PEACE OF MIND IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

What I know is that we love that our magazine plays a part in it all. Telling stories that keep the history and legacy of the Midlands alive while also sharing the new things that are happening and shaping our way forward. It’s always been our passion to tell stories that connect us all and record the amazing people, places and projects happening all around us.

Speaking of coffee and storytelling, I hope you enjoy our latest edition. We cannot thank you enough for supporting and contributing to The Midlands Magazine and hope you’ll continue to do so as we tell your stories.

God bless.

Alicia du Plessis alicia@fabmags.co.za

Kai Coates kai@fabmags.co.za

IN-HOUSE COPY EDITOR

Jordyn Trollip jordyn@fabmags.co.za

CONTRIBUTORS

Jacqui Meyer, Kate-Marie Butlin and Tim Johnson

ACCOUNTS

Fay Horack accounts@fabmags.co.za

SOCIAL/EVENTS lorinda@fabmags.co.za

HEAD OFFICE

032 946 0357

104 San Hall Office Park

Kirsty Close, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal LOCAL OFFICE

Nottingham Road

PRINTED BY ROC Media

COVER PHOTO Indigo Fields www.findgo.co.za

As we begin to see our loved ones grow older and enter a new stage in their lives – the question “Can I always be there to help them?” keeps us up at night. While potential health issues are always a cause for concern, the Renishaw Hills healthcare team are ready to step in when your loved one needs care. Our state-of-art healthcare facilities are all on-site and provide the same level of comfort as Renishaw’s beautiful homes. For our residents who have mobility issues, we have a team of carers and doctors who will visit and treat them at their homes.

As an added safety measure, all Renishaw Hills residents have access to panic buttons in case of emergencies. Regardless of whether they’re in their homes, or out exploring the estate’s scenic forest trails, they are never too far from one of our fully-equipped healthcare facilities.

Renishaw Hills is situated within the Renishaw Coastal Precinct to the west of Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, just 45 minutes from Durban. Meet the team, tour the village and take a closer look at our finishes when you email sales@renishawhills.co.za or feel free to book a tour at : renishawhills.co.za/book-a-tour/

We are ecstatic to bring you the 20th edition of The Midlands Magazine! Thanks to our supportive community, valued clients, and hard-working team, we are able to deliver this magazine to our readers. Be sure to follow us on our social media platforms and websites as we uncover the very best of the countryside. Let’s keep the conversation going - we love hearing from you!

@theivbarhilton

Intravenous vitamin drips (IV) are the “in thing” (excuse the pun!) right now. The IV Bar Hilton can be found at The Quarry Centre. It is medically approved and safe, and registered nurses administer the process. You can find whatever vitamins, minerals or electrolytes you may need that will boost energy levels, reduce fatigue, detox, aid in muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and pain, enhance sleep, fertility, mental clarity, metabolism, immunity and beauty, and, yes, even help cure a hangover!

Launched in Ballito last year, this unique sageinfused Ballito dry gin is no ordinary beverage – it's a lifestyle choice. This organic gin – additive and preservative-free – is distilled on KZN's Dolphin Coast. Bottled, labelled, corked, waxed and brought to you by Miss Penny herself, this vibrant gin is shaking up the market. Miss Penny Gin is pouring throughout KZN’s best hotspots. Retail price from R450 www.misspennybrands.com

1. SPICE ROUTE: CHAKALAKA 2019

A deep ruby red in the glass, this rich and luscious wine displays ripe, juicy blackcurrant, cherry and plum notes with lovely purity. White pepper, spiced meats, smoky cloves, nutmeg and vanilla complement the wine’s bold fruit character. Full-bodied, intense, silky and smooth with a rich texture, the palate has Rhône-style depth with skilfully integrated oak, smooth structured tannins and a lingering spice finish. Retail price is R195 www.spiceroutewines.co.za

2. ZAYA BABY PRODUCTS: CROCHET TOYS

This is a small business that crochets stuffed animal toys perfect as baby shower gifts or for children. Zaya, which means destiny, started its journey in the year 2016, making toys and blankets. They have since attended Decorex CT and SARCDA. Zaya has big plans for its creations, and you can find its products at local markets, such as I Heart Market and Market 031. Retail price from R100 @zaya_babyproducts

3. CAPE MALAY COOKING

In this cookbook, Fatima Sydow, a cook and former caterer, takes us on a nostalgic journey through the memories of the many important feasts celebrated in her Cape Malay culture, starting with old-school family favourites that she remembers from her upbringing. Woven through these memories are recipes for salt and pepper chicken, bean curry and her ultimate braai ideas. Retail price is R395 www.nb.co.za

4. AMMARA DESIGNS: THE ROSE DRESS

Led by a mother-and-daughter team, Racine and Gail use beauty, luxury, and personalisation to create unforgettable moments with wearable luxury. Crafted from liquid-like Armani Satin, this bestselling dress is a design made for every body shape, height and age. What sets them apart is the ability to customise every detail, ensuring a perfect fit and reflecting each customer's unique style. Retail price from R1300 www.ammara.online

• SURGICAL THEATRE

• DENTISTRY

• VET SHOP

• DIGITAL X-RAYS

• ULTRASOUND SCANS

• LABORATORY / BLOOD TESTS

• EQUINE REPRODUCTION + SPORT HORSES (MOBILE UNIT)

• HOUSE CALLS

• DOG PARLOUR

• DELIVERIES (PETS AND PET FOOD)

Nottingham Road

Gowrie Golf Club hosted the annual Beef vs. Dairy Golf Day. With 84 players on the course, the two teams, Beef and Dairy, competed for the floating trophy donated by Pete Anderson. The day was sponsored by Forge Agri Nottingham Road, with Sharon, Kelly and their team organising generous prizes from their suppliers for the various winners. The Midlands did not disappoint with a gorgeous day which made for a festive event.

THE PEOPLE

1. Andries & Kelly Pretorius & Kes Hansen

2. James Kean & Phil Simmons

3. Dave Culverwell & Simon Miller

4. Beauty Wanda, Sane Luthuli, Sabelo Moya & Precious Sibiya

5. Gary van Eyk, Sharon du Preez, George Clark & Kelly Pretorius

6. Matthew Moxham & Jon Bromilow

The inaugural two-day Love Notties Classic 2023 was successfully launched at Gowrie Farm and Bosch Hoek Golf Courses. This event was initiated to raise much-needed funds for the Love Notties NPC and showcase the two magnificent courses. Over R100 000 was raised to provide Love Notties with essential resources to continue funding their voluntary work and running costs!

2. Linda Smith, Missy Hughes, Murray & Michael Pitt, Debi Stewart & Yzelle Greyling

3. Roger Gerrish & Phil Roberts

4. Linda Smith & Missy Hughes

The Local in Lions River is where it’s at — delicious coffee and gorgeous people as well as great live music on Sundays.

Meet foundryman and frontman Luke Falconer. You may have seen his beautiful bronze sculptures at the local galleries or heard him play in his band, The Fabric Shop.

Upper Millstone has the most delectable pastries imaginable and also provided me with my daily bread through the dark days of lockdown.

I love checking out what new artworks have arrived at The Platform Gallery. I’m also a big fan of the magnificent Dargle Valley Pottery - such an enchanting place, steeped in creative history.

The Rosetta Hotel has recently undergone a serious makeover and is one of the cosiest spots around. Definitely a goodie for a romantic night out!

InkyBird Tattoo Studio in Howick. I’ve always been a fan of tattoos and we have an incredible artist here in Howick who does some of the most exquisite fine-line work have ever seen.

I think REKO is really amazing. It’s a proper community project supporting the trade of the highest quality produce.