A warm Midlands winter afternoon is just perfect for a stroll in the grassland. This is exactly what the group gathered at Mulberry Hill for the quarterly MCF Roadshow did during the week. After recent heavy frosts, there were hardly any leaves on anything. A few green sprouts in the firebreaks for Oribi to nibble on, and the first tiny Ledebouria coming up.

At the top of the hill we enjoyed fantastic views in all directions - Inhlosane, Karkloof and Midmar.

We then headed back for a sumptuous spread of nibbles (all locally sourced) with coffee supplied by Terbedore.

Kevan Zunckel was our guest speaker and had everyone captivated. He explained his project in conjunction with SANBI - the uMngeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership. The basic idea is that down stream users pay for keeping the water catchments in great condition. This concept has worked extremely well for New York and there should be no reason that it shouldn't work in KZN too.

Kevan suggested that we should view natural infrastructure differently. Not focus on trying to save the habitat of a specific species, but rather package the argument from the perspective of the water services they provide. For example show the importance of saving the grasslands, which are essential for the water storage services they provide. By default, the persistence of vulnerable species will indicate the health of the eco-system. Although much of our natural capital is irreversibly destroyed, Kevan expressed his amazement at how well Nature in a degraded state can recover if allowed to do so.

Judy Bell gave a report back on all the action which has taken place in just a short time since the MCF AGM. Work on securing funding for a Development Monitor, the nomination of Penz Malinga for the KZN Youth Achievers Awards, The planning for the Lion's River Walk in September and all the schools field trips organised in conjunction with MMAEP and KZNCF.

Gareth Boothway gave a short update on the MCF Biodiversity Stewardship sites and Conservancy management plans that he has been working on. Then everyone relaxed with another cup of coffee and caught up on what was happening in other Conservancies. What a jolly pleasant afternoon.

News and photographs kindly supplied by Nikki Brighton

Maridadi Designs create and manufacture uniquely decorative and functional pewter art pieces exclusively designed by Allen Hallett. Allen's combined passions of African wildlife and pewter art, fuse together in an explosive range of individually designed functional pewter gifts and decorative sculpture art pieces. Maridadi art is becoming collectable on the world stage and ensures that the Maridadi name is synonymous with design, detail and quality.

Pictured here for you to indulge in a sneak preview is a group of Guinea Fowl, these are from the newly released Feathers Collection.

The Maridadi team invite you to visit their showroom at 44 Main Street in Howick to view these pewter decor designs.

Members of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club are saddened by the news that Brian Stringer has passed away and we send condolences to his wife and family. Brian was a former committee member and club coach and contributed considerably to the ethos of the club.

Competitions
The competition for chickens, sponsored by Toyota and Giovision, will be held on Wednesday 12th June, tabs in by 1.30pm.

The all-day tournaments are:
The Toyota sponsored tournament on 16th June, and
The Moths Atomic Shellhole tournament on 18th August.

Social Bowls
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1.30pm. Whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 8.30 am. Casual. Visitors most welcome.

FREE Coaching takes place on a regular basis. For any enquiries kindly contact: John Withers on 033-239 5376, Graeme Cameron on 033-330 3457, Hilary Williams on 033-3303992 or Barry Bedworth on 033-239 5445

Saturday, 25th May 2013, saw Howick Prep School host the 4th leg of the Spur KZN Mongoose Schools Mountain Biking Series. There was an electric atmosphere amongst children and parents all afternoon, with over 200 pupils having entered the race. The floating water bridge, across our school pool, once again proved to be the hot spot of entertainment with the entire pool area being filled with excited onlookers.

We were very proud to see how many of our pupils entered the race and, as a result, Howick Prep once again won the race, having the most pupils entered. Well done cyclists.

Picture and news kindly submitted by Howick Prep School.

Not a cloud in the sky and sunny, warm weather blessed us at our recent 10th annual Township Dogshow in Mpophomeni. Almost two hundred entrants competed for 'top dog' at the uMngeni SPCA / Hill's Township Dog Show on Sunday 19 May, the oldest and biggest dog show of its kind in South Africa.

Golden boy Ranger, owned by Khanyiso Mbambo, won Best in Show, with Reserve Best in Show going to Skinny (who isn't skinny at all!), a Boerboel type dog, described by chief judge Adrienne Olivier as a "gentle giant", owned by Nonhlanhla Weli.

Ranger took top honours thanks to his friendly nature, lovely condition, well-brushed coat and the mutual admiration evident between him and his owner.

There were dogs of all shapes and sizes at the show which also definitely saw a greater variety of 'breed types' than we've ever seen before and the dogs were in great condition. It was heart-warming to see such a remarkable improvement in the dogs' health and well-being. There were also fewer puppies indicating the success of the Outreach Sterilisation Programme. Long time Judges and volunteers remarked that the handling skills of the owners were also much improved.

