Muddy fun at Laddsworth's Big Walk 2025
Robynne Dreyer, Staytree and Hooligoose to entertain at MiTH - 7 May 2025
MiTH – 7 May 2025
Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm
Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)
Info: 082 331 7271
8:40 PM – Hooligoose
Meet Hooligoose, a funky rock trio that brings a fresh, groove sound to the stage. Fronted by a dynamic vocalist with a passion for soulful melodies, the band is anchored by the steady, thumping bass lines of Malcolm. Rounding out the line-up is Ethan, the prodigious 13-year-old drummer, and son of the lead vocalist, whose youthful energy and killer beats drive the band’s funky rock pulse. Formed out of friendship, family, and a shared love for music that makes you move, Hooligoose delivers a sound that’s equal parts gritty and playful, drawing inspiration from the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Parliament-Funkadelic, and classic rock swagger. Hooligoose isn’t just a band, it’s a celebration of connection, creativity, and the power of funk-infused rock.
7:40 PM – Staytree
Meet Staytree, the coolest trio of rockers ever to hit the stage! Made up of three brothers, this band is all about big energy, wild riffs, and having fun. With 13-year-old Ethan on drums, 12-year-old Rylee rocking the guitar, and 10-year-old Shaun bringing the noise on bass, Staytree is a force to be reckoned with. Their name, Staytree, comes from their mom, Stacey: “the tree that holds us together”. Inspired by bands like Just Jinger, Prime Circle, Creed, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, The Beatles and many more, Staytree mixes catchy beats with lyrics about just being kids.
7:00 PM – Robynne Dreyer
Robynne Dreyer is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who performs with vocals, piano, guitar, and ukulele. Her sound blends pop with touches of R&B, offering soulful, heartfelt performances. Robynne shares a mix of originals and carefully chosen covers, shaped by years of performing in both Canada and South Africa. Her music is deeply personal, exploring themes of hope, connection, and emotional honesty.
ABOUT MiTH:
KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music.
Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.
Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.
Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to perform.
DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:
Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.
Research suggests that millennials and Gen Z value participatory and engaging experiences
IS ART DEAD?
How this generation is rediscovering the beauty of art in nature
Are art and sculptures relics of a bygone era, or does this generation simply engage them in a different way?
Research suggests that millennials and Gen Z value participatory and engaging museum experiences, often seeking out art that fosters social interaction and personal connection.[1] It’s no surprise then, that art – once confined to hushed galleries and velvet ropes – is now breaking boundaries and finding new life in unexpected places. Tyron Selmon-Butler, Art Curator from Art Eye Gallery says that while traditional brick-and-mortar galleries are still very much sought after, younger audiences are also looking for experiences that are more immersive, interactive, and unconventional. And one of the most powerful settings for this reimagined way of engaging with art? Nature.
According to Selmon-Butler, there is perhaps no place in South Africa that captures this movement better than Brahman Hills in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Nestled in rolling countryside, Brahman Hills is home to an internationally award-winning garden; a sprawling 5.5-hectare sanctuary broken into 26 themed “garden rooms.” But these aren’t your average flowerbeds. They’re dotted with monumental sculptures crafted by emerging South African artists, each telling a story about culture, myth, environmentalism, or womanhood.
Selmon-Butler, who collaborated with Brahman Hills on almost all of their sculptures, sees the outdoor sculpture movement as more than a passing trend. “These sculptures are not just art pieces,” he says. “They are anchors of meaning; some are playful, some are confronting, some are hauntingly beautiful. But each one invites the viewer to pause, to feel, to ask questions. Nature already awakens our senses, and when you pair that with art, it becomes very personal and very powerful.”
For Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, the art-meets-nature ethos is a deliberate evolution of the brand’s purpose. “In 2017, we set out with a bold vision to become South Africa’s leading wedding venue. That vision turned into reality,” says Gonyora. “However, as we’ve grown, so has our inspiration. We’ve moved beyond events to creating something timeless; a destination rooted in creativity, wellness, and natural beauty. The awards we’ve received, and the fact that visitors travel from around the world just to walk in our magnificent gardens, proves that sculpture and outdoor art are not only relevant, but they’re also deeply desired in 2025.”
Why is art in nature so appealing?
