"If I could do anything I'd work with Cranes in Africa" these were the words of Ann Burke before leaving the post of Director of Public Relations at the prestigious International Crane Foundation (ICF). Before leaving her home town of Baraboo Wisconsin to accept a volunteer post at the KZN Crane Foundation in 2010.

The KZN Crane Foundation was extremely fortunate to gain Ann's services she was able to assist an organisation whose membership had declined to a point where it was in the lower twenties. Thanks to her hard work this organisation is now close to releasing our Critically Endangered Wattled Cranes back into the wild. A project that with the potential to inspire South Africans to protect our wetlands and grasslands. Good news – in a country with too little good news.

Ann is supremely well qualified for the work she has done for the KZN Crane Foundation having undertaken the first successful release of captive reared Wattled Cranes into the wild in 1999, in South Africa. Ann was also the lead author on the Chapter on Wattled Cranes in the bible for cranes and crane conservation: "The Cranes; Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan", International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 1996.

Children are one of Ann's other great passions and she has done superb work with underprivileged children in Bruntville and overseen a growing and active environmental education programme for schools.

Ann has been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of Breast Cancer. This is a devastating blow to anyone, but with Ann it is particularly demoralising as she is over in S.A. on a work permit and working as a volunteer with the KZN Crane Foundation which as you will have guessed means no medical aid.

Cancer can be beaten and with the right medication the fight is brought to a more equal level. Ann has given willingly of her time, efforts and talents for both the environment and people of the KZN Midlands. For those of us who consider ourselves friends of Ann or who have benefited from her work now is the time to pay our dues, as she begins her fight to overcome cancer.

Why help Ann, what about the thousands of others? Well I cannot answer that for you but I do know that she has given over her life to help saving a critically endangered species, to helping empower our local children. To help the residents of several townships understand and benefit through good environmental management of their gardens, schools etc. To enable young adults to find places to study, the list goes on.

All of this without pay. She is using any dollars she has saved, converting them to Rands and relying on the good nature of others.

Ann has no family to turn to other than her 83 year old Mother who lives in America, let us be her family. Please do not let us fail her. Let us show just what South Africans are made of.

Donations may be made to the following account
Bank: ABSA
Account Name: Ann Burke
Account Number: 9291220193
Branch Code: 632005
Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ

God bless
Arlene Arnold

Janet Viedge, a resident of Howick, has once again decided to be a part of the 8 mile club and swim all 8 events at the Midmar mile this year.

Members of the 8 mile club swim 4 races on the Saturday and 4 miles on the Sunday, all in the name of raising money for various charities. Each swimmer has to raise a minimum of R10 000 for their respective charities.

This year there are 5 main charities with a portion of the money raised going to 17 other charities. Janet, and 6 of her fellow Swimchix, have chosen to swim in PINK and raise funds for the PINK DRIVE – a charity that fights cancer. Last year, Janet and 2 of her friends, took part in the event and between them managed to raise over R72 000. A total of over R325 000.00 was raised by the 8 milers swimming for the Pink drive.

To train for the event they swim at the GC Jolliffe pool in PMB once or twice a week with Kath Boast, who does adult squad training and also do various dam swims. For open water swimming it is very important to not only train in a nice clean pool! This year they took part in the SA open water champs and swam the 5km race. Janet says "In the time it took us to do one of the 2.5km laps, it took the winner to complete the whole race – a total of 57 minutes!! So as you can see we are not top swimmers, just ordinary ladies who are trying to make a difference by doing something that we all love ..... swimming!!

It is wonderful to see what a fantastic response we have had from the public as well as the schools who have supported us so incredibly."

The Swimchix held a very successful swimathon at the GC Jolliffe swimming pool in November 2013. Swimmers either swam as individuals or in teams of up to 4 members swimming as many lengths as they could in 30 minutes and getting sponsorship either per length completed or as a donation. This event was extremely well supported and the team would like to thank the swimmers, sponsors and spectators for making it such a wonderful occasion.