Before entering the show ring each dog was given a new collar and lead, all its details were recorded and then it was treated at an open air veterinary clinic where each dog was de-wormed, vaccinated against rabies and dipped. After a brief stop at the Education stand entrants were given light refreshments to eat while they were entertained by demonstrations of dog obedience and agility.

There were six classes in the show with every winner receiving Hill's pet food and a rosette. Ranger, the Best in Show and Skinny, the Reserve Best in Show, each won a cosy kennel donated by Howick F & F and Howick Cabins.

Parting gifts to all entrants included a dog bowl, blanket and premium Hill's pet food as well as magazines.

Heather Somerville, Deputy Chairperson of uMngeni SPCA said it was a very happy day, "Lots of smiling faces and wagging tails. The dogs coped well with such an unusual event in their lives. Many thanks to everyone who made this tenth anniversary show so special."

News kindly submitted byuMngeni SPCA.

Photograph: Reserve Best in Show winner, Nonhlanhla Weli with her lovely dog (Left), Skinny and Best in Show winner, Nkanyiso Mbambo with beautiful Ranger.

(photograph courtesy of  Pierre De Villiers)

Howick Prep School was again privileged to be involved with the joBerg2c cycle race from JHB to Scottburgh in April/May this year. The parents, staff and pupils of Howick Prep were involved in setting up and managing the race village at Glengarry in the Kamberg (Day 5 of the cycle race). The school has been involved with joBerg2c for the past three years and our ongoing success is due to the amazing support from parents who sacrifice a lot of time from their regular jobs to assist with this event. This event has become the biggest annual fund raiser for the school. Last year the funds were used to build a new classroom for Grade R, a new addition to the school.

Planning for this event takes over five months with over 200 parents, teachers and children getting involved before the event and on race day. At the race village 550 tents are assembled, a kitchen is set up from which we prepare, cook and serve over three and a half thousand meals in 18 hours, all of this takes place 80km away from Howick, at Glengarry in the Kamberg. Parents, staff and pupils are involved in off loading bags and mattresses, washing bikes, welcoming the riders as they cross the finish line among other things on race day.

We rely a great deal on our sponsors to help us make this fundraising opportunity worthwhile. This year we are extremely grateful to all the local businesses who have willingly sponsored products, equipment etc. to allow us to generate funds for the improvement and upgrade of our school sporting facilities which will enhance the very important and varied extra-curricular programme which is offered to the children at our school from the Midlands area. Congratulations to all those who gave of their time and resources and worked so hard for the good of our community.

Pictured: Richard Quinn and his children, who are all pupils of Howick Prep School, after Day 5 at Glengarry in the Kamberg.

Callum Tyrer, a Grade 6 pupil from Howick Preparatory School, was recently placed 1st in South Africa in the Science section of the World Education Games that took place from the 05 – 07 March 2013.

The World Education Games is an annual global online challenge to get all students (4-18 years of age) excited about learning, and to give the top students in all schools an opportunity to see how they measure up against the best in the world. Last year, over 5 million pupils were a part of what is now the world's largest online education event.

Split over three days and focusing on literacy, mathematics and science, the World Education Games is a hugely exciting and engaging way to promote learning and education across the world. Pupils from Howick Preparatory School entered all three categories and are very proud of Callum's achievement of being place 1st in South Africa.

Pictured: Callum Tyrer of Howick Prep School with proud parents Mark and Catherine Tyrer after being placed 1^st in South Africa in the World Education Games.

Crusty Corner Restaurant is into its fifth year at the Greendale Acres Centre in Howick. Crusty Corner pride ourselves on home style good food. Firm favourites include "The Full Breakfast" or the "Mini Breakfast", the hearty Gammon Steak, Beef Burger, Lasagne and our HOT Beef Curry. Pop in for a Wiesenhof Coffee and order delicious Scones or Pecan Pie to go with it.

We are wheelchair accessible and have our own disabled facilities. We even have our own wheelchair for our customers to use.

On these idyllic Midlands Autumn days feel free to bring the whole family (including your dog) to enjoy sitting outside in the sun under the umbrellas or if you prefer sit inside (no pets, sorry) in the comfortable and relaxing restaurant.

Simon also welcomes the local Silk Ribbon Embroidery group to his restaurant – they meet weekly to enjoy coffee, good company and to work on their beautiful creations. On Wednesday 5th June between 10:00am and 4:00pm there will be a display of their work at the restaurant. There will be a lucky draw with the winner receiving a voucher for a three course meal at Crusty Corner.

