PADCA, a non-profit organisation who improves the quality of life of seniors across the whole financial spectrum, will launch their annual awareness initiative #GoBlue. Designed to draw attention to the needs of seniors in the Pietermaritzburg and Midlands’s community, the #GoBlue campaign runs from 9 September to 13 October. Living agelessly requires each person to remain engaged and active as they grow older.

There are three prongs to #GoBlue: education, awareness and donation:

To educate the community on ageless living, PADCA encourages the reading of their interesting and well-researched articles on topics such as healthy eating, the benefits of staying active and the importance of community, available for you to learn about living agelessly at www.padca.co.za/goblue.php. Download and share them with anyone you think will enjoy them, at home, at school and at the office.

To build awareness, Trevor Clowes, CEO of PADCA asks us all to help ‘Paint” Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands blue and so draw attention to the challenges facing vulnerable seniors, including those who are frail or living with dementia. “Wrap the trees, signs, fences and poles in front of your business, school or home in blue or wear blue as part of your outfit to show your support. Then SHARE YOUR PHOTOS on our Facebook page (facebook.com/padca) with #GOBLUE and challenge others to do the same.” he commented.

To continue with their work of caring for vulnerable seniors, in the KZN Midlands, both by homing seniors in their various residences according to their specific needs as well as providing home-based care, PADCA is calling for donations. They need the community’s help to improve the quality of life of seniors in our community who are vulnerable, frail and or living with dementia. Your donation improves their lives. Whether its R20 or R200, YOU really will help someone in need! To find out more about how to Get Involved please visit www.padca.co.za.

News supplied.

Each year, the Harcourts Hilton Open Midlands Gardens committee arranges something different for visitors to enjoy and this year, their theme is Majestic Trees of the Midlands as well as focusing on small gardens once again.
The nearly 50 KZN Midlands gardens are listed in the recently published Open Gardens of South Africa magazine on sale at retailers throughout the country. Andrew Line, principal of Harcourts Hilton, and the main sponsor of the event, draws inspiration from the Harcourts Hilton Open Midlands Gardens. Line expressed his admiration for the gardeners and confirmed that he “takes pleasure and pride in being involved in this annual event”.
With so many beautiful gardens on display over the Open Midlands Gardens season, it is easy to forget that this event is also a significant fundraiser for a number of charities. Unless specified otherwise, the entrance fee represents a donation. Each of the gardeners chooses the charity that they are supporting. So when you are out and about, please give some thought to these amazing gardeners and the charities that they care about. Any additional donations would be greatly appreciated!
The 2018 Harcourts Hilton Open Midlands Gardens raised R68 750 for more than 20 local charities. Andrew Line emphasised once again the importance of this aspect of the event and is hopeful that the monies raised will be even greater in the 2019 season.
The first garden on show is this weekend, 14 – 15 September, at Waterford Hall in the Karkloof. Visit the Facebook page, https://facebook.com/openmidlandsgardens for more information or pop into Harcourts Hilton to pick up a free Open Gardens of South Africa magazine.
Purchase your season ticket for R60 per person to be able to walk in and enjoy every garden (except for Benvie and Endebeni Forest) or pay as you go at R10 per person per garden, the exception being the Woodgrove Gardens where an R20 entrance fee goes to PADCA and there are five gardens on display. The gardens are open between 9 am and 5 pm each day unless otherwise specified. The tickets are on sale from the gardens as well as Harcourts Hilton, so call them on 033 343 3345.

News supplied by Harcourts Hilton.

'There is a NEW DENTIST IN TOWN! I recently had the pleasure of being treated by Dr Lemmon-Warde who has just moved to Howick. Well, is a visit to the dentist ever pleasant? I must say she is THE best dentist I have ever been to, professional, empathetic and humorous, her staff are great too. I even got a follow-up call to see how I was the next day!

Welcome to Howick Dr Lemmon-Warde we are lucky to have you here! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED' said Hilary Exelby.

Dr Jenny Lemmon-Warde can be found at Suite 1, MediClinic Consulting Block on 101 Main Street.

Yesterday we heard that Uyinene was raped and murdered as we still reeled in the shock at the murders of Megan and Leighandre, and felt the collective anguish and dread at the kidnapping of Amy-Lee.

