Revival of legendary timber industry
Knysna’s inaugural Working with Wood Festival organisers are hard at work to make sure that this exciting inaugural event fulfils its main aim of reviving the timber industry within Knysna and surrounds.
“Knysna is such a unique environment and has a timber history that is so phenomenal, I just can’t bear to see it wane away,” said Mindi Hunt, who, together with her husband Roland owns Vermont Sales, sponsor of Knysna Working with Wood Festival This festival not only promises to be an exciting event, but will also give visitors an opportunity to experience the historic connection between Knysna and its beautiful timber. “Our recent celebration of Arbor month flows naturally to us recognising the significance of Knysna’s Timber Heritage through the Knysna Working with Wood Festival,” said Knysna Tourism (Knysna & Partners) CEO, Greg Vogt. “This opportunity also provides everyone involved in the timber industry to showcase their involvement and commitment to re-awaken an industry which was once the cornerstone of the town’s economy. “Most importantly, the occasion enables Knysna to embrace its valuable timber heritage and reposition its many facets locally, nationally and internationally,” Vogt said. Besides Vermont Sales’ involvement as main sponsor of the festival, they will also be bringing national and International product representative to the festival, which in turn will add considerably to the revival of the industry. Vermont sales will be providing a myriad of workshops and demonstrations throughout the festival, such as: airbrushing with Aircraft, drill sharpening with Drill Doctor, joinery with Kreg, sharpening with Multi Sharp and DMT, the technique of sanding and finishing as well. Further to their demonstrations Greg de Villiers from Vermont Sales will be offering four projects based workshop presentations. These workshops will show how to make a Portable tool box; Cabinet with raised panel door; Carriage Clock and Bird Feeder. These projects will take place on rotation each day. To ensure the growth of the timber industry it is vital to involve children and their love of timber from a very young age. “It is so sad that schools no longer offer Woodwork as a subject to encourage the youth that hand skills are vital and closely linked to numerical skills,” said festival promoter Gene Kruger. Kruger, who established the Knysna Timber Initiative, will be offering a workshop aimed at children between the ages of 10 and 14 where they are taught how to make a basic treasure box.
“The most basic item to make out of wood is a box,” said Kruger and added that a box forms the starting point for almost all other man-made articles. “The angles must be right or else the lid or door won’t work. If the joints are weak, the box will fall apart,” he smiled. In closing, he expressed his concern for the future of carpentry skills: “We want to encourage children to work with wood, to make things themselves, and to experience the deep satisfaction of getting it right. Therefore, we decided to have a mini workshop for children, during which they can make a treasure box.” Besides the wonderful workshops, wood demonstrations and wood items on display the festival offers something for everyone. Margaret Parkes the doyen of the Knysna timber industry will be sharing her wealth of knowledge with festival participants during the town ramble. This ramble will follow a route which highlights all the relevant historical timber sites within the town. For the energetic bicycles will be on offer rent to ride from the festival ground through the forest near Timber Village. Two experienced locals will also offer massages within the natural forest right there at the festival. Children will be kept under eye by trained staff at the beautiful children’s play area while their parents wander off to view the exquisite products on display. Wine, beer and soft drinks will be on offer by the Sedgefield Lions. This area is situated along the play area, ensuring that parents can relax knowing that their children are cared for. “You are all invited to experience our history in the making from 9 – 11 October,” concluded Vogt.