The 1st Annual "Reaching out to grannies" was held on the 11th May 2013 at the Umngeni Indoor Sports Centre, Howick.

Velamphande Enterprise joined hands with the Howick Civil Society to honour local grannies and express our gratitude to them in this International Woman's Month by giving them a day that brought smiles to their faces. The grannies were treated to lunch, entertainment and were issued with walking sticks and wheelchairs. Dr May Mkize and Mr Velaphi Mphande hand over the first walking stick together. The event was a huge success with laughs and smiles all the way

Velamphande Enterprises believes alcohol and drug abuse in today's youth serve as a major problem, not only directly affecting the youth in Howick but to the people around them too. Senior citizens, primarily elderly women have to endure pain and suffering from their grandchildren, children and youth in general. It is for this reason that we reached out to 500 grannies within the Umngeni Municipality to honour the Spirit of Ubuntu and send out a message to our youth to cherish our elders and not to harm them.

In aid of giving back to the wonderful people who are ever willing to help their children and grandchildren, Velamphande Enterprises plans to honour the Gogo's annually.

News supplied by Velamphande Enterprises.

Photographs   Wesley Le Roux

You have an invitation from these four lovely ladies! They are from left: Allison Hattingh (Receptionist) Nicky Gray (Short Term Insurance Broker/Manager) Heather Ikin (Policy Administrator) Florence Mwelase (General Assistant) - the office staff at Cooke Fuller Garrun Insurance Brokers and Financial Advisers.

Cooke Fuller Garrun purchased Howick Insurance Brokers in December 2009, and Nicky transferred at that time from the Kloof Branch. The office is located at 103 Main Street in Howick. Feel free to pop in for a cup of coffee and chat about your Insurance requirements with this qualified team!

Pictured below is the front view of the Cooke Fuller Garrun office.

Sparkling weather and enjoyable competition resulted in a very successful tournament held on Sunday 16 June. This was kindly sponsored by Halfway Toyota. Congratulations to the winners, Barry Earnshaw and his team.

The competition for chickens, sponsored by Toyota and Giovision, on Wednesday 12th June, was won by Piet van Rensburg, Graham Sharp and Jo Boonzaier.

We look forward to our next meeting and this continued winter sunshine.

Did you know.....

In World War One (WWI) parrots were kept on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France because of their remarkable sense of hearing. When the Parrots heard the enemy aircraft coming they would warn everyone of the approaching danger long before any human ear would hear it.

It is estimated that in excess of 500 million people around the world suffer from some form of hearing loss? Are you one of them? Take a minute to think whether any of these signs that you may have a hearing problem apply to you.

Do you :-

Put the TV or radio louder than usual

Find that your family and friends are complaining that you do not hear them when they speak to you

Find that most people mumble

Have to ask for repetition more often than other people

Begin to feel that it is too much effort to take part in certain conversations, and you withdraw or 'switch off' in company

have any other symptoms in the ear, such as ringing, pain or dizziness

LaurieButlin says "Early identification and diagnosis may help to prevent more of a problem later on. Finding and treating a hearing loss closer to its onset is important because, once the cause has been diagnosed, it is often possible to prevent it from worsening further and may lead to more positive results."
 

Butlin Hearing is a family owned practice consisting of Laurie Butlin and his daughter-in-law, Kate-Marie Butlin. All clients consult personally with either Laurie or Kate-Marie.

They look forward to meeting you at Butlin Hearing's consulting rooms, where they will gladly offer advice and answer any questions you may have relating to hearing loss and hearing instruments.

Last week, the uMngeni Municipal Manager, Dr Ngubane, signed agreements with the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme to have Beacon Hill officially declared a Protected Area. The Municipality must be congratulated for their forward thinking approach to serving the citizens of uMngeni. Less than 2% of the original grassland in KZN is conserved. Grassland ecosystems provide society with essential goods and services including water storage, carbon sinks and habitats for many medicinal plants, birds and animals.

Ross Haynes, Chair of Friends of Beacon Hill, comments "In 2011 we met with the Mayor, Councillor Mbali Myeni. She was very supportive of our plan to have the area conserved. Last year, the application for protective status was supported when it came to Council along with the Fort Nottingham project. I truly doubt that this would have happened so soon had it not been for the support, knowledge and hard work of Gareth Boothway, Biodiversity Stewardship Manager for the Midlands Conservancies Forum."

Jenny Weber of Impilo Conferences was tasked with coordinating a two day event for Pernod Ricard and this is the feedback given. "Thank you so much for all your assistance once again with arranging our team building. It was absolutely amazing!!!! I don't know what I would do without you. You always go the extra mile, and always give us the best venues and ideas of what to do in the area.
You are truly amazing...."

Our local venues got high praise too – well done to all.

