Hot racing was the order of the day yesterday at the MiWay Midlands Triathlon, which took place at the idyllic, Midmar Dam.

Temperatures were already reaching 30 degrees at 7:30am in the morning just before race start. Athletes were going to be in for a tough day of racing. The decision by the technical officials to allow wetsuits when the water was 24 degrees warm and the outside temperature close to hot, might not have been the correct one. None the less, the Triathletes put on their wetsuits and prepared themselves mentally for the 1.9km swim. It was Mark De Swardt who led from the front, going hard from the gun and opening up a sizeable gap between himself and Glen Gore. Gore had all the contenders on his heels. The lead pack on the swim included Matt Trautman, Freddie Lampret, Travis Johnson, Clinton Gravett and the leading lady, supreme swimmer, Lucie Zelenkova. De Swardt exited the water with about a 2 minute lead with the rest of the chase pack swarming into the change tents to head out onto the bike. It was Trautman who left most of the competitors behind in the early stages of the bike leg as he stamped is authority on proceedings from the start. Lampret and Johnson were working well together to try and restrict the damage that Trautman was un-leashing out on the tough, 3 loop 90km bike leg. The MiWay Midlands Ultra has one of the toughest bike courses in SA and the strong bikers were showing their true mettle as they maintained averages close to 40km/h. Zelenkova was still the lead lady at 15km but Annah Watkinson was breathing down here neck, eventually taking the lead just before the 20km marker. She had Claire Horner and the rest of the ladies, chasing hard as she started to gradually open up a sizeable gap. Out on the bike course, Trautman was looking strong. Lampret and Johnson worked hard to preserve their 2nd and 3rd place positions out on the bike course. Gerhard De Bruin and Brad Venter were chasing as well to stay inside with the top 5 overall with defending champion, Donovan Van Gelder working his way through the field, closing in on the top positions nearing the end of the bike.

The ladies race saw Watkinson increase her lead out on the bike as the girls drew closer to the finish of the tough 90km bike leg. Temperatures were hovering around 35-38 degrees with not a breath of wind to cool the athletes down as all the athletes battled the hills and more hills that the midlands bike route has to offer. Athletes were starting to take strain with some of the early favourites pulling out due to de-hydration long before the run even started.

Trautman was looking invincible and was putting down the hammer on the 21km run course. Only Lampret and Johnson were applying some form of pressure with Van Gelder, now running into 4th spot and eyeing the podium. Trautman crossed the finish line in a time of 4:08:30 with Lampret taking a w ell deserved Silver in 4:20:42 and Johnson the final podium spot in 4:27:20.

The ladies race saw Watkinson have the run all her own way as she put in a 1:32 run split to post the winners time of 4:47:24. Runner up was Claire Horner in a solid 5:01:32 with Desiree Dickinson taking 3rd place in a time of 5:19:40.

The sprint race held earlier in the day was won by elite racer Rudolf Naude while Lauren Dance took the ladies title.

A very successful even concluded with athletes receiving the very best in professional race organisation. The MiWay Ultra series is set to grown even bigger with the next event taking place at Sun City in May. For more info, visit www.ultratri.co.za

Full results can be found here http://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=20116.

News supplied.

Please note that we have just found out that water restrictions have started in the Howick area. Water will be turned off from 9pm – 4am daily.

We will let you know if there are any changes to this.

News supplied by Janis Holmes DA Councillor Ward 2.

Another Wednesday, another unexpected storm followed by a short, sharp shower had the bowlers playing in the sponsored competition running for cover yet again. A good shower fell over the club greens while hardly a drop fell over the Ambers, or so the writer believes.

The Tabs In Competition was well-supported and played in good spirit. The winners of the prizes donated by J Leslie Smith & Company Inc. were John Lennard; Howard Thomas and Lyn Ventress. The runners up who won vouchers donated by The Health Nut were Barry Bedworth; Tim Waring and Stella Gardiner.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the men’s league teams had many regular players who were unable to play the last game of the season. Other members willingly stepped in as reserves, some at the last moment. Thanks is extended to them for their valued support.

In the SpecSavers Pro 10 Pairs played at Collegians on Sunday, Colin Burden and Clark Logan lost by a narrow margin (51-49) to Mike Hattingh and Zelda Siebert who were the eventual winners of the competition. We congratulate Mike and Zelda and wish them well in further rounds to be played in Cape Town later this year.

