The Midlands Magazine

21/08/2024

Have fun with rum and !

In our July/August edition, we put together three delicious, inventive and easy to make recipes with Sugar Baron rum!

- Sugar Baron Mojito
- The Ginger Baron
- Sugar Baron Cherry Daiquiri

Grab a copy and get to mixing!

19/08/2024

will have you covered with genuine handcrafted leather accessories and footwear. It was founded by Justin and Amanda McCarthy in 1990 and taken over by her son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Angela in 2022, in Curry’s Post.

Some of the specialist footwear items for men include their stitch-down boots, which have a rustic and robust aesthetic characteristic of Groundcover.

17/08/2024

Our My 033 for the July/August edition is Shaun Buys von Lempke, owner of

"One of our occasional guilty pleasures is dinner at Garlingtons Bistro. Chef Alex always has something new on the menu and it’s always seasonal, fresh, and trendy. Set inside the gated estate of Garlington, the views over the rolling hills are amazing."

16/08/2024

The Company Man’s was established 35 years ago and its foundation is based on quality products with excellent personal service. They also offer an alteration service to ensure perfectly fitted garments. The clothing ranges from formal suits to informal wear like chinos with a cotton fitted shirt and stylish jacket. Their formal suits are available from sizes 36 to 54, and they can order larger sizes if needed.

09/08/2024

Miche Bakehouse opened its doors on 1 October 2021, by Dave and Lyndsay Goncalves.

Miche is a French word meaning a large sourdough bread, which is the inspiration behind the bakery’s name, and to emphasise, according to the owners, that they are a fully 100% sourdough bakery.

Read more about this incredible story in the July/August edition.

07/08/2024

Health contributor, Karl Worner, explains finding joy in the journey by listening to what your body tells you it needs.

"Your body is a sensory organ that provides you with information, and it’s up to you to decipher that information and adjust your course accordingly. It’s your body that tells you if it’s hot or cold, or gives you butterflies when you meet someone or tells you what food tastes like."

05/08/2024

The Harcourts Hilton Art in the Country has provided a platform for artists to exhibit and sell their art to visitors and collectors publicly.

Kathy Jacob, a local artist who felt a gap in the market for a quality and upmarket platform where artists could exhibit, arranged this event. After a rigorous selection process due to so many competent artist submissions, Kathy gathered 64 artists to showcase their talents, ensuring a broad selection of media and subject matters while maintaining her goal of quality over quantity. Media selections varied from paintings to drawings, ceramics, bronzes, glass, and linocuts.

02/08/2024

On the cover and one of the grooms we caught up with who tied the knot in the Midlands, Travis Strydom shares some of his special moments from their big day.

"Every moment of the day was special. From getting ready with the boys, tearing it up on the dance floor, taking photos with family and friends, listening to speeches from loved ones, and obviously marrying my wife at the altar. However, a key moment from the day that stuck the most with me was before the reception our wedding planner set aside 15 minutes in the Copper Bar, for Gabs and me to nibble on a cheese platter, and take time to relax and reflect on the day that had flown by. "

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01/08/2024

28/07/2024

Johnathan Gild shares some of his favourite parts from their big day part of our Real Grooms piece in the July/August edition!

"One of my favourite parts of the day was definitely seeing my wife walk down the aisle, as she looked breathtaking! However, our first dance was also a highlight for me as it was such a special moment for us. We organised confetti cannons to shoot off during a lift in our dance which was the ultimate grand finale and something we will remember forever."

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27/07/2024

A few architectural gems are scattered throughout the Midlands, particularly the gorgeous home of German couple Eva and Robert Fellner von Feldegg, nestled in the private Mahathunzi Wildlife Reserve, now known as Saxony.

We cover this breathtaking home in our July/August edition, grab a copy to check it out!

26/07/2024

What's trending, Midlands?

As the regional winner of the Partner Garden of the Year in 2023, gardens are blossoming in many ways. Nestled in Nottingham Road, you can explore their carefully curated gardens to your heart’s content. What’s more, you can take in and appreciate the wonderful sculptural artworks adorning their property, all created by various esteemed South African artists. Maybe you’ve spotted a gentle-looking giant peeping at you from the hillside?

22/07/2024

The 32nd Hilton Arts Festival is almost upon us! 🎉

Have you gotten your tickets yet?

This festival offers a variety of performances, including comedy, music, theatre, magic, and South Africa's largest visual art exhibition.

Secure your show tickets via : https://bit.ly/HiltonArtsFest2024
🚗R100 entrance fee per car (payable when you leave and allows you to return)
📅Hilton Arts Festival 2–4 August
📖 Programme: www.hiltonfestival.co.za

03/07/2024

"As moms, we feel a lot of guilt, sadness and regret. Is it because we’re actually doing a bad job? Or, is it because we have high motherhood standards, created even before kids? Social media does us no favours, telling us that our kids need 40 hugs a day to be a functional human and no more sugar if we care for their health."

-Kate Botha

02/07/2024

"Small towns and rural communities are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide a better quality of life, and build on local assets. Some rural communities and small towns are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges and loss of farms to development."