According to Selmon-Butler:
• There’s something liberating about encountering art in the open air. No hushed whispers. No gallery rules. No four walls. Just you, nature, and a piece of work that, if only for a moment, makes you stop walking and start thinking.
• It’s not about prestige. It’s about connection. It's about finding meaning in a world that often feels too fast, too filtered, too virtual.
Gonyora sums it up: “We didn’t just want to create a pretty garden; we wanted to offer something soul stirring. For weddings, retreats, or just a weekend escape. Our sculptures remind us of who we are, what we value, and what’s worth preserving. That’s art. And that’s timeless.”
So, if you're wondering whether art still has a place in 2025, the answer is waiting at The Brahman Hills Gardens.
The "Hanneke" by Sandro Trapani: A 4.5-meter-tall figure pouring water into the dam, symbolizing environmental preservation.
"Medusa" by Sandro Trapani: A bronze sculpture hidden in a grotto, inviting viewers to confront themes of resilience and complexity.
"Leda and the Signet" by Joyce Carreira: A reinterpretation of myth, capturing the bond between humans and nature.
"Strike a Woman, Strike a Rock" by Ben Tuge: A tribute to the strength of African women, prominently placed near the lake.
"Stargazer" by Louis van den Heever: A two-meter-tall figure reaching for the sky, embodying childhood wonder.
"The Giant" by Louis van den Heever: A five-ton concrete and steelhead emerging from the earth, serving as a stark warning about environmental neglect.
Vanessa Bruni’s Personal Journey with Food Freedom
In my twenties I struggled to say goodbye to an ideal picture of what I should look like. When I realized that I could enjoy a strong, healthy body, take care of the way I look and enjoy food, I was blown away and started to turn a corner towards freedom.
I spent many unhappy years wishing I looked different and then making myself more miserable by restricting my food, following extreme health regimes or making sure my exercise was hard and unpleasant.
I didn’t have a coach or follow any kind of advice but there were two ideas I realized were simply not working and two that I wanted to practice:
I realized there were two approaches that were simply not working that I needed to change.
Firstly when I tried any kind of sad, restriction of food it seemed to have the opposite effect on my food intake. I wanted to eat more and became consumed by whether the restriction was helping my weight.
I also noticed that my energy and mood were most depleted when I was trying an extreme idea that promised extra vitality and mental clarity. What I found most helpful was focusing on working with my appetite and enjoying a variety of foods and treats, this made it was easier to eat less and slowly make changes that felt pleasant and good for me.
Focusing on the enjoyment I found in food and exercise, this became a motivating factor to keep doing things that were good for me and made me feel happy.
I am grateful to have had the freedom of enjoying food for decades now and am always improving and adapting my lifestyle with small steps.
My Food Freedom courses are based on Georgie Fear’s brilliant system that helps you transform your thinking about your body and food so that you can maintain weight loss in a lifestyle that is satisfying and full of pleasure.
WhatsApp 072 653 8953 to join my course coming up during May, details below.

Grace College Swimmers Shine at Level 2 Regional Championships
Grace College is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Kiara Sierra and Nkosi Mlambo, who recently competed in the Level 2 Regional Champs swimming competition held in Richards Bay over the holidays. Kiara delivered an exceptional performance, earning a total of 10 medals—2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze in her individual events, along with 2 gold and 1 silver in relay events. Nkosi also made waves at the competition, bringing home 9 medals in total—2 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze in his individual events, complemented by an impressive 3 gold medals in the relays. Congratulations, Kiara and Nkosi!Another week, another great choice of deals at Rotunda Farm Stall in Hilton
Fresh deals every week at Rotunda Farm Stall!
Pop in to see what’s fresh, local, and on special — from farm produce to pantry favourites...
Remember that we deliver for FREE to Hilton and Howick, or come shopping at The Rotunda Centre, 1 Cedara Road, Hilton.
