It was on this day, 20 years ago we decided to take the plunge with our very successful slipper business called “Kozitoes” at the time, and expand our brand by producing our own clothing range and sourcing products locally and internationally.

In 2009 I embarked on a journey to Bangkok with my daughter Natalie. The rule, to literally travel with two empty suitcases and nothing else but the clothes on our back. Looking back at this, it was a trip to remember.

No husband and a credit card full to the max allowing me to purchase whatever I could find in the city that certainly doesn’t sleep!!!

Over this 10 day trip paving the smelly hot streets of Bangkok, finding one of the largest markets I have ever seen, we successfully sourced beautiful gift items and clothing which we ended up shipping, along with 800 beautiful crafted hair accessories in our luggage. By day 8 Natalie and I maxed our money and were rationing food for two full days before our flight home. Money well spent, absoloutely YES… but it was here that i saw the most beautiful fabrics.

Returning from this trip it re-ignited my passion for sourcing quality fabrics. From a young age I always used to sew my outfits whether it be for a casual weekend out, special occasion, or for our kids Cameron and Natalie. Returning from this trip I began playing with fabrics and producing clothing.

Our first shop was in Howick, by the Howick Falls. Over a 15 year period we opened additional stores in the Central Drakensburg, Clarens and our main store at Piggly Wiggly - Midlands.

Fast forward to 2020, Covid taught us a lot, it hit us hard like most businesses. Being a retail store and only being allowed to sell winter essentials, the restrictions of movement, and rules forced us to close all stores except our Piggly Wiggly branch. For the survival of this business we had to adapt to e-commerce and limited trading times. This wasn’t the end as it has allowed us to focus solely on what we take pride in… sourcing quality fabrics and producing a range for all shapes and sizes.

Our store boasts a beautiful selection of accessories and gift items of which are locally produced.

We are proud to be 20 today, it has been quite a eventful journey, We started out travelling around the country attending markets and expos, producing handmade Genuine Sheepskin slippers, evolving our new brand, opening multiple stores, surviving Covid and of course the looting.

We are so grateful for all our family, friends and customers.

Gary and Robyn xx

On Thursday, 31 August, Howick High School showcased the amazing talents of its students at the annual Talent Show.

The School Choir, conducted by past Head Girl, Grace Botha performed a fantastic rendition of 'Believer' by Imagine Dragons and the Dance Company, choreographed by past pupils Rachel Tyrer and Wernich Fargher, performed two dances to 'Daylight' by David Kushner and 'Special Star' by Mango Groove. The Social Band played 'When the Stars go Blue' by Ryan Adams and our School Band played four songs, including a new item called 'The Trooper' by Iron Maiden.
We heard the beautiful voices of Nokwanda Mnikathi, Jenna Toohey, Lily Cowden, Tiya Naicker, Rachel Taylor, Megan Tyrer, Charlotte Burnie, Andy Webb and Lothisile Mazeka as well as Remy McMahon who performed a song she wrote herself.

Kendra Tongue performed Rhythmic Gymnastics, The Luyt Sisters performed a glow-in-the-dark dance, Brandon Maposa did performance Art Work, Mphaso Chirwa performed a beautiful ballet and we were entertained by a group performing a Gwijo song.

This was all pulled together with stand up comedy 'dad jokes' by our master of ceremony, Mr Mark Houston.

'Grade R’s had lots of fun visiting Lenmed Hospital today. They enjoyed a tour of the hospital, the Ampath and Lancet blood labs and even got to see how an ambulance functions thanks to St Michaels.

The children were then spoilt with some treats and juice before coming home with souveniers.

Thank you Howick Lenmed for the wonderful day.

Supreme Quaero'

More about Howick Prep School

The 25th JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Experience, which is hosted by the Centre for Creative Arts (UKZN) begins tonight (Tuesday 29 August) in Durban, and alongside the performances at The Sneddon Theatre and the Stable Theatre, open workshops, talks and site-specific works, the festival will once again showcase some digital offerings that are FREE and online on its YouTube channel “Jomba_Dance”.

“Over the past three years, as the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our world, what emerged was the blossoming of digital dance making (sometimes referred as ‘screen dance’),” says Dr Lliane Loots, Curator and Artistic Director of the festival. “Stepping into 2023, we wanted to continue to support digital dance making – especially in the global South – and to enable audiences, who are unable to be here in person, to experience part of the festival. The result is some fascinating work, that we believe contemporary dance lovers will enjoy.”

