Renowned KwaZulu-Natal mountain bike talents Rourke Croeser and Andrew Hill have added their names to the already impressive list of title contenders for Sunday's Sappi 60km Marathon, the feature race of the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival which takes place this weekend at the Karkloof Country Club in KZN's Midlands.

With defending champ Brendon Davids of Trek SA having already confirmed he will be on the start line and eager to defend his crown, TIB Insurance's Hill and Croeser of Kargo Pro MTB Team's attendance have created even greater interest in the front-of-the-field clash on Sunday.

"Karkloof is a major one for us!" confirmed Croeser. "It's a big one for the team and it's up to Trav (Walker) and I to work together and try get the better of the likes of Brendon (Davids) and Phillip (Buys) to get the win for the team!"

While the spotlight may be on those at the sharp end of the 60km event, the quality of the trails hosting the weekend's riding is what the event has become known for and Croeser is once again looking forward to returning to twists and turns through the Sappi plantations and surrounds.

"Karkloof has some of the best trails in the world!" enthused the Kargo star. "It is probably one of the best marathon courses on the South African circuit so I'm really looking forward to racing there again!"

With Friday night's Karkloof Night Race, Saturday's Stihl Karkloof Enduro and a wide variety of distances to choose from on Sunday, the festival has something for everyone.

"The more people that attend the event and compete, the better the racing will be and so the bar gets raised and the event continues to improve," said Hill.

"Whether you're preparing for Worlds, looking to qualify for the Rainbow Challenge or just hoping to have some fun doesn't matter, it will be a great weekend of mountain biking at Karkloof this weekend and some great racing throughout the categories will unfold I'm sure!"

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More info can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

Pictures:  Anthony Grote / Gameplan Media

The Amy Leo - "Thank you, Howick" Art Exhibition held at Corner Post on Saturday, April 26 was a resounding success where the artist in attendance introduced magnificent art pieces created through exciting new techniques! The most eye-catching of which were the PAINTED PRAYERS - a group consisting of four pieces expressed in gratitude to the beauty of nature. The premises and fabulously inviting ambience of Corner Post set a magnificent stage for this Art Exhibition. With their suburb menu to select from, visitors enjoyed perfectly created meals in the gentle winter sun whilst taking in the art on display at a leisure. Highly recommended by Amy Leo - Corner Post's Chicken Schnitzel! Amy Leo extends her warmest gratitude to Jose, Tori and their friendly and super efficient staff for a fantastic experience!  See more of Amy Leo at Chique Afrique.

You and your extended friends and family are invited to join myself and Brian Jones from SA CAN at one of the last 2 public meetings we are having.

We are informing the public about what we are up to, as it is ground breaking stuff and has never been done before in South Africa....

Why in Howick? By chance? I don't know, but all I do know is that we are starting something new and innovative.

Knight Security Solutions is working directly with SA CAN and I am heading up the Midlands Community as Safety Liaison Office (NPC) from the KSS offices in Howick. We now have ER24 on board and have some very exciting ventures in the pipeline (rapid response ALS, VCAT etc.).

Please check out the Village Talk on Wednesday as well for a very informative article.

The talks are this week Wednesday (7 May - voting day) from 6.30pm at the High School in the Team teaching room. The talk will also be presented the following week Tuesday (13 May), at the same time and at the same place.

We have spoken to all the staff at Howick Prep and Grant was super impressed. Rob at the High School has asked Brian and I to talk to the High School staff tomorrow (Mon 5 May). SA CAN has sponsored the membership to all educators because of the role they lead in the community and the link they have to our kids.

Regards

Debbie Preston

Echo Saville (Shodan) age 18 and her brother Tal age 17 (junior Shodan) black belt, have been chosen for the Springbok team to compete at the World Shukokai Karate International Championships which is being held at Sun City this year. Over 25 countries will be competiting.

Echo and Tal belong to Howick dojo and have been doing karate for 13 years, and are very dedicated and been training very hard. Echo has recently opened up her own dojo at Treverton school.

We are extremely proud of them and wish them luck for the upcoming championships.

Founded in 1967, when 150 pupils and staff, together with the headmaster Mr. Gerard Hattingh and Mr. Ken Kyte (deputy headmaster), walked from the Junior School to the site of the new school in Amber Avenue, Howick High School has flourished and become what is today referred to by many as 'the secret gem of the midlands'.

Howick High celebrated the founding of our school over the weekend of 11 and 12 April, starting with a special tea for Staff and Matrics on Friday after a Founders' Day assembly.

