THE owners of Parkes Manor in Knysna - part of the Classic Retreats Collection - are hoping to reverse its recent liquidation by obtaining alternative finance. "The negotiations for alternative financing are in advanced stages," announced Suzanne Bayley, spokesperson for Classic Retreats. Although the company was placed under liquidation on October 28 last year, Bayley says Classic Retreats delayed the announcement to the industry as the liquidators assured them that it would be "business as usual" at the hotel. Gillianne Tompkins - previously employed as manager of a well-known guest house in the area, the Knysna Bell - has agreed to "help out" as the manager of Parkes Manor "until they find a permanent replacement". Tompkins is optimistic about the future of Parkes Manor and says that they're hoping to be fully functional again within the next two weeks. "We hope to have appointed a new chef soon so that the restaurant, which was closed on November 10 last year, can also be fully operational within the next two weeks or less," she says. (Adele MacKenzie)