The screen dance competition platform JOMBA! OPEN HORIZONS is available online on Sunday 3 September at 6pm. In early 2023 JOMBA! opened submissions for both long and short form screen dance films. An independent jury selected six films to showcase and the top three winners will be announced after the viewing. The top three will be given a cash prize from the festival to honour their ongoing work. The six shortlisted works are from Tshediso Kabulu (Durban), Maulid Owino (Nairobi, Kenya), Kamogelo Dooka (Cape Town), Zandile Salukazana (Cape Town), Thamsanqa Majela (Bloemfontein), and Oscar O’Ryan (Cape Town).

Durban-based dance-maker Marcia Mzindle presents a screen dance work as her offering as a grant recipient on the JOMBA! ON THE EDGE platform that supports fresh innovative contemporary dance work. Her s dance film INTO EMDAKA, was conceived while she was reading her Master’s degree where she began to explore the body — particularly Black women's bodies, looking at dance and in physical performances. The work focuses on reimagining the Black female body as a 'site of possibilities' that unveils its multiple identities. INTO EMDAKA will premiere on the JOMBA! YouTube channel on Thursday 7 September at 6pm.

And as the closing for 2023, JOMBA! has partnered with the PANORAMA DANCE FESTVIVAL in Brazil and will screen two Brazilian screen dance films on Sunday, 10 September at 6pm. ELEGBARÁ is described as a “an ephemeral and visceral dance, dialogue with the city; making the streets an urgent stage” and ÈDÀ is a dance video with performance scenes recorded throughout the territory of Maré where seven artists, residents of Maré and other communities come together during the pandemic to pulsate and weave dance as breath and hope.

All these DIGITAL JOMBA! 2023 works are offered free via: https://www.youtube.com/Jomba_Dance

For more information about the festival go to www.jomba.ukzn.ac.za

Pictured here: EDA

Photo credit: Mayara Baptista Ignacio Miranda

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Can you feel Spring slowly starting to settle in!

Although we now have to contend with the August winds the weather definitely seems to be starting to warm up and we’re looking forward to night bowls starting up again. Speaking of which, our Midlands Hillbillies held a fun evening competition on Wednesday, the 23rd of August with a game of 4-3-2-1. After lots of laughter on the greens there was more to follow around the braai as we enjoyed a bring and share dinner. Well done to Mark Taylor and Kevin Palmer who each took home first prize on their respective rinks, and also to Lisa Nagel who won the toucher prize.

On Friday, the 25th of August we had 18 teams playing in our Dormehl Phalane Property Group 2 Bowl Trips. It was possibly one of the windiest days we’ve had and not only were some hats being blown away on the green, but so too were the bowls! Despite the weather conditions, everyone had a fantastic time and a number of the bowlers seemed to really enjoy the challenge presented by the winds! Thank you to Pippa Griffin from Dormehl Phalane Property Group for their generous prize sponsorship and the lovely teatime treats!

Well done to the winning teams:-

1st Prize: Tara Van Rensburg, Mark Taylor & Sheridan Schraader
2nd Prize: Stephanie Crause, Egon Von Meyer & Steve Simpson
3rd Prize: Rusty Ikin, Graham Duggie & Garth Elliot
Plate Prize: Alan Willey, Sharon Willey & Patrick Carter-Brown

Another thank you we’d like to make this week is a much more solemn one. Unfortunately, we had a break in during the early hours of Friday morning, however Knight Security Solutions were on the case immediately and we are very happy and grateful to report that they made an arrest and none of our equipment was stolen. Thank you so much Knight Security! What a relief to know that you’re looking after us!

Back to some happier news… we’ve got a new competition in the pipelines which will be sponsored by Amber Glades Senior Living. At this point we’re in the early planning stages but will have a date set for a morning competition in either September or October. This one is set to be in interesting and fun one with a possible minimum age requirement for some of the players. Keep an eye out for more information on that in the coming weeks.

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

Events to keep an eye out for…

Wednesday, 6 September: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 16 September: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Tuesday, 26 September: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 29 September: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Photo Caption: Winners of the DPPG Competition, Sheridan Schraader, Mark Taylor & Tara Van Rensburg with Pippa Griffin from DPPG.

