Presented in association with Timber IQ and supported by Knysna Tourism, the festival was organised by Johan and Jill Nell, and is being held at Timber Village, Welbedacht Road, until Saturday, October 6.
During her opening speech, Parkes remembered the geographic background to Knysna's timber industry, with its forests, river and Heads. Timber brought the early settlers to Knysna and in the 1930's over 300 persons were employed in the timber industry. It has played a very important part in the development of Knysna and the local economy.
Parkes told the story of the Royal Navy brig, Emu, which in February 1817, attempted to enter the Knysna Heads seeking a supply of timber for the Navy in the Cape. The Emu, however, 'discovered' Emu Rock and sank.
The second vessel fared better and in 1826 Melville Village was established, roughly on the site of the present Laguna Grove apartments, to establish ship-building in Knysna. The 139 ton brig Knysna was built. At 63 feet 10 inches long she was the biggest vessel yet built in Knysna, and she was the first vessel to enter the Buffalo River, establishing Port Rex, now known as East London.
Parkes also recalled the 110 Fairmiles (fast motor torpedo boats) which were build out of Knysna timber on Thesens Island during World War II for the Royal Navy. Another boat remembered was the famous timber yacht Voortrekker, built by Thesens' , which won the inaugural Cape to Rio Yacht Club Race under the command of Bertie Reed.
In his speech during the official opening, Shaun van Eck, CEO of tourism in Knysna, acknowledged the tough economic times being experienced by all in Knysna and said it was up to all the residents to rebuild the town.
He congratulated the festival organisers and thanked the sponsors for their help. He called on the big timber companies to support the festival in years to come.
The main sponsors are Penny Pinchers, Kloppers, Knysna FM, Show Me, Zaks Latte and Knysna Tourism.
Woodwokers show
One of the festival aspects, the Woodworkers Show, in Timber Village, Welbedacht Road (which is on until this coming Saturday), features timber products and furniture, jewellery packaging and presentation boxes, wood turnings, furniture from barrels, canoe kits and much more.
Timber Village also offers locally brewed beer and wines and light meals. Talks will be presented on wood and trees in South Africa's history, the Knysna forest, Knysna's proud heritage and sustainable non-damaging living.
Woodworking courses are on offer, as are demonstrations of chain saw and power tools and carving lessons will be given. On Friday and Saturday, October 5 and 6, all stalls, the bar and restaurant will be open until 20:00.
Relaxing at the Knysna Yacht Club after the launch of the Knysna Woodworker Festival were organisers Johan and Jill Nel (far left and left), Margaret Parkes and Jock McConnachie (organiser of the wooden boat show).
Mark van der Merwe of Sedgefield’s Bonsai Gallery shows Melany Eriksen some of his prize-winning trees.Ronnie Spies and Jock McConnachie in conversation at the R and V Woodesign Stand at the Woodworkers Show.
The magnificent reception desk at Timber Village, sponsored by Timber IQ, with organising host Johan Nell behind it.
