Ins and outs of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in every cell in the body, where it helps to produce cell membranes, hormones (such as estrogen, cortisol and testosterone), vitamin D, and bile acids which are the final break-down products of cholesterol. Cholesterol also plays a vital role in brain structure and function, as 25% of the body’s total cholesterol is found in the human brain. We cannot live without cholesterol and thus it is a friend not a foe!

When a doctor sends off a blood sample for a “lipogram”, the two lipoproteins that are routinely reported are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein), but what are the implications when these levels are deemed to be too high or too low? And how does it affect blood vessel walls? Are the statin drugs that are prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels the best solution? What is the relationship between chronic inflammation in the body and cholesterol? Is there a link between cholesterol levels and depression, violence and aggression? How safe is the use of statin drugs described by doctors to lower cholesterol levels?
These are just a few examples of the topics that Nola will cover in her in depth talk about the role and importance of cholesterol.

Gut Health

In this talk Prof Nola Dippenaar will explain - in easy to understand layman’s terms – the vital role played by the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) in health – in effect the “petrol tank” of the body.
The 8 meter long GIT plays a vital role in general health. An integral part of its functioning is the presence of 2 kg of friendly bacteria, also known as the microbiome. Many pathologies (medical conditions) arise from disturbances in gut function. During this talk Nola will highlight the complex interaction between the GIT and the rest of the body - including the amazing continuous communication between our first brain and our second brain, which surrounds the GIT.
Healthy balanced nutrition, fuel for the body, will also be discussed.

Prof. Nola Dippenaar has a PhD in the field of essential fatty acids and cancer. She also has Masters degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology. She was appointed as a Professor at the University of Pretoria with the Department of Physiology and is presently running her own company, Health Insight.

Her main area of research lies in the field of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. She believes passionately that through understanding and insight into the functioning of the human body one is empowered to take responsibility for one’s precious health.

Pictured above: Prof. Nola Dippenaar.

When: Wednesday, 31 October 2018

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Presbyterian Church,

67 Main Road, Howick

NOTE: Entrance only from Fraser Street side!

Attendance Fee: R 100,00.

News supplied.

Let's be honest, who doesn't love crispy roast potatoes! Our duck fat is definitely the best ingredient to use - here is a recipe to get you feeling inspired: http://www.merriducks.com/recipes/new-potatoes-roasted-in-duck-fat

We currently sell three different styles:
500ml Jar
500ml Refill Bag
500ml Pouring Bottle

News supplied by Merriducks.

A browser in the UK, Deryck Davies, has made contact after reading two articles which we published; one of the articles (4 Sept. 2018) mentioned a little girl, Janique that sadly has Neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer. The second article (17 July 2018) 'Reach for a Dream' was of a group that helps children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses and inspires hope by helping them 'believe in the power of dreams'.

His true story below may give hope to those going through some bad times and may be of interest to other readers who may themselves be inspired to 'get involved'.

Deryck says, 'I understand of course, that not all stories have a happy ending and for those families that do not, you are in my thoughts.

My daughter has wanted to be a doctor, a particular type of doctor since she was five years old. Her dream is to qualify as a Paediatric Oncologist.

When 18 months old she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and had a 'grapefruit-sized tumor' (surgeon's words) in her chest. Chemotherapy did no good so surgery was the only route left. After nine hours in surgery, the tumor (and two ribs) were removed and ten days later she was home. Two further operations at six and ten years old, both around nine hours again and involving three teams of surgeons (Oncology, Neuro, and Orthopedic) removed tumor residue from within her spinal column and she had two 30cm rods put in her back.

We were helped after the first operation by a group in the UK called 'Wish upon a Star' who paid for a holiday for our family (4-year-old twin boys) to get back to some normality.

My daughter, who did her week's 'work experience' during her final year at school in surgery watching operations performed by the same Neurosurgeon that operated on her, is now nineteen years old and started her medical training in September this year.

Never lose hope. Follow your dreams.

As an aside; Deryck's daughter is a fully qualified Flautist, this allows her to teach music if she so wishes, she has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and is a completely self-taught Portrait Artist since Nov. 2013, commented on by none other than your own (late) Winnie Mandela.'