One of the ways that we reward responsible dog ownership and to help dogs enjoy a better quality of life, is by installing a fenced off area so that dogs no longer need to be chained. Most people living in townships cannot afford to fence their properties and resort to chaining their dogs, at least sometimes, to keep them safe and to avoid them annoying the neighbours.

Ntuthuko and Nondumiso Nxumalo have been attending our dog school for some time now and both have reached the senior class with their dogs, Fluffy and Spike. Our Animal Welfare Officer identified this family as deserving recipients of the fencing project as they have shown commitment to the program and have cared well for their dogs. They were very happy that their dogs can now be safe and move freely at home.

If you would like to sponsor another deserving family and their dog please give your donation the reference: FENCING

Bank Details:
Funda Nenja
First National Bank
Branch Code 220 725
Account number 624 587 66197

Our world is experiencing the very real effects of climate change.

According to the Development Bank of Africa, “Africa is the most vulnerable continent to climate change impacts… and faces exponential collateral damage, posing systemic risks to its economies, infrastructure investments, water and food systems, public health, agriculture, and livelihoods”.

Climate change will increasingly affect us all – we already feel the changes in weather conditions and are suffering with more severe droughts and storms and unusual rainfall patterns.

The welfare of animals is already compromised because of human activities such as intensive farming, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating this global crisis.

People, animals and the environment are all at risk.

We cannot escape climate change, but we can all contribute to slowing down its progress and we can commit to individually and collectively being more responsible.

As individuals, we can all make a difference if we commit to:
Reduce, Reuse, Repair & Recycle. This is a starting point and something each one of us is able to do, collectively this will have a positive impact. Stay informed with the latest news and global initiatives.We must use our resources wisely – from water to fuel – everything is interlinked and everything is important. Buy Ethically – now more than ever is the time to review what we eat, the cost to the animals and the planet and make the decision to make more ethical and kinder choices.

What are you doing to mitigate the impact of #ClimateChange?

'We were in Mpophomeni yesterday for a steri clinic for #FundaNenja where another 15 dogs were sterilised. We were joined by two CCS (Compulsory Community Service) vets Dr Bethany Moses and Dr Tarika Singh who are gaining valuable experience doing these surgeries under the watchful eye of Dr Lee.

Many thanks again to all the volunteers and staff who help at these clinic's.' from Midmar Vet Clinic.

Hugh Spencer, owner of Amber Maintenance Services, offers excellence in action at your home or business. For a range of installations and repairs that will make daily life easier chat to Hugh.

Garage Door - Replacements/Repairs, Lifting force adjustments, Cable replacements, Alignment issues, Torsion spring replacements, Guide wheel replacements, Lubrication, Automation problems, Jammed Doors, Safety cables, Lock replacements, New Remotes & Programming.
Driveway Gates - Maintenance/Replacement of Guide & Roller wheels, Automation problems, Alignment issues, Gate repairs, Manufacture & Installation of Emergency Hatches (Fitted inside the existing gate) New Remotes & Programming.
Parking Lot Booms - Fault location, Maintenance, Repairs & Programming.
Sliding Doors - Maintenance/Replacement of Guide & Roller Wheels, Locking/Catch issues, Automation issues (Hospital & Commercial)
Electrical - Fault location, Overloads, Earth Leakage issues, Surge Protection, Over & Under voltage relays, Load balancing, Repairs & maintenance (Excluding Appliances).
Plumbing - Toilet accessories, Seats, Cisterns & leaks, Tap & Plug maintenance/replacements, Drain unblocking, Hand & Bath rails, Shower fitting replacements, Hot water problems.
Carpentry - Doors, Hinges, Catches, Locks, Cupboards, Drawer Slides, Furniture assembly & repairs, Installation of shelving.
Steelwork - Repairs & welding, Manufacture of customised items.
Miscellaneous Services – Securing of Gun/Rifle Safes & Work in Restricted Areas discreetly done with no 1/3 Parties involved, Assembly & Installation of Awnings, Securing Picture Frames & Mirrors, Prototype projects.

For Services not listed - please call 067 294 1404.

Spring is such a beautiful time.

