Kloof Conservancy forced to cancel fund-raiser

THE Kloof Conservancy’s popular annual Indigenous Open Gardens fund-raiser has been cancelled for 2019 as its main attraction, the Le Domaine estate, pulled out with three months notice.

According to the conservancy’s chairman, Paolo Candotti, a year ago an agreement was reached with the Le Domaine estate to have them as the anchor to the show due to its extensive indigenous gardens and the facilities for the traditional tea garden.

“The trustees were very enthusiastic and detailed arrangements were made with them. On 11 March we received a letter from the trustees of Le Domaine advising us that they were withdrawing their invitation to participate in the show and cited security, logistics and safety concerns as the reasons. These issues have previously always been satisfactorily resolved at other estates where the show has taken place and we were taken somewhat by surprise by this decision at such a late stage in the planning process,” said Candotti.

The planning team attempted to find alternatives, but were unable to guarantee an acceptable show and reluctantly decided to cancel the event for 2019.

“This is the first time that we have had to cancel the show in its 19-year history,” said Candotti. “This is deeply disappointing for us and the decision was not taken lightly.”

Last year’s show saw thousands of visitors make their way across seven gorgeous gardens located in the Upper Highway area.

Candotti said that more than R35 000 in profit was made from the show. The event allowed the NPO to advocate indigenous gardening and the consequent benefits of biodiversity as well as fund its many environmental projects.

“We will go ahead and plan for 2020, so the concept of the Kloof Conservancy Indigenous Open Garden Show will continue and hopefully be further strengthened,” said Candotti.

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The Body Corporate of Le Domaine responds:

“It is unfortunate that Le Domaine Estate has to withdraw from this event, but the reality is that security has increasingly become a problem and the risks associated with hosting over 1 000 guests on a private estate, for an event like this, have to be taken into account.

In June 2018 when we were approached by the Kloof Conservancy Committee to participate in the event, our understanding was that the expected number of attendees was manageable for our estate. The magnitude of the event was only confirmed during an onsite meeting held in February 2019.

It became apparent that, although we are proud of our beautiful gardens and would love showcasing these, our structures are simply unable to accommodate thousands of visitors over a two-day period.

In our letter to the chairman of Kloof Conservancy dated 11 March 2019, we explained the principal reasons that led to the decision taken by The Board of Trustees to retract our participation from the event.

We included our sincere apologies in the letter. Our main concerns revolved around the safety and security of both residents and visitors. Our present structure is not geared for such an event, parking facilities are limited, and our many unprotected waterways pose a risk to the safety of visiting children.

We wish Kloof Conservancy every success with their future shows. They really do have a positive role to play in the community. Once again, we sincerely apologise to all concerned regarding the planning of this event.”

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