This weekend while visiting a city I coached my 13- year -old son to be an extra pair of eyes for me at each traffic light, where I slowed down way before the light to prevent stopping for too long, left a big gap for quick escape, locked the doors, tied my handbag to the gearstick – our heads turning, turning – highly conscious of anyone suspicious. We are never free of escape routes, of ‘what if’s’. When we walked along the beach-front we carried nothing but a phone hidden in a pocket and did without cash for an ice-cream. “Be aware” I cautioned – take note of the person in the shadows, be aware who is behind you, who is coming from the front. Be aware. Be alert. Pay attention. We stood high on a pier and looked down at the fishes which swam and swirled in patterns below us. As he looked down, I made sure I looked up. We took turns in soaking in the wonder. Be careful of distraction you see. And it was picture perfect, and beautiful – this land that we love and pay tax to and have been faithful to through thick and thin.

Last night I robbed my daughter of her 19-year-old right to be carefree and joy-filled and to have a safe opinion in the university town where she studies. I warned her of going into any shop alone - tellers in Post Offices can be life-threatening, never walk alone, never drive alone, hike those magnificent mountains that she loves in groups of 8 at least, carry mace, scream and scream. Fight back. Don’t fight back. Wear sensible clothing. Never park beside a van, park in reverse for a quick getaway, lock the doors, lock the windows. As I spoke this, a vigil for Uyinene took place down the road. Tears flowed down candlelit faces to hymns of sorrow, mourning the loss of that potential, that friend, that student, that woman. Instagram posts screamed, “Am I next?”
Today the collective sorrow of our nation filters through the radio waves which speak the same warnings. We live under siege. Predated. Wear pants only, wear flat shoes so that you can run. This is our warped discourse. This is our reality.

Last week I spoke to my 17-year-old son about the importance of treating women with dignity. He knows not to objectify, not to value a woman for anything less than her heart and her being. He knows that authority and respect are earned, that they are not a right. He knows not to demean, not to wolf-whistle, not to gaze with judgment. He knows that it is not up to him to ascertain the worth of a woman or any person.

Last month the woman who cleans my home came in with yet another black eye. Her newborn is at home cared for by her pregnant 13- year- old. These babies bring in cash. The State pays for each child who is born. Our ex-president with ‘his’ 6 wives who he bought is the role model for this floundering generation who wear his face on their chests with such hope and pride. Pride for this rapist of Khwezi. In the tiny village where we live the streets swarm with toddlers. The babies of children. They are born into fatherless households where procreation is a reflection of virility and fertility with no thought of the future.

A man murders his wife with a rock. Two babies die – one abandoned by its 'child mother' is ripped apart by dogs. The other is inadvertently shut into a car in the Karoo heat. This is our reality. This is the news that goes unreported. This is our collective psyche.

Today I will walk on a road into the hills that I love, to clear my head. If I hear a car in the distance I will subconsciously duck behind a bush with my dog and wait for the dust to settle before I walk on. I will breathe a sigh of gratitude that little Amy-Lee has been returned to her family. I will worry about my daughter returning home on a long-distance bus. I will walk in sorrow for this land which needs drastic and conscious change.

Written 3 September 2019 by Bronwen Langmead, previously a resident of Howick who now lives in Nieu-Bethesda, Eastern Cape.

They're the hottest three letters in the wellness world right now: C,B & D.
So, can CBD (cannabidiol) help you?

If there's one warning we give our customers at The Hemp People, it's this: CBD is not a quick fix, overnight "cure," or miracle medicine. And there's really no point investing the money in a good quality CBD supplement if you're not going to commit to making other positive changes toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

In fact, this powerful plant molecule doesn't actually work by covering up your symptoms the way most pharmaceuticals do. It works by giving your body the support it needs to promote self-healing and optimal well-being, otherwise known as homeostasis.

That said, here are the "big three" health issues CBD can help with, so you can get on with living your best life:

1. Less Stress & Anxiety.
This is something that weighs many of us down these days. It's actually what got us into CBD in the first place, since we found it so personally beneficial. Clinical studies also strongly support CBD's effectiveness in managing symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Research suggests CBD activates the 5-HT1A serotonin receptor. Serotonin receptors are expressed in the nervous system and play a significant role in regulating anxiety. Because of this, they are often the primary target of antidepressant and anxiety disorder medications. CBD offers users a safer, more natural option, free of the risks associated with pharmaceutical drugs.

2. Reduced Pain Reduction & Inflammation.
Chronic illness is often linked to inflammation (which has been proven to start in the gut, so if you're dealing with this, we definitely advise rethinking your diet with the help of a professional if you're serious about improving your health).

Cannabinoids in general, and CBC, CBD, and CBG in particular (all found in a good full-spectrum hemp product) are known to be potent and powerful analgesic pain-killers, as well as anti-inflammatories.

CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties work both inside the body and topically. Skin is a great absorber and products like CBD Hemp Balm work quickly on a targeted area to address inflammation and irritation.