Telephone+27 (0)33 343 4205 or +27 (0)33 343 1198
Cell:+27 (0)79 525 4589
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri 8am – 5.30pm, Sat 8am – 5pm, Sun and Public Holidays 8am – 4pm

May Mother's Day Specials at Tranquility Massage Wellness
TRANQUILITY MASSAGE WELLNESS’s premises is easily located 5 min from Hilton village within the Winterskloof Conservancy. The cosy and inviting treatment studio is set in a beautiful lush garden with safe, dedicated parking and offers a private seating area to relax and enjoy the natural scenery and bird life. The peaceful and tranquil surrounds are ideal to escatreatments BD1 2pe and unwind and offer a unique environment to enjoy a massage treatment alone or as a shared experience with a friend or partner.
The aim of the ‘Tranquility’ experience is to facilitate a greater measure of tranquility and wellness in life through the primary medium of massage and to create a tranquil and safe oasis where mind, body and soul have space for both expression and healing.
All massage treatments are built around a therapeutic, tailored and personalized approach to the massage experience.
We offer the following treatments:
Full body massage
Focused head, neck and shoulder massage
Indian Face massage
Indian Head massage
Reflexology
Aromatherapy
Tailored deep tissue massages
All treatments are either R500.00 for a 60 minute session OR R700.00 for a 90 minute session.
Call or WhatsApp 067 914 3647 to book an appointment now and enjoy 20% for the month of May.
Directions from Crossways, head toward Pietermaritzburg on Dennis Shepstone Drive. Turn left into Valley road ( 3rd left turn after Cowan House Prep School - 1st is Amy Wilson, 2nd is Wicken Way ). Travel all the way down Valley Road and keep left at the fork into Devonshire Lane. No 51 Devonshire Lane is on the immediate left.
Dog, cat and bunny owners get 30% OFF pet sterilisations in May at Veterinary House
Our popular Sterilisation Special is back this May!
Get 30% off sterilisation for dogs, cats, and bunnies — plus a free nail trim & anal gland expression with every sterilisation booking.
Available at all Vet House branches. Book now – limited spaces available!
Hospital: 033 342 4698
Hilton: 033 343 4316
Townbush: 033 347 2504
Richmond: 033 212 2747
WhatsApp: 064 512 1853
Ts & Cs apply: Payment required on the day. Female dogs in heat are not included. Free nail trim and anal gland expression only with sterilisation.
Grace College Learners Recognised with President’s Awards
We’re proud to celebrate three of our learners who have achieved an incredible milestone. Syon Mangray and Jishan Pillay have been awarded Gold President’s Awards, while Erin Coverdale received the Silver Award.
These awards aren’t handed out lightly—they reflect months of commitment, personal growth, and community involvement. From volunteering and leadership to pushing themselves through physical and personal challenges, each of them has shown real grit and determination. Well done, Syon, Jishan, and Erin—your hard work has truly paid off.
Left to Right: Syon Mangray, Jishan Pillay and Erin Coverdale
Hilton Arts Festival shares sad news of the passing of a legend
With profound sadness, we share the passing of our beloved founder and director, Sue Clarence. Her remarkable contribution to the arts has left an indelible mark that will resonate for generations.
As a team, we will continue to carry the flag with pride, honouring her legacy - especially at this year’s Hilton Arts Festival.
Rest in peace, our matriarch. You will be so dearly missed.
Cosy winter wellness treats from The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health
Cosy up to winter with thoughtful gifts from The Local Choice Pharmacy at HILTON HEALTH
From comforting teas and pamper sets to warm accessories and wellness treats, we’ve got just the thing to make someone’s day a little brighter. Perfect for thank-you gifts, little pick-me-ups or winter birthdays.
Visit at Hilton Health, Suite 1, Groundfloor, 3 Monzali Drive, Hilton.
Telephone+27 (0)33 343 0884
OPEN
Monday to Friday: 08h00 to 18h00
Saturday: 08h00 to 13h00
Sunday: 09h00 to 13h00
Clinic Sister: 08h00 to 13h00 on Weekdays
Grace College Rugby Players Selected for Midlands Squads
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the rugby field . Three Grace College learners have been selected to represent the Midlands Rugby Squad teams!
A big congratulations to Rohan Kingham and Fanele Mzangwe, who have both earned places in the U18/19 Midlands Rugby Squad, and to Henry Jansen, who has been selected for the U16 squad.
This is a fantastic achievement for these young players and a proud moment for our school community.
