A Journey Through the KwaZulu-Natal Countryside

As a person with a penchant for adventure, I was initially sceptical about the Corolla Cross. Sure, it looked sleek and modern, but could it really handle the winding roads and diverse terrain of the Howick to Underberg route? I decided to find out. The Toyota Corolla Cross XS Hybrid effortlessly bridges the gap between urban practicality and rural adventure, making it a strong contender for drivers exploring South Africa’s scenic routes. I recently took...

Making Walls Talk

Jackal & Hide founders, Jaqui Hiltermann and Jono Hornby, first met through family connections but only officially crossed paths three years ago, under what is now the BOOMTOWN Gallery. Though they had attempted to collaborate before, life had other plans. Following the civil unrest, Jaqui was struck by Jono’s proactive approach to getting things done, which resonated with her. Their shared passion for human geography and placemaking quickly bonded them. Initially, they aimed to keep...

Flower Power

It’s that time again, spring is in the air, and we’re bringing you much ado about blossoms and blooms, identifying them, planting tips and care, and yes—eating them too! Bring your garden and kitchen to life this season.  There is power in making flowers a part of your everyday life. Not only does it elevate your garden and home, but it nourishes your spirit and senses. Maybe you always see the same flowers in your...

Tell Us ‘Moo’re

Meet James Kelly, the chairman of KZN for the Angus Breeders Society. He lets us into the world of Angus farming and the role the society plays in the industry.   Personal Journey James Kelly’s involvement with the Angus Breeders Society of South Africa began through a family connection. “My father-in-law was a breeder, and I used to help manage the farm. Here, I learned a lot about the breeding process,” he recalls. In 2017,...

Crafting Family Heirlooms

It all started with a tiny chair from 1933, hand-crafted by William John David Todd for his son, which inspired Tiny Acorn.  Based in Nottingham Road from the end of September 2023, Tiny Acorn is owned by Tammaryn McCathie, Todd’s great-granddaughter, who continues the legacy today by crafting only quality pieces for little ones, who can eventually pass them on through their families.  Since the end of September 2023, Tammaryn McCathie, Todd’s great-granddaughter, continues the...

The Bates Family

For any Midlands locals, even those who visit from far away, you’ll probably be familiar with Fordoun Hotel and Spa in Nottingham Road. It’s one of the cosiest, most picturesque places in our countryside, and did you know the Fordoun farm itself is nearly 200 years old? It was named after a village and parish in Kincardineshire, Scotland and registered by one of the Byrne Settlers, William Taylor, in the early 1850s as a land...

Going For Gold

 Excellent academics, rising sports stars and talented artists, our local schools are filled with young individuals who grab opportunities that come their way and truly excel. Brunton from Michaelhouse is certainly one of them.   Meet Brunton Bigalke, a Grade 11 student at Michaelhouse. He is an avid sportsman and outdoor enthusiast, with a special interest in hockey, hunting, fishing and waterskiing. He is also busy completing the Gold Level of The President’s Award.  ...

The Johnson Family

Meet the Johnson family of four, Tim, Louisa and their two sons, Todd (13 years old) and Angus (10 years old), who live in Gowrie Village in Nottingham Road. The Midlands has always been a popular destination for families to lay down their roots, which was exactly what they did nearly four years ago when they moved from the North Coast to the countryside.    In 2020, the family spent the lockdown period with Louisa’s...

A Remarkable Community

Picturesque St John’s Village Lifestyle & Retirement Country Estate is drawing a diverse array of residents seeking a gentler pace of life. This estate has become a haven for retirees, returnees, young families and creative professionals, all united by a desire for a more self-sufficient and fulfilling lifestyle.   The community is a tapestry of rich histories and engaging personalities. Many of the residents, third or fourth-generation farmers from the Midlands, delight in regaling the...

My Story: Nicola Hadfield

A multi-award-winning South African designer, entrepreneur and Notties resident, Nicola Hadfield shares how far she’s come in her successful decades-long career, what inspires her, and what she’s working on next.   Tell us a bit about yourself and your amazing career My love for the interior design industry evolved over time. Because I could manage this career working from home as a single mum, I was able to create my own timetable to ensure my...