October is my best month in the garden. It is such a delight to see how everything grows as the daylight hours increase. One can literally see the spinach growing. The garden is looking beautiful. The broad beans are flowering and the pods are fattening up nicely, we picked our first beans last week. They are wonderful for serving as a side to a lamb roast, mashed on toast with a soft poached egg and my favourite broad bean risotto, our staple meatless Monday meal during the season.

As we welcome the warmer spring weather to the beautiful Somerset West, there’s no better time to explore and indulge in the vibrant community offerings. From delicious treats to local food favourites, our local businesses are ready to celebrate the season with some fantastic specials. Whether you’re visiting for the day or a long-time resident, these Village Collective deals are not to be missed!

As tax season looms, residents of Somerset West can benefit greatly from the expertise of Emma Pardoe, a well-established chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience, renowned for providing personalised and professional services that go beyond mere compliance.

With the warmer months on the horizon, there’s no better time to dust off your bike, pump up those tyres, and hit the trails in Somerset West. The Helderberg region, with its mix of lush landscapes, coastal views, and winding mountain paths, offers a haven for cyclists of all levels. Whether you're a road warrior, a mountain biker, or someone who enjoys a leisurely cruise, here’s your guide to making the most of the cycling season as the days grow longer and the outdoors beckon.

We had a huge storm that brought torrential rain, hail and snow. Snow is always good because as it melts it fills rivers and reservoirs which will help to sustain these water sources through the dry summer months. It is only 6°C as write this. It has been a cold, wet winter but signs of Spring are popping up in my garden. The flowering quince has burst into bloom and my bluebells are quite big already. They are just waiting for warmer weather to bud.

Heritage Day in South Africa is a time to reflect on our shared past and celebrate the diverse cultures that have shaped our country. In Somerset West, this day carries extra significance as we honour the town’s unique history while looking toward a future that cherishes the heritage we’ve inherited, but brings with it much needed change and improvements.

The signs of spring are there, with the first blossoms showing their faces on the almond trees. August is a busy sowing month for early summer crops both indoors and out as the days start to get longer.

Whether you're planning a special day out for yourself or treating the woman in your life, Somerset West's burgeoning community hub has everything you need for a perfect pampering experience. From delightful brunch spots to exclusive wine tastings, exquisite flower arrangements to stunning home makeovers, this guide highlights the best of what our local partners have to offer.

To celebrate Women’s Month, we sat down with three extraordinary women who lead successful, women-owned businesses right here in the Village, to share their experiences and insights on navigating the business world.

Following huge critical acclaim for their 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival show, this "dynamic and vibrant" all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza is back. A joyous and uplifting hour of "boundless energy" celebrating South Africa's 12 official languages. All sprinkled with that unique township vibe.

Somerset West property is in high demand. At Tyson Properties, the team understands that buying or selling a property is a significant financial and emotional undertaking. We sat down with Catherine Coetzee, Principal of Tyson Property Helderberg, to discuss the most frequently asked questions in the property market. Here are her insights…

Mandela Day is a powerful reminder of the impact each person can make in their community. Here are some suggestions to honour Mandela’s legacy and strengthen the spirit of community in Somerset West…

June is the month for tidying up and making compost, as well as sowing the last of the peas and broad beans and planting cabbage, broccoli, kale and spinach seedlings, before it gets too cold.

With Youth Month in June, we are celebrating three young business owners and entrepreneurs who have settled in Somerset West, adding value to our community and breathing new life into the CBD.

Here are some local and lekker ideas for spoiling Dad this weekend (or whenever, really!)

Monthly update about what’s happening at the SW Village Garden and what we can expect to stock up on at weekly harvest days. This month is extra special for gardeners everywhere, as we celebrate World Bee Day on 20 May.

What better way to spoil Mom this Mother’s Day - or any other day, really - than treating her to some quality time exploring Somerset West? Here’s an itinerary to serve as a guide.

Just a remote suburb of the Mother City? Think again! Somerset West has a wealth of amazing experiences to offer. Here are a few favourites in and around the Village Collective hub.

In recent years, there has been a huge drive to revive and revitalise inner-city precincts both locally and abroad. Indeed, one need look no further than the Cape Town CBD for one of the most inspiring urban restoration success stories to date!

From the second oldest surviving bridge in the country to a church that has its origins in a wine cellar, Somerset West has a rich and colourful history well worth exploring. Here are 10 fascinating fact about our beloved corner of the Cape.