Pictured here is her Nelson Mandela portrait completed in June 2014.

News supplied.

 A new study has begun that will examine the health of humpback dolphins to better assess the threats this species faces and prescribe an effective conservation plan.

Researchers from along South Africa’s east and south coasts gathered together at the Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus in August 2018. They met to discuss how to conduct a country-wide assessment of skin diseases and other injuries observed in these dolphins.

Guided by Ocean Health Researcher, Dr Stephanie Plön, they developed a strategy to assess the diseases, ailments and injuries visible on the skin of the dolphins, and how these vary through time and space. One particularly intriguing skin disease, tattoo skin disease, presents as an intricate stippled pattern in an oval shape (see photographs).

Humpback dolphins are endangered because they only occur in a narrow band of very shallow coastal waters, close to shore, and are exposed to the negative impacts of human activities occurring both on land and the marine environment. Worrying threats include overfishing which leads to a reduction in dolphin prey, pollution from the land such as pesticides, noisy boat traffic, and shark nets. There may be as few as 500 adults left and they are slow to reproduce.

Few people have even heard of humpback dolphins, they are quite rare and shyer than their better-known cousins, the bottlenose dolphins.

Local researchers sharing concern for this species decided to join forces and formed the SouSA Consortium (the humpback dolphin’s scientific name is Sousa plumbea) in 2016. “We needed to draw the local research groups together to create a systematic, national research agenda so that we could answer questions at a more appropriate scale for conservation”, said Dr Simon Elwen from the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria and SeaSearch Research and Conservation. Sixteen researchers from 12 institutions share their data and work together to improve the Dolphins’ situation.

This is a unique initiative, admired by international researcher Dr. Gill Braulik from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Cetacean Specialist Group who says “This collaborative effort is truly inspiring and our South African colleagues are leading the way.”

The dolphin researchers have been out on boats collecting photographs of humpback dolphins at 13 sites within the dolphins’ range from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. These photographs have already been used to determine how far and how frequently dolphins move along our coast and now the researchers have new plans.

“We are going to scrutinise the photographs for signs of skin disease as indicators of the health of the animals as well as signs of injury, either from human or natural causes,” says Nelson Mandela University’s Dr. Stephanie Plön (AEON- Earth Stewardship Science Research Institute). World leader on dolphin skin diseases, Dr. Marie-Francoise van Bressem from the Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research, will contribute her veterinary expertise. Eyes will be peeled for gruesome sounding diseases such as Lobomycosis (caused by a fungus) and the less innocuous sounding Tattoo Skin Disease (caused by a poxvirus), and for external parasites. Other things they will be on the lookout for include evidence of shark bites, propeller injuries and amputated fins.

Photograph: Dolphin tattoos. Endangered humpback dolphins have tattoos that are caused by a poxvirus.

Photo Credit: Brett Atkins.

News supplied by Pat Fletcher, Howick resident and a member of the Humpback Dolphin research group based in Richards Bay.

Our  Funda Nenja social worker, Thandeka, does regular home visits and offers counselling for anyone who requires it. 

She also assists families to apply for various grants that they may qualify for and in some cases, she refers them to the Dept of Social Development for further assistance. 

 She has recently identified several homes who are struggling financially and are in need of clothing. In particular, boy's aged 10 - 15. If anyone can assist with secondhand boy's clothing, please contact us.

Fundanenja +27 (0)83 636 0891

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

It's promo time! Buy any one of our famously delicious sauces & receive a 300g tub of plain cooked macaroni tubes on the house.

I have always said the most useful items on our menu are the sauces. They are so versatile as they're packed full of flavour, so all the work in flavouring another dish with them, is done already...

Here's a super easy idea using the "Pizzaiola Sauce with Olives".

Pizzaiola Sauce Pizza

Using your favourite store-bought pizza bases for convenience, layer them with a generous topping of Pizzaiola Sauce. Then cover with a good sprinkling of grated mozzarella (I love using a bit of feta too).

Then bake in a 200C oven until crust is crispy & cheese is deliciously gooey! This sauce is packed full of reduced tomato, herbs, cream, garlic, sweet peppers, olives so you really don't need to add anything else. 

