British summer has officially arrived — and whether you’re dancing in wellies at a festival, picking strawberries by the punnet, or planning a Wimbledon watch party with homemade jam on toast, there’s something in the air that says “You belong here.”

This week, we’re diving into the joyful chaos of UK festival season, celebrating South African brilliance on the world stage — from Kgothatso Montjane’s Wimbledon return to the Proteas’ historic cricket victory — and sharing space-saving hacks alongside free legal resources to make life here just a little easier.

It’s a slice of summer, a scoop of nostalgia, and a cheer from the sidelines for our champions.

Let’s be honest — moving from South Africa to the UK often means swapping big rooms and wide-open patios for narrow hallways and a kitchen you can barely turn around in. The houses here are quaint, they say. You might say something else.

But small doesn’t have to mean cramped. With a few clever tricks, you can turn even the pokiest flat into a space that feels open, organised, and oddly satisfying.

When floor space is tight, go up. Tall bookshelves, over-door hooks, and wall-mounted organisers free up valuable ground real estate.

Beds with drawers, ottomans with storage, fold-out desks — if it hides your clutter or flips into something else, it earns its keep.

Great for hanging everything from towels to shoes. It’s like discovering extra square footage — just on a hinge.

Seasonal clothing, spare duvets, childhood toys you’ll never throw away — shrink it all down and stash it under the bed or on a cupboard shelf.

Sounds boring, but it’s oddly addictive. One sock drawer today, world domination tomorrow.

Welcome to the most delightfully chaotic time of the British summer — festival season. It’s that magical stretch where music, food, art, and eccentric British energy take over parks, fields, streets, and even castle grounds.

Picture this: you’re in a field the size of a small country — hello, Glastonbury — surrounded by thousands of humans in bucket hats and sequins, with sound systems booming across distant hills and the scent of woodfired pizza mingling with rain-soaked grass. You might be ankle-deep in mud, but your spirit is sky-high.

Now contrast that with the charm of a tiny village fête: bunting fluttering between cottages, toddlers wobbling in wellies, a local band on the gazebo stage, and someone’s gran running the cake stall like a boss.

There’s something beautifully human about both — the grand and the humble — and you’re invited to it all.

The smaller festivals in particular are a quiet kind of magic. They offer a chance to connect with your local community — to meet your neighbours, discover hidden talents, and feel like part of something close-knit and meaningful.

Whether it’s chatting to the beekeeper at a craft stall or joining in a spontaneous folk dance under fairy lights, these moments root you.

They’re warm, weird, and wonderful — and they remind us that joy doesn’t have to come with a headliner or a VIP pass.

Here’s your curated guide to a few favourites happening this week and soon after:

🌈 Glastonbury Festival – 26–30 June, Somerset
The granddaddy of them all. Tickets are sold out, but if you’ve got one — lucky you. If not, BBC has epic live coverage, so host a mini Glasto viewing party with mates and snacks. Gumboots optional.

🎶 Black Deer Festival – 21–23 June, Kent
A slice of Americana in the British countryside. Expect country music, smokehouse BBQ (veg options too!), and family-friendly vibes. Day tickets from £60.

🥁 Africa Oyé – 22–23 June, Liverpool (Free!)
The UK’s biggest celebration of African music and culture — and it’s totally free. Food stalls, live music, arts, and that warm “feels like home” atmosphere. A must-do.

🎨 Barn on the Farm – 27–30 June, Gloucester
An intimate, feel-good indie festival that’s less mud-slinging, more meadow-lounging. Think rising stars, acoustic sets, and local cider. Weekend tickets from £145.

🧀 Frome Festival – 5–14 July, Somerset
Not this week, but worth planning for. A charming town festival with live music, poetry, history walks, and more cheese than you can shake a cracker at.

What a week to be a South African sports fan!

On Sunday, the Proteas stunned the world by beating Australia at Lord’s to win the ICC World Test Championship — their first ICC trophy in 27 years.

Aiden Markram smashed a calm, controlled 136, and Temba Bavuma brought grit and grace to the crease.

The final score? South Africa chased down 282 for a five-wicket win — and in the process, silenced the long-standing “chokers” jibes from Aussie fans.

