The story of an African crusader

Olive Schreiner may be widely known and best remembered for her novel The Story of an African Farm, but her influence extends so much further than that.

04.2025 | Ingrid Wood

The spirit of Dakar

Now known as The Dakar, the first Paris To Dakar Rally was held in 1978. The world-famous endurance rally, recognised as the most gruelling off-road motorsport event in the world, has a fascinating history and its inception has been described as “something of a happy accident”.

11.2014 | Ingrid Wood

Tick tock….around the clock

From complicated pocket watches to iconic clocks to decorative wrist watches… there’s a fascinating world behind the multi-billion-dollar timepiece industry.

11.2013 | ngrid Wood

The stories behind the words

You might use these terms on a daily basis, but do you know where they originate – and if you’re actually using them in context? While many wordsmiths disagree on the various theories and interpretations, here are some possible explanations of a few commonly used phrases.

08.2024 | Ingrid Wood

Why adults should (sometimes) read children’s books

If you agree that age doesn’t define who you are, you’re certainly not too old to read children’s literature.

02.2023 | Ingrid Wood

Nigeria’s national treasure

He may have famously stated: “If you don’t like my story, write your own”, but Chinua Achebe certainly never lacked an audience and was instrumental in placing a spotlight on African literature.

11.2022 | Ingrid Wood

Lessons from a beauty mogul

When Elizabeth Arden created her empire, she laid the foundations of the American cosmetic industry. Her entrepreneurial spirit underpins the soul of the company today.

11.2021 | Ingrid Wood

A spirit of excellence

Bomber pilot, ukulele player and winner of 72 professional tournaments, South African golfing legend Bobby Locke was a charismatic and talented man.

08.2021 | Ingrid Wood

A will of steel

Legendary artist, feminist icon, playful exhibitionist, champion of Mexican culture … Frida Kahlo has been described in many ways. But despite her passionate persona, much of her life was marred by deep, physical pain which dominated her powerful portraits.

03.2021 | Ingrid Wood

A man, a mouse and an imagination

People of all ages around the world have been touched by Walt Disney. Whether you watched his productions as a child or have enjoyed them with your own children, his classics have kept open the doors of make-believe.

12.2020 | Ingrid Wood

Trivia that will make you seem smarter

It may be a while before we can safely sit down at a dinner party but when we do, we certainly don’t want to be talking COVID-19.

10.2020 | Ingrid Wood