3A Mare Street, Howick & Shop 101, Oxford Village, Hillcrest &Shop 6, 39 Hilton Ave, Hilton Central Contact: 079 144 6982

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

This week marked another highly successful edition of WESSA uMngeni Valley’s Bush Day Care holiday programme. Situated in Howick, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve offers guests a chance to visit both the scenic views on the 900 Hectare reserve as well as the thriving education centre which creates curriculum based education programmes for school groups of all ages, university students and non-school groups alike.

Bush Day Care is one such quarterly programme that has been a favourite of young kids, between the ages of five and ten years, in and around the greater Howick, Hilton and Pietermaritzburg areas since 2011. This theme-based programme runs for two days over shorter school holiday periods (April and September) or five days over the longer holidays (July and December) and gives parents a chance to relax at the start of the holidays safe in the knowledge that their kids will be having a fun, educational and activity filled day under the care of uMngeni Valley’s trained Education Officers.

The themes for these programmes always include a pop culture reference that kids can relate to as well as an environmental message which is why, for the two days this month (1-2 October 2018); the theme was the Dr Seuss classic, The Lorax, which deals with the issues of human impacts on the environment, specifically deforestation and pollution.

This theme allowed the 62 kids that joined the programme this month to have a fulfilling and very orange, educational programme where they enjoyed Lorax themed crafts such as face-painting, mask making and the creation of pencil holders out of recycled materials. Other highlights of the programme included activities such as a miniature obstacle course, a scenic interpretative trail and scavenger hunt through parts of the reserve, a reading of The Lorax with questions about the environmental message in the story, a cinematic movie experience of the Lorax (which included Lorax themed popcorn boxes lovingly made by the uMngeni Valley staff) and a party lunch on the last day. Those involved with the programme, both the staff and the learners, are left often heartbroken when the two days of non-stop fun come to an end.

Those looking forward to the next instalment of the programme will not have to wait too long as the next Bush Day Care programme will be conducted during the December holidays (10-14 December 2018) as well as a holiday camp for the older kids, Camp X-treme, which allows learners between the ages of eleven and sixteen years to rough it in the reserve over three days (11-13 October 2018) with activities such as orienteering and survival skills on offer. Bookings and further information for these camps can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/umngenivalley) in the near future or through the uMngeni Valley bookings administrators (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 033 330 3941).

News supplied by Wessa Umgeni Valley.

A National Lilizela Tourism Award for the best 3-star, self-catering accommodation - exclusive use, in South Africa, is a testament to the service excellence, attention to detail and country hospitality you can expect from the team at Beverley Country Cottages

Set in the beautiful Dargle Valley of the Natal Midlands, on the farm Beverley, where the early Irish settlers set up home in the late 1800’s, Beverley Country Cottages is part of the Midlands Meander, a haven for world-class artists and craftsmen and where one can experience a gentler pace of life, while enjoying our friendly hospitality and comfortable accommodations.

All 4 of our cottages, The Hayloft, Dairy, Stables and The Thatched House are superbly set up for self-catering, although breakfast and dinners are available on request and served in the comfort of your cottage. All bedrooms are en suite, with a shower and a bath. The comfortable lounges have log fire places, which are lit for your arrival, bringing much warmth to those chilly wintry days outside!

The cottages are ideal for romantic, peaceful getaways to fun filled family holidays where children can run free in a safe environment. Children can play with the guinea pigs, touch the cows and the take the pigs for a walk! The cottages can comfortably sleep 2, 4, 6 and 8 persons respectively with sleeper couches in some of the rooms for extra children.

All our cottages & Rooms are fitted with:
• Tea & Coffee facilities
• Fresh milk on arrival
• Flat screen TV’s with DSTV
• Fridges & freezes
• Electric Blankets
• Chopped wood
• Complimentary WIFI

A tennis court is available for use. Walks, bike rides and fishing can be arranged locally.

Nguni cattle, noble horses as well as friendly pigs, dogs and fowls add to the ambience of this place you’d like to call home. From picturesque landscapes and prolific birdlife to country cuisine and arty crafts, the Midlands has activities to suit all persuasions - and it’s right here that guests choose to lay their heads after an exhilarating day of exploration.

