If ever there was a swimmer who embodied the adage that age is just a number, it would have to be Tommy Gibson.

The Benoni resident only started swimming training at the age of 71 and this weekend will see him competing in his third aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“I started running at 63 and about three years ago I developed a back problem. Somebody suggested why don’t I try swimming, so I swapped over to swimming and just absolutely love it,” explained Gibson, who even had a special aQuellé Midmar Mile design tattooed on his calf after his first race.

The now 73-year-old admitted that swimming in a pool doesn’t appeal, so he does all his training in a small dam on a private estate.

“It’s a long story but when I was training for Comrades somebody said I must do cross training and so for the first time I got into a swimming pool and didn’t like it at all. Swim 25m, turn around, swim 25m just wasn’t on. And that’s why when my friend suggested Midmar I said: ‘Hang on, wait a minute, that’s not like pool swimming.’”

Gibson finished his first aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2022 in a time of 41 minutes 22 seconds and bettered that the following year with a time of 37 minutes 39.

Speaking about his training for this year’s race, where he’ll be gunning for a podium spot in the 71-80 category, Gibson explained: “It’s been very good. The weather’s been a little bit funny the last couple of weeks but it’s good. I’m looking forward to it.”

The septuagenarian recently claimed top honours in the same category at the final Midmar seeding event at Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand, where he finished the 1.5km swim in time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

As for what he loves about the aQuellé Midmar Mile that keeps bringing him back, the semi-retired mining engineer added: “It’s just such a vibe, such a cool event. Open swimming is just such a fabulous event and you’re never too old.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal from 8-11 February 2024. Entries will still be possible at the dam on race day but those wishing to enter should allow plenty of time for registration. Also, swimmers are advised that there will no shuttle service between the finish and start areas, so participants must make their own arrangements to get to the start.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

Supplied.

Another week has gone by…

We hosted our monthly Greendale Spar drawn trips/pairs competition last Saturday the 3rd of February and we very excited to welcome another sponsor on board for the competitions. Thank you to Amberglades who have joined with Greendale Spar for this competition going forward. It was great to see 32 bowlers on the greens and we congratulate the following prize winners:-

1st Prize: Pat Norris and Arlene Malloy
2nd Prize: Ed Speed, Marie & Mike Cain

Thank you to both of our sponsors for a wonderful afternoon.

In other news, well done to Lisa Nagel and Wendy Smith, as well as the rest of the NIBA District and President’s teams who represented the Natal Inland Bowling Association over the weekend at the KZN Quadrangular Tournament. What an amazing experience for all the players with some stiff competition and great bowls being played.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Saturday, 3 February: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Wednesday, 14 February: Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Tuesday, 20 February: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 01 March: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. Coaching by registered coaches is available.

For more information contact Sharon on 082 900 5944.

Waste Management in 2024: South Africa’s Challenges, Goals, and the Road to a Circular Economy

Population growth, unfunded waste services, landfill airspace depletion, inadequate waste diversion and outdated infrastructure. These are but a few of the major challenges that the South African waste industry grapples with in 2024.

But Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of South Africa (IWMSA), says not all is lost and that many positive strides are being made towards achieving a circular economy by 2030.

She adds that one of the biggest steps creating an enabling environment for change was the 2008 implementation of the NEM Waste Act.

“The Act's focus was the waste management hierarchy, which encourages reducing waste to landfill,” she explains. “We have seen a flood of regulations in response to this. Needless to say, our legislation is amongst the best in the world. However, implementing and enforcing this legislation is our challenge.”

The Challenges: Waste Minimisation and Public Awareness
The issue of diminishing landfill airspace is one that South Africa continues to face - especially in major metros.

Ginindza says Cape Town, eThekwini, and Ekurhuleni are already experiencing increases in the cost of moving waste as their landfills reach capacity. She adds that locally, the focus still falls too much on waste management with not enough attention given to actual waste minimisation.

“In most cases the waste collection and disposal company provides that service, but yet it is not their core business,” Ginindza explains, adding that households are generally not ‘separating at source’, with waste pickers doing only some of that work.

“Education and awareness also need to be driven in schools. This situation requires everyone’s involvement - from households to business.”

Another area that the IWMSA believes can be improved is partnerships and collaborations.

