Welcome to The Van Plettenberg Historical Society
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society was established in 1980. A non-profit organisation, it has staged some 175 talks over the last 30 years. Subjects have ranged largely over the fascinating local history (and pre-history) of the area, from the last Ice Age to the comparatively recent past.
Next meeting
15 November 2024 – WINSTON CHURCHILL – WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE – REWARD £25
Please join us on 15th November in The Gazebo at the Beacon Island Resort when well-known Plett raconteur Rodney Grosskopff will take us back to The Boer War and tell us the story behind this dramatic poster and the events which followed. BOOKINGS CLOSE ON MONDAY 11th...
Latest Talks
Peter Rattray and the evolution of Fairview House
Our final event for the year at Fairview Estate was a resounding success. The weather behaved, and we sat on the terrace feasting our eyes on the Tsitsikama mountains while listening to Andrew Rattray’s fascinating...
Rosiland Ballingall
Hi All, The Rosiland saga has sat with me for over the 40 years that I have lived in Plett. I remember her as we shared a cafeteria at UCT. She was tall good looking with a dress down to the ground. Us Architects did...
The origins of the Clumber Church
IN THE vale of Clumber in the Eastern Cape, 5km from Bathurst just off the Shaw Park road, lies Clumber Church. Situated on a knoll this is the third Church to be built on this spot by the Nottingham Party and...
While a list of talks has been provided elsewhere on this site, we also show some
places of historical interest. These will be added to over time.
About us
The Van Plettenberg Historical Society was established in 1980. A non-profit organisation, it has staged some 175 talks over the last 30 years. Subjects have ranged largely over the fascinating local history (and pre-history) of the area, from the last Ice Age to the comparatively recent past.
We would also welcome voluntary contributions towards the Society’s activities. Members of the Historical Society are also available to answer questions about the archaeology of the area; its more recent, recorded or documented history; or to visit together some or all of the historical relics and exhibits.
The Constitution enjoins members to
- Collect and collate information.
- Distribute and make available to a wider public the fruits of these activities.
- Preserve buildings and artefacts of historical interest.
- Collect and preserve documents.
Transcripts or summaries
Transcripts or summaries of the talks are available on request to the Society. They will be forwarded by email or post for a fee, which covers the costs of scanning or photocopying (if necessary). For further information on the history of Plettenberg Bay and related matters
