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Retreat has a rich history that needs to be documented with the help of residents and their stories says Roy Prinsloo, a former high school history teacher and founder of the Retreat History Society.
“I was born in Retreat and grew up here. I also went to school at Steenberg High School and then went into teaching.”
The retired history teacher also penned three books, including Our Community in the Classroom.
“Wherever I taught, those schools had history societies that encouraged learners to explore their own history and to visit museums.
“I was always interested in the community of Retreat so when I retired two years ago, I decided to establish the Retreat History Society and I went to high schools in the area for learners to join after school. We meet regularly at the Retreat library on Wednesday afternoons.”
Since the inception of the Retreat History Society three months ago, the group’s members have visited the District Six Museum and the Battle of Muizenberg site.
“We have had speakers, experts in their own areas, such as historian and genealogist Aubrey Springveldt who is busy with the tracing of families and family history.
“We are also talking to people who grew up in the Retreat area. So, every week there is something for learners to be involved in and they are taking to it very enthusiastically.”
Referring to where the name Retreat comes from, Prinsloo says it is directly related to the Battle of Muizenberg.
“In 1795, the British had their eye on the Cape as a halfway station and at the time, the Cape was not invaded for land or minerals, but they saw it as a halfway station to replenish their ships.
“The British were involved with a battle with the Dutch and because the Cape was Dutch, a few ships landed up in Simon’s Town and False Bay. But because the British canons were larger, the Dutch retreated and the British then took over the Cape.”
Princess Vlei also has an interesting story.
Legend has it that the Vlei was named after a Khoisan Princess who was abducted by Portuguese sailors while bathing in its waters.
Prinsloo adds that Retreat has a rich history dating back to the 1900s.
“Buildings in Retreat date back to 1910, so the area of Retreat had been populated by the local community prior to 1900.”
“Obviously, if you look at the history of South Africa, it was colonised by European powers. My passion is to unveil the areas of Retreat.”
Prinsloo says in order to engage learners and get them interested in history it is important for people to tell their stories.
“I find that with learners you need people on board to come and tell the stories and I have had a few people come forward to tell their stories and we need people to write and document it.
“What I visualise is to document and then have an exhibition at Retreat Library where people would be invited to bring their old photographs to portray their history.
“If there are businesses who would like to assist with excursions, they can also reach out.”
