KNYSNA NEWS - One of the oldest companies in South Africa, Geo Parkes & Sons, Knysna is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
Despite many challenges over the years, this company is famous for its timber history in Knysna.
To kick off the series of celebrations, it hosted a Valentine’s Tea at the Loeriehof Old Age home on Tuesday, February 14.
Knysna historian Margaret Parkes was the keynote speaker and shared stories about her early memories of Knysna, stories about the colourful characters who took pride in the town, visits from prominent and eminent people, as well as her family’s involvement in enriching Greater Knysna.
Mrs Parkes said she received a pep talk from her mother-in-law in 1952. “She told me how the family has been involved with the communities in previous years and that the same is expected of me.”
She said she then became involved in a number of projects and different organisations – all of which she has mentored over many years.
Mrs Parkes was born in Knysna on June 21, 1925 . She started school at the Concordia Forest Station before moving to Knysna High School and matriculating at the age of 16. She then studied at Rhodes University and married Barnard Parkes in 1952.
She has served on the parish council of St George’s Church, The Red Cross, was chairperson of Friends of the Library from 1990 until 2016 (for 25 years), and was a founding member of the Knysna Museum and its first curator. Mrs Parkes was awarded the Molteno Medal in 2000 for her role in preserving Knysna heritage.
This was received alongside satirist Pieter Dirk-Uys and business tycoon Johann Rupert. The Simon van der Stel Foundation honoured her with Certificates of Recognition in both 1994 and 2012 for her contribution to the conservation of the architectural heritage of Knysna. She was awarded the Rotary’s Paul Harris Award in 2007 for her contribution to documenting the history of Knysna. She has also received the Knysna High School “Oscar “ for growing old gracefully and the Sanlam Lifetime Achievement Award, when it was awarded the first time.
Geo Parkes & Sons partnered with K&S Consultants to host this function, while Knysna Auto Link car dealers celebrated their 21st anniversary – which also coincided with the birthday of one of Mrs Parkes' two sons, Jim.
Jim congratulated his mother after her speech, saying he and his brother George are the fourth generation and can attest to the fact that Geo Parks & Sons have been involved with the people of Knysna for a long time, have various partnerships and “long may it last”.
The family has had a significant history of being involved in the community and the town, for example, they were the major donors towards building St George's Church and the church hall. "We have also been very involved with the Knysna Sea Cadets thus enabling many cadets to go to the SA Navy over the years," he said.
The staff from Loeriehof rendered a musical item to entertain the guests before they were served brunch.
This was followed by a charity auction, with all proceeds going to Loeriehof.
Simone de Jager, the manager from family care services NPO Badisa, said, "It is wonderful to watch the community support the community. The elderly people are valuable and it is heartwarming to see them acknowledged.
On Friday, February 17, there will be a tree planting ceremony at 10:00 in Memorial Square to replace the dying oak trees. The company has purchased 100 trees to be planted around Knysna and will make a start by planting a few of these trees.
On Saturday, February 18, the public is invited to join in the launch of the TS Eriksen which will take place at the Knysna Yacht Club at 09:45. The repair and renovations of the boat have been sponsored by Geo Parkes & Sons to honour Lieutenant Commander Steve Eriksen, who has been the head of Training Ship Knysna Sea Cadets for many years.
Loeriehof staff rendered a musical item to entertain the guests before they were served brunch.
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