Category Archives: Granny Mouse

The DNA of conferencing

“The greatest barrier to success is fear of failure” – Sven Goran Eriksson.

For every conference to be a success, one needs to ensure that one is prepared for failure, and has a set plan to ensure all bases are covered, so there is minimal room for the event to fail.

A conference should have DNA – Direction, Networking and Action!

Direction is when the conference has been planned well, and there is a set schedule, running time, programme and that all speakers are briefed before taking to the podium.

The event must ultimately be leading somewhere of purpose, to a set goal in order for it to be successful. Whether your aim is to inform the public of a product, team-build, discuss a variety of topics relating to a certain issue, train staff, host a fundraising event, gala dinner, or similar, it is key to have a programme of events, with set times for breaks and socialising.

Second, is networking. Networking is especially important at a meeting where there are strangers and the guests do not know each other, as it may lead to potential business and contacts. If you have staff from different branches, it is important for them to network and get to know each other better, so that relationships can be made for a better work flow between them. If you are training a team, it is important for the team to network and discuss different interests and enquiries – this could be done through group discussion and then a feedback session at the conference.

The final need for any conference, is action. Action is the act of fulfilling the goals set out to do – from meeting questions raised at a Question and Answers session, putting a newly learnt skill into action in the workplace, following up on a new lead at a business networking event and even keeping in regular contact with colleagues from the same company, to ensure familiarity.

These three steps are only a tip of the iceberg for a successful conference and can also overlap into life itself, by having direction, making new contacts and taking action to achieve a set goal.

In whatever kind of conference you decide to host, ensure that your ideas are shared with others before hosting the event. It is always wise to gather advice from different perspectives before hosting any event, to avoid wasting unnecessary costs, ensuring the topics are relevant, the guest list is sent their invites and the RSVPs are received timeously, and a plan B list is in place, to avoid having less guests than anticipated.

For your next conference, book at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa who offer a range of conferencing options and provide advice on hosting a successful conference. Contact 033 234 4071.

A must visit for your honeymoon

Honeymoon1

For some, the sand, sea and sun may be the ideal setting for a honeymoon and for others, it may be cooler temperatures, made for getting cozy and cuddling; or perhaps a country setting with many activities to explore.

If you haven’t yet considered where you’d like to spend your first days as a “bound” couple, the KZN Midlands should be on your “to-see” list.

The Midlands is made up of several small towns that resemble the European countryside,  including: Howick, Merrivale, Hilton, Lions River, Dargle, Lidgetton, Balgowan, Nottingham Road, Rosetta and Mooi River, and is home to the Midlands Meander, which incorporates several tourism routes boasting accommodation, art and crafts, activities, restaurants and more.

The climate is usually a few degrees cooler that Durban with hot, wet summers and cool, dry and at times, snowy winters – making for a variety of settings all in one place.

If you are in two minds of where to book you honeymoon and have your heart set on a destination honeymoon, then why not meet your desire halfway with a honeymoon away from home, yet in the same country and perhaps only a few hours’ drive. Lucky enough, the Midlands provides an ideal “destination” feel, and allows South Africans to explore more of their beautiful Country.

Along the Midlands Meander you will find a range of romantic honeymoon options, with some that go beyond the helm when it comes to service.

Sean Granger and his team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa treat honeymooners with extra special care, knowing that this is their fist “real” holiday as a newlywed couple.

Apart from gorgeous Deluxe Suites which have all the minor details needed for a great honeymoon, such as heated flooring in the bathroom, a balcony that overlooks the Lion’s River, and a fully stocked fridge with goodies “on the house” to enjoy as a late night snack, there is also a gorgeous fine dining restaurant to enjoy gourmet food – some of the best the Midlands has to offer, expertly prepared by their Executive Culinary Artist.

To top this off, there is an on-site spa, offering specialised treatments including one especially for newlyweds – which they call the “Honeymoon Harmony”, offering two and a half hours of bliss and romantic moments spent with your loved one in the privacy of the couple’s room.

When you’re ready to explore, there are a range of activities on offer in and near the Hotel, so you won’t even have to travel too far. There is literally something for everyone, from birding, to golfing, to horse-riding, biking and more.

Here is a guide to help you on your way to a fun-filled honeymoon along the Midlands Meander:

  1. Adventure awaits at the Karkloof Canopy Tour – enjoy unequalled beauty of the indigenous Karkloof forest as you zip line to magnificent viewpoints in between the towering trees with an abundance of birdlife for birding enthusiasts
  1. Horse country – enjoy a romantic trot with a one day horse trail available at Buffelsbosch Equestrian in Lidgetton West, only about a 10 minutes’ drive from Granny Mouse.
  1. Taking flight – Sky Adventures offer a once in a lifetime activity – hot air ballooning. Lifting off at dawn, the balloon flights include coffee and biscuits before the flight, champagne or fruit juice afterwards, and breakfast back at the launch site. The flight itself is about 45 minutes to an hour.
  1. Artsy craftsy – there are numerous arty activities to get involved in along the meander which include candle dipping, pottery, and shopping for curio items as memorabilia of your time together.
  1. For foodie-fanatics – try cheese tasting at Swisslands cheese, beer tasting at Nottingham Road Brewery, a “Chocolate dippingz” experience at Chocolate Heaven, and a first for the Midlands, a Macaroon & Wine tasting at Granny Mouse.

There is so much on offer amongst the rolling green hills, but one thing is certain, your honeymoon is set to be romantic, adventurous, entertaining and a time full of happy memories. So, visit www.grannymouse.co.za to take a look at what you could expect from Granny Mouse and the KZN Midlands.