The days are long. The evenings stretch on. And here in the UK, when the sun actually sticks around, the whole country seems to come alive — people linger outside cafés, kids play past bedtime, and even the birds seem to sing a bit louder.

This isn’t just better weather. It’s a better mood. And it’s the perfect time to squeeze a little more life into your weekend — to try something new, plan an outing, or just enjoy being out in the light without three layers on.

So in this issue, we’ve packed in everything from royal parades (with zebras!), to train hacks, garden evenings, and a South African classic that’ll have you tearing up and cheering on Sunday.

Wherever you are, make a memory. This season doesn’t wait.

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Train tickets in the UK can feel like highway robbery — but what if you could pay less just by splitting your journey on paper?

Enter SplitMyFare — a smart, easy tool that checks if breaking your route into smaller ticketed sections (without you changing trains) will save you money. Often, it does. Sometimes a lot.

Say you’re travelling from Oxford to Manchester — a direct ticket might cost £80, but SplitMyFare finds a split via Birmingham for £52. Same train. Just cheaper tickets.

You don’t need to work anything out yourself. Just pop in your route, let the site do the math, and download your split tickets.

👉 Try it here: www.splitmyfare.co.uk

Tip: Book early for even better deals — and check if a Railcard will save you more.

Saturday 15 June marks the King’s official birthday — and Trooping the Colour is the full ceremonial spectacular that celebrates it. Picture this: hundreds of soldiers in dazzling uniforms, the Household Cavalry on horseback, and marching bands sweeping down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

But what if those majestic horses were... zebras?

We couldn’t resist. So we reimagined the parade with a wild South African upgrade — and the result is pure gold. (Scroll down and enjoy the image — it’s one for the fridge.)

If you're in London, you can watch in person — it’s free (arrive early!). Otherwise, catch the whole thing on TV and imagine the zebras joining in with flair.

🎖️ When: Saturday 15 June, 10am
📍 Where: The Mall, London / BBC One & iPlayer
🎺 Why go: It’s pageantry, history… and now, a bit of wild fun.

The 125th U.S. Open tees off at the legendary Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania — a course renowned for its lightning-fast greens and punishing rough.

With a field of 156 players, including defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, Masters winner Rory McIlroy, and PGA Champion Scottie Scheffler, this promises to be a thrilling contest .

Catch all the action live on Sky Sports Golf.

There are races… and then there’s the Comrades.

Held on Sunday 8 June, this iconic ultramarathon is more than just a brutal 89km slog — this year, it’s a Down Run from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. For over 100 years, it’s been a stage for ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and a tradition woven deep into South African identity.

Think Wally Hayward, who ran it at age 80. Think Bruce Fordyce, who won it nine times. And think of the thousands who run not for medals, but for meaning — for connection, courage, and country.

Wherever you are in the UK, this is your permission slip to call your mates, put the kettle on (or open a beer), and watch it together. It's not just a race — it’s a piece of home.

🎽 Watch it live on DStv / SuperSport or stream the highlights online.

In South Africa, we mostly had one season: hot. But here in the UK, there are four, and cracking the code to each might just be the key to loving life on this curious little island.

🌱 Spring bursts with beauty and beginnings.
☀️ Summer is for pub gardens, ploughman’s platters, and soft-serve ice cream that tastes like childhood.
🍂 Autumn rolls in with golden trees and misty mornings.
❄️ Winter is for saving money, catching up on books, cuddling under blankets, and plotting your next move.

Right now, it’s summer’s first proper stretch. The evenings are long, the parks are full, and the smallest things feel like celebrations.

🪻 Visit a garden after 5pm (yes, they exist): Chelsea Physic Garden, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, or The Alnwick Garden.

🍦 Grab a Mr Whippy and pretend you’re eight.
🎵 Dance to street music.
🦆 Wave at ducks, and Troy’s favourite, to feed the ducks.
🍺 Say yes to a weird pink drink (Sarah’s favourite!).

This season won’t wait — and neither should you.

From Blue Light Cards to hidden supermarket perks, train fare tricks to cinema deals, the UK is absolutely packed with discounts — if you know where to look.

This Thursday, we’re dropping a FREE SPECIAL REPORT:
“Every Discount You Can Get in the UK (and How to Actually Use Them)”

It’s your ultimate cheat sheet for living smart — whether you’re working, retired, a student, or just want to stretch your pounds further. This one’s packed with insider links, clever apps, and surprising savings most people never hear about.

👉 Grab the report here once it’s live:

Discounts, Deals, and Apps That’ll Help You Keep More Pounds in Your Pocket

Next week, it’s all about power — the kind that lights your home, lifts your spirits, and runs through ancient stone circles at sunrise.
We’ll bring you:

Because life’s too short to overpay for power... or miss a sunrise like that.

Thanks for joining us for another jam-packed edition of SA Connect UK. If it made you smile, feel a little prouder, or just crave an ice cream — please forward it to a fellow South African.

We’re building something that feels like home, one newsletter at a time — and it’s even better with friends.

Until next week,
Troy & Sarah