Swimathons have also been held at St Charles and Howick High school – both of which have been extremely successful. Thank you to St John's and to St Anne's for holding a civvies day the proceeds of which have been donated to the pink drive. It is wonderful to see so many children getting involved and supporting these events – thank you to all of you - you are all making a difference. What is especially heartwarming is even those children who can't swim very well, have wanted to take part and raise money even if it means walking a few lengths!

Remember -someone may not be able to make a difference in everyone's lives but everyone can make a difference in someone's life!!!

Janet says "I feel privileged to be able to swim in pink and to know that we are trying to make a difference. "

You too can be involved in this wonderful cause by making a donation. Please contact Janet on 082 3212304.

The 7 "Pink swimchix" Jen Van Rooyen, Vanessa Gurney, Kath Macfarlen, Gina Clowes, Janet Viedge, Kath Boast and Julie Hay.

A “sea of Pink Howick High swimmers “ – having conquered the water!

FreeMe started the New Year with a bang literally when our much loved Isuzu bakkie blew an engine. Very sad as we are really not in the position to afford to fix it, so please bear with us as we now only have one vehicle for emergencies and it may take a bit longer to respond then we would like. If anyone has a cheap bakkie or small car that they want to get rid of, or better still a good Isuzu diesel 280 or 250 engine that needs a new home, please contact us. The Isuzu had done over 500 000 kms, so it had really done us proud, and we miss it terribly.

On a lighter note, we received a very unusual guest two weeks ago in the form of a baby Stanley's Bustard (also known as a Denham Bustard). They are listed as endangered, and our baby has generated a lot of interest and concern. He looks very like a small juvenile ostrich and has to be walked every day, so trots around the centre behind everyone like a very well behaved dog. We have two volunteers from England with us at the moment and they are quite happy to have him and the two baby blesbok in tow.

Please note that we will be having the Wino's 100 Club wine tasting at 18h00 on the 15th February (Saturday) at FreeMe and will be serving a light supper afterwards. The Wine Cellar will be discussing the new trend in wine enjoyment, so it should be a good evening all round. Entrance for Wino Club Members is for free and for anyone else who would like to come there will be a R50 entrance fee. Please book early, so we know how many to cater for.

We are also appealing to anyone who has old pots, bags or seedling trays for plants to drop them off with us rather than just leave them to get damaged or thrown away.

Please continue to donate by sms to FreeMe at 48748, it is a great help.

News and photograph kindly supplied by FreeMe

The recent Power Drive Ladder Competition was sponsored by The Lawn Mower Shop, Howick. Photographed are Jo Boonzaier, John Withers, Dave Truscott, Tim Waring the winners of the competition held at Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

An event not to miss is Hilton Bowling Club v Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club. This will be held on the 24th January. Starting 8:30 am, dress Whites. Please check on our notice board to see what team you are playing in, players please bring a plate of eats.

Power Drive Trips sponsored by The Lawn Mower Shop, will be played on Wednesday 29th January. Tabs in, 1:45 for play begin at 2pm.

The Moffatt All Day competition will be held on the 16th February, all are welcome, please phone Colin Burden 079-5302438

Club Duties:

Refreshments: 25th - 31st Ray Bester
Tab Duties:    25th - 31st Terry Elmer/Peter Burton

Social Bowls:
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1:45, play 2:00, dress whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 8:15, play 8:30, dress casual.

Visitors most welcomed.

Dont forget we offer regular free coaching: John Withers 0332395376 , Hilary Williams 033 3303992, Graeme Cameron 033 3303457 & Barry Bedworth 0332395226

Howick Preparatory School's new school year has got off to a very smooth start with both our Grade R and Grade 1 year groups running to capacity.

The school welcomed lots of excited, and some apprehensive children to their first day.

We also welcome Miss Mill (Grade 2), Miss Joyner (Grade 3), Mrs Ford (Grade 5), Mr McGuigan (S.P. Sport), Mrs Kufal (J.P. Sport) and Mrs Coverdale (Phys Ed).

