This is such an amazing story to share. Truly a Miracle, thanks for all the Prayers, loving care and support shown by the Heritage House Preschool family and our generous Howick community.

As many of you know, André and Mar-Louise Pretorius had a terrible accident in October 2018 when they both fell over the small Karkloof falls, this resulted in them spending many weeks in Medi Clinic ICU, Greys and Northdale hospitals. Mar-Louise was discharged some weeks ahead of André, and was then able to sit at his bedside and encourage him on his long healing journey, which looked so bleak back then.

Their little son Liam attends Heritage House Preschool which is situated in Main street, Howick and we have assisted where ever we can; with a place to drop off meals, a place where Liam could continue his schooling in a safe and familiar place, away from the hospital and all the anguish that the family went through. We have continued supporting the family this year by welcoming Liam back at school even though his parents cannot afford to pay. A very generous anonymous donation for his full years’ school fees has been received (thank you), plus some Spar Vouchers and another offer to pay his school fees monthly. Whatever extra money we receive into their school fees account we will pay forward to Mar-Louise and André to help with their everyday needs.

It has been so wonderful to hear and see how far both Mar-Louise and André have come since their accident. For us to see them both bring Liam to school and fetch him at lunch time has been unbelievable. The photo tells the story. Mar-Louise was so proud of André for managing to change a light bulb recently, for most people this is an everyday chore, but for André it was a huge milestone achieved.
The family is still in need of financial assistance, as neither Mom or Dad are able to work while they continue with their physical rehabilitation. If any one is able to contribute towards their day to day living or even some of their extensive unpaid Medical expenses, please be so kind as to make a donation to the following account:

André and Mar-Louise Relief Fund
FNB Howick
Cheque account number 627 8488 2435
Branch code 220725

News supplied by Heritage House PreSchool.

BREAKING NEWS

High temperatures, LOW PRICES!

Don't be cold this winter. 

Purchase your fireplace now and get it installed in time for winter.

Enjoy a discount calculated as a percentage for temperatures over 30°C on any given day. Example: Tempearture of 38°C = 8% discount.

Send us an enquiry today so you are ready to order when the temperature soars.

FIND ME A FIRE...

Discounts are calculated daily based on the weather, are valid for invoices created that day only and for purchases that includes fireplaces, wood stoves or braais. Our invoices are valid for 7 days from date of creation. Valid until 31 January 2019. While stocks last.

CHARWOOD LA10 - 5.5kW.  This wood burning stove is rated accordingly to UK testing based on outside temperatures of -1. Boiler plate steel and cast iron construction for maximum heat control.

Techincal Data
Room heating capacity (max) 135m3
Heat output (max) 5.5kW
Nominal thermal efficiency 79%
Dimensions
390w x 270d x 560h
10 Year limited guarantee
Weight 62kg

 ARTEL PETITE - WHITE OR BLACK - 6kW.  This Wood Pellet fireplace closed combustion unit is a forced ventilation system that comes with an optional remote control. 5 Power settings and Energy saving mode, available in white or black.

Technical Data
Room heating capacity (max) 172m3
Heat output (max) 6 Kw
Nominal thermal efficiency 90%
Dimensions
430w x 430d x 765h
Weight 45kg.

Hurry while stocks last.

News supplied by Fires and Braais.

Shine bright with these specials at Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

Visit Harvard Electrical Wholesaler's showroom at 22 Harvard Street, Howick.

News supplied.

The Orchard House is hosting a book launch on Wednesday 30 January 2019. Tea and snacks will be provided.

Vintage Love by Jolyon Nuttall

Jolyon Nuttall has self-published 3 works including one on his father's lifelong relationship with Alan Paton, entitled, A Literary Friendship-Alan Paton and Neville Nuttall.

Jolyon lives on the edge of the sea in Kommetjie, Near Cape Point, where he is at peace to write.

A further work is all but complete.

News supplied by The Orchard House.

END OF SEASON SALE at Fires and Braais!