“South Africa must emphasise the need to develop capacity, not only locally, but also in the region. We miss out on funding opportunities, not because there is no need to fund projects, but because there is no capacity or capability.”

The Successes: EPR Regulations and e-Waste Diversion
Ginindza says partnerships between government and private sector are yielding results - such as Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) implementing and expanding programs for waste diversion.

“Part of their role is to work with municipalities to build infrastructure for managing waste,” she adds. “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations have also been implemented and producers are now responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products which includes their waste management. “And although EPR does not solve all the country’s waste management problems, it is a crucial tool.

“In South Africa, EPR focuses on waste picker integration and circular economy. We should therefore acknowledge the role that waste pickers have played in waste diversion.” A lot of effort was also made to make people aware of the dangers of e-waste.

“It is now restricted from being disposed of to landfill, with a Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) policy under development. It will provide guidance and help to drive proper disposal and recycling.”

In conclusion, Ginindza says small businesses that want to make sure they comply, can reach out to the IWMSA. “We provide support through our training programmes and engaging different stakeholders through seminars and conferences. By supporting the waste sector, we can ensure proper waste management and maintain a clean environment.”

Supplied.

Remember to take those roof racks down after your holiday trip! The additional weight and air resistance could be adding to your petrol cost. Lighten the load to save the environment and your pocket!

Hi-Q Howick

Thank you, Howick!

It has been two weeks since the storm hit and our teams are still buzzing with praise for the remarkable people of this town.

On Thursday and Friday - more than 2000 people helped with clean-up operations!
Businesses provided additional trucks, big and small, to cart debris away
The air was filled with the buzzing of more than 50 chainsaws
+100 tons of chopped-up trees and branches were removed from our streets.

The progress has been amazing and those who have not been able to be there in person have helped by contributing to operational expenses!

BUT, there is still a lot left to do... And we need help!

Love Howick plans to make Friday 2 February a massive clean-up day, we will deploy our Renoverge and IDC teams, and are asking that everyone gets involved - even if it is just for an hour or two!

Join the BIG SWEEP

Who can help?
Residents
School groups
Businesses
NGOs
Community groups

How can you help?
Bring your bakkies, trucks and/or trailers to help cart to the dump
Help loading vehicles and trailers
Gather and sweep up the last of the debris
You have a chainsaw and can help chop!

We are very short of vehicles to help with carting to the dump, so anyone who has time, as well as a truck, bakkie and/or trailer to spare, is urgently needed.

If you are interested in or can help, please leave your name in the comments and if you can assist with vehicles to haul to the dump, please mention that!
You are also welcome to inbox us and let us know how you can help!

Alternatively, if you would prefer to contribute to help with operational expenses you can do so via Backabuddy at https://www.backabuddy.co.za/donate/charity/lhw or by EFT to:

Love Howick NPC
Howick FNB
Cheque Account: 627 747 27 039
Branch Code: 220 725
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

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

'Two little pigs... Do you remember the little Bushpig that was admitted last December? Well, Bushpigs need friends since they grow up in a family (known as a sounder), so when a Little Warthog was admitted, we decided to join them up for company.

And then this chap arrived... we'll just refer to him as "beast". (Warthog image below.)

We don't quite know his full story, but he was also orphaned at a young age and hand reared to this point. He was then brought in to FreeMe Wildlife for the last part of his rehabilitation journey. Fortunately, neither he nor the Bushpig are tame.

So we decided to put the two together, "Beauty and the Beast" (Top image), to keep each other company and well, the rest is history. A wonderful friendship has developed between the two, and yes, we will release them together.'

More about FreeMe Wildlife.

As thousands of swimmers put the finishing touch to their preparations for the aQuellé MIdmar Mile, one man on the other side of the world is wishing he was headed back to the shores of the KwaZulu-Natal dam next weekend.

That’s two-time defending men’s champion Connor Buck (Top image), who since his second straight victory last year has started studying at Princeton University in the USA and will not make it back to defend his title.

“I haven’t missed a Midmar Mile since I was 11 and it’s always been a such positive race for me so of course I feel a degree of FOMO [fear of missing out],” he admitted from his base New Jersey.

