As the world marks World Bipolar Awareness Day on 30 March 2026, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is calling on South Africans to listen to the voices of people living with Bipolar Disorder and to challenge the stigma that still surrounds Mental Health conditions. This year, SADAG’s focus is on lived experience sharing real stories from people across South Africa who are finding their way through life, work, family, and relationships while managing Bipolar Disorder. Through the campaign “Strength with Bipolar,” SADAG aims to shift the conversation away from labels and toward the people behind the diagnosis.

“A diagnosis does not define a person,” says SADAG Support Group leader for people living with Bipolar, Mogammed. “People living with Bipolar Disorder are mothers, fathers, partners, professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and community leaders. They are individuals with hopes, goals, and talents, and they also live with a Mental Health condition.”

Support Group member, Melissa shares, “I live with Bipolar Disorder, but I am also a mother and a professional. Learning how to manage my Mental Health has helped me rebuild my confidence.” Support Group member, Phindile adds, “Some days are harder than others, but with support and treatment, I am able to live a full and meaningful life.” A central message repeated throughout the campaign is: “Strength with Bipolar.”

Psychiatrist, Dr Alicia Porter shares, “Bipolar disorder is only one part of a person’s life, it does not define their identity, their worth, or their future. When we reduce people to a diagnosis, we silence their full story. It’s time we listen, understand, and recognise the strength it takes to live, work, love, and show up every day while managing this condition.”

Stigma remains one of the biggest challenges preventing people from seeking help. Many people fear judgment, discrimination, or misunderstanding when speaking about Bipolar Disorder, listen to lived experience stories with empathy, support not only family members but colleagues who may also be struggling, and help create environments where people feel safe to seek help.

For people living with Bipolar Disorder, or for family members who want to better understand how to support a loved one, SADAG offers support and access to care. SADAG encourages anyone who may need help to reach out for Free Telephonic Counselling and emotional support, Mental Health information and guidance, referrals to Mental Health professionals, and access to Support Groups where people can connect with others who share similar lived experiences.

Changing the conversation around Bipolar Disorder starts with all of us. Visit the SADAG website at www.sadag.org to access the Bipolar Awareness Toolkit, which offers valuable information, resources, and ways to start conversations around Mental Health. You can also get involved on social media by tagging @SADAG_Official when sharing posts to help spread the message, show support, and remind others that they are not alone.

SADAG encourages anyone experiencing symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, or who is concerned about a loved one, to reach out for support. Help is available 24 hours a day through the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 786. You can also send an SMS to 31393 for a Counsellor to call back or reach out via WhatsApp on 076 882 2775 (available 8am - 5pm, 7 days a week).

On World Bipolar Awareness Day, SADAG reminds South Africans that Mental Health conditions do not define a person’s identity or potential. SADAG's Operations Director, Cassey Chambers shares, “For over 30 years, SADAG has stood alongside people living with Bipolar Disorder fighting for their rights to fair treatment, access to care, and dignity within both the healthcare system and society. This Bipolar Awareness Day, we are calling on South Africa to look beyond the diagnosis and the statistics, and to see the person as someone with a story, a family, a career, and a future. Living with Bipolar Disorder is not a limitation of identity, but a testament to resilience. This year, we are changing the narrative to recognise the strength, humanity, and lived experiences of those navigating Bipolar Disorder every day.”

We all know Easter is just around the corner, and with that comes a long weekend and school holidays. We’ve decided to take that opportunity for some rest & relaxation, and will be closing the nursery from Wednesday, 1st April to Tuesday, 7th April.

Now that doesn’t mean we’ll be skipping out on the Easter fun!

This weekend (Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March), we'll celebrate early, with marshmallow eggs hidden all over the nursery and surrounding gardens for the kids and the adults who are young at heart ;) You keep what you find!

But the real treat, as always, will be the plants. We have some amazing autumn options, specifically plectranthus, bergenia, salvia and duranta. They’re all looking great.

Spend R250 or more on any plants at the nursery between now and Tuesday, 31st March, and you’ll be entered into a lucky draw for a chance to win a R750 voucher for the nursery.

We look forward to seeing you and your family!

AND...

Our Fuchsias Are Back!

Probably our most exciting news of the year so far… Our fuchsias are back on the sales floor! It’s taken a few months of dedicated work to replenish our stock that was damaged in the hailstorm. We have several varieties on the floor in different sizes. Come and get ‘em!