Prices so low, it's to braai for!!!

If you want the ULTIMATE ALL IN ONE GRILL and don't want to break the bank, you are in luck! We are running our end of season sale on the KAMADO JAN range. Purchase any Kamado Jan Medium, Large or X-Large before 14 January 2019 and we will include FREE SHIPPING COUNTRY-WIDE only while stocks last.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Did you know that the Kamado Jan comes as a ready to cook KIT? Simply assemble it and start entertaining.

INCLUDED IN OUR “FIRED UP” STARTER KIT:
• Chicken Sitter
• Weather Proof Cover
• Ash Tool
• BBQ Glove
• Divide & Conquer Frame
• Deflector Plates (x2)
• Stainless Steel Grids (x2)
• Grid Gripper
• Leg Stand
• Side Shelves (x2)

Order online before 14 January 2019!

Would you like to enhance your health and well-being? Would you like to ‘protect’ yourself against STRESS?

If your answer is “Yes” then join local psychologist, Alistair Mork Chadwick for a thought-provoking presentation on:

How to enhance health and reduce stress with mindfulness

When: Wednesday 16th January (from 18:00 – 19:00)

Where: Howick Mediclinic Specialists Rooms

This free 1 hour introductory talk is for anyone who is interested in learning how to use Mindfulness to deal with contemporary life.
RSVP via sms to: 066 – 269 8229 or email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Eskom load shedding has again become a reality and affects all South Africans. The Electronic Security Industry is faced with one of the worst challenges when it comes to Operations, with the reality of load shedding. Eskom cannot guarantee that the electricity demand will be met in the foreseeable future, hence we need to advise our KSS clients on how load shedding affects them.

Alarm monitoring and response clients are encountering unavoidable issues related to load shedding. Please note that these issues are industry related and ALL security service providers are affected. The sheer volume of alarm calls that arise during and after load shedding, is in some instances resulting in customer disappointment. Our KSS Control Room works tirelessly during load shedding as alarm activations increase by up to 1000%, yes 1000%. Our Armed Response and back-up units do their utmost to respond and check on each alarm activation, as they work through the “stack” systematically and timeously.

Please be patient as client safety and security is paramount. If you have an actual emergency PLEASE make a phone call immediately to the KSS Control Room so that we can prioritise your call. Call 033 330 5911 at any time of day or night.

PLEASE DO NOT test your alarm system during load shedding – this will result in KSS having to follow-up with your “false alarm” and may lead to a response time delay to an ACTUAL EMERGENCY.


Changing back-up batteries frequently (every 12 – 18 months) cannot be over-emphasised. The battery of an alarm is the lifeblood of any security system that doesn’t have an alternative source of power when the electricity goes off. Please also be aware that every time there is a load shedding episode, the lifespan of your battery is compromised.

As a rule of thumb:
A 7 or 9 amp hour battery can take up to 24 hours to recharge after 2 hours of load shedding. With daily power failures, the battery doesn’t have sufficient time to fully recharge, hence its “lifespan” is compromised for the next power failure.

KSS suggests to following, to ensure a longer battery lifespan, depending on the size of your alarm system:

1. Clients with an entry level alarm system should install a 3.2 amp power supply* with a 7 amp hour battery. The cost for this power supply and battery as well as a full alarm service is R1437.50 inclusive of vat.


2. Clients with a more complex alarm system or clients who require a longer battery lifespan, should install a 6.4 amp power supply* with a 17/18 amp hour battery. The cost for this power supply and battery as well as a full alarm service is R2702.50 inclusive of vat.

* The power supply is the charging unit that plugs into the wall and charges the battery.

Most alarm systems keypads will indicate various trouble conditions during load shedding. For example, the power light may be flashing or the trouble light may on. These should clear when the battery is fully charged. You may also refer to your alarm system user manual. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. should you require a copy of your alarm system user manual.

Alarm users must take heed of this advice to ensure their own safety and security.