Pictured are the new Grade R and Grade 1 pupils hard at work on the first day of the new school year.

News and pictures provided by Howick Prep

Last week, the weather was just perfect for a little exploring. Often we forget that places close by are really interesting and drive miles and miles for adventures. Nikki Brighton and friends headed to the eMashingini area of Mpophomeni and discovered lots of pleasant surprises and small adventures.

The cliffs looked like a particularly interesting spot to explore. We were delighted to discover a waterfall hidden in the trees, Arums growing in the crevices and Begonia sutherlandii clinging to the rocks and Pavetta was just one of the forest shrubs creating a cool glade.

The areas around the stream were invaded by lantana, but treasures were still to be found, like Sandersonia aurantiaca and a net winged beetle, lots of Hypoxis, Thunbergia atriplicifolia, Vernonia hirsute, interesting caterpillars, scarlet Freesia laxa, and Polygala hotentotta.

Further along the valley we wandered along the uMthinzima stream, flowing strongly after all the rain. The water was really clean and tasted delicious.

Thunbergia natalensis was flowering profusely on the forest margins. Rhus, and Rhamnus prinoides were full of berries (but we'd had our fill on the invasive ijikijolo beside the path). We found Impatiens hochstetteri and Streptocarpus in the deep shade. There lots of Senecio was in flower, and the delicate little indigenous hypericum - Hypericum lalandii

On the walk back, we stopped to admire the views, determined to spend more time exploring places close by.  What wonders have you overlooked in your neighbourhood?

Penz Malinga hosts regular walks in parts of Mpophomeni on the second Tuesday of each month (next one 14 January). See our Events Calendar for details or contact her to book: 084 226 5227. Donation R20 to Mpophomeni Conservation Group. facebook/MpopConserve.

News kindly supplied by Nikki Brighton

Photos by Asanda Ngubane, Sihle Ngcobo, Philani Ngcobo and Nikki Brighton

Midlands resident, Jacqueline Kalley, has just released two new books for gardeners. Previously Jacqueline co-edited the award-winning Veld, Vlei and Rose Gardens: An Inspiration for South African Gardeners published by Otterley Press in 2011.

The gorgeous new book, KwaZulu-Natal is My Garden provides a fascinating insight into the differing ways in which people choose to use their space, whether it be tiny or stretching across the countryside; high in the mountain regions, in the superb gardening conditions of the Midlands, or dreaming in the coastal warmth; gardeners with little cottages or grand mansions collectively organising their surroundings according to location, soil diversity and climatic conditions – and their personal preference. Thirty-eight gardens have been selected to show something of the wide spectrum of gardens in the province; their stories inspire, entertain and educate. Beautifully illustrated, these gardens and their relationship to the homes on the properties are ample proof that KwaZulu-Natal is indeed our Garden Province.

Eric Cornhill is the chief photographer of this lavishly illustrated book.

Retail price for KwaZulu-Natal is My Garden is R395 with trade discount for booksellers

Also available now is The Essential Garden Notebook, another Otterley Press production.

Gardeners dream in the poetry of colour, design and fragrance. They think in words such as romantic, lavish, or scented. Gardening in reality, is very hard work, requiring forethought and planning, the all-important budget and, sometimes an aching back. This Gardening Notebook is the essential extension to your garden tools – a mini reference book that cleverly interweaves Phyl Palframan's gardening thoughts together with practical tips on how to achieve the desired results. It also provides space for your personal observations and so becomes a record of your gardening aspirations. The illustrations are beautiful, whimsical and remind one of all the joys that gardening can bring.

The Essential Garden Notebook is priced at R150.