The U15 and 1st Boys Hockey teams played their matches against Wartburg that afternoon at the astro turf in Pietermaritzburg with the U15 team winning 5 goals to 1 and the 1st team drawing 2 all.

Saturday, 12 April was a compulsory school day for all pupils & staff with Netball, Hockey and Rugby matches taking place against Wartburg.

The sports matches were exciting and the cheering from supporters was fantastic. Our mascot, Mufasa, zip-lined across the first team tunnel on a line installed especially for the day by the Karkloof Canopy Tours. The school band entertained us, the Mum's Squad fed the masses and our First Aid team cared for our sports men and women.

The U14 Netball team won their match 15 – 12 and the 2nd team won 15 – 7. The 1st Netball team played an excellent game and won the match 27 – 15.

In the girls hockey, the U14A and 2nd teams started their season with a draw, whilst the U16A & U16B teams both won their matches 2 - 0. The 1st team, proudly playing in their new kit sponsored by Howick Travel, played a skilful game of hockey but battled to convert when in the attacking circle thus drawing the match 0 – 0.

The U14 Rugby boys lost their match 21 – 10 whilst the U15 team won 17 – 7. The 1st Rugby XV, sponsored by The Fury Motor Group, played an exciting game of rugby and, working as a team, won their match 31 – 7.

Howick High School thanks all members of the community, past pupils and parents who came out to support our School and make the day such a success.

Howick Prep School recently hosted a 20 20 cricket Festival over three days with eight schools attending from throughout KZN. Well done to Howick Prep School who remained unbeaten winning all four of their games against Kloof Senior Primary from Hillcrest, St Henry's from Durban, Felixton from Zululand and Underberg Primary School.

On Wednesday 9th April, the monthly Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar was won by the all-women team of Hilary Williams, Margie Holl, Wendy Holmes and Pat Ciro. Well done ladies.

The tea party held for Umgeni Waterfal Bowls Club retired bowlers and for present club members was a resounding success. Old friends reminisced while enjoying the wonderful eats provided by club members.

There was an excellent turnout of members on Saturday 12th April for the Fun Competition organised by Pam and Richard Grant. Although saying farewell to friends can be sad, great fun was had by all bowlers during play and after the game. The Grants ensured that fun was had by all through the format of the afternoon. We, the club members, thank them for all they have done for the club over the years and for their generosity. Our ‘fines mistress’ added to the fun and, through her vigilance, was very successful in administering fines for minor misdemeanours such as ‘waving a duster too enthusiastically’, ‘pulling faces’ and ‘performing ballet steps while playing bowls’.

Will club members please note that, with effect from 21st April, Wednesday and Saturday Tabs In times will change to 1.15 pm for play at 1.30 pm, Twilight bowls will commence at 3.30 pm every Friday. Please note there will be no Twilight Bowls on Good Friday, 18th April.

Visitors are also welcome on all bowls days. Subject to a minimum number of visitors and at the discretion of the organiser, there will also be a draw for visitors at the Friday night draw.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties. If you are unable to carry out your duty, please ask another member to do your duty for you.

New members are always welcome. Coaching is available for novices. Contact Graeme Cameron on 033 330 3457 for details of coaches.

With the onset of Winter and cooler mornings and shorter afternoons, changes in Tabs times will occur at the Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club. Tuesday morning Tabs In will now remain 08.45 am for 09.00 play. With effect from 21st April, Wednesday and Saturday Tabs In times will change to 1.15 pm for play at 1.30 pm. Twilight bowls will commence at 3.30 pm every Friday. Please note there will be no Twilight Bowls on Good Friday, 18th April.

Five weeks have passed since the start of Twilight Bowls followed by the Draw which is increasing in value. Members are reminded that they need not play bowls on Fridays but must be present in the the clubhouse at the time the draw takes place. Visitors are also welcome. Subject to a minimum number of visitors and at the discretion of the organiser, there will be a draw for visitors.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:-
Wednesday 9th April: Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar. Visitors welcome.

Thursday 10th April at 10 am: Morning tea party for our retired bowlers and for club members. An Invitations is extended to all our retired bowlers. Members attending the tea party are requested to bring along a small plate of eats.

Saturday 12th April: Members and past members are invited to spend this afternoon participating in a fun competition and enjoying refreshments as we bid farewell to Richard and Pam Grant.

Sunday 13th April: The first Round of the Nominated Mixed Pairs will take place. Check the Notice Board for the Draw. Competitors please note that non-availability on Sunday will be viewed sympathetically. By mutual agreement with your opponents, your game may be scheduled for another day . Club Competitions may not be played on sponsored competition days without prior consent of the Competition Secretaries.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties. If you are unable to carry out your duty, please ask another member to do your duty for you.

