The Rotary directional signpost Finally Restored

The Rotary directional signpost at Knysna Waterfront, cherished by both visitors and locals, had been conspicuously absent for several months. Its unfortunate disappearance occurred when it snapped and crashed during a severe storm earlier this year.

The process of refurbishing this beloved landmark was quite extensive. It commenced with painstakingly hand-chiseling to remove 30cm of deteriorated wood embedded in concrete, all while ensuring the preservation of the surrounding mosaic tiles. This event necessitated the crafting of specialized tools for the task.

Redesigning the sign for increased durability and weather resistance demanded careful consideration. The ultimate and most significant challenge was aligning each arm of the sign to accurately indicate the correct directions. Naturally, numerous well-intentioned, if not always geographically precise, suggestions were offered by passersby during the installation!

The official inauguration of the sign took place on Tuesday, August 15th, under the auspices of the Knysna Rotary Club. Rotary President Herb Hunter presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Gillian Gething, the proprietor of Scoops Homemade Ice Cream at Knysna Waterfront, played a crucial role in rescuing the sign from being blown into the harbor during the storm. In gratitude, the attending Rotarians indulged themselves with some of her delectable ice cream cones and cups.

The Knysna Rotary Club extends its profound appreciation to Rotarian Mike Smerdon, who devoted extensive hours to the sign’s restoration. In recognition of his dedication, Hunter presented Mike with the club’s prestigious “Bertie the Beaver” award.

^{Sourced from: Knysna News}