You can order via email, fax or snail-mail using one of the addresses detailed below;

EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR

FAX +27 0867198397 OR

POST Otterley, 5 Wimbledon Gardens
18 Frances Staniland Road
Montrose
Pietermaritzburg 3201
South Africa

The end of August saw a trip to the PMB Botanical Gardens. The day dawned bright and sunny with a nip in the air, but soon warmed. Many birds were flying around at the entrance to the gardens and some of us got confused with all this activity, happily following our leader towards the toilets, thinking she was showing us more birds! We had a successful trip where we saw Cape Batis and Red- backed Mannikins, and when we reached a magnificent Coral tree espied Olive, Amethyst and Collared Sunbirds flitting around in the branches. Around the picnic area were lots of Olive and Kurrichane Thrushes, Black Flycatchers, Glossy Starlings, African Palm Swifts, a White-bellied Sunbird and a Cardinal Woodpecker.

The end of September meeting was a well-attended evening meeting with a number of new faces. To make people laugh is an art, and Mike Spain with his talk on ''Birding! Where, Why and How?" had it in spades. He invited audience participation while telling us that you can't make a birder, the bug has to bite. His hilarious snippets of how novice birders identify certain birds, totally ignoring the where, why and how made us all laugh.

October saw two short Birding courses by Dr David Johnson which were very well attended and most interesting and informative. The Howick courses were on Warblers, Flycatchers, Beak Design, Brood Parasites and Nests.

An evening talk by Sonja Kruger on Bearded Vultures – Wilderness Dependent was held in October. Sonia had just returned from a conference in Spain where the future of the Bearded Vulture was discussed. She explained that the greatest threat to this handsome bird is human development, and in Spain they have been studying the impact of wind farms on the Bearded Vulture. Research is now being done in South Africa because the Lesotho government is allowing a private group to put up a wind farm right in the middle of a breeding area. This will be disastrous for the vultures as there are only about 110 breeding sites in the Drakensberg and adjacent mountain areas and the mortality of the juvenile birds is high. With the appearance of wind farms the death rate will surpass the birth-rate. Another threat to the Bearded Vultures are power lines that kill mainly juveniles as they fly with their heads down looking for food. They don't see the power lines and certainly won't see the wind turbines.

Luckily the weather gods came out to play after a week of rain and the sun made a majestic appearance for our trip to Mbona. We arrived and made our way to the top of the forest area to be greeted by howling winds. The huge trees shielded us from most of the gale, and one group made their way up hill while the other group set up their chairs in a sunny patch and waited for the birds to come to them. There was great excitement when one group spotted a Bush Black-cap. Lovely forest birds began to emerge - a pair of nesting Purple-crested Turacos, a nesting Forest Weaver and a nesting African dusky Flycatcher. Black Saw-wings, Cape Batis, Brubru, Puff-back Shrike, Rock Martin and a Red-fronted Tinkerbird were some of the most memorable birds seen.

November saw us at the Karkloof Country Club for Dr George Hughes "Sea Turtles – Dynamic Survivors." An animated crowd filled the dining room at the Karkloof Country Club to listen to well-known turtle expert Dr George Hughes give a most interesting talk on the turtles of the world, concentrating on the South African coastline and the Indian Ocean. With an excellent slide show Dr George explained the life cycles and survival techniques of these fascinating animals, as well as customs and superstitions surrounding turtles. Recently his work was recognized by the International Sea Turtle association and he received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Our much anticipated End of Year Braai at Hilton College Lapa was planned for 8th December. However, with all the recent rain the road to the Lapa became impassable and sadly the whole day was cancelled at the last minute

"Wishing a peaceful and joyous Christmas to all our members and friends, good health and happiness in the New Year!"  BLKZNM Chairman and Committee.

News and picture kindly provided by Birdlife KZN Midlands

Above - Red-chested Cuckoo chick in a Cape Wagtail's nest..
This year's noisy bird that everyone loves to hate! Photo by Chris Theron

Members of the Meander Quilters' Guild were treated to the sight of 15 beautiful quilts at their November meeting.

At the beginning of each year, the chairlady issues a challenge to members to create a quilt or wall hanging based on a theme.