Picture: left to right, Rohan Kingham, Fanele Mzangwe and Henry Jansen
World Book Day excitement at Laddsworth Primary School
World Book Day was a vibrant celebration of imagination, creativity, and a shared love for stories.
Laddsworth pupils and staff arrived in a dazzling array of creative costumes, bringing their favourite book characters to life with flair and originality.
From classic heroes to modern icons, each outfit told its own tale and sparked curiosity among peers.
The day was filled with lively discussions, activities, enthusiastic reading, and plenty of enquiring questions that showed just how deeply stories can inspire young minds.
A day worth celebrating – and one that reminded us all of the magic found between the pages of a book!
Easter Savings at John Meyer Optometrist
We’re taking a short break to enjoy the long weekend with our loved ones — John Meyer Optometrist will be CLOSED on Friday and Monday.
But don’t worry, we’re OPEN today, so pop in and see us for any last-minute eye care needs before the Easter fun begins!
Connect on 033 343 0881 or WhatsApp: 076 050 5877
Aroura, andtheRiddle and Luna Paige line up for MiTH - 23 April 2025
MiTH – 23 April 2025
Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm
Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)
Info: 082 331 7271
8:30 PM – Luna Paige
Cape Town singer-songwriter Luna Paige is visiting KZN for the first time in many years. She is currently touring the country with her brand-new show, Oceanic Heart, which is centred around the theme of love. Paige sings about romantic love, friendship, family, our deep connection with animals, nature, love for country, and road-tripping. Luna sings about the importance of neighbourly love and self-love. She draws her inspiration from the ocean and expertly weaves her stories into her musical repertoire. She also includes songs by artists such as Dolly Parton, Norah Jones, Janis Joplin, Neil Young, and Nick Cave. On the evening of 23 April, Luna Paige will give the MiTH audience a glimpse into the show. She will perform an extract of the show, and include a song or two from her wide repertoire of original songs. Since 2003 Luna Paige has released two Afrikaans albums, one SAMA-nominated collaborative Afrikaans album, five English albums and multiple singles. Her two latest albums (one Afrikaans, one English) are available on streaming platforms. Her other albums and YouTube links are available at www.lunamusic.co.za.
7:45 PM – andtheRiddle
andtheRiddle are two modern, free-spirited multi-instrumental musicians who live, write, rehearse, record, mix, design, edit and produce everything in-house. Devoting their energy to the pursuit of reason, happiness and harmony, they embody this philosophy in the original percussive acoustic melodies they create. Priding themselves on their live shows since 2013, they have performed on stages such as Splashy Fen, Louvain Burn Music Festival and the Wilderness Arts Festival, to name a few.
Their influences stretch from classical music to heavy metal, from Rage Against the Machine to Joe Satriani, and everything in between. With Jacky on vocals, guitar, ukulele, harmonica, and percussion, and Daniel on vocals, guitar and percussion, you are in for a guaranteed musical treat – the healthy kind.
7:00 PM – Aroura
From KZN, Aroura (aka Madison Fisher) is an energetic solo artist influenced by various bands, from Mumford and Sons, and Milky Chance to Noah Kahan. Aroura plays covers and original songs, some well-known and others not-so-well-known, ranging from acoustic to indie and country genres. Aroura is a singer/guitar player who will have you singing along. Aroura has only played on stage once before and looks forward to her second time at MiTH.
ABOUT MiTH
KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music.
Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.
Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available.
Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to perform.
DIRECTIONS TO MiTH
Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

More Articles ...
- Happy Easter wishes from Rotunda Farm Stall - closed on Easter Sunday
- Coetzé caps off Nationals with fourth world champs qualifier
- Sprint breaststrokers Houlie & Smith book world champs tickets
- Women’s breaststroke legacy lives on as Meder, Corbett qualify for world champs
- A WILD Night for Conservation – A celebration of art, food and wine
- Meder and Sates join Coetzé with world champs qualifiers as two SA records fall
- Children’s Stories Shine in Moments That Matter Competition
- Coetzé storms to world champs qualifier on opening day of swimming action in Gqeberha
- Autumn Sale and Easter Trading Times for 2025 - Tanglewood Nursery
- Book for FREE rabies vaccinations at Veterinary House Hilton