For those who appreciate history; value uninterrupted serenity; and enjoy the freedom of country living, then this is the place to be. While the original, stone farmstead dates to 1913, it was here, in 1847, that the Irish settler Thomas Fannin bought land. Today the Kelly’s open their tranquil, pet-friendly lifestyle to those who prefer to journey along roads less travelled.

No minimum night stays. We are Pet friendly.

Contact: Kate on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cell: +27 (0)82 895 4002
Website: www.beverleycountrycottages.co.za

Thinking of end-of-year corporate Gifts?  The are the perfect gift to remind the receiver of Africa and its wildlife.

We deliver anywhere in SA.

We are based at 44 Main Street, Howick, KZN, 3290 

Open 8am-4pm .

www.maridadidesigns.co.za 

033 330 5658 .

A classic Pewter cheese knife accompanied by a cheese board is the perfect gift for enjoying gorgeous meals with families and friends.

We deliver anywhere in SA.

News supplied by Maridadi Design.

Deryck Davies who lives in North Wales, UK is trying to find Tim Ward, an ex-employer of 40 years ago whom he knows lives somewhere in Howick.

Tim Ward and Deryck Davies worked at Buckingham Palace between 1976 and 1978, he as ADC to Prince Charles and I as his Valet.

Pictured here above is  Tim Ward and below is Deryck Davies.

Find Deryck on Facebook or email him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please help us make a difference
to this beautiful cause, if you have old teddies
that are in need of new homes....

Do you remember the safety & comfort your teddy bear
brought to you as a child?

Daily, in South Africa, children are being badly injured and/or highly traumatised in road accidents.

In 1998 Frank Saltmarsh, who works for ER24, through sheer passion, carried on an idea of a colleague's & turned it into an extremely important cause.
Frank stocks his ambulances with teddies & when he comes across a child involved in an accident, the child is gifted a teddy bear, right there & then.
This simple act of kindness has proven to be a lifeline for so many little humans, who are finding hope, support & security in their cuddly friends... Frank is trying to get his initiative adopted by other ambulance companies & also for children who have been raped or who have witnessed traumatic events.

We, at The Cookhouse, would really like to help Frank continue his efforts. Apparently the more the better, so please drop off your teddies at any of
The Cookhouse stores, next time you're close-by. Remember the teddies do not even need to be in great condition.

Please take the time to do this if you have teddies at home - Frank says these children hold on to their new friends for dear life, so your teddy will certainly be needed & truly loved.

Thanking you in advance,
Tanya Nicolson
& The Cookhouse Family

3A Mare Street, Howick &

Shop 101, Oxford Village, Hillcrest &
Shop 6, 39 Hilton Ave. Hilton
Central Contact: 079 144 6982
thecookhouse.co.za
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

Another beautiful collection of 5 gardens that will be open this weekend 3,4 November in Dargle as part of the Open Midlands Gardens.

STIHL Harcourts Real Estate (SA) Harcourts Hilton Open Gardens of South Africa

News supplied.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 10th of October, I found myself sitting in a garden amongst beautiful trees and flowers, indulging in a scrumptious slice of cheesecake accompanied by a cup of coffee made by the hands of the most joyful women I have perhaps ever come across. Amber Avenue Guesthouse hosted their first tea garden for the community on this lovely sunny afternoon, all for just a penny of R25. The atmosphere was one of pure joy and tranquility, secluded from the disturbance of the outside world. Here it was only us and nature, all one in the same. Hushed conversations lingered in the air as to not break the sacred vow of silence and peace. I was welcomed by the friendliest staff and seated at a small coffee table in a lovely shaded spot. Away from their responsibilities and concerns, people gathered around to enjoy an escape; an hour or two dedicated to sit amongst the trees and the flowers, and to enjoy good company from their fellow neighbor. I questioned myself on whether I was ever going to leave, for I felt at home. It was a successful and loving afternoon, one that was definitely well spent. I can only hope that we’d be so lucky to be welcomed back into Amber Avenue Guesthouse’s garden of tranquility and internal abundance; a sacred place where our Community can get together and indulge in sweet treats, sweet company, and an even sweeter garden.

