Blog

Leisure Isle Boat Club: the founding story

Posted on Mon March 7, 2022.

An aerial view of the Leisure Isle Boat Club harbour as it is today

The story of the establishment of Knysna's Leisure Island Boat Club as told by Craig Clarke

William Smith: Evolution of an educator

Posted on Mon January 17, 2022.

William Smith, teacher, founder of the Learning Channel

Knysna’s William Smith - teacher, television personality - is now a Grand Counsellor of South Africa’s Order of the Baobab. Here we trace his evolution - from helping one, single student, to teaching 100 million students a day.

An 1882 tribute to John Benn II from the people of Knysna

Posted on Sun March 28, 2021.

A poem presented on the 14th of June, 1882, to John Benn II, pilot at the Knysna Heads

A 1929 interview with Knysna River pilot, John Benn II

Posted on Tue March 23, 2021.

An interview with John Benn II, pilot at the Knysna Heads, conducted by an unknown author ("L.C."), and originally published in 1929. Reproduced from a typescript in the collection of Benn's great nephew, Michael Sass.

Literary (accidental) tourist: George Bernard Shaw’s five productive weeks in Knysna

Posted on Thu January 14, 2021.

Chris Everett, author of 'Noetzie - An Illustrated History,' on how GBS experienced an extended stay in Knysna - and wrote one of his many books while he was here, too.