Where else can you meet with friends and enjoy top South African music in a beautiful setting, with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50?

MiTH LINEUP 25 March 2026

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

Join the KZN Midlands Live Shows WhatsApp Group for updates on live shows across the Midlands: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IBdaSGVPA5oLbedRwPoFn9

20h40 – RYAN JONES

Ryan Jones is a singer-songwriter whose sound is rooted in Indie Folk with shades of Americana, Blues, Soft Rock and Pop Folk. Ryan writes authentic, real, heartfelt songs and he strives to share positivity and light with others through his music and story, he aims to make a connection with listeners, making them feel welcome, heard, felt and wanted. Ryan draws inspiration from the everyday ups and downs of life, the beauty in stillness and chaos, all things light and dark, whether it be from his own personal experience or a fabric from his imagination, for Ryan music is a means to form connection amongst each other; with the earth we walk on and everything in between and beyond. Ryan performs his original music along with a curated selection of covers. He draws inspiration from artists such as Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, Ziggy Alberts, Jeremy Loops and Donovan Frankenreiter to name a few. Catch Ryan Jones on his 'Home' Tour for an intimate evening of Indie Folk Americana Music. Come for the songs, stay for the stories.

19h40 – SIX STRING SYNDICATE

Six String Syndicate is the acoustic duo of Charles Webster and Chris Dust, whose collaboration began at an open mic night in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Charles was immediately struck by Chris’s voice and guitar style, sensing that together they could create a dynamic, harmonious sound. Chris named the duo, and their partnership has since developed into a rich blend of interlocking guitars, tight vocal harmonies, and emotive performances. Their repertoire spans contemporary alternative rock and acoustic-friendly hits from Green Day, Bastille, Three Doors Down, Coldplay, and Mumford & Sons, alongside classic influences from Chris Rea and Rodriguez. Their sound bridges alternative rock, indie pop, folk-rock, and singer-songwriter traditions. Six String Syndicate will make their debut at MiTH on 25 March 2026.

19h00 – GRANT TRUTER

Grant Truter is a South African acoustic performer known for his emotive vocals, acoustic guitar work, and signature stomp box rhythm. Blending elements of singer-songwriter, folk, acoustic rock, and country, his music combines honest storytelling with melodic, guitar-driven arrangements. Influenced by artists such as Coldplay, Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Isaak, and Jason Mraz, Grant’s live performances feature a mix of original songs and carefully chosen covers. After making his live debut at the Splashy Fen 2025 Open Mic, Grant continued building momentum through live performances and online releases. In 2026 he returns to Splashy Fen as an official festival artist, marking an exciting milestone in his growing musical journey.

https://www.instagram.com/grant_truter_music?igsh=MTVjZ2NreGluNHFobw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

ABOUT MiTH

Food and soft drinks are available for sale. Cash bar on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km 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. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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The Midlands chess community reached an exciting milestone this past weekend as the Hilton Chess Club hosted the Midlands Open Tournament, the first event of the 2026 Midlands Chess League, at the Cowan House campus in Hilton. With 50 players competing across three divisions, the event showcased the growing passion for strategic thinking and competitive play in the heart of the Midlands.

A lively social zone featuring a giant outdoor chess set kept families, spectators and young grandmasters-in-the-making entertained throughout the day. The club extends sincere thanks to the KZN Chess Academy for lending the giant chess set and for their guidance and support in helping bring the event to life. We would also like to thank Chief Arbiter Erick Takawira and Deputy Chief Arbiter Jason Rose-innes whose expertise ensured the games were conducted with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

The Midlands Open featured players from 12 schools and clubs across the region. Competition across all divisions was both fierce and friendly, highlighting the depth of emerging chess talent.
Hilton Kids Chess Club players impressed in the Under-12 category, securing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place in a competitive field, with the 7-year-old 4th-place finisher also earning Top Girl and Youngest Participant honours.

Official Results & Podium Finishers:

Under-12 Category
● 1st Place: Joelle Naidoo
● 2nd Place: Troas Burt
● 3rd Place: Sam Churu

Under-16 Category
● 1st Place: Shrivaan Sewram
● 2nd Place: Nhlokomo Zondo
● 3rd Place: Matthew Perez
● Top Girl: Charlotte Stevens

Open Category (16+)
● 1st Place: Ethan Koen
● 2nd Place: Senzokuhle Dladla
● 3rd Place: Hannes Welman
● Top Girl: Ntobeko Ngcobo

Special recognition was also awarded to our senior player, Hamilton Clarke, who delivered a brilliant performance to secure 4th place in the Open category, showing that chess truly is a game for all ages.

