Working with Wood festival resounding success

NEWS

Words: Out There

Around 2 000 wood enthusiasts made their way through the doors of the inaugural Working with Wood Festival from Thursday, October 9 till Saturday, October 11, and according to participants, they enjoyed experiencing the timber industry at its finest.

Photo credit: Fran Kirsten

"Not a single person I have spoken to or heard talking about the event had a negative word to say," said festival visitor, Roeleen Schofield. With the generous sponsorship from Vermont Sales, this inaugural festival gave more than thirty local wood / timber related industries and Vermont Sales the opportunity to exhibit their wares to the many visitors and their children.

"As an exhibitor the Working with Wood Festival was an exceptional experience. To be able to network with people in a related industry was eye-opening on so many levels,” said Cecily Pohl, Print Studio exhibitor. "The skill and passion that was shared between other exhibitors and guests was inspirational. I feel nurtured by a very special wood working community that is unique to Knysna! Something that we should treasure, "Pohl exclaimed. When the Festival closed on Saturday, festival spokesperson and Timber Village owner, Jock McConnachie shared his "very upbeat" feelings about the inaugural Working with Wood Festival saying that it was "a resounding success".

"I have heard nothing but positive feedback and believe that it provided the ideal kick-start for the revival of Knysna's timber and furniture industry." He added: "Not only have the sponsors, Vermont Sales, expressed their delight with the festival, but the exhibitors too have unanimously expressed their appreciation of the positive spirit and benefit of networking with one another and how well we complement one another."

Greg Vogt, Knysna Tourism CEO agreed with McConnachie and said: "The Working with Wood Festival epitomizes everything that Knysna is known for; its rich timber history and the camaraderie amongst those who work within the industry. Key for us is the foundation that has been created for future economic development within this sector. Our mandate is to create an enabling environment for our economy to gain further traction and this event is the first step towards our efforts within the timber sector of our economy”

Mindi Hunt, who, together with her husband Roland own Vermont Sales echoed McConnachie’s sentiment. "Overall, Vermont Sales and team are delighted with the feedback we have had and received during the festival.

"The response from the exhibitors was so enthusiastic that most wanted to sign up for next year's festival immediately! The universal opinion was that the festival was very professionally put together - a huge improvement on previous festivals. All exhibitors seemed pretty pleased with the exposure they received. Our overseas suppliers all immensely enjoyed being part of the festival and already have many new ideas for a bigger, improved festival for next year."

She further voiced her concern over the lack of young people entering the trades involved in timber. Gene Kruger, Knysna Timber Initiative, held several enjoyable and educational workshops for children aged around 8 years-of-age. The enthusiastic children nailed together their own treasure boxes. "It was a delight to see the very young kids being introduced and entertained by the prospect of what could be built from wood," said Mindi.

Not only did wood and timber related industries benefit from the festival, but the Lions Club, Sedgefield was given the opportunity to fund raise by selling Bonnievale wine and local craft beers, Red Bridge and Mitchell's.

“What a great opportunity our Sedgefield Lions Club was given when we were offered the opportunity within the very successful Working with Wood Festival," said Debbie Olivier, Lions club Sedgefield President. "As Lions we are always looking at fund raising opportunities to boost our coffers – a necessity in order to assist our community and charities where we can."

The Knysna Tourism Living Local Green Chefs too benefited from the festival as they were given the opportunity to provide the food to hungry festival visitors, crew and exhibitors. "This was a great opportunity for the Chefs. They certainly learned allot from the experience," said Knysna Tourism Development Manager, Glendyrr Fick.

McConnachie reiterated that the festival would not have been possible without the enthusiasm of all the exhibitors, or for the excellent backing received for their sponsor, Vermont Sales as well as the support of Knysna Tourism, Knysna Municipality and Timber Village. "And, of course, a special thank you to our festival coordinator, Fran Kirsten, for her tireless enthusiastic and efficient efforts in bringing it all together."

He concluded "All in all, it was an interesting, informative and fun festival which provided a truly authentic Knysna experience, showcasing the rich heritage of our famous forests and woodworking tradition and highlighting its inherent potential to grow the industry for the benefit of all."