Everything starts to grow and there’s a fresh new feel to life, which is why it’s also a good time to look back over the past year and see just how far you’ve come. We’ll certainly be doing that at our AGM later this month and what a journey we’ve made in the past twelve months. Not only have we made some huge improvements to our club house, the grounds and facilities in general but we’ve increased our membership, have introduced darts, snooker and a whiskey tasting club and still have more ideas brewing! Thank you to the members of our 2022/2023 committee and we look forward to an even more successful 2023/2024 year!

Over the past weekend all three of our league teams played at home; what a busy afternoon of bowls. The women’s team had a lovely game against Lynwood and picked up two points. The men’s second team played against Howick and the thirds played against Maritzburg. They each picked up 2.5 and 5.5 points respectively and all players had a wonderful afternoon on the greens.

On Tuesday morning, four of our members were awarded their Marker’s Badge & Certificate for the successful completion of the most recently run course. Congratulations to Kevin Palmer, Wendy Smith, Pippa Griffin and Sharon Trower for this achievement and for making the first step in the journey to becoming an umpire.

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

Events to keep an eye out for…

Wednesday, 6 September: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 16 September: Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15
Tuesday, 19 September: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Lisa on 084 586 6984)
Friday, 29 September: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45 (Book with Pippa on 083 467 8140)

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Get your hands on these awesome chairs that will add a unique and fun element to your home. These are available in different styles and if you can't keep your mitts off of these stunning chairs, get in contact today at sales@theuglyduckling or 073 520 3091.

HARTS (Howick Arts Society) has a spring art exhibition coming up in September, hope to see you there.

Date: Saturday, 30 September 2023

Time: 9 am until 12 noon

Place: SPCA Garden Centre, Main Street, Howick

Saskia Renzi, a Grade 12 Treverton College student (who lives in Balgowan), was part of the KZN U18 Inland team participating in the Regional Tournament in Nelspruit between 11th and 15th July. Her team triumphantly won the Tournament and received Gold.

Supplied.

'The Lions River miniature Train is out and running today Piggly Wiggly - Midlands.

It's a fun experience for all ages.

9-4:30pm.' more about Piggly Wiggly

'Our Winter Dinner on Tuesday 15 August broached a more serious topic than usual, with 'Comparison Destroys'.

Grade 10 learners, Abigail Weber, Madison Guy and Mia van den Essenburg confidently handled their first speech presentations.

Banele Mpangase and Abigail Holmes reminded us that negative comparison often prevents us from celebrating others and their achievements. A welcome moment of comic relief was introduced by Kierra Luyt in her imaginative tale of sibling rivalry. Neave Cox modelled the accomplished orator’s poise, thorough preparation, authentic voice, and immediate rapport with her audience. She achieved the winning presentation of the evening. Brandon Maposa gave a mature, resonating response to the speeches with his thoughtful explanation of the negative effects of schadenfreude – joy in others’ failings.

Congratulations to all the speakers and great thanks to Mr Ventress, the grounds staff, Mrs Williams and the hospitality club for making our evening so memorable.' more about Howick High School

'This term we have chosen the important topic of health and nutrition for our parent connect. If order for our children to excel at school and on the sports field we need to make sure that they are fueled correctly.

We are so fortunate to have two dietitian mums who will be sharing this valuable talk with us all on Tuesday 29 August. There will only be one talk at 18:00.

Lindsay Hayward will talk about Gut Health and Megan Dimitriades will answer the all important question of “What’s for dinner mom?”. This will be about incorporating the building blocks of a healthy diet and the practical application of this.

Entrance will be R20. Tea, coffee and a treat will be served.

Invite your friends and neighbour to join you.

Child care will be available for the session.

Suprema Quaero' more about Howick Prep School

Choosing the Right Solar Installation Partner

As South Africa grapples with the constant back-and-forth between load shedding stages 4 and 6 - and now potentially stage 8 - by Eskom, an increasing number of households and businesses are turning to solar power combined with battery storage for relief and minimal disruptions from no access to power. To navigate this crucial transition, SOLARWORLD Africa offers valuable advice, ensuring consumers and businesses partner with the right solar solution provider.

Gregor Kuepper, Managing Director of SOLARWORLD Africa (Pictured below), has observed a significant surge in renewable energy adoption during ongoing loadshedding and as businesses seek alternative power solutions. However, he cautions that with this increased demand, inexperienced and unreliable solar suppliers and installers may emerge, lacking the necessary expertise to offer the best solar solutions and professional installation.