An event of this scale is only possible through the generous support of our local partners. Our season long sponsors, Debonairs Pizza and Steers, ensured that winners walked away with more than just bragging rights. The Top Girl in each category received a special experience thanks to Cakeaway, who created stunning edible cupcake bouquets, while Craik Speirs Hilton gifted each a professional wash and blow-wave. The club also extends sincere thanks to Pam Golding Properties for their ongoing support.

The Hilton Chess Club further extends heartfelt appreciation to Cowan House for hosting the event on its world-class grounds and to the dedicated volunteers who ensured the tournament ran smoothly.

Together, we are building something truly special. If you or your business would like to be part of the Midlands Chess League journey, whether through event sponsorship, supporting our prize pool, or funding entries for players, we would love to connect.

Missed the first tournament? Don't worry! The hunt for the Master is just beginning! Because our league is points-based, there is still plenty of time to catch up and claim the top spot on the leaderboard. Join us for the Midlands Masters on May 9th and see if you have what it takes to be the 2026 Champion.

Up Next: The Midlands Masters! Registration is now open for our next tournament on the 9th of May. To secure your spot or learn more about the league, simply WhatsApp “League” to 078 688 3985.

Thank you, Hilton, for an extraordinary evening! The Drakies brought their world-class sound to the Hilton College Memorial Hall, opening with heavenly harmonies and closing with vibrant African rhythms.

The second half began with Hilton locals, the talented Laddsworth Primary School Choir under the baton of Cecile Jansen. These young choristers did their school proud, and we look forward to collaborating with them again soon.

A special thank you to the DBCS Old Boys currently completing their schooling at Hilton College for supporting your Drakie brothers, it was wonderful to see you back on stage with the choir, with many of your parents in the audience.

Another highlight of the evening was when DBC Conductor and Head of Choral Activities, Jacques Linde, reconnected with fellow former Drakie Tazlo Jacobs (Class of 2013), now Cambridge Subject Lead and Choral Director at St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg.

Our sincere thanks to Hilton College Headmaster Mr George Harris and the Hilton team for the use of the Memorial Hall and for going above and beyond to support the logistics of this special event.

Congratulations to the two Laddsworth teams on their outstanding performance at the 2026 Regional Kids’ Lit Quiz, held at Athlone Primary last week.

A special mention to the Grade 7 team for once again winning the regional quiz, showcasing exceptional teamwork and an impressive depth of literary knowledge.

More about Laddsworth Primary School.

90% of Lost Children Are Found Within 30 Minutes.

That statistic should both comfort you and wake you up.

Most lost children are found quickly. But the ones who aren’t? They usually made one mistake.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
It’s often the exact thing most parents teach them.

We tell our kids:
“If you get lost, come find me.”

It sounds logical. It sounds empowering.
It’s WRONG!

The Mistake Most Lost Children Make:
When children realize they’re separated, they do three things almost automatically:
They panic.
They wander.
They try to find you.
Every step makes them harder to locate.
From a search standpoint, movement creates chaos.
Parents retrace their steps.
Security scans zones.
Staff lock down areas.
Search works best when movement stops.

When a child keeps walking, they move outside the original search radius. Helpers are looking where they were last seen — not where they’ve wandered.

Stillness increases probability.
Movement expands the problem.

The first lesson is not “go find me.”

It’s this:
Stop. Stay. Yell.

Why Stillness Wins:
Think like a search team.
If a child stays put:
Parents can retrace steps.
Security can scan systematically.
Helpers converge to one fixed location.
The search radius remains small.

If a child keeps moving:
The search area expands.
Adults pass each other.
Missed connections multiply.
Minutes stretch into hours.
Stillness keeps the math on your side.

Teach Them Who to Approach:
The second mistake we make as parents?
We say, “Find an adult.”
Not any adult. Not the nearest stranger. Children need a filter.

Teach them to look for, if at all possible:
A mother with children.

Caregivers who already have kids with them are statistically among the safest people to approach in public settings. They are visible, stationary, and more likely to engage quickly.