New members are always welcome. Coaching is available for novices. Contact Graeme Cameron on 033 330 3457 for details of coaches.

Dormehl Property Group Howick were thrilled to be recognized for the past years work at the Dormehl Awards evening! Pippa received recognition for her outstanding work in rentals (Midlands Rentals) and for achieving excellent sales results, Edwin was among only 3 agents who made sales in excess of R100 million Rand, Liane received Farms & Smallholdings Agent of the Year 2013 (3 years in a row now!), as well as Franchisee of the Year 2013, and to top it all came 14th in the top 20 Agents of the Year.  Our branch received the Franchise of the Year Award, 8th position overall! We had a fantastic event at the Elangeni hotel in Durban, and a safe trip home with Survivor Tours Taxi service from Mooiriver in a minibus. Well done Dormehl Howick!

News and photograph supplied.

Morning Folks!

We have decided that from time to time we intend to introduce menu specials & give-aways.

Our first of such an idea for the month of May is as follows.................

With every order of R1000 or more you will receive a free cooler bag to the value of R115.00

We hope you take advantage of this offer because we would love to give something back!

Our delicious Beef Stroganoff is now available.

See you soon!
@ The Cookhouse
58 Main Street, Howick
079 144 6982

Regards

The Cookhouse Team

Gizmos, tools, and programmes make great claims - most fail to help us achieve that ultimate "nirvana" of time management.

These 10 steps will ensure time-management works for you:

1. Kick the habit: Poor time management is developed behaviour. Recognise you have a problem and make a commitment to rectify it.

2. Effective planning: Time management is a discipline that can be learned and mastered. Planning is the key. Every minute spent planning means 10 minutes saved in execution.

3. Plan each day in advance: Find a tool that works for you and each evening plan your next day. Identify the most important use of your time and where you bring the greatest value to your organisation.

4. Develop your daily plan by ranking tasks: List these vital tasks (based on the points above) and rank them accordingly. Planning your day has other benefits – you'll sleep better because you've written what must be accomplished and won't have to worry about remembering; your subconscious mind works on these issues while you sleep.

5. Block scheduling: Consider your day blocks of time. Start with 'hour' blocks. With practice comes proficiency at budgeting time - you'll soon look at 30-minute blocks.

6. Mark your calendar in blocks of time: Insert the ranked tasks from your list into your calendar's blocks of time, starting with the most important undertaking. Effective time managers see their days in 15-minute increments.

7. Determine the time in the day for each task: Mornings are usually best for tackling your most difficult and highest-priority tasks. As the day wears on, work on tasks requiring less mental effort.

8. Prioritise and focus: Jump right in on the most important, highest-value task. Focus single-mindedly on starting and finishing - do not deviate. Time management's enemy is starting several tasks but never finishing any. Ask yourself: "Is this the most important thing I should be doing right here, right now?" Do not get "derailed" from your plan.

9. Minimise distractions: Distractions - the phone, internet, email, co-workers, daydreaming... will thwart your plan. Keep distractions to a minimum.

10. Additional tips: Make appropriate time for speaking to employees and co-workers, returning phone calls, emails, etc. Do these tasks when they're scheduled. Take breaks - "five-minute vacations" - walk outside or around the office, stretch, clear your mind, recharge your mental batteries and then re-focus on your work.

Submitted by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

The country's largest MTB festival is just over a week away and the popular 40 km aQuellé Half Marathon has received a major facelift from talented trail builder Hylton Turvey in time for the 2014 Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival that takes place at the Karkloof Club on Sunday, 11 May.

The route has taken on a whole new identity in 2014 and with a number of interesting changes and after the same start and initial climb the riders will be treated to an entirely different route as they wind their way through the Karkloof.

"The 40kms Route starts the same as last year as this is the best way to get well over 1000 cyclists out of the Club and onto the trails with the least amount of backup," Hancock mentioned. "Those who have ridden the 40km before will recognise some familiar sections of the track. We continue over the district road and start the first real climb of the day – not too difficult and winding through the plantations.

"At the top they will be rewarded with great views over the grassland and further away, the Drakensberg. Then it is straight into "Zilla" and the first taste of Hylly's (Turvey) famous single track!" Hancock mentioned excitedly.

The route then changes from previous years with a bridge that takes the riders on 'Derek's Bridge' and then heads into a section of the course that might seem quite simple but Hancock believes that it could be a little more difficult than they could initially expect.

"Derek's Divide is a beautiful section of single track through pine trees that leads into 'Eagles Ridge' along the banks of a river.

