At 88-years-old, few can look back on a life as rich and adventure-filled as that of David Cook. A retired yet steadfast advocate for effective wildlife conservation management and biodiversity policy, he has spent decades immersed in the rugged landscapes of Southern Africa. From pioneering efforts in the Natal Parks Board to battling the scourge of rhino poaching, his life’s work has been dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural world. A passionate endurance sports...
This Easter, indulge in a culinary adventure with our local chef JJ Pretorius! He shares two delectable dishes to make at home, and don’t worry, there is something sweet in the mix too! You’re probably familiar with the esteemed Fordoun Farm in Nottingham Road. It had humble beginnings as a dairy farm in the mid-1800s and was converted into a hotel and spa, successfully run and managed by the Bates family for over 20 years....
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Have you ever wondered how weddings come together? Meet Mandy, your wedding coordinator extraordinaire. While there are a lot of hats to wear as a wedding planner, what is your biggest focus that brings it all together? My main focus is making sure the couple can relax and enjoy themselves, and to soak in every moment without worrying about the details! When I see them during their first dance, I know I’ve done my job...
Founded by Stevan Wilken, Face First Media is a company specialising in large-format billboard advertising that creates bold, impactful visuals that grab attention and leave a lasting impression. Fascinated by the creative and technical sides of advertising, Stevan was always excited to turn concepts into massive, larger-than-life billboards, “It’s about capturing someone’s attention in just a few seconds as they pass by, which is powerful,” he shares. His goal was to build a company that...
Starting from humble beginnings in a Midlands family kitchen, Wedgewood Nougat was an unlikely success story. In 1999, Gilly Walters was struggling to find purpose against a backdrop of her husband’s cancer diagnosis, and that was the year she stirred her first pot of soft honey nougat. Ordinarily, Gilly was an exuberant force to be reckoned with, always quick to support others, generous to a fault, and ready to get her hands dirty. In the...
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...
From hearing solutions and urology care to custom curtains and shutters, The Midlands and outer areas are home to stellar businesses offering top-quality products and services to upgrade your home or life. Hear the Future Kate-Marie Hearing Solutions is a private hearing healthcare practice located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, owned and run by local professional Kate-Marie Butlin (née Quibell). With consulting rooms in Pietermaritzburg, Howick, and Hilton, and mobile equipment for house and hospital...
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,...
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...
We look at three dashing grooms who suited up and tied the knot with their blushing brides. If you are a groom-to-be, we hope this will inspire you as you wait for your wife-to-be to walk down the aisle. Travis Strydom WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED IN THE MIDLANDS? Brahman Hills. HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU SAW YOUR BRIDE ALL DRESSED UP ON THE DAY? I had the opposite reaction to what...