It’s a clear, concrete instruction.

Children don’t process vague categories like “safe adult.”

They process visuals.
“Find a mom with kids” is visual.

A Phone Only Helps If the Number Is Known:
We often assume phones solve everything.
They don’t — unless your child can use one. Even young children can memorize a 10-digit phone number with repetition.

But you must train it.
Practice it like a song.
Sing it in the car.
Chant it at bedtime.
Turn it into rhythm.
Repetition becomes recall.

In an emergency, recall matters more than theory.

The Code Word Rule:
One more layer of protection.
Choose a private family code word.
Something only your household knows.
If someone approaches and says:
“Your mom sent me.”
Your child asks:
“What’s the code word?”
No word.
No go.

This simple rule eliminates manipulation attempts instantly.
It gives your child agency without requiring them to evaluate character.

Real Safety Is Training — Not Luck!

We don’t get safer by hoping.

We get safer by practicing.

Teach:
• Phone number
• Code word
• Stop, stay, yell ("Help! I am lost!")
• Find a mom with kids

Multiple skills.

Simple instructions.

Clear visuals.

Five minutes of training can replace hours of panic. This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation.

Because when a child gets separated, the clock starts.

And what they do in the first minute determines what the next thirty look like.

That’s real protection.

Credit: Compiled advice from child safety experts including CJ Scarlet (Badass Parenting), Gavin de Becker (The Gift of Fear), and Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols.

Escape to Music and Magic at the Cool Oaks Music Festival 2026

Byrne Valley, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal - 26-27 June 2026

Music lovers are invited to shake off the winter chill and immerse themselves in an unforgettable weekend of live music, connection, and countryside charm at the Cool Oaks Music Festival, taking place on 26-27 June 2026 at The Oaks Hotel in the scenic Byrne Valley, Richmond, KZN.

Presented in association with Music in The Hills (MiTH), the festival brings together some of KwaZulu-Natal’s top musicians alongside the vibrant extended musical family of the KZN Midlands. Audiences can expect a rich blend of folk, rock, and acoustic performances in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that celebrates authentic music and community spirit. The 2026 lineup features an exciting array of artists, including Idols winner Jason Hartman, Rusty Red, Rob Warren (from Black Lapels), 3 Daughters-3 Dads, The Chickpeas, MMM Band, Blackbird, Grace & Tanya, Brian Bedingfield & Friends, Bowstring, Bruere Venter, as well as an Open Mic stage and additional performers to be announced.

Designed as a family-friendly experience, the festival offers something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy free camping or opt for comfortable 3-star hotel accommodation at just R500 per person per night sharing. The music programme spans Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Saturday night, all hosted in a dedicated music tent.

Beyond the music, guests can explore a variety of outdoor and leisure activities, including mountain biking, hiking, putt-putt, horse riding, and even a refreshing “polar bear” swim in the hotel pool. Evenings promise magical moments under the stars, accompanied by exceptional live performances.

Ticket Information:

Weekend Pass: R500 (Under 13: half price)
Saturday Pass: R300 (Under 13: half price)
Please note that no outside alcohol is permitted, as the venue is fully licensed with food and beverages available for purchase. Campers are welcome to bring their own food.

Whether you’re seeking great music, fresh Midlands air, or a relaxed winter escape, the Cool Oaks Acoustic Festival offers the perfect weekend getaway. Produced by Charles Webster Music.

Bookings & Enquiries:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 082 554 1702

More Information:
www.oaksatbyrne.co.za
www.charleswebstermusic.co.za
www.mith.co.za

Charles Webster

+2782 331 7271

American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards Competition in Hilton

Hilton Theatre: Sat 28 March from 1pm

Ballet fans – plan a drive to Hilton this weekend as Hilton College Theatre has the huge honour of hosting the South African Performance Awards Competition on behalf of the American Academy of Ballet (AAB), a New York-based global ballet organisation that coordinates and hosts auditions and Performance Awards events all over the world – which comes to the Hilton College Theatre for the first time on Saturday 28 March from 1pm.

The public is invited to watch a thrilling high-stakes afternoon of top aspiring ballet dancers showcasing their skills in a competition format.

