Autumn Gold, Easter Joy & New Horizons – April at Wyndford
Message from the Editor – Jandré du Plessis
Dear Wyndford Family,
As the seasons shift, Wyndford has been painted in a tapestry of rich oranges, soft golds, and deep autumn hues. April was a month of reflection and renewal — a time of family celebrations, new partnerships, and exciting glimpses of the winter wonderland soon to come.
Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s a look at the special moments and milestones from a memorable April.
Easter at Wyndford – Tradition, Joy, and Reflection
Easter is always a time of magic at Wyndford – and this year was no exception.
Children scampered across the gardens during our traditional Easter Egg Hunt, filling the farm with laughter and excitement as they discovered hidden treasures tucked between the blooms.
On Easter Sunday morning, we gathered together in the stone chapel for a heartfelt service led by Wyndford family member Lourens.
Amidst the glow of morning sunlight and the beauty of nature surrounding us, we reflected on the true meaning of Easter: renewal, hope, and gratitude.
It was a weekend that truly captured the spirit of Wyndford – family, faith, and the beauty of shared moments.
Sandstone’s Cosmos Festival – Celebrating Heritage in Full Colour
The annual Sandstone Cosmos Festival was an unforgettable tribute to South Africa’s living history.
I was honoured to serve as Manager of the Military Vehicle Displays, alongside my dear friend, Col (Ret) Harry van Staden, former Officer Commanding of the Johannesburg Regiment.
Highlights of the weekend included:
- The grand inauguration of the new rail route to Sekonjela, with magnificent heritage trains running every hour, carrying families across the vast farmlands.
- Tiger Moth biplanes soaring overhead, painting the skies with the thrill of aviation history.
- The powerful Ratel Infantry Combat Vehicle and the iconic Sherman tank thrilling crowds with dynamic displays.
- The majestic Afrikaner oxen, yoked and pulling antique wagons — a breathtaking tribute to our agricultural past.
- A stunning display of vintage cars, tractors, and classic farm machinery stretching across the horizon.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Sandstone Heritage Trust for preserving and sharing our history so vividly with young and old alike.
Welcoming a New Chapter – Staff Updates at Wyndford
As the seasons turn, so too does our family at Wyndford grow and change.
We said a warm farewell to Simba, who has joined a prestigious safari outfitter elsewhere in Africa. His move will bring him closer to his family in Zimbabwe, and while we will miss his energy and spirit at Wyndford, we are thrilled for this exciting next chapter in his journey.
We are equally excited to welcome Chef Ronelle Stopforth to our team.
Chef Ronelle is an accomplished City & Guilds-accredited international chef, a CATHSSETA-registered facilitator and assessor, and a passionate mentor in the culinary arts. She has lectured at renowned institutions like the Francoise Ferreira Academy and brings not only exceptional skill but a love for food that resonates with Wyndford’s values.
Chef Ronelle’s Vision for Wyndford:
- Launching a skills development program to train our cooks into certified Assistant Chefs.
- Hosting interactive guest cooking classes, starting with her first Spice Route journey in May.
- Enriching our culinary experience for guests — blending comfort, tradition, and innovation.
A Journey on the Spice Route – First Guest Cooking Experience with Chef Ronelle
Weekend of 17–18 May 2025
Theme: A Journey on the Spice Route
Cost: R750 per person (includes all food prepared during the course)
Duration: 5 hours, starting at 9:00 AM
Group Size: Maximum of 10 participants
What Awaits You:
- A fascinating look into the history of the Spice Route, where flavours and cultures crossed oceans.
- Learn how to create your own clean, filler-free spice blends — the way spices were meant to be enjoyed.
- Hands-on cooking with Chef Ronelle: laughter, learning, and making memories.
- A delicious meal prepared together, shared around the table.
- Take home a personalised recipe book and the unique spice blends you created!
- Teams, couples, families — everyone is welcome.
- Bookings are essential as space is limited!
Mother’s Day Weekend – A Celebration of the Heart
🌸Mothers Stay for Free – Celebrate your mom with a getaway to Wyndford! Book your family’s stay over Mother’s Day weekend and mom’s accommodation is on us. Receive the following with your stay:
🌸Saturday High Tea – R240 pp (Complimentary for Mothers)
An elegant afternoon of savoury and sweet delights served in the beautiful surrounds of Wyndford:
Bottom Tier:
- Cucumber sandwich fingers with mint butter
- Smoked salmon sandwiches with crème fraîche and dill
- Handcrafted savoury pastries
Middle Tier:
- Freshly baked butter scones with thick clotted cream and homemade strawberry jam
- Blueberry crumpets served with maple syrup and cream
Top Tier:
- Petite cheesecakes
- Fruit tartlets
- Apple crumble squares
- Pure chocolate truffles
🌸Sunday Mother’s Day Lunch – An unforgettable feast to honour our queens.
Wyndford at Maroela Media Golf Day – Supporting Education and the Next Generation
Wyndford was a proud sponsor of the Maroela Media Golf Day in Pretoria this month.
All funds raised during the event are dedicated to supporting bursary programs and educational opportunities for journalism students — an investment in the young minds who will shape the future of South Africa’s media landscape.
It was a privilege to stand alongside others who believe in the power of education, community development, and empowering tomorrow’s storytellers..
Honoured Guests at Wyndford – German Ambassador Visit
This month, we had the distinct honour of welcoming His Excellency Andreas Peschke, the German Ambassador to South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini, and his wife to Wyndford.
Over a wonderful visit, we enjoyed a fantastic and inspiring discussion about:
- The future of South Africa
- The vital role of tourism in economic growth and community development
- Future avenues for cooperation between Wyndford and German initiatives
We are deeply grateful for their visit and look forward to building new friendships and opportunities together.
Listening to You – A New Rate Card for 2025
Thanks to the feedback from recent guest surveys, we’ve updated our accommodation offering to give you more choice and flexibility. You can now choose the meal plan that best fits your travel style – whether that’s exploring the area by day or soaking up everything Wyndford has to offer on-site.
New options include:
- Room Only
- Bed & Breakfast
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- Full Board
And don’t forget:
- Children under 7 stay free
- Kids aged 8–13 stay at half price
- Pensioners receive a 30% discount
Newsletter subscribers enjoy 10% off
Book now and create unforgettable family memories!
📧 Reception@wyndford.co.za
📞 058 223 0274
Until Next Time…
Help Us Create the “Little Turtle Menu”! – Calling All Little Foodies!
We’re putting together an exciting Little Turtle Menu, specially designed for our youngest guests – and we need your help!
If you have great ideas for holiday meals your little ones love, we’d love to hear from you.
Help Build Our Little Turtle Menu!
👉 Click Here
There’s a chill in the air and excitement in our hearts – the first snow forecasts for the Lesotho Highlands have been issued!
Soon, the Malutis will be dusted in white, the fires will crackle, and Wyndford will become a winter wonderland once again.
We look forward to welcoming you for cosy winter stays, snowy walks, and memories made by the fire.
Thank you for being part of the Wyndford and Fouriesburg family – we can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
…