Community contributor, Tim Johnson shares insights about understanding rural communities.

01/07/2024

Noel and Justin Otto, from Power Brahman share their story being a family in business together.

"There is a constant business environment and you have to value and respect family time. If there is unresolved conflict, it affects your business and personal relationships. For us, the game changer has been our independent consultant who understands the farming business and the dynamics of a family-run business."

30/06/2024

It’s no surprise that the Midlands rests on a foundation filled with history and memories, from Nottingham Road and Fort Nottingham to Karkloof, Dargle and Curry’s Post, to name a few. One of these monuments includes the Old Halliwell Inn.

It is over a century old, built between 1837 and 1840, and had its beginnings as a farmhouse.

The Old Halliwell Inn has become an iconic monument here in the Midlands, from an 1800s farmhouse to a beautifully decorated hotel and idyllic spot for weddings and conferences.

29/06/2024

The cold wind and heated indoor environments can strip our skin of moisture causing dryness and irritation.

To help nurture your skin this winter, Brookdale suggests regularly exfoliating your skin to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation

During this time, keep your skin healthy and invigorated with some of Brookdale’s favourite products like the Guinot Hydra Summum serum, Clarins tonic hydrating oil balm and Esse repair oil.

28/06/2024

The Hilton Quarry Centre is locking in more love in the Midlands with its Love Lock Arch initiative that launched earlier this year.

The inspiration behind this new initiative originates from the famed Pont des Arts pedestrian bridge, otherwise known as the “Love Lock Bridge”, in Paris.

The Love Lock Arch is open to anyone and everyone, whether you are passing through as a visitor or have been a long-time Hilton resident. You are welcome to bring a lock of your own, purchase the limited-edition heart-shaped locks at Nino’s Hilton or even find other locks at the Hilton Quarry SUPERSPAR. If you want to make it special, you can write a personalised message on your lock, with a permanent marker, of course. You can also dedicate a lock to someone or something meaningful in your life.

28/06/2024

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.

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.

With plans to continue his voluntary service project and play hockey (and perhaps eventually become a wildlife vet!), we can’t wait to see what other amazing accomplishments Brunton is yet to achieve.

20/06/2024

Discover Fordoun, an oasis of tranquillity.

Fordoun Hotel and Spa is a little (not so little) piece of heaven that is one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever experienced!

After being welcomed by the super efficient and friendly staff, we were quickly shown to room number three. What a view! The rooms are large and comfortable with a full bathroom en-suite, which is ideal for a person who loves to relax in a bath. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable, individually styled rooms and the relatively new self-catering farm village offering 11 fully equipped cottages, a chapel and a wedding/conference venue.

With panoramic views of the Drakensberg, Fordoun provides a tranquil country setting.

19/06/2024

Purple Mookiting is a mum-and-daughter marketing duo. They have been operating in the KZN Midlands for 29 years. Karren (mom) has been in marketing for 44 years - 15 years in a corporate environment and the balance working with small-to-medium, privately-owned businesses. Kelly (daughter) grew up around the business.

By high school, she knew this was the business for her.

Their client profile strives to create a sense of family within their company culture, rather than a corporate environment. As a family business, they connect well with that.

18/06/2024

Nestled in the heart of the Midlands, Indigo Fields prides itself on its commitment to botanical excellence, straying from synthetic products. They believe in the power of nature to support healthy skin.

Their winter skincare tip is to do monthly facials to remove dead skin cells, which you can treat yourself to at the idyllic Indigo Field Spa or at home by gently steaming your face - standing over a bowl of warm water with several drops of essential oils which will assist in the cleansing process.

18/06/2024

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.

We are delighted the Johnson family has made the Midlands their home and embrace the values that keep our countryside community passionate and caring for one another. In the end, it is the people who make the place.

Read more in the May/June edition of The Midlands!

15/06/2024

Father and son, Charles and Michael Webster share their journey together as bandmates!

Tell us more about how you started your band!
"Michael (son) and I (Charles/dad) have been playing music together for several years. We are one of several musical family permutations that include all the Webster kids and a musically inclined and talented mum. Music is a long-standing family tradition and allows us to express our father-son relationship. It's provided a useful additional income source but remains a part-time venture."

14/06/2024

If your skin is looking a little dull during this winter season, we have you covered! Our local spas share their favourite products and tips to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Healing Earth Transformative Wellness at Braham Hills is an African brand that offers a range of natural products to support your skin during the colder Midlands months when dehydration and dryness are common.

This spa’s helpful tip for keeping your skin in the best condition this winter is regularly exfoliating your face and body to remove dead skin cells. It is recommended to exfoliate twice a week, followed by deeply hydrating and nourishing serums, oils and balms. Don’t forget to drink enough water during winter to ensure hydration from the inside out!

31/05/2024

Welcome wellbeing at The Midlands Wellness Festival.

Running from 7 June to 7 July 2024, it is an event worth celebrating because it offers something uniquely different from your usual festival, focusing on all things holistic well-being.

In its second year, the festival brings together a wide variety of practitioners and wellness advocates who all share the common goal of raising awareness and educating people about health and healing technologies and modalities, as well as supporting small wellness businesses.