Pernod Ricard say "Lythwood Lodge – was absolutely fantastic. The self-catering chalets were to die for. It was so peaceful up there. And the staff were extremely helpful attending to our every request.

Karkloof Canopy tours – this was an experience of a lifetime... 90% of us wanted to go again, even our sceptics and people that were petrified of heights thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The guides for loads of fun, and it felt like they were part of our team. The management of Karkloof Canopy Tours were very accommodating as we were running a bit late, and were very accommodating with this.

The trip was extremely fun-filled with an Amazing Race to Lythwood including stop offs at various points , including Inchanga Station, Liberty Mall, Howick Falls, Mandela Capture Site.

It was a funfilled 2 days...

Thank you once again."

Well done Jenny for wowing with your hard work and our diverse attractions.

Chris and Becky owners of Supa Sub and Tees & Tats have been married for 38 years, and have been residence of Howick for the past eight. They recently took a one year break and went to live in Belize in the Caribbean during 2012.

They lived on the island of Ambergris Caye in a town called San Pedro. While living there they managed to do some travelling around Belize and Mexico to different Mayan ruins, snorkelled with the Nurse Sharks and Stingrays and met some wonderful people. It was an unforgettable experience says Becky.

They decided to open Supa Sub after enjoying the subway sandwiches in the States and the salad bars in Europe so combined the ideas into one. Chris does the baking of the bread while Becky oversees the running of the shops and supplies.

When the shop next door to Supa Sub became vacant they decided to open Tees & Tats, the T-shirt shop. Offering variety and catering for locals as well as the many tourist who visit the falls. At Tees & Tats you can have your own "Falls" photo put onto a mug, puzzle, mouse-pad or T-shirt. They also offer customized wording on T shirts for gifts or work uniforms. "The options are endless and we are having fun learning new ideas and meeting new people all the time" stated Becky.

It is the Howick Hospice Winter Fair on Saturday, 8th June 2013 from 9am till 1pm. Pop along for a relaxing morning of shopping and entertainment in their lovely, country garden setting. There will be plenty of bargains to be found at the Hospice Stalls and the Charity Shop. A wide variety of quality stallholders will also be selling their wares, so you are guaranteed to find something fabulous!

Howick Hospice have great entertainment organised: RED the clown and Robbie the Robot arrive at 9:00 am to entertain the kiddies. At 10:00am the Dinky Choir from Howick Preparatory School will be playing near the tea garden and Di Veness will entertain us with old and new tunes from 11:00 am.

Howick Hospice's famous egg and bacon rolls, wors rolls, tempting teas, pancakes, and other scrumptious cuisine will be on offer. And don't forget the cake sale!

The Sunfield Golf Day will be held at Sakabula on Sunday, 26th May 2013. This is a charity fundraiser. The entry fee per four ball is R1000 and includes a meal with the prize giving. All funds raised are for the benefit of Sunfield Home, a non-profit organisation situated in Howick which cares and houses 110 mentally disabled residents.

Sunfield Home also has 2 outreach projects:

Caregiver's Course which trains people within the local community to care principally for those suffering from Aids to implement palliative care and assist those dying at home.

Angels Care - a non profit organisation assisting in the welfare of Aids orphans and other desperately needy children in the Umgeni area, focusing on breaking the cycle of indigence and deprivation. It cares for 70 children providing education, food and healthcare.

Contact Peter or Mary Combrinck +27 (0)82 990 4986 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to book your four ball.

HowickVillage.co.za welcomes you to share all that is good and great in Howick. During their early autumn morning ride, a local cycle group were chatting about Howick and some of the good and great happenings going on within Howick.

Here are a few of the happenings they identified;

Guided Walks managed by the local Midlands Conservancy – weekly walks for education, fun and fundraising for the local conservancy. See our Events page for more information.

The Tear Fund have sponsored a group of volunteers from the UK. They are working with the Ethembeni HIV/ Aids Ministry in Mpophomeni. Ethembeni (meaning Place of Hope) – Providing hope for families affected with Aids. Ethembeni exist to bring hope to families affected by HIV, AIDS and TB in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands by providing comprehensive care and prevention services.

Howick Prep School fundraising effort – putting up 550 two man tents, providing three top class meals for 1000 hungry cyclists and dismantling it all again to raise fund for the Prep School while dedicate cyclist rode from Jo'burg to the KN coast.

The dedicated staff of Howick Prep School and Howick High School – they work long hours for the children of our community. Our Howick children are shaped into wonderful contributing adults by the staff of both the Howick Schools.

Thank you to our cycling friends for sharing this uplifting news! There are so many examples of great and good within Howick. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your own inspiring stories, photos that remind us all how awesome the hub of the midlands is.