For advice please call Keshen on 083 3935 265 or Sashen on 082 8700 138 or Gary on 0828947628.

Remember - You are safer with us!

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Since 2010 Harvard Electrical Wholesalers has grown threefold, thanks to the support of their loyal client base. This rapid growth has allowed Harvard Electrical to move to larger premises in Howick. They believe in offering excellent customer service, a wide range of diverse products at very competitive prices and most importantly, they listen to their clients.

Harvard Electrical supply products which are manufactured both locally and internationally and are fully compliant with recognised safety standards and specifications.

These are the bargains they have for you this December!

Funda Nenja held their first parents' meeting where our dedicated team held an outstanding discussion meeting with mothers and gogos. This meeting was mainly to discuss the functions of Funda Nenja and what we are doing for their children and the dogs.

They were also invited to ask questions and our team did a brilliant job at answering them all. It was very well attended, with 18 adults and a few young children, one of whom was very excited to find our stuffed dog tucked away in the corner of the room. She was confused as to why she couldn't pick it up. (He is a huge stuffed dog. About twice the size of the little girl).

We also had a lucky draw competition, with a food hamper as the prize and also provided some drinks and snacks for the ladies afterwards.
Since this meeting was so well attended and appreciated by all, we most definitely intend to hold more of these meetings in the future as it is our intention to have good communications with the whole community.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

Hero 777 (an initiative of the ENZA Trust) aims to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation in South Africa through social media, print media , radio or television, events and campaigns.

Using Matthew Legemaates incredible story , Hero 777 hope to raise enough money to also bring a “Heart in a box” to South Africa.

Local ladies Lana Bisset , Sue Haasbroek and Leigh Girdler, pictured above are swimming  this year's Midmar Mile to raise awareness for Hero777.

Make a difference in someone’s life today.
1. Visit www.sanbs.org.za to find your closest donation clinic.
2. Start the CONVERSATION with your family about organ and tissue donation.
3. REGISTER as a potential organ and tissue donor, and then SHARE your decision.

The difference in these two photos is incredible. Matthew is now 15 months post Heart and Bi-lateral lung transplant and doing well. He is working hard on planning and realising his dreams both physically and career-wise.

Matthew turned 21 in January. This was a milestone he was told repeatedly told he would never meet.

If you would like to donate to this cause or get involved email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied.

Funda Nenja often receives donations which are not necessarily items we can use at our dog school, but we do appreciate all donations and strive to find homes where these items are needed.

Recently we have had quite a few donations of clothing and household items, so we have decided to hold a jumble sale in Mpophomeni where the parents of the Funda Nenja children can come and purchase various items. The prices will range from R5 – R20 per item. The funds raised in this way will assist us in continuing to make a positive difference to the lives of both children and dogs in Mpophomeni.

If anyone has second-hand items in good condition...... clothes, shoes, kitchenware, linen, ornaments etc..... that they would like to donate towards our jumble sale, please let us know by calling Lisa on 0826575201. Alternatively, you can drop off the items at any one of our drop off zones:

In Howick:
Howick Small Animal Clinic
Findlater Attorneys
Village Talk offices
Paul Hamburger Photography

In Hilton:
Umgeni Vets
Hilton Vets

In PMB:
Chase Valley Vets

Howick Hospice is pleased to announce the appointment of Chantelle Thorne as General Manager.

Chantelle has been with Howick Hospice for just over a year as Human Resources Manager, in that time she has made a positive impact on the organisation and staff.

With a health care background Chantelle is sure to grow our organisation and apply her wealth of knowledge for the benefit of the staff, patients and community.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

We would like to thank the "HM Vet Sterilization Scheme" involving both Midlands and Howick Veterinary Clinics, Dr Peter Johnstone, Dr Trish and their staff for their kind help with the feral cats at the complex where we live.