“While efficiency, size and price are primary considerations when opting for solar power and battery storage, the key to selecting the most suitable solution lies in seeking guidance from trusted experts and heeding their advice,” he explains.

Here are the six essential tips from SOLARWORLD Africa to help individuals and businesses, especially those new to renewable energy, find a knowledgeable and respected installer that can recommend the right solar and battery storage solution and partners:

Evaluate the Installer's Track Record:
Choose a solar installer with extensive expertise in the industry, access to the best solar products, and a deep understanding of complex policies. “Policies and utility standards specific to your location can significantly impact the return on investment of your solar solution. By checking the company's references and customer feedback, you can make an informed decision regarding who you partner with, and the products you choose to have installed.”

Understand Solar Panels and Battery Storage Synergy:
It’s essential to understand the interplay between solar panels and battery storage. The household battery system stores energy from solar panels and can also be charged from the grid. This stored energy can be used later, enabling uninterrupted power supply day and night.

Confirm Product Compatibility:
“Enquire about the technology's simplicity of integration into your current power system. Consider the efficiency and materials used in the solar panels and systems. Knowing the system's total energy production over its lifetime and the installation timeline is essential, especially when running a business.”

Verify Product Certification and Quality:
“It's best to opt for high-quality solar and battery technologies with certifications that ensure system reliability. Product certifications offer you peace of mind and maximise your long-term savings.”

Ensure Future Durability with Product Warranties:
“Make sure you have reliable technology, performance guarantees, and product warranties to support the production and lifespan of individual components in your solar and battery system. This will give you confidence in your chosen products and installation partners. It's crucial to understand the warranties and coverage for the products involved.”

Prioritise After-Sales Support:
Select solar partners with a proven track record and a commitment to long-term support – this applies to the products and the team installing them. Investing in a quality solar product ensures longevity and maximises the value of your solar system for decades to come, and having them installed by trusted experts leaves no room for error.”

Kuepper emphasises the importance of a tailored approach to recommend and provide various solar energy solutions and products. He advises consumers to consider their electricity consumption needs, financial viability, and long-term benefits while conducting research to gain confidence in their solar installer and the products they choose.

For assistance in finding the right solar solution, contact SOLARWORLD Africa through their website or call 021 421-8001.

The Sound of Drowning, a compelling, insightful, and gently inspiring short documentary about women and their journey from addiction to recovery, directed by Durban filmmaker, Tami Jacobs is available to view free online on YouTube during Women’s Month.

The film is a quiet homage to the brave journey of eight women from the ages of 19 to 69 years -mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts - from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, who have found and are living in recovery from active addiction. By amplifying the voices of these resilient women who triumphed over challenges around addiction whether it be alcohol, street drugs, or psychiatric medications, the filmmakers hope to encourage women to step forward and seek help if needed.

Produced by Jacobs and Anél Sherren, an Addictions Counsellor, who also features in the film, The Sound of Drowning offers insights into the transformative power of unity through community that is found within the recovery process and sheds some light on what it takes to get better and what happened to them when they eventually reached out for help.

Jacobs, who is herself an addict in recovery explains what inspired her to create the film: “I lived in active addiction for 15 years before finding recovery and I know from my personal experience that it’s an extremely painful place to be.”

“I was constantly depressed and suicide was a constant risk for me. When I found recovery, together with my sponsor and co-producer Anél, we noticed that the number of women who seek treatment and also manage to stay in recovery is drastically less than the number of men. Anel has a lot of insight into the disease of addiction and we decided that together, we could do something about it. We first wanted to find out why women don’t seek help and next, we wanted to send out a message of hope to any women suffering from the disease of addiction, that there is help available, and there are many people that can support them.”

“The purpose of the documentary was to lift the lid off the stigma women face when attempting to get help for their addiction,” says co-producer Anél Sherren. “There is such disproportion between the number of men and women coming in for help -we wanted to break this view so that women could feel safe asking for help and entering into treatment. We hope that this gentle message from these incredible women in this film will help motivate women to step forward.”

To watch the film go to: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpoIp8TmGyQ

For anyone struggling with addiction and needing support please call 0818609578.

Top image: Anel Sherren & Tami Jacobs, Co-Producers of The Sound of Drowning
Below: Tami Jacobs, Director of The Sound of Drowning, on set

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