatively, call Kevin on 071 465 2492.
'Mr Everything', William Derbyshire. Sketch by Rodney Grosskopff.
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