In general, there appears to be an absolute lack of interest and sympathy towards the challenge of feral cats which makes the whole problem overwhelming. Research has shown that if one is able to establish a colony of sterilised cats the number of cats remains static in preference to removing them which then encourages non-sterilised cats to move into the area and continue multiplying. There are dozens of cats in our complex, and our property shares a boundary with a rural settlement which too must have their own multiplying cat population. Our first approach was through the SPCA's and we are pleased to let readers know that the Howick SPCA was the only SPCA in the neighbouring towns who showed interest in helping, but it still would cost over R150.00 per cat, which, although a dramatically reduced fee,(for which we salute them!) it is just not feasible for us as individuals to afford, when there are so many cats.

It was by chance that we spoke to Lindy, the practice manager of Midlands Vet (our vet) who told us that they had a sterilisation drive going and thus far we have been able to successfully catch and release to three cats, after being sterilised, vaccinated against rabies, bathed and had an application of Front Line Tick and Flea treatment. It is a long slow process, but it is important to us that Midlands Vet (and Howick Vet) are recognised for their efforts in dealing with these extremely difficult and very wild animals for us.

We have kindly been lent one trap which we only set on the nights when we are going to Howick but this is a slow and arduous process. If there is a reader who is able to help us we would be extremely grateful.

Regards Don and Hazel Johnson

Congratulating our 3 winners who have each won an R1000 voucher from The Cookhouse...
But also thanking all of our dearest patrons for your continued support...without you we wouldn't be here!
Here's to a fantastic year of growth in 2019 :)
Yours in convenient cuisine,
Tanya Nicolson
& The Cookhouse Family

This Christmas, add extra flavour to your main dish by serving a sauce from The Cookhouse, on the side, instead of gravy...

Our sauces make for an outstanding accompaniment with full & delicious flavour profiles from having been cooked down for hours here at The Cookhouse.
No need to fuss over making gravy this year- let us do the work for you...

Alfredo Sauce - With it's creamy texture and smokiness from the bacon, it is divine with Turkey, Chicken, Pork & Potatoes...
OR
Pizzaiola Sauces - With the rich tomato base these are fantastic with Beef, Lamb, Poultry, potatoes & veg...

Festive Season Closing Times:
We are still open on Monday the 24th December until 14h00
Then we close 25th December & re-open 2nd January 2019

Remember to stock up!

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

Every year The Cookhouse like to give a big prize as a lucky draw for Christmas and this year is no exception...

R1000 gift voucher prize...from EACH shop!

You can enter as many times as you like when buying over the month of December at The Cookhouse.
We will draw our winners from each shop on th 24th December and the winner will be announced at the end of December.

 Festive Season Closing times: 

Last day of trading 24th December 2018
Opening again 2nd January 2019

Wishing you love & luck for the festive season silliness!

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

This past weekend, Alexandra Candler travelled to Secunda to play for the Womens' KZN Inland Cricket team in an interprovincial match against Mpumalanga.

Despite dislocating her finger during the warm-up, she played the match and finished with bowling figures of 6 wickets for 35 runs in 9.3 overs.

Unfortunately, KZN Inland lost the match but this result was a personal performance highlight for Alexandra. Alex will be captaining the U19 Girls' KZN Inland Cricket team at an interprovincial tournament in December.

Age Quod Agis!

News supplied by Howick High School.

RETARDED GRANDPARENTS - (This was actually reported by a teacher and shared on social media.)

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how they spent their holiday away from school.

One child wrote the following:

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma and Grandpa.

They used to live in a big brick house but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Batemans Bay where everyone lives in nice little houses, and so they don't have to mow the grass anymore!

They ride around on their bicycles and scooters and wear name tags because they don't know who they are anymore.

They go to a building called a wreck centre, but they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now. They do exercises there, but they don't do them very well.

There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape. Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf carts!

Nobody there cooks, they just eat out.

And, they eat the same thing every night --- early birds.

Some of the people can't get out past the man in the dollhouse. The ones who do get out, bring food back to the wrecked centre for potluck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I can be retarded someday too.

When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the dollhouse. Then I will let people out, so they can visit their grandchildren.

PRICELESS!