“There are so many things that go into making the Midmar Mile a special race. There’s the history and tradition of the event, the astounding number of competitors and the quality of the athletes it attracts. But for me what makes it most memorable is the camaraderie of the event. Being able to tackle the race with friends and family around you and sharing the experience of the race with so many other athletes sets the Midmar Mile apart for me,” added the SA National 5km and 10km open water champion.

Buck’s best time at the aQuellé Midmar Mile is the 17 minutes 39 seconds he achieved on his way to the 2023 title. This year will see the return of Australia’s 2019 Midmar winner Nick Sloman (Pictured here), who has already made his intentions clear – he’s out to break seven-time winner and former world champion Chad Ho’s 2016 record of 17 minutes flat.

Asked about the prospect of the record being broken, Buck reckoned: “Chad’s record will be tough to beat and there’s a reason it has stood for eight years now. But with a swimmer like Nick Sloman, I think a sub-17 minute Midmar is on the cards. Obviously, conditions on the day will play a role but if they are any good, the record will go.”

As for his advice on swimming the perfect race on the day, Buck added: “The start is where a lot can go wrong in the Midmar due to the sheer number of competitors which makes it quite chaotic. So, finding clean water as early as possible is crucial. After that, it’s just about staying in a good rhythm and swimming a straight line.”

Those eager to get in on the action at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until midnight tonight, 31 January, to get their pre-entries in. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

Supplied.

End of January… already!

And with the end of the month came our first Dormehl Phalane sponsored 2 Bowl Trips Competition, with a field of 22 teams entered. This is always such a festive competition, and this month was certainly no different as we welcomed players from Howick, Hilton, Maritzburg, Mooi River and Wartburg. Thank you to Pippa and her team from Dormehl Phalane Property Group for their wonderful sponsorship, and also to J Leslie Smith & Co who sponsored the delicious chocolate brownies and other tea time snacks.

Well Done to the following winning teams:-

1st Prize: Alan Willey, Phil Lang & Sharon Willey
2nd Prize: Clark Logan, Cindy Bro & Colin Burden
3rd Prize: Bob Chetty, Bruce Tucker & Barry Fairbrother
Plate Prize: Zelda Siebert, Mark Taylor & Tara Janse Van Rensburg

We would also like to say good luck to the NIBA District and President’s teams who will be representing the Natal Inland Bowling Association the weekend at the KZN Quadrangular Tournament. We’re so proud to see two of members, Lisa Nagel and Wendy Smith, included in the teams and we wish them good bowling!

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

Events to keep an eye out for…

Saturday, 3 February: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Wednesday, 14 February: Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Tuesday, 20 February: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 23 February: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. Coaching by registered coaches is available.
For more information contact Sharon on 082 900 5944.

Photo Caption: Winners of the Dormehl Phalane Competition, Alan & Sharon Willey and Phil Lang with Cindy Bro from Dormehl

Absa, a proudly Pan-African bank, hosted its annual Team Absa Training Camp at Karkloof Country Club in KwaZulu-Natal from 25 to 28 January in preparation for the 2024 Absa Cape Epic.

Absa demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community empowerment through education during this year's training camp activities. The bank’s key stakeholders took charge of spearheading significant upgrades and refurbishments at Yarrow Intermediate School, reaffirming Absa's dedication to being an active force for good in the communities it serves. Notably, this school holds special significance for Absa, as it is the same institution where the bank previously donated a stationary bus. The bus has now been transformed into a library, capable of simultaneously accommodating up to 60 children from Grade R to Grade 7. This initiative aligns with the bank’s commitment to empowering communities through education and being an active force for good in everything it does.

Mary Gray, Yarrow Intermediate School Project Coordinator, stated, "Our sincere thanks to Absa for its continued support at Yarrow School. The upgrades to the Grade R and Grade 1 blocks were fundamental for the beginning of the school year, and we are grateful for their support."

Tina Venter, Executive: Marketing Operations, Absa Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, says, “Absa aims to create a meaningful impact by developing the communities we operate in. The refurbishments and upgrades at the Yarrow Intermediate School at the start of the 2024 school year are another milestone for the Group. We pride ourselves on empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together … one story at a time, by contributing to the success of our country's literacy rate."

The new partnership between Absa and the official charity partner of the Absa Cape Epic, ILoveBoobies, saw the provision of 400 free breast examinations to South African women in the communities surrounding the Karkloof Valley, during Team Absa Training Camp weekend.