Good wishes go to the NIBA Squads playing in the Quadrangular Tournament to be played in Margate on 05 & 06 March and to our members playing in the President’s teams – Bernice Burden, Colin Burden and Clark Logan.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, 09 March: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick with prizes donated by Dr Alan Sara.

Saturday, 12 March: Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with prizes donated by Greendale Spar

Monday, 21 March ( Human Rights day): An all-day Trips Tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Generous prizes are offered and clubs, both near and far, are invited to join us at Umgeni Waterfall for a day of bowls. All clubs in the district have been notified and posters have been sent to clubs for display.
Entries can be sent to Colin Burden – contact details on posters and in the NIBA Fixture book.

REGULAR NOTICES:

Regular start of play is as follows: Tuesday at 08h30 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h30 (whites). Tabs must be in 15 minutes prior to commencement of play.

Visitors and prospective members are most welcome to come along and join us for a game or for a cup of tea. New members are most welcome. Coaching is available. Contact John Withers on 033 239 5376 for details.

NB Members please check notice boards for club duties. If you are unable to do your duty, please arrange to swop with another member.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Douglas Pike (Grade 12) and Rebecca Webb (Grade 10) both managed to complete the 2016 FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon this weekend. Douglas paddled with his uncle, past pupil Trevor Pike, and Rebecca paddled with her dad, past pupil Shane Webb.

News supplied by Howick High School.

“TO THE KNIGHT SECURITY TEAM – HOWICK. This is a special thank you to the team. I had people remove some of my possessions on 4th February 2016 at 12h25. I suppose they thought they could do more with them than I was. Oh well. All the same, I received the SMS to notify me that my alarm had gone off. Shortly thereafter, Robyn phoned me and advised me that armed response had already been notified and was on route to my house.

I arrived approximately 10 minutes after the call. The Knight Security members were waiting at my gate. They confirmed that it was a positive and escorted me into the house.To say it was a shock to see what had been done, and the determination used to gain access to the premises, is a mild response. When I reacted, by bursting into tears, the two Knight members who were still with me, kept saying – “sorry mam”. They had already notified the police.

Then everything happened. I received no less than 3 calls from Robyn, asking if I was alright. The police arrived within 20 minutes of my arrival back home. I then also had another member from the Knight team arrive. I think his name was Frans. He also checked everything and asked me how I was doing.

When my alarm was reconnected, I asked for a technician to call in and connect the radio link. This I did on Sunday afternoon, he was at my house early the next day, and promptly had the link connected and tested.

Having people violate your space, is not something one would wish on anyone, but to know that there are people who are out there, kindly helping, does make it a little easier to deal with. Thanx again Team.”

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

At the recent Northern Districts cricket trials Howick Prep had seven players chosen for the final Northern Districts team. Congratulations to Tylan Adam, Ethan March, Stephen Whitwell, Joshua Moller, Robbie Lawrence, Daniel Sookdhew and Bonga Phiri. The remaining five players were shared between Clifton and Treverton. In recent cricket matches these past few weeks Howick Prep has also had five players take 5 wickets in an innings or take a hattrick. Thomas Oliver took 5/5 for the U/10B team against Clifton, Kyle Christie took 6/12 for the U/10A team against Clifton (including a hattrick), Hanre Pretorius took a hattrick for the U/11B team against Clifton (4/10), Callum Taylor took 5/2 for the U/11A team against Treverton and brother Westley Taylor took 5/5 for the U/13B team against Underberg.

Photograph (Back L-R): Stephen Whitwell (Northern Districts), Bonga Phiri (Northern Districts), Westley Taylor, Ethan March (Northern Districts), Daniel Sookdhew (Northern Districts), Joshua Moller (Northern Districts).
(Front L-R): Callum Taylor, Kyle Christie, Robbie Lawrence (Northern Districts), Hanre Pretorius, Thomas Oliver.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Despite the heat there was a good turnout on Wednesday, 09 February for the Halfway Toyota Howick’s sponsored competition. This was won by Hilary Williams, Margie Holl and Alan Pienaar. The runners-up were Rita Aitken, Graeme Cameron and Jenny McHendrie. Margie Wheelwright of Halfway Toyota Howick presented the winners with their prizes.

