Village Life was started as a community newspaper for the village of Stanford in the Overberg in October 2003, but then grew to become a regional publication and eventually a magazine with national coverage and distribution. The strapline reads "Journal of people, history, nature, arts" – interesting "ordinary" people; the histories of farms, families and villages; the rich fauna and flora of South Africa, including a regular birding feature by Nico Myburgh; and lesser-known artists in country areas. Many articles are contributed by experts in their respective fields, from archaeology to bees, dung beetles and whales.

The magazine has a following probably like no other in South Africa. Subscribers collect complete sets, and new converts often buy all the back issues still available. The magazine disappears from public libraries and guest houses, and individuals greatly resent it if a borrowed copy is not returned. A number of hotels and guest houses buy the magazine for their rooms. Readers generally describe it as a "feel-good" read, and compliment the quality of the research, photography and printing. There is really no other magazine like it in South Africa – a magazine for people who love to read.

Village Life is published quarterly by Icon Communications cc, which was founded as a graphic design and advertising business in Cape Town in 1990. The team consists of husband and wife Maré and Annalize Mouton, with Ronél Vosloo handling the 2 000 subscribers.

To read more, you may go to www.villagelife.co.za.

For comments or suggestions, please contact Maré at editor@villagelife.co.za.