Next up is the 20th edition of the Absa Cape Epic, which starts on Sunday, 17 March 2024. This race has undoubtedly earned its rightful place as one of the most exhilarating and life-changing mountain biking races in the world.

Pictured here top: Sydney Nhlanhla Mbhele, Absa and Mzwakhe Mdunge, Yarrow School Principal

Supplied.

Fun facts about Insurance: These facts show that insurance is not just a boring industry, but also has some interesting and unusual aspects:

First Female Driver: In 1897, Bridget Driscoll got the first auto insurance in the UK.
Longevity Insurance: To prevent outliving savings, longevity insurance is rising.
First Car Policy: The initial car insurance was for a taxi in 1897.
Prize-Indemnity: Companies use insurance for big prizes to avoid financial hits.
Ancient Origins: Insurance dates back to ancient China and Babylon.
Celeb Coverage: Celebrities insure body parts – America Ferrera's smile for $10 million, Keith Richards' finger for $1.6 million.
Alien Abduction Policy: Some insurers offer coverage for alien abductions.
Weather Spoiler: Japanese insurers cover ruined trips due to bad weather.
Loch Ness Protection: A whisky company insured against the Loch Ness Monster destroying a blender's taste buds.

In life, as in insurance, the best policy is one that safeguards your future with foresight and resilience. Secure today, safeguard tomorrow with Cooke Fuller Insurance!

Your trusted partner in protection, ensuring a worry-free future for what matters most to you. Explore our comprehensive coverage options – because your peace of mind is our priority.

Click the link www.cookefuller.co.za and let's build a secure tomorrow together!

Call 033 330 3601 or visit 101 Main Street, Howick.

Midlands Hospice (Howick) is about to launch a big walk circumnavigating the areas in which we serve. Undeniably one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, we have a well-known ultra trail runner who is going to test the course for us, in a non-stop running challenge.

Matt Dove will navigate his way from Howick through the forests of the Karkloof and Curry's Post districts, the green rolling hills around Nottingham Road and past the eclectic mix of arts and crafts and restaurants to Rosetta. The trail will then take him into the most beautiful Kamberg valley, past stud farms and sheep farms dating back to pioneering days, all this set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains. He will forge his way across the Kamberg Nature Reserve, and through rarely seen beautiful dairy farms into the very wee village, Fort Nottingham. The iconic 1976m Inhlosane will entice Matt through some of the darling Dargle Valley region of blue streams, forests opening up to grasslands with beautiful wildflowers, drawing him up to drink in 360 degrees of most beautiful views! This will give him the strength needed to finish the final stretch - down through the Dargle Forests alongside cascading rivers and up over Mount Ashley near Midmar Dam. He will experience the vibrance of the Mpophomeni community that Midlands Hospice has closely worked with, past the country escapes of the Birnamwood district and across the misty Hilton planes to the edge of the uMngeni Valley Gorge. The last stretch will be the ultimate challenge as he navigates the steep slopes and impressive cliffs of the Umngeni Valley and Gwen's Gorge, across the Umngeni River hauling himself up out of the valley, back to Midlands Hospice from where he started.

Matt will start his challenge on the 23rd of February, launching the massive fund-raising initiative 2 months before we walk for Hospice – our ultimate 12-day, Hospice Trail.

We would love for the Midlands Community to journey with us on this venture – our dream would be to have daily coverage of how the journey for hope is going and motivate people and businesses and corporates to challenge each other and pledge to a worthy cause where we offer hope, provide support, and honour life in the face of life threatening illness.

The Big Walk will be open to the public and will be launching soon. We will have a 12-day option, 4-day option and a chance to join us for the day up Inhlosane and again on our last day through the Umgeni Valley and back to Hospice House.

To support Matt on his Run for Hospice donate now https://sites.google.com/view/mattdoverunforhospice/home

We're thrilled to introduce "Cuppa Love" – a heartwarming initiative where you can gather your loved ones for a special teatime while supporting Love Howick projects and operations!

The best thing about this is that it is a super easy DIY project which you can do at home or wherever you wish. All you have to do is:
1. Invite your guests to a teatime you plan
2. Ask them for a contribution of your choice (it can be non-perishable foodstuff, good quality secondhand items for the Street Store or even a financial contribution to go towards bursaries or our Operations and Projects fund)
3. Have FUN!!