In 2013 the challenge was based on two foliage wall hangings which Moira Ryder designed. Each month she provided block designs for members to use. The quilts on show were all based on these designs with unique colours and composition chosen by the makers.

All the wall hangings were displayed at the November meeting and members were asked to vote on which was their favourite.

Denise Webber's wall hanging (main picture) won the vote, closely followed by Peggy Frayne's house quilt (below). That's not to say that all the others were not gorgeous!  See Meander Quilters Guild gallery for more  pictures.

This was a great challenge and everyone who participated said how much they had enjoyed being "stretched" to think about different techniques and colour choices.

Pictures and article kindly provided by Meander Quilters Guild

Sally Cummings of Birdlife KZN reminds us to make a note of the date of the bird club's 25th AGM. The meeting is on Saturday 22nd February at Fernhill Hotel, with tea at 10am, followed by the meeting at 11am.

The guest speaker after the meeting is Professor Peter Ryan on the topic: Going Inaccessible - birds and other strange beasts of Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.

If you would like copies of the agenda, the minutes of last year's meeting, and the nomination form for the election of committee members please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nominations should be submitted to the Chairman, Drummond Densham, by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All nomination forms must be submitted before or by 10H00 on the 22 February 2014.

The cost of tea + lunch is R175pp. Tea/coffee without lunch is R20pp. Please respond to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 072 119 4253 or 033 330 7175.

Photograph: Inaccessible Island Rail, the world's smallest flightless bird

Information kindly provided by Sally Cumming
BLKZN Midlands secretary

The  Dargle Local Market has a new venue this weekend.  You will find us at the Lion's River Club.  The market is held on the first Sunday of every month from 9:00am to 11:30 come rain or shine.  Its just the place for al you favourite local food!

Yoghurt, cheese, ice cream and free-range chicken and duck eggs. Artisan bread, biltong, tea and coffee, cakes, muffins, pies. Hand-pounded basil and almond pesto, mint cordial, mozzarella, feta. Fresh produce including salad packs, giant garlic, brinjals, spinach, green beans, raspberries, gem squash and pumpkins.  Fresh and smoked trout fillets, jam and jelly.

You will also find tea towels and shopping bags.

After a very social game on Friday morning against Hilton Bowling Club, we, Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club manages to hold onto the floating Trophy for another year. Thank you for coming Hilton and we take up the invitation to another challenge in Hilton next year.

Congratulations must also go to Colin Burden amd Clark Logan on winning through to the section finals in the NIBA Men's Open Pairs.

Forthcoming Events:
Power Drive Trips sponsored by The Lawn Mower Shop, will be played on Wednesday 29th January. Tabs in, 1:45 for play begin at 2pm, dress whites.

Sunday 2nd February, BRING AND BRAAI, starting 9:30. Dress casual, members, families and friends welcome.

The Moffatt All Day competition will be held on the 16th February, all are welcome, please phone Colin Burden 079-5302438

Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club phone: 033 3303959

Club Duties:
Refreshments: 1st Feb - 7th: Brian Ellison
Tab Duties: 1st - 7th Feb: Piet v Rensburg & May Blackford

Social Bowls:
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1:45, play 2 pm, dress whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 8:15, play 8:30, dress casual.
Visitors most welcomed.

Regular free coaching: John Withers 033239537 , Hilary Williams 033 3303992, Graeme Cameron 033 3303457 & Barry Bedworth 0332395226

Pictured above: George Oldham of Hilton Bowling Club and Bernice Burden of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club holding the trophy presented to the winners of the annual competition between the two clubs.

A British film company, Hopscotch, are searching for the family of a long time resident of Howick. Charles Tennyson Dickens lived in Howick from the 1940s until his death in the mid 1980s. He believed he was the grandson of Charles Dickens, the author. His father was Hector Charles Bulwer Lytton Dickens (1854-1932).