On Saturday the club singles competition commenced with the first round being played under very hot conditions. The competition continued on Sunday and was followed by a well attended braai which proved to be a wonderful social event with lucky draw prizes donated by members and by Dr Alan Sara. Thank you to everyone who provided prizes, salads, bread rolls. A special thanks is extended to everyone who stayed to help tidy up.

The men’s league continues after a week’s break. Our 2nd League team is home to Maritzburg West and the 3rd League team is home to Maritzburg. We wish both teams well. Members not playing in these league teams are welcome to come along and play social bowls. Tabs in as usual by 13h15.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS: The regular tabs in competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop, Giovision and Greendale Spar has been postponed due to league fixtures. Members will be informed timeously of the new date for this competition.

Wednesday, 24 February: Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Laslie Smith and The Health Nut.

Monday, 21 March ( Human Rights day): An all-day Trips Tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Generous prizes are offered and notices will shortly be sent out to all bowling clubs.

Regular start of play is as follows: Tuesday at 08h30 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h30 (whites). Tabs must be in 15 minutes prior to commencement of play.

Visitors and prospective members are most welcome to come along and join us for a game or for a cup of tea. New members are most welcome. Coaching is available. Contact John Withers on 033 239 5376 for details.

NB Members please check notice boards for club duties. If you are unable to do your duty, please arrange to swop with another member.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

At the recent Midlands tennis trials both Chloe Morton and Alex Candler of Howick Preparatory School were selected to represent Midlands U/13A tennis. Howick Prep is very proud of its current 1st team which consists of Jade Harty (KZN and Midlands), Chloe Morton (Midlands), Alex Candler (Midlands) and Rachelle Shaw (Midlands Trials). The Howick Prep team will be flying down to Cape Town during the first week of March to play four of the top tennis playing schools in the cape.

Photograph(L-R) Chloe Morton and Alex Candler who have recently been selected for Midlands U/13 tennis.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Calling all husbands & boyfriends alike!...Have you remembered that....This Sunday is VALENTINE’S DAY!

Been tasked with a romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s? Why not buy a Cookhouse meal? ....Go on... Claim it!

Alternatively buy a family meal and take the pressure off Mum this Valentine’s Day Lunch...Brownie points are always a good thing!

Happy Eating folks! See you soon at The Cookhouse.

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, adapted to the South African context by Mr Allen Goddard, is a tale of crime and intrigue: Deon Mole stands accused of murdering an old lady to inherit her fortune. Only his wife can provide him an alibi – but will she testify? Mole’s fate is in the hands of Counsel for the Defence, Advocate Roberts - but will Roberts and attorney Haleel Khan be able to untangle the web of lies and deceit surrounding the case? Witness for the Prosecution is full of unexpected twists and turns, a whodunit that is only resolved in the final moments of the play.

Join us for a night of courtroom drama, suspicious witnesses, and duelling lawyers. Witness for the Prosecution, is directed by Mrs Lindi Beard, Mr Allen Goddard, and Mr Mark Houston and features a cast of forty Howick High School pupils from Grade 9 to Grade 12. The production takes place from 9 to 11 March at 18h30 in the Howick High School Hall and seats can be booked through the School Secretary. Tel 033 330 2858.

News supplied by Howick High School.

The MiWay Midlands Ultra Triathlon takes place this coming weekend down at Midmar Dam with some hit racing expected from the elite professionals that have entered. The MiWay triathlon event, also double as the SA Long Distance Triathlon Championship with a host of athletes seeking to win the title in 2016

In the men’s race, the clear favourite would be Matt Trautman. Having already won the EL 70.3 event held just a few weeks back, Trautman goes into this event as odds on favourite to win the 2016 event. As one of the world’s leading triathletes over the longer distance, Trautman is looking to use the tough MiWay Midlands Ultra course to test his fitness levels as his focus now moves to Ironman South Africa, taking place in Port Elizabeth in April. Defending Champion from the December event, Donovan Van Gelder will be looking to apply some heat to Trautman to ensure he works hard to earn the victory. Van Gelder should be slightly off Trautman’s pace in the 1.9km swim but on the bike, Van Gelder will be looking to try and eat into the gap as he puts his biking prowess to the test against one of the world’s best. Van Gelder won the race in December but this time around, he will have to work a lot harder to take the victory away from the clear favourite. Brad Venter adds another local element of competition to the mix as he and Van Gelder are very evenly matched on all three disciplines. If they work together on the bike, they may be able to limit the damage that Trautman is capable of unleashing over the 3 lap 90km bike section. Athletes are guaranteed of over 1000m of climbing during the bike leg so it will certainly suit the guys that can bike the big gears. Making his way to KZN as a previous champion at this event, Kent Horner will be another name to throw in the hat as they vie for the top 3 podium spots. Add Gerhard De Bruin, another past champion and newcomer, Clinton Gravett into the mix and we can expect some fast furious racing to take place on Sunday

Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, the ladies race is expected to be very exciting with a couple of ladies looking to win the title in 2016. Lucie Zelenkova, Caroline Koll and Claire Horner will be gunning to win the ladies title as they go head-to-head on Sunday. Zelenkova is a clear favourite to lead the race after the swim. Her biking is as strong with only the run, possibly showing up on the day dependant on how fit she is, coming into this year’s event. Horner and Koll are solid on the swim and bike but normally make their moves on the run and they will hope to see Zelenkova wilting in the sun as they try and overtake her on the 3 lap 21km run section. Viv Williams and Jodie Zulberg add a touch of experience to the field as they also vie for a top 5 finish overall. Local favourite will be Teneal Featherby as she pit’s her skills against the more experienced athletes who are travelling down to the midlands for this event

Spectators are encourage to come and watch some of the finest athletes in the country, display their talents over the 113km duel that will see SA Champions crowned on Sunday afternoon. For more info, visit www.ultratri.co.za.

IMAGE: Matt Trautman

News supplied.

Howick Prep held their Championship Swimming Gala on Saturday morning, 20 February and wish to congratulate the respective age group winners:

Photograph Back (L – R): Jenna McLeish (U/13 Girls Champ), Cameron Van Zyl (U/13 Boys Champ), Mr Piet Steyn (SGB Sport).
Middle (L – R): Sinead Gibbs (U/11 Girls Champ), Jenna Ferreira (U/12 Girls Champ), William Kitching (U/11 Boys Champ), James Stevenson (U/12 Boys Champ)
Front (L – R): Dani Martens (U/9 Girls Champ), Cayden Gibbs (U/9 Boys Champ), Megan Tyrer (U/10 Boys Champ), Kyle Christie (U/10 Boys Champ)

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Howick High held it's inter-house gala on Friday, 19 February. It was a gala filled with plenty of fun and good spirit. A total of 4 records were broken on the day. Everdon won the gala with Shafton finishing in 2nd place. The relay trophy was tied by Shafton and Allemans. The Junior Victor and Victrix Ludorum were won by Robert Pike and Robin Shaw and the Senior Victor and Victrix Ludorum were won by Jenna Pike and Michael Holder. Well done to all swimmers who participated.

Pictured: The victorious Everdon House swimmers celebrating with their trophy for winning Howick High School’s inter-house gala.

News supplied by Howick High School.

It would appear that this writer is human after all and has all the human attributes, failings and all. This became evident when I stated last week that the Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar would be postponed. That was not the case as I discovered when results of said competition appeared in my Inbox earlier this week. The results are as follows: Winners - Ian Andrews, Brian Ellison and Dave Riall.

The Lucky Draw was won by Pete van Rensburg.

In the men’s league on Saturday, the 2nd League team was home to Maritzburg West and the 3rd League team was home to Maritzburg. Unfortunately thunder, lightning and rain stopped play early and the points were shared.

Congratulations to Colin Burden and Clark Logan for winning their section in the SpecSavers Pro 10 Pairs competition. We wish them good bowling in the playoffs next week.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:

Wednesday, 24 February: Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc and The Health Nut. Tabs in by 13h15 at the latest.

Saturday, 27 February: In the final round of the Men’s League both teams will be playing at home.

Monday, 21 March ( Human Rights day): An all-day Trips Tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Generous prizes are offered and clubs, both near and far, are invited to join us at Umgeni Waterfall for a day of bowls.

REGULAR NOTICES:

Regular start of play is as follows: Tuesday at 08h30 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h30 (whites). Tabs must be in 15 minutes prior to commencement of play.

Visitors and prospective members are most welcome to come along and join us for a game or for a cup of tea. New members are most welcome. Coaching is available. Contact John Withers on 033 239 5376 for details.

NB Members please check notice boards for club duties. If you are unable to do your duty, please arrange to swop with another member.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

Harvard House employee Megan Hunter who has been living with Myasthenia Gravis since age 15 says, ‘The worst is being stared at or ignored because people do not understand my differences. I would prefer to be asked directly what is wrong with me. We are normal, we are special.’