Let us know what you are planning, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and then we can assist with arranging deposits, deliveries and so forth.

By hosting a Cuppa Love event, you're not just sharing laughter and good company; you're also contributing to the betterment of Howick through our various projects and operations.

Let's make every sip count!

Together, let's pour out love and support for Love Howick!

Taking a moment to be in awe of those bright blue skies and that wonderful green grass, feeling blessed. We have great facilities at BSET Academy and we offer the students the opportunity to bring their own horse to work with and in addition to working with our horses and horses in for rehabilitation. Learning hands on with different horses strengthens the skills learnt and makes for a confident Equine Practitioner. If you are still considering studying this year we have one spot open before the end of February, some catch up will be required.
 
More about BSET Equine Academy

KSS Security Advice
Enhancing your home and business security is crucial for the safety of both occupants and your property. Here are some KSS recommendations:

Install a Robust Security System: Invest in a comprehensive security system that includes burglar alarms, CCTV cameras, and motion sensors. Ensure that all entry points and vulnerable areas of your home or business are covered, even those out-buildings.

Quality Door and Window Locks: Install high-quality locks on all doors and windows. Also ensure that doors and windows are closed during the day or night when the house or business is unoccupied.
Outdoor Lighting: Adequate outdoor lighting can deter potential intruders. Install motion-activated lights around entrances, pathways, and other dark areas to eliminate hiding spots.

Secure Sliding Doors and Windows: Reinforce sliding doors and windows with additional locks or security bars or gates. These can help prevent them from being forced open.

Smart Home Technology: Utilize smart home and business technology for added security. Smart alarms and CCTV cameras can be monitored remotely, allowing you to stay connected and receive real-time alerts.

Garden landscaping: Trim bushes and trees near windows and in the garden to eliminate potential hiding spots. Ensure clear visibility around the perimeter of your home or business.

Securing Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows. Consider investing in a safe for important documents, jewelry, or other high-value items. Make sure you install the safe correctly.

Neighborhood Watch Participation: Engage with your local community through neighborhood watch groups. These are also great at keeping you alerted. Always remember to communicate directly with your security service provider if your need assistance.

Automation Timers: Use timers for lights, radios, or TVs to create the illusion of an occupied home, particularly when you're away.

Secure Garage Access: Ensure that your garage is secure. Keep the garage door locked and consider additional security measures for garage windows. Make sure vehicles parked outside are also secure. Consider external motion sensors or CCTV cameras in these parking areas.

Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance on your security system, ensuring that all components are functioning correctly. Replace batteries in alarms and sensors as needed. Call KSS 24/7 for assistance.

Emergency Preparedness: Have a well-thought-out emergency plan at home and for your business, including a communication strategy and designated meeting points in case of an unexpected event.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly enhance the security of your home and business, creating a safer environment for you, your family, employees and your community.

CONTACT KSS 24/7 on 033 3305911.

Hot Items
External lighting
Brush cutters
Plastic sails
Wheelbarrows
Small generators
Tools and workshop / garage equipment

Please also be aware of opportunistic intruders and don’t leave items lying around or in view of the road.

In general, if you’re over the age of 60, or have a history of hearing loss in your family, you should be getting a hearing test at least once every two years.

But your hearing isn’t the only thing that requires regular testing…the lifespan of a hearing device can vary anywhere from 3 - 7 years, depending on how well it’s built, maintained and how much wear and tear it experiences.

If you’ve noticed a change in your hearing, or with your hearing device, contact Butlin Hearing for a FREE hearing screening, a comprehensive hearing test, or a new hearing device.

Call Claire in our Howick office on 033 330 3966, or Mark in the Pietermaritzburg office on 033 342 2330, and let Butlin Hearing welcome you to the world of sound!

Shape Your Retirement Future with Cooke Fuller's Tailor-Made Solutions!

Unlock the key to a secure retirement with a solution crafted uniquely for you. At Cooke Fuller, we understand the importance of personalized retirement planning, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Choose Cooke Fuller for Retirement Planning:
Tailor-Made Solutions: Craft a retirement plan that aligns perfectly with your unique needs and aspirations.
Certified Financial Planners®: Our expert planners specialize in formulating bespoke retirement plans, ensuring you receive top-notch advice.
Access to Excellent Asset Managers: Benefit from our network of exceptional asset managers and investment funds for superior performance.