3. Better, More Regular Sleep.
We all have natural energy cycles, but because of busy lives, demanding careers, and increasing family needs, fewer of us are working at our optimal energy throughout the day.

Not only can CBD help you fall asleep faster, but a nightly dose can also help you stay asleep for more extended periods without interruptions.

CBD works because it feeds the body’s master controller, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS affects many bodily functions, including the circadian rhythm and encourages a return to your body's own natural state of balance (homeostasis), which may feel different to different people.

CBD is a powerful addition to your self-care practice, if used mindfully.
One of the best ways to get the most from this powerful plant supplement is by starting a health journal at the same time as you start taking your CBD tincture, water-soluble or vape.

This will help you to keep track of your wellness journey and your body's responses to your new routine.

Dr. Philip Blair, consultant MD for Elixinol says while he has never seen adverse reactions to CBD, he has seen people who needed to adjust their timing and frequency.

“It’s not uncommon for people to see results from CBD immediately. This is because, for most people, the endocannabinoid system is starving. That first serving of cannabinoids, CBD, the body’s reaction is immediate,”

“But everyone’s body is different and everyone’s body is changing. What your body needs when you first use CBD may differ from what your body needs after it has normalized. For some people, they need to adjust the timing or frequency of CBD. Some people need less CBD after their body has adjusted.

As it returns to homeostasis, the body adjusts. It’s important to listen to what your body is telling you."

We welcome any questions and are always happy to advise, no matter where you choose to purchase your CBD.

Photo credit: Peter Conlan/Unsplash

News supplied by The Hemp People.

We are fast approaching Baby Season!

This means you may be finding a lot more youngsters in your yards and your farms.. but should you be picking them up?

Grey Duikers (and other solitary antelope) are able to walk and follow their mothers within an hour of being born. These Antelope do not have a herd system and rely on hiding their babies for safety.

A mother will often tuck her baby under thick grass or shrubs and leave the baby there for a few hours, coming back only to feed and move the youngster to a new hiding place. These mothers will usually come through at night to tend to their young.

It is never recommended to pick up a baby Duiker that is tucked away and hiding. These babies are doing what they were told and waiting for mum.

When do I pick up a baby Duiker?

If the youngster is clearly injured, the mother has definitely been killed or the youngster is wondering around at odd times during the day and in some form of danger.

News supplied by FreeMe.

The newly formed Midlands Wellness Association (MWA), representing a wide range of healing therapies like Kinesiology, yoga, reflexology, NLP, constellations, cranio sacral, access bars, chinese medicine, reiki, ecotherapy, healing with horses, bio mimicry, bemer, cultured foods, TRE and so much more, met this past weekend to network and talk about collaborations.

So...watch this exciting space!

If you want to find out more or require a local wellness practitioner please contact us This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied.

Irish born, Ronald McClelland has had a lifelong love affair with beer. His father, also Ronald, had a home brew system, and Ronald (Jnr) has travelled the world tasting beers and visiting breweries. As a young man he spent some time working in a brewery in Switzerland. He started brewing beer as a hobby, using a home-made system, but after locals had tasted it, they demanded that he supply the restaurants and markets around Lions River in the Natal Midlands, where he lives and works as a forester, and also does a fair amount of environmental rehabilitation.

THE PROCESS AND THE BEER
In 2014 Ronald imported a Speidel Braumeister brewery from Germany, and after much research re recipes and much hard work adapting to the bigger system, he has perfected the techniques, and also perfected and adapted his recipes.

Ronald makes 500 litres of beer at a time, and has four fermenting units, where the temperature is controlled according to beer style. After approximately 13 days, the beer is either bottled or kegged, and then matured under controlled temperatures. Each batch is tested for correctness before being marketed.

Since his beer hit the market in 2015, the brewery has been hard pressed to keep up with the demand. 2018 saw another of Ronald’s dreams come true when he opened his Beer Garden adjacent to the Brewery, and upgraded the Brewery by adding an automated keg washer, a semi-automated bottle filler, and two 750 litre pressurised jacket brite tanks, including a cooling unit.

Ronald loves to share his knowledge as well as the beautiful property upon which his brewery stands, so keep a look out for special events, or meander thru the KZN Midlands to the brewery for a sample of his beer (open from Thursdays to Sundays).

Lions RIver Craft Brewery will also be at this years Hilton Food and Wine Fair.

News Supplied by Lions River Craft Brewery.

A big thank you goes out to Howick Hi-Q for supporting Laddsworth Primary School at the Laddsworth Trust Golf Day on Friday 30 August.