"Although this section looks flat, cyclists will find themselves a bit out of breath here. We then continue into 'Kariba' and 'Mitch Ditch' – a lovely flowing part of the ride," he added.

The course then shifts into a split section with two options for the riders as Turvey has provided riders with an easy and difficult option.

"The easy track is down the 'Fire Hawk' climb – a very nice flowing downhill or for the braver riders the difficult 'Syd Vicious' options takes one over a few 'cheeky bits' and over a few 'baby's heads' – both option are very rideable and both will leave you with a big smile, but 'Syd Vicious' is definitely the more technical option!" Hancock said.

The course really comes into its own as the track changes and the berms become a major feature for riders as Turvey has placed in a few surprises for the riders as they head towards the end of the trail and with a view of the Karkloof Falls the riders will be treated to some beautiful views as they head for the finish.

"After these two sections re-join the new trail continues to wind through the plantations before popping out at a small water crossing. A gentle climb will bring the cyclists to "Sam's Slide" and the fantastic "Flow-Ry-Me" - with a lot of berms!

"There is a short climb up to the airfield but riders are rewarded some more great trail as they take on "Bombarday" – with everything one could ask for in a trail packed into one section – switch backs, berms, all single track and yes just a few rocks to roll over and to keep you honest and on your toes," the organiser mentioned.

Having taken on some exciting trail riders head back to the Karkloof Club where they started and Hancock is confident that riders will be satisfied by the time they reach the finish of the 40km half marathon.

"The aQuelle 40km Half Marathon will leave you a bit tired, but totally exhilarated!

"The 650m of climbing is broken up into easy sections mostly on jeep track to allow for easy passing. The new sections of the route will leave you with a huge smile, you will be challenged by some section but the route as a whole is definitely manageable for the weekend regular," he concluded.

Both the organisers and sponsors of the 2014 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival are looking forward to yet another memorable mountain biking weekend as the wide array of events offers something unique to each of the MTB community. Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More info can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

Photograph:  Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

Howick High School are proud to have three girls selected to play in Midlands Hockey teams in 2014. Wendy Nzimande (left) was selected for the U16C Midlands team and Kimberleigh van Jaarsveld (centre) and Sindy Mwelase (right) were both selected for the U18 Midlands team.

Mountain bikers from across the country will be racing the 60km race at the Sappi Karkloof Classic festival in under a month's time in an effort to secure qualification for the new Rainbow Challenge final that will precede the MTB Marathon World Championships in June.

The three day Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival is the biggest event of its kind on the national calendar and draws MTB enthusiasts to the wide range of events, including a night race, an enduro race, and short easy accessible races aimed at less experienced riders.

It is the long 60km marathon event that has secured qualifier status of the Rainbow Challenge final on 28 June, and riders simply need to finish the race to secure a place on the startline on the day before the elite world title decider in Pietermaritzburg.

Qualifying events have already been held in the Western Cape (Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge), Mpumalanga (Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge), and in Gauteng (Cradle Mountain Trophy).

With the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival 60km marathon event forming the fourth and final qualifier, local veteran and masters riders will be joined by the peers from around the country to secure their qualification for the Rainbow Challenge final by completing the race through the Karkloof plantations on Sunday 11 May.

"We are excited to have secured qualifier status at major events in the major regions of the country to satisfy the interest in qualifying for the new Rainbow Challenge final," said marathon world champs organiser Alec Lenferna.

"With the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival marathon event being one of the biggest of its kind, it was an ideal event to have as a final qualifier.

"There has been substantial interest in taking part in the Rainbow Challenge from MTB riders around the country, and for riders that weren't able to get to the other three qualifying events in the Western Cape, Mpumalnaga and the Gauteng qualifier last weekend, the Sappi Karkloof event is the event they will have to ride.

"The 60km Sappi Karkloof race is the ideal qualifier as it will be very similar in character to the course that will be used for the Rainbow Challenge final and the marathon worlds, so not only will riders be able to get their qualifier under their belts but it will also be perfect training for them at the same time," Lenferna said.

The Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival takes place from 9-11 May at Karkloof Country Club. Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za More information about the Rainbow Challenge can be found at www.rainbowchallenge.co.za 

Photograph:  Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

As reported by "Eat Out" Howick's very own Corner Post have achieved a place on the "Ulltimate Burger Guide".

"After a tough day at the office, it's quite a battle fighting the urge to dive face-first into whatever's available in your kitchen. It's a whole other ballgame trying to resist just going out for a burger. This quintessential Friday night meal is available, just there, waiting for you, every day of the week... Usually we hold out until the end so we can savour every bite – washed down by some craft beer, of course – when the weekend finally comes.