Explore Your Retirement Options - Get a Quote Now! Your golden years, our priority.

Call: 033 330 3601
Visit: 101 Main Street, Howick

Two swimmers are aiming to finish the aQuellé Midmar Mile for an incredible 50th time when the event takes place at the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam next month.

Both Gail Bristow and Martin Godfrey have completed the world’s largest open water event 49 times and are on track to reach their half-centuries this year.

“Right now, it’s what’s driving me to train as much and as hard as I can,” said Godfrey. “I think that my emotions may run away with me when I exit the water at the finish. My wife will be there and I know that my late dad, who was there when I swam the first one, would be glowing with pride.”

Godfrey finished third in the first ever aQuellé Midmar Mile held in 1974 and recalls what that first race was like.

“The gun went off at 9am and we raced across to the other side. There was a raft at the halfway mark which was used by those needing a break and the polo players swam with water polo balls.

“I was the only swimmer wearing a cap. My dad said I should wear a white one so he could see me in the water. At the finish, we were given a handwritten certificate and there was a small prizegiving and by 11am, it was all over.”

Meanwhile, the Cape Town-based Bristow (Pictured here top) admits that just getting to the start line each year has been something of a challenge.

“I love swimming, so that part is easy, but the logistics of getting there from Cape Town each year and managing to juggle all that life throws at us in between is always the challenge. Not always so easy.

“1984 was Cyclone Domoina which caused severe flooding and roads washed away, so that was a challenge just to get to the dam,” she explained. “In 2017 and 2019 I had knee replacement surgery, so ‘limped’ my way through those two swims unsure that it would be possible.

“When I think back, it really is remarkable that for 50 years, on the second Sunday in February, I have been on the start line at Midmar regardless.
“It is a scary thought to think of 50 years of Midmar. It is a huge milestone and I never imagined it possible. I feel very grateful to be able to keep swimming for all these years.”

Godfrey may be one of the participants on the start line each year but he’s also part of the organisation of the event. For the past 23 years, his is the voice swimmers hear just before embarking on their crossings, with Godfrey serving as the announcer at the start.

Explaining what brings him back year on year, he reckoned: I come back because a) I want to be the one who ultimately swims it the most times and b) because I have a 53-year friendship with race director Wayne Riddin and I share his vision and passion for the event.”

As for what’s brought Bristow back each year, the retired school teacher explained: “Midmar has become a fixture on my calendar each year and I look forward to seeing good friends as I grew up in KZN and did most of my competitive swimming there. I also challenge myself to keep as close to my previous year’s time as possible.”

“It is a fantastic event and with a bit of preparation, it’s something most people can achieve. Do it, you will love it and come back for more!”

Those still keen to take on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until 31 January to get their pre-entries in online. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

Supplied.

Swimmers eager to dive into the challenge of next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile have been given an extra week to get their pre-entries in.

Race Director Wayne Riddin confirmed that the pre-entry deadline has been extended from 25 January to midnight on 31 January.

“As the interest and excitement surrounding the aQuellé Midmar Mile continue to build, we want to ensure that every swimmer has the opportunity to join us at the dam next month,” said Riddin.

“The new entry procedure allows us to keep the entries open longer. And by extending the pre-entry deadline to the end of the month, we hope to encourage even more participants to take the plunge and become part of this extraordinary event."

The aQuellé Midmar Mile, now in its 51st year, is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 8 February to Sunday, 11 February. The 8 and 16-mile Charity Challenge swims, which raise millions for several official charities every year, take place on the first two days of the event, and the other mass participation events, including the disabled and elite races, are set for the Saturday and Sunday.

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of swimmers from around the country – and world back to Midmar Dam again this February,” said Riddin.

“What makes this event so special is that it’s not only about the elite, international-level swimmers. This is an event for everyone – we have swimmers aged 8 to 80-plus and of abilities, all rubbing shoulders with the best of the best and they all have the same goal, to get from the start to the finish as best they can.”

Those keen to get in on the action can head to www.midmarmile.co.za for more information and to enter. Entries to certain events are possible on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam.

Supplied.