In 1984 Jim Gorman, Charles' friend, made a film directed by Kevin Harris, about his life. It is a fascinating interview. In it Charles Tennyson makes a heartfelt plea for the world to take seriously his father's claim that he was the son of Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth. Recently, in 2009, a ring that belonged to Hector - inscribed Alfred Tennyson to Charles Dickens 1854 - was sold at auction, along with other former possessions of the famous author, that seemed to support the claim.

Jim's son Stephen, now in Scotland, has been working with Hopscotch Films and Artful Productions to check out the validity of the link with the famous author. They are keen to track down anyone who knew Charles Tennyson, particularly anyone who can put them in touch with his son Edward or Charles Tennyson's grandchildren. It is thought that they now live in England.

Another Howick resident who knew both Charles Tennyson Dickens and Jim Gorman was the accountant John Wright who worked for Cooke and Fuller. Hopscotch are keen to contact his family too, if anyone knows where they might be.

In time there will be a bigger story to write and maybe a new film to be made. If you have any knowledge at all of Charles Tennyson Dickens, his son Edward and his children and John Wright and where their families might now be living, please contact Phil Vasili by sending him an email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.      

It is time to revisit and activate your business value proposition. You've spent the time thinking about - and asking others – why they do business with you. Their answers are the clues to the emotions your customers experience when they do business with you. This is the essence of your value proposition. Now, it is time to bring that new understanding to life in your business.

I want you to ask yourself: "What do I need to do every day in my business to make sure I deliver my value proposition to my customers?" If you are in the business of building high self esteem, then how are you going to do that? What are the activities that will achieve exactly that? It may be using your customer's name when you greet them, and using uplifting words with your customers, and making your customers feel important. Get specific. What will you do to deliver on the 'feeling' you want your customers to have when they do business with you.

Make a list of these critical behaviours. My bet is that you will need to change your behaviour and the behaviour of many of your team members in order to deliver your true value proposition. This will be difficult. You will certainly stumble from time to time. But, if you truly work at it, I can guarantee that you and your business will be set apart from your competition – and your customers will reward you for your efforts!

Make the commitment that you will do the following:

1. Translate your value proposition (the 'feelings') into a list of activities that you will do everyday when you are face to face with your customers or prospects.

2. Communicate your list of activities to your team and hold them accountable to behave differently from this week forward.

3. Recognise yourself and your team members when they perform the daily activities that you have listed. They won't be prefect at first, but rather than be critical, find the successes and reward them...

It's that simple – three action items for you at this stage. Set aside the time to get it done. This is truly where the "rubber meets the road". Anyone can come up with a clever value proposition statement. Very few will do the work necessary to bring it to life. Will you be one of them?

From the desk of Patrick Greenaway, ActionCOACH KZN, your local business coach.

Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club share their upcoming events with us.

Wednesday 8th January is "Chicken Day" sponsored by Giovision.  Tabs are to be in by 1:15pm, with play starting at 1:30pm, dress white. Chickens kindly donated by Greendale Spar.

The fourth and final leg of the Power Drive sponsored by The Lawn Mower Shop, will be played on Saturday 11th January.  Dress whites, tabs are to be in by 1:15, and play commences at 1:30pm.For more information please call Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club phone: 033 3303959

Club Duties: 

Refreshments:
4th - 10th January, Richard Grant
11th - 17th January, Graeme Cameron

Tab Duties:
4th - 11th January, Jo Boonzaier/Dave Truscott
11th - 17th January, Tim Waring/Pam Grant

Social Bowls:
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1:15pm, play 1:30pm, dress whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 8:15am, play 8:30am, dress casual.
Visitors most welcomed.

The club offer regular free coaching. For more information please contact: John Withers 0332395376, Hilary Williams 033 3303992, Graeme Cameron 033 3303457 & Barry Bedworth 033 2395226

The Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club Cabaret and Prize Giving Day held earlier this month was a great success. Lots of frivolity, music and laughter. Congratulations to all winners of the various yearly club competitions.