There are two sessions – one for junior and one for senior dancers. Both sessions start with class taken by Karen Beukes, former Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet AD, followed by a carefully curated competition format dance showcase. Approximately 20 dancers will be participating. Many from KZN but also from further afield. Dancers will perform choreographed routines before judges as a means of boosting their technique, artistry, and confidence, and has proven to be an extraordinary way to inspire, train and motivate dancers to improve while truly enjoying ballet.

The AAB Performance Awards Competition is open to all ballet teachers and their students. The dancer and teacher may decide the most appropriate level for entry and each dancer must perform the solo variation for the level they select. The judge for the day is Knysna-based Sidwell Roman, supported by Iain Macdonald, who represents AAB in South Africa, and is former Artistic Director of Joburg Ballet.

There are cash prizes for the best dancers.

The American Academy of Ballet, located in New York, is an exceptional ballet company renowned for its top-notch ballet instruction. The American Academy of Ballet offers world-class dance training and performance opportunities. Its mission is to provide rigorous and inspiring ballet education to prepare students for professional careers. Long recognised as one of the premier ballet training institutions in the United States, the AAB is particularly renowned for its Summer School of Excellence taking place in July. Its international faculty boasts teachers drawn from prestigious ballet institutions such as the Paris Opera Ballet School, the Royal Ballet School in Antwerp, the New York City Ballet and from South Africa, Iain Macdonald.

Established by the visionary South African trailblazer in the world of ballet education, Mignon Furman, in the early 90s, the prestigious Performance Awards programme offers aspiring dancers from around the world the opportunity to refine their skills in a focused, supportive environment.

“We invite dancers to be part of an international ballet event celebrated worldwide and to earn medals, certificates, and personalized feedback as well as experience the joy of performing in a supportive and inspiring atmosphere to build confidence, artistry, and lifelong memories,” says. Laurence Kaplan, the son of Mignon Furman and the AAB Executive Director.

“Every dancer deserves their moment — and in Hilton, that moment awaits. Join us for an afternoon that celebrates passion, progress, and performance — and maybe your journey will continue all the way to New York City! We look forward to a wonderful competition filled with talent, growth and inspiration”, he says.

Junior and Seniors will be adjudicated on Saturday 28 March from 1pm, with registrations from noon. Tickets are R160 through Webtickets. Tickets are in the form of a day-pass allowing access to the auditorium throughout the day.

For enquiries/information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / www.americanacademyofballet.com

Top image: Robin van Wyk puts aspirant ballet competition dancers through their paces at a previous South African Performance Awards Competition in Gauteng.

Below: The competition event comes to KZN for the first time – to Hilton – this weekend.

Chocolate is great, but stained glass catches the light forever! We are thrilled to announce our Easter lucky draw, featuring this stunning large stained glass bunny suncatcher.

How to enter:
Spend R400 in-store at Glass Cuttings, Piggly Wiggly by 6th April 2026
Drop your slip with your name and number in our lucky draw box
Cross your fingers!

𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙍400 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙩 = 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙣!

We’ll be drawing one lucky name just after the Easter weekend.

Pop into the shop at Piggly Wiggly, treat yourself to some beautiful glass art, and get your name in the box. Good luck!

Find us at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands

More info at www.glasscuttings.co.za

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙥 082 254 4798 𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧!

We have noted a recent increase in opportunistic theft within our area, with copper pipes currently being one of the primary targets. These incidents typically occur when criminals take advantage of unlocked properties, open access points, poor lighting, or unattended materials.

We urge all residents and businesses to remain vigilant by securing their property, limiting access to exposed plumbing where possible, and ensuring alarm systems are active and in good working order. A proactive approach and attention to basic security measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target.

If you are considering upgrading your current alarm system or adding additional security measures to your property, our team is here to assist. We can assess your specific needs and recommend reliable, effective solutions to better protect your home or business.

Contact us today to discuss how we can enhance your security.

KSS Control Room: 033 330 5911

Gary: 082 894 7628 (Business Owner)

Sashen: 082 673 6773 (Technical Manager)

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CUTTING IT FINE

Most of us love the idea of a beautiful garden. In reality, life gets busy. One week of rain becomes three. The hedges get a little wild, the shrubs start spilling over, and suddenly the garden feels like something you need to catch up on.

That’s why March matters.

It’s the month to take back control of your garden, and it all starts with pruning. Whether you do it yourself or bring in a professional, what you tackle now can make the months ahead cleaner, easier and far more manageable.