If anyone choked, it was the other way around.

And here’s the kicker: South Africa are also the current Rugby World Cup champions.

That’s right — we’re sitting on two world titles at once.

Not bad for a little country at the bottom of Africa, hey?

So next time someone drops the C-word (no, not that one), just point to the scoreboard.

There’s something wonderfully simple — and a little rebellious — about fruit picking in the British countryside.

You grab a punnet, head into the rows, and before long you’re sampling the goods straight off the bush like a carefree kid discovering nature’s pick ’n mix.

Right now, strawberry season is in full swing, and pick-your-own farms across the UK are bursting with berries.

It’s a great way to enjoy the sunshine, support local farms, get your hands (and face) a little messy — and go home with fresher, cheaper fruit than you’ll find at the shops.

But here’s the real joy: it’s not just about the fruit. It’s a family outing, a nostalgic throwback, a chance to breathe in open air and make memories.

Most farms also have cafés, farm shops, or playgrounds — so you can easily make a day of it.

🍓 Where to start:

Millet’s Farm (Abingdon) – Our favourite top pick! A wholesome family favourite with strawberries galore, animals, play areas, a farm shop, and the best ice cream around.

Crockford Bridge Farm (Surrey) – PYO strawberries, raspberries, blueberries — and even sweetcorn later in the season.

Garsons (Esher or Titchfield) – One of the UK’s biggest PYO farms with over 30 crops across the season.

Scaddows Farm (Derbyshire) – Known for strawberries, gooseberries, and lakeside picnics.

Kenyon Hall Farm (Warrington) – Lovely family-run spot with a tearoom, tractor rides, and berry bonanza.

And between us — yes, everyone sneaks a few bites. Just call it “quality control.”

Trying to navigate UK immigration rules, work permits, or settled status paperwork can feel like reading tea leaves with a migraine.

But the good news? There’s free help available — and it’s better than you might think.

Organisations like Citizens Advice, Settled, and Advice Now offer clear, compassionate legal guidance on everything from EU Settlement Scheme status to employment rights, housing, and benefits.

Some even offer one-on-one phone or video consultations with trained advisors — all free of charge.

Here are a few places to start:

🔹 Citizens Advice – In-person and online advice on everything from visa issues to employment law
🔹 Settled – Expert help for EU citizens (and some Commonwealth residents) navigating status issues
🔹 Advice Now – A goldmine of easy-to-understand legal guides and tools
🔹 Free Movement – For those who want to dig deeper into immigration law (or impress their lawyer)

Whether you’re new to the UK or still wrapping your head around the fine print, these resources can help you stay informed, empowered, and protected.

GAME ON

Next week, we’re serving up something quintessentially British — Wimbledon and its iconic strawberries and cream.

And if you’ve taken our advice and done a bit of fruit picking, you’ll already be set for the snack of champions.

But the real treat? South African talent on the court.

🎾 Lloyd Harris is making a return to the grass, playing in the men’s singles qualifying rounds.
♿ Kgothatso Montjane — last year’s Wimbledon women’s doubles champion — is back to defend her title in wheelchair tennis.

And just when you thought strawberries couldn’t get more exciting...

🥗 We’ll be sharing a strawberry salad so fresh it’ll make your auntie rethink her braai sides.

🍓 Plus, a quick small-batch jam recipe (no pectin, no fuss) that tastes like summer in a jar.
🎟️ And one more surprise treat you’ll have to open to see.

So grab your berries (and maybe a tennis racket), and get ready — next week’s issue is going to be one of our juiciest yet.

We hope this edition brought a smile to your face, a few ideas for your weekend, and maybe even a craving for strawberries.

Whether you're off to a festival, planning a berry-picking day out, or conquering your sock drawer like a space-saving ninja — know that you're not alone.

There’s a growing tribe of South Africans thriving here in the UK, and we’re so glad you’re part of it.

Catch you next week for Wimbledon magic, delicious recipes (including Sarah’s famous strawberry salad), and more South African sparkle.

Take care ’til then,
Troy & Sarah
and the SA Connect UK team
☀️🍓🎶

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