Thank you to: Peter Bright, Elaine's Fabrics & Curtains, The Cookhouse, Hair Zone by Marti, Tim Waring & Brian Ellison for the contributions towards the Raffle.

Thank you to Hilary Williams and co-helpers for organizing the "Christmas Party" another fun and successful event.

Winners of the Chicken Day sponsored by Halfway Toyoto / Giovision was John Withers and team, lucky chicken Petra Stubbs, congratulations and thank thanks to Greendale Spar for the donated chickens. Winner of the Sparkling Wine was May Blackford, well done.

Forthcoming Events:
Fourth and final leg of our Power Drive sponsored by The Lawn Mower Shop, will be played on Wednesday 18th December. Dress whites, tabs in by 1:15, play 1:30

We will be holding a "Bring-and -Braai" on the 29th December at 9:30am all members, families and friends are welcome.

Our President and committee wish to send you their Christmas and New Year greetings to all our members, member families and friends of our club and fellow District players who have supported our club over the past year. May you all have a peaceful Christmas and all good fortunes in health and happiness in 2014. We would like to extend these wishes to all our sponsors for their support and kindness during the past year and we hope to continue our good relationship in 2014.

News kindly supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Karin Nelson, a Qualified Bird Guide and Ringer, will be ringing birds in Pam & Bill Nicol's Riley Crescent garden during the morning of Wednesday 18th December. Please note that this is strictly WEATHER PERMITTING and requires no rain or wind. Anybody who is interested may come along to learn about birds and see them in the hand from about 8:30am. Please bring a chair, and tea and biscuits will be provided.

Bird ringing in South Africa is a research tool that produces insight into bird populations, distributions, movements and migration, longevity and behaviour.

The co-ordinating body for bird ringing in South Africa is the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING). Bird ringing involves the trapping, identifying, applying of an individually numbered metal ring, taking accurate measurements and weights, recording and submitting this information to SAFRING, and most importantly safely releasing, birds.

If you don't know the address please phone 033-330-2947 for directions.

News kindly provided by BirdLife KZN Midlands

Glorious mountain views provide a country fresh start to your day at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, previously known as Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort. Only 4 ½ hours from Johannesburg and 2 ½ hours from Durban, the Drakensberg Sun Resort offers a host of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family, and even business travellers, entertained.

The resort is well known for the Drakensberg Sun Hotel; however, the Resort also comprises of Self catering chalets and self catering Apartments. The chalets consist of 2 bedrooms and can accommodate 4 adults and 2 small children. The apartments are situated within the hotel complex and consist of 2 bedrooms accommodating 4 adults and 2 small children; 1 bedroom accommodating 2 adults and 2 small children.

There are excellent conferencing venues available for corporate gatherings or even private functions. Each conference is tailored to your specific requirements and can include outdoor events and team building activities. Our chef will be delighted to customise your menus to your chosen theme.

In August 2013 refurbishment and structural upgrades of the timeshare chalets began. The results will be that of a fresh, new, luxurious mountain haven. Drakensberg Sun Resort Chalets will become the most sought after mountain retreat in KZN. The Restaurant, Bar and Hotel rooms are also undergoing refurbishment.

Facilities at the resort include:
• Spoilt Green Eco-Spa, situated at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, this unique Spa focuses on relaxation within a space that is beautiful, calm and serene.

• Try your hand at trout fishing, equipment available for rental and licences available at entertainment centre.• Horse Riding: Feel the wind through your hair with either a beginners or advanced horse ride through the mountains.

• Hiking Trails: Our 4 on-site hiking trails include the Blue Grotto, Fern Forest, Cleo's Pool and Cascades.

• Canopy Tours: Experience nature like never before as you slide through the forest canopy and enjoy a unique birds-eye view on the world around you. Set within the magnificent Blue Grotto Forest, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour® is guaranteed to take your breath away. The forest is home to over 150 species of birds including the rare Bush Blackcap.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Drakensberg Sun Resort for further information. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact: 036 468 1000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.