KNYSNA NEWS - Two iconic tourism establishments in Knysna have espoused the fighting spirit that tourism in Knysna will go on irrespective of the damage caused by fires – and so, too, will the Oyster Festival start on schedule this month.

 

A total of 27 establishments were affected, which equates to 335 rooms and more than 2 500 job losses, but there are still 4 000 beds available and the Oyster Festival will go ahead in a week's time.

 

One of Knysna's jewels, the Timber Village, was razed, taking with it the largest South African stock of priceless indigenous wood.

 

"No money can every replace the unique selection of wood we lost, but the positive energy is just amazing," says owner Alistair "Jock" McConnachie.

 

The Timber Village has been in existence for 32 years, the wood heartbeat of the Garden Route, and McConnachie has owned it since 2000 when he bought it from Belvidere Timbers.

 

He describes Timber Village as a place "where all the magic happens" and as a place where a passion for wood creation is nurtured and preserved.

 

"We opened our timber village in 1985 and, taking our love for wood creation a step further, began manufacturing custom handmade furniture out of a variety indigenous natural wood from the Knysna forests."

 

The property grew over the years and employed eight staff, three of whom have lost their belongings in the fire. "Timber Village was created with a view to being a catalyst for keeping the timber industry alive in the Garden Route area with growers, harvesters, sawmills and manufacturers all part of our operation."

 

The property it inhabited provided sheds for storage, workshops and stalls, all of which are going to be replaced sooner than later because this year, the annual Timber Fest held at the village will take place despite all challenges, says McConnachie.

 

What is even more exciting is that the first meeting for this year's Timber Festival to be held in September, will take place on Friday with all the sponsors, exhibitors and wood workers and furniture makers planning for the event.

 

"The village was a significant tourist attraction to South Africans, but also those from overseas. Not only is it important for tourism, but also for assuring the future of timber, the jobs created and skills developed," says McConnachie.

 

In this positive vein, he says the clearing up has begun and this week the slabs will be thrown for the sawmill and workshop, while plans for the festival in three months' time are in full swing.

 

"It was not until this happened that I realised how much people love this venue… And we will be back," he concludes.

 

The Featherbed Co is just as upbeat as McConnachie and others in the industry.

 

The Featherbed Restaurant nestled in the trees on the East Head of Knysna also burnt down, and this is a famous spot for tourists and locals treating guests.

 

"It is with deep sadness that we confirm extensive fire damage to Featherbed Nature Reserve," says spokesperson Nicole Tunmer, but the good news is that all the Featherbed boats – John Benn, Paddle Cruiser, Heads Explorer catamaran and Knysna houseboats – are open for business.

 

The company's restaurants Cruise Café, Bazala and Whet are are also fully operational.

 

"We appeal to all our tourism clients, friends and partners to support us during the approximate six months it will take to recover and repair Featherbed Nature Reserve. We would like to suggest an alternative excursion for all Featherbed Eco Tour forward bookings in the form of a lagoon cruise on board the John Benn or the paddle cruiser, accompanied with group set menus or buffet meals accommodated in Cruise Café or Whet restaurants, and FIT (fully independent traveller) guests meals accommodated in Bazala restaurant, " says Tunmer.

 

Scheduled departures for these vessels remain as follows: John Benn 12:30 and 17:00 sunset departures; Paddle Cruiser 13:00 and 17:45 (dinner cruise).

 

"We open special cruises to suit all itinerary needs. Kindly liaise these with our reservations office on bookings@featherbed.co.za and we will accommodate your itineraries accordingly. Our reservations team will be in contact with all the relevant consultants regarding the menus."

 

Tunmer says it has been "an incredibly difficult time for everyone in Knysna and we are very blessed to have a team of staff who have shown unwavering commitment to our organisation and community, despite many suffering their own losses and some having lost their own homes".

 

"All businesses in Knysna need support now more than ever and we are working around the clock to ensure that our guests receive the very best experience."

 

Bouwer asks for support and understanding, but also encourages those who have booked to come to Knysna to still do so, with some 4 000 beds still available, more private B&Bs, as well as accommodation in Plettenberg Bay and also Sedgefield, despite the clobbered hospitality industry.

 

"The loss of our Featherbed and Timber Village is devastating, however we are delighted that Featherbed’s restaurants and boat cruises are still operational. A cruise across the Knysna lagoon, with sundowners or a meal, is still a very special Knysna experience.

 

Hospitality businesses damaged in the fire were: Nirvana in Rheenendal; Azure House in Paradise; A Brenton View, Badgers Lodge in Welbedacht; Blackwaters Rivers Lodge off the N2 in Buffalo Bay; Blue Sky Backpackers in Upper Town; Bradach Manor in Knysna Heights; Brenton-On-Sea Cottages; Bridgewater B&B in Main Road; Dolphins Hill in Brenton; Four on Faure in Westhill; Greenfire Lodge in Old Cape Road; Guadeloupe in Knysna Heights; Haus Knysna in Knysna Heights; Knysna Chalets self-catering and timeshare; Knysna Hollow in Welbedacht; Knysna Riverside Lodge & Die Gieter; Knysna Terrace in Old Cape Road; Knysna Tonquani Lodge in Welbedacht; Little Mazot in Kanonkop; Narrnia Farm Guest House; Phantom Forest Eco Reserve in Phantom Pass; Phantom River View in Phantom Pass; Phantom View Lodge in Phantom Pass; The Idle Monkey in Main Road; Yellowwood Lodge partially burned; and Zauberberg in Knysna Heights.

 

The damaged accommodation properties do not include restaurants and other tourism businesses such as the Leeuwenbosch Farmstall, Muse on Old Cape Road and Knysna Society of Model Engineers in Knysna Heights.