One of 7000 rare diseases, this one is pronounced; ‘my-as-thee-nee-a graa-v-us’. If you know someone who can be bothered to live their best life despite having a rare disease, you can honour their courage by learning to say it correctly.

Megan suffers from fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigue, as a result she sometimes cannot swallow and has to tilt her head to do so. Her speech becomes slurred, walking is difficult and she can barely raise her arms above her head. Treatment can be administered in hospital when Megan needs a boost, there they connect her to a continuous machine whereby her blood is taken out, plasma is separated out and the ‘clean’ blood with artificial plasma is returned.

At the time of her diagnosis there was almost no support, today there is a Facebook community for Myasthenia Gravis suffers, however as each person diagnosed with this disease presents differing symptoms and responses, sharing is limited.

Now aged 27, Megan says, ‘I am not happy I have this disease, but it has made me a better person. I am now more compassionate.’

Megan wishes to create understanding, awareness and support for all rare disease sufferers who along with their families are invited to join a Rare Bear Picnic in Hillcrest on 27 February.

To show your support for Rare Disease Day you can shop for a “Rare Bear” at rarediseases.co.za. These crocheted toys are not bears at all but African animals made by previously unemployed women in the Johannesburg area. They cost R200.00 for two. One will be mailed to you and one will be gifted to a rare disease sufferer in hospital, 50% of people affected by a rare disease are children.

You can also buy Blue Ribbons or Colouring-In Pictures at R10.00 and R15.00 respectively.

Show Cookin Stores some love by liking our page and sharing this picture on Facebbok. WIN a R1000 GIFT VOUCHER and spoil yourself with some of our fabulous kitchen tools and gadgets!

Competition ends: 14 February 2016. Voucher redeemable at Cookin

News supplied by Cookin.

Valentine's day is coming up. Whatever you have planned for your loved one, Peter White Photography can capture it, giving you an excellent record of this special day.

For only R300.00 you can get 100 edited pictures in high resolution and at a venue of your choice.

Contact Peter White Photography now to book your Valentine's Day photoshoot.

The 2015 winners of the Marriott Freedom Race, Tyronne White and Andrew Hill have confirmed that they will once again on the starting line to defend their title on the 2nd and 3rd of April. In 2015 White and Hill held off a strong challenge by Sthembiso Masanga and Mboneni Ncobo from Team RMB Change a Life to win by 7 minutes.

On the first weekend of April 2016, mountain bike enthusiasts will be able to take part in the 2nd Marriott Freedom Race, an exciting mountain bike event that celebrates the 26th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

The Marriott Freedom Race, sponsored by Marriott Asset Management accommodates both serious cyclists and families looking for a fun day out. Riders can choose between a two-day, two-person team ride which covers +/-60kms per day (120km in total), or a one-day individual ride over a shorter course of 40kms.

Day one starts at the eNanda Adventure Centre on the banks of Inanda Dam. The route makes its way around Inanda up onto Table Mountain and through some newly cut single track that will excite even the racing snakes. The finish of Day one in Inanda will have a strong traditional African influence, with something of interest for the whole family. Local cuisine and beverages will be available in addition to locally sourced crafts, musicians, and dance groups.

Day two starts from the eNanda Adventure centre, after which the 60km and 40km riders then split. The 60km team riders head up onto the beautiful Shembe plateau where they will be able to enjoy some breathtaking view. The riders then descend back down to Inanda Dam and ride along some of Durban's best MTB trails alongside the uMngeni River until they reach Durban's famed promenade and the finish line on the Suncoast Sundeck.

Here, riders and their families can spend the afternoon relaxing in the race village, which will include a massage tent for the Team entrants and a food and beverage tent run by Suncoast Casino. Prize Giving takes place at 12h00.

Registration will take place at SUNCOAST from 10h00 to 17h00 on Friday 1st April 2016. Further details regarding starting times are available on the Marriot Freedom Race website at www.freedomrace.co.za.

The Marriott Freedom Race is also proudly supported by SUNCOAST, The Durban Green Corridor and Go! Durban. The event offers R40 000 in prize money for the various categories.

A portion of the entry fees will be donated to Durban Green Corridor Youth MTB programme, which aims to develop and involve the youth in environmental and economic programmes - activities which are often not available at their schools.

News supplied.