Supplied by Nikita Lollita.

Self-defence Course with Don Gold
There have been numerous requests to hold a self-defence course and we are fortunate to have one of the best self-defence instructors in South Africa living in our community. Don Gold, the Umngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI) NPC and Knight Security Solutions will be partnering to bring you another top class, 4-hour self-defence course.

Date: Saturday 27 October 2018
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Venue: TBC (this will be detailed in subsequent newsletters)
Cost: R200 per person (payable by Monday 23 October to secure your place)

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Payment details for the self-defence course:
Account Name: Knight Security Solutions
Bank: Nedbank 198765
Account Number: 1136954953
Reference: Your Surname and “Self-defence”
Email proof of payment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Numbers will be limited to 30 people max.

It’s the last ever Pecanwood Oktoberfest Lifestyle Festival, and we want to celebrate it with you! We are going out with a bang this year, not only are we bringing you all the usual fun and festivities that the past Pecanwood Oktoberfests have brought, but we are also introducing the world’s longest Slip & Slide ride as we’ll attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records together, with a 650 metre Slip & Slide.

Come Saturday, October 20th from 10am, escape to the KZN Midlands’ Pecanwood Farm where Pecanwood Oktoberfest will be your perfect ‘get out of the city’ event, offering over 24 hours of entertainment.

Whether you are a sporting enthusiast, beer connoisseur, thrill seeker, foodie, or just want to enjoy some of South Africa’s top music acts live on stage – there is something for everyone, of all ages- this is the place to be.

The Last ever Pecanwood Oktoberfest Trail run is set to be one of the most exciting unexpected trail runs in the country. With a new and exciting 7km fun, easier run for the more relaxed runner to the more experienced seasoned “mountain goat” runner looking for a bit of a challenge, we have the 14km route as well. Both set to be sliding into history as the finish is down the Guinness book of world records slip & slide (optional). Tickets @ ROAG includes entry into the festival and camping.

In addition to the sporting experiences, there is also the exciting 4x4 show, where drivers will be putting on a unique showcase of ‘zuped’ up vehicles with top of the range Land Rover’s, courtesy of the PMB Land Rovers owners club.

This epic last edition of the Pecanwood Oktoberfest will also have a vast selection of beers from around the country, along with a Wine and Coffee Tasting tent featuring coffees from around the world.

Jack Daniels will be treating you to his famous Old No 7 whiskey as well the G&T Garden courtesy of Fitch and Leedes and Hendricks Gin.

For those not wanting to let the day end, festival goers have the option of bringing their own tent and camp for free.

Tickets, available at Webtickets at are just only R200 per person, and include your camping spot!

Visit www.pecanwoodoktoberfest.com for more information.

The event is open to persons of all ages - so bring your families and come and enjoy a weekend of non-stop fun. T’s & C’s apply. #worldrecordslip&slide.

“FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND, WE HAVE CCTV AND A SECURITY GUARD”. To avoid the taxi rank, please use Bell Street. Drive past the “Former Shoprite Building”, take the first left, and first left again and you will find us on the complex on the left.

News supplied by Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

MY FATHER’S COAT is the realisation of Michael Charton’s decade-long ambition to make the incredible story, that is South African history, more accessible to our people. To open the hearts of South Africans to our past, so that we may use our story no longer as a tool to inspire hatred and fear and division, but rather as a source of unity and healing.
Accordingly, his idea was to condense the epic narrative of our country into a bite-size story which is both compelling and accurate. A monumental and time-consuming challenge, but one which has given rise to a very unique product, providing new order and meaning to a notoriously complex subject.
But importantly, this is no history lecture. Instead, this is a story. A human story told by climbing into the boots of five prominent, interwoven, protagonists spanning two hundred turbulent years: Mzilikazi, Kruger, Rhodes, Smuts and Mandela. Never before has our past been
explored in this manner.
Michael’s passion saw him leave behind the life of
a Chartered Accountant in order to make this
project happen. This passion shines through in
his delivery. For this is a unique life experience:
An opportunity to reflect on our past and to
celebrate the fascinating peoples with whom
we share this beautiful country.

News supplied by Howick High School.