Why do we associate the idea of a perfectly grilled burger with the end of a working week? Is it because eating a burger is such a guilty pleasure that it may rip you from your schedule, causing you to spiral down into the junk-food pit, never to return to salads again? It would be worth it, we say. You really don't want to miss out on the gourmet burgers on our list, with toppings ranging from halloumi to bone marrow, mature cheddar and onion jam. This is a delicious way to fall from grace."  

Corner Post are delighted to be listed within the tops 3 of  "Eat Outs" Ultimate Buger Guide.

Knight Security Solutions celebrate 25th years in business this month and to mark this milestone they are offering an alarming birthday deal for you!

Get a 10 circuit keypad system with installation and 3 months monitoring at just R1500.00!

This birthday special is to install a 10 circuit keypad system with the following:
1. 1 x 10 circuit LED display keypad in the main bedroom.
2. 2 x magnetic contacts.
3. 3 x fixed panic buttons.
4. 3 x internal pet proof passive infrared beams.
5. 1 x 50VA mall mounted transformer.
6. 1 x 12 Volt 9amp hour battery.
7. LED status light.
8. Internal and external siren.

The important Terms and Conditions:
The entire system remains the property of Knight Security Solutions until fully paid for.
Monitoring from our 24/7/365 control room.
Armed Response from our 24/7/365 reaction units.

This deal is valid until 31st May 2014.

Contact Knight Security Solutions on 033 3305911 or Gary on 082 8947628 for more information on this great birthday deal.

What a wonderful festive spirit in the 8 mile tent this year with all the swimmers “hanging out” under one roof. BIDVEST and PINKDRIVE ensured that we were all well looked after, with an ongoing supply of fantastic food and drinks as well as massages for our hardworking bodies.

What a privilege to once again be able to swim for a wonderful cause and to raise funds for the PINKDRIVE.

The 8 miles were a lot harder this year with races 3 & 4 on the Saturday being particularly trying as the waves were over 1m. The wind picked up and when we went into the water for that race we had no idea that we were heading into conditions perfect for sea surfing!! I actually got the giggles when I looked back and saw my friend behind me cresting the top of a wave and then plunging down again - well as much as one can giggle in the water!!

The whole experience was absolutely fantastic – from the camaraderie, to the spirit, to the swimming and the food – it was just a great 2 days and I can highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do something different and to raise money.

Between the 7 Swimchix, who fundraised as a group, we managed to raise over R153 000 for Pink drive and their fight for early detection of cancer by being proudly pink for the whole weekend!

A HUGE BIG thank you to everyone who made pledges, donated cash, sponsored various prizes, held swimathons for us, swam in our swimathon, bought raffle tickets & generally gave us fantastic support and encouragement – thank you.

Next year we hope to be back again!!

News and Photo supplied by Janet Viedge

When tough times strike there are five mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring customers
If you neglect them, someone else will take them. Most customers leave because they think you don't care! Instead of chasing new ones, negotiate a great deal because it's six times more expensive to get a new customer than it is to keep an existing one. Have you graded your customers A – D? Focus on As and Bs, convert Cs, and let Ds go! Keep contact at least every 90 days - a call, visit, card or email.

2. Stop advertising, marketing, promoting
Avoid knee-jerk, panic reaction. This accelerates the downward spiral. Marketing starts long before the sale and continues long after. You need spend only a little money - just be prudent. Contact me I'll share 21 low- to no-cost ways to get noticed. Advertising must have a call to action. Focus on your target, communicate a compelling offer, and drive the sale!

3. Neglecting your team
Now, more than ever, the team has to be "firing on all cylinders". Get rid of under performers. Many good folk are looking for jobs. A recession grants the opportunity to select some great talent. As the leader, strike a careful balance; encourage and motivate your team players while sharing feedback and holding them accountable. Technology helps us communicate - conference calls and webinars help travel-cost cuts. Train, train, train - investing now pays future dividends.

4. Wasting time
Your only non-renewable resource is time. Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time for the business right now? Ask every day, especially when planning the next one. The time to plan tomorrow is at the end of today. Turn off automatic email receipt - the time saved from this distraction is startling. When did you last up date your default calendar? Take control – do it today.

5. Making excuses for doing any of the above
If you are guilty of succumbing to the temptations above - congratulations, you are human, however, you can do something about it! Take ownership and be accountable now. We all choose how we respond to the curve balls that business throws. If you're not yielding the results you want, something must change. Nothing will, until you do. Are you involved in or committed to your business?
Involvement means taking action when it's convenient, commitment means accepting no excuses, only results.

Now, get out there and do what you do best...

Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.