Sporting pink shirts and caps in appreciation of Women's Month, the team are pictured from left to right: James Calitz, Murray Parsons, Rowan TIlbury and Gary Steynberg.

News supplied by Hi-Q Howick.

The PADCA Mile is now in its SEVENTH year and has moved to a new venue, Grace College in Hilton. Now that we are an established event on the Pietermaritzburg seniors calendar, PADCA is looking to over sixties in the Midlands area to come and join in and make it an even bigger event.

Sponsored once again by J Leslie Smith & Company Inc., the morning boasts fun activities and encourages camaraderie. The day promotes ageless living, regardless of physical ability, and every effort is made to ensure everyone is included.

In addition to the 5km, 2.5km and 1km walks around Grace College property, there are Giant Garden Games to enjoy as well as a Tea Garden, with good music and a great vibe.

This PADCA JLS Mile will be held at Grace College on Hilton Avenue, in Hilton, on 18 September 2019. There is NO charge for participation, and all are welcome.

Registration starts at 8am, so the walking can begin promptly at 9.30 am. For more information contact Pamela on tel: 033 345 4711, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website: www.padca.co.za.

PADCA is a non-profit organisation looking to improve the quality of life of seniors across the whole financial spectrum. They care for vulnerable seniors, in the KZN Midlands, both by homing seniors in their various residences according to their specific needs as well as providing home-based care. They spearhead initiatives (such as #GoBLUE) to educate families and the communities around current issues. While they use income from other sources to cover costs, they are also heavily reliant on DONATIONS to continue with the work they started 70 years ago.

News supplied.

Beautiful Buddha Bowls. The newest additions to the Fern Hill Hotel menu.

Healthy and delicious...the perfect combo.

Just like the cheerful spiritual guru its named after, Buddha Bowls will fill your belly with pure goodness.

Usually a vegetarian dish made up of grains, veggies, and a protein, the best thing about Buddha Bowls is making all sorts of wild creations that will all be delicious.

News supplied.

Wessa Spring Holiday Club.
Enrol your children for this Young Engineers holiday camp.

Edutainment for your child this September holiday.

From Monday 23 September 2019 - 08:00am
To Saturday 28 September 2019 - 12:00pm

News supplied by Wessa Umngeni Valley.

Howick High School celebrated the art works of their Class of 2019 Visual Art pupils on Tuesday, 3 September 2019 and are delighted to have a number of pieces selected to be showcased at the Matric Art Exhibition at the Tatham Art Gallery in 2020.

Age Quod Agis to all our very talented young artists!

News supplied by Howick High School.

This month's theme is vegetarian at Eat at Andrews.

Eat at Andrew's hugely popular themed dinners are filling up fast!
Book your space for this months Vegetarian themed dinner.

Booking is essential.
To book call: +27 (0)66 254 8112.

News supplied by Eat at Andrews.

The UCSI are very pleased to announce that Keegan Naidoo  has been appointed as the daily UCSI Operations Manager.

Thank you to Stanley van der Merwe who helped the UCSI in the formative stages of establishment and thank you to Sashen Reddy from KSS (Knight Security Solutions) for stepping in to help with the daily management of the UCSI during this interim phase.Keegan Naidoo will now be taking over the daily Operations function on a full-time basis and will be based at the UCSI offices at Stockowners Business Park. Over the next few weeks UCSI will roll out the Vehicle Check Centre App for all residents to download.

HOW DOES UCSI APP WORK?
1) It gives you the ability to do your own vehicle checks from the palm of your hand.
2) You will be able to whitelist your vehicle against cloned number plates.
3) If you are involved in a vehicle accident and unconscious, your licence disk and number plate will speak for you as to who you are, all your medical details, next of kin, etc.
4) If your vehicle is stolen or hijacked, you can list your vehicle as stolen, instantly.

Download the TrackBox App and select UCSI as your ERPC (Emergency Response and Prevention Centre). TrackBox is available on Android and Apple.

Thank you to each and every community member for their support of this incredible flagship project.

News supplied by Umgeni CSI.

Drakondale Girls Choir are trying to gather 100 video CLIPS of people showing their support for the Bokke.

They need people dancing, miming, singing to Leon Schuster's new song HEY BOKKE! - YouTube LINK below.
It can be individuals, dance groups, schools, gyms, businesses, retirement homes...anything!!!

Clips should not exceed 90 seconds, and you can post them on Drakondale Girl Choirs School's Facebook page.

Leon Schuster will personally choose the videos which will be sent to The Bokke.
Deadline: 20th September 2019.
https://youtu.be/ukdNyfw91cg

News supplied.

There's only a few more days to go till the Howick Hospice 5km family Colour Run.

To book go to
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/