Don’t wait until winter to start pruning. Charles Henderson, Business Development Manager (Tree Professional) at Husqvarna South Africa, says that getting ahead in March can prevent plants from becoming dense, tangled and difficult to manage as the seasons change.

“After a full summer of fast growth, plants can quickly become dense and tangled. If pruning is left too late, airflow and sunlight struggle to reach the inner growth, small jobs become much bigger ones, and overcrowded branches create the ideal conditions for pests and disease as the cooler months approach,” says Henderson.

Where to start
So, if you’re convinced it’s time to act, the next question is where to start. Henderson says these are the pruning tasks worth focusing on this March:

1. Tidy up hedges and boundary plants: Using tools such as a Husqvarna hedge trimmer, you can lightly trim hedges to keep them neat, shaped and easier to manage through winter.

2. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches: Clearing weak or broken growth improves airflow, light and overall plant health.

3. Cut back overgrown climbers and creepers: A controlled March trim keeps fast growers from taking over walls, fences and nearby plants.

4. Prune lightly after harvest for certain fruit trees: Post-harvest pruning helps maintain shape now and sets trees up for stronger winter pruning later.

5. Clear invasive or unwanted growth: Removing invasive shoots and overgrowth now saves work later and protects healthier plants around them.

Common pruning mistakes to avoid
Even well-intentioned pruning can cause problems if done incorrectly. These are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make:

1. Cutting too aggressively: Taking off too much at once can stress the plant and trigger weak regrowth.

2. Using blunt or inappropriate tools: Blunt or unsuitable tools damage branches and leave plants vulnerable to disease.

3. Pruning the wrong plants at the wrong time: Not every plant should be pruned in March, so mistimed cutting can reduce flowering or weaken growth.

4. Leaving stubs or cutting too close: Poor cuts slow recovery and can leave the plant open to damage or disease.

5. Ignoring safety on larger trees: Bigger pruning jobs can quickly become dangerous without the right tools, skills or support.

Regional tips
South Africa’s climate is varied, so pruning timing can look a little different depending on where you are.

Western Cape
March is a good time to lightly prune deciduous trees and shrubs, after the heat of summer and before the wetter months set in. Just be careful not to prune frost-sensitive plants too late in the month.

Gauteng
Warm weather often lingers into March, so it is best to focus on light pruning, shaping and removing deadwood. This can also be a good time to keep fruit trees tidy and under control.

KwaZulu-Natal
Because growth continues for longer in subtropical conditions, early March is a useful time to cut back overgrowth and improve airflow before humidity and rain create bigger problems.

Pruning in March is not just about tidying up. It is about getting ahead. Done well, it can mean healthier plants, less maintenance and a garden that is easier to manage as the seasons shift. Leave it too late, and small jobs have a way of becoming much bigger ones. March may be brief, but when it comes to your garden, it is a window worth using well.

To view Husqvarna’s range of garden tools and equipment, visit www.husqvarna.com/za

Hilton College is thrilled to bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. to life, in a dazzling collaboration with Epworth High School for Girls!

From 27–30 April, the Hilton College Theatre transforms into a world of wonder, packed with music, laughter, colour, and all your favourite Disney Aladdin moments. (Plus, two shows on the 27th: a matinee and evening performance!)

With direction by Mason Campbell, production by Joshua Boudan, and choreography by Fiona Barnes, this high-energy musical promises magic, heart, and fun for the whole family.

What makes this year extra special?

A full live orchestra made up largely of talented pupils from Epworth, Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg Girls High School, The Wykeham Collegiate, and Hilton College - performing shoulder to shoulder with experienced professional musicians. The result? A rich, vibrant musical experience you’ll feel from the very first note!

Whether you're a theatre lover, a Disney fan, or simply looking for an unforgettable family night out, Aladdin Jr. will take you on a magic carpet ride to a whole new world!

Tickets on sale now from Webtickets

For more about the amazing things happening in our cultural space: https://linktr.ee/cultureathilton

To contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Emails are welcome... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You spend roughly a third of your life tucked in your bed – that quiet sanctuary of rest. But here's the thing that many people don't even think about when it comes to sleep and wellness - your bedding is quietly building a micro-ecosystem, and you're the host.

Every night your body sweats, secretes body oils and sheds between 30,000 and 40,000 dead skin cells per hour, exactly where you sleep. Enter dust mites - and not just a few – research shows millions! The warmth, the humidity, the endless buffet of skin cells you generously provide basically make your bed a five-star resort for them. You won't feel them. You won't see them. But if you wake up sneezing, congested, or itchy-eyed, their waste particles are a leading suspect, and one of the most common triggers for allergies and asthma.

But the mites are almost secondary. They're just feeding on everything else that's already there. Bacteria from your skin transfer onto your linen every night, and then there's fungi, yeast, saliva, pet dander, pollen hitchhiking in from outside, and - during illness - viruses that can survive on fabric for hours.

And while we know that regular laundering and mattress vacuuming keep your bed hygienic and fresh, the question remains: 'How often is regular, really?'

According to Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, hygiene experts generally recommend washing household linen once a week in hot water (at least 60°C) to keep allergens and dust mite ecosystems at bay. Mattress protectors and vacuuming your mattress monthly also add another layer of defence.

Surprisingly, he adds that laundry standards are much higher in the hospitality industry.

"For hotels, guesthouses and lodges, hygiene is not simply about appearances. It is about trust. And bedding plays a powerful role in how guests judge a property the moment they walk into a room."

"Fresh, white linen is non-negotiable because it is one of the clearest indications of cleanliness to guests," Madkins continues. "Think about walking into a hotel room - even before you inspect the bathroom or unpack your bags, you notice the bed. Crisp, pristine duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases communicate that an establishment is well-managed and guest-ready."

"That's also why no matter how short the stay, every reputable property replaces and launders all bedding between guests - no exceptions," he emphasises. "Another often-overlooked rule: if a room has sat empty for two weeks or more, linen needs to be refreshed before the next check-in. Even undisturbed sheets go stale - and guests notice."

"Across hotels around the world, white linen has become the visual benchmark for luxury and standards," Madkins notes, "because we all trust what we see, right?" And white linen reveals any stain, mark or discolouration immediately, making it one of the most honest indicators of a well-run establishment.

This means you may need to change the linen mid-stay, too, if there is a visible stain – no waiting for the normal laundry cycle or for the guest to leave. The same rule holds at home: spills, pets, heavy sweating or allergy flare-ups all warrant an early change.

"Keeping whites bright is more straightforward than most people think - especially in hospitality, where professional laundry systems are built to remove stains, protect fabric and maintain that crisp brightness wash after wash,” says Madkins. “Products like OMO Perfect Whites are formulated to keep bedding visibly bright and genuinely clean.

Ultimately, linen may seem like a small detail… it isn’t!

“Because cleanliness isn’t just about hygiene. It’s about how people feel in a space,” Madkins believes. “Something as simple as quality, freshly laundered linen can be the difference between a glowing review and a one-time guest,” he concludes.

Luna Paige: Die Reisigers - The Knoll, Hilton
(Afrikaans Musical Theatre)

Beste Musiekproduksie / Best Musical Production: Momentum Aardklop 2025

80-minute show (with 20-minute break) | Doors / Deure: 18:00 | Show / Vertoning: 19:00 | Early Bird Tickets: R160 | Door tickets / Kaartjies by die deur: R175|  Whatsapp Charles: 082 331 7271 | Bookings strongly advised / Besprekings sterk aanbeveel | The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Luna Paige sing oor die “groot reis” en die immer ontwykende eindbestemming. Sy verken ruimtes waar beweging, stilte van gees, selfliefde en aanvaarding harmonie bring. Sy stel gehore bekend aan die musiek wat sy tydens haar Suid-Afrikaanse én Europese reise, onder meer die Spaanse Camino, geskryf en by die huis getoonset het. As anonieme voyeur het sy soms wel in gesprek getree en saam gewonder oor die groot verskille, maar, belangriker, oor die groot ooreenkomste wat alle reisigers op hierdie wonderbaarlike planeet aan mekaar bind. Aangebied deur Charles Webster Music.

Luna Paige sings about life's great journey and the ever-elusive final destination. She explores spaces where movement, silence of the mind, self-love, and acceptance bring harmony. She introduces audiences to the music she composed and arranged during her South African and European travels, including the Spanish Camino. As an anonymous observer, she occasionally engaged in conversation and reflected on the great differences, but more importantly, on the significant similarities that connect all travellers on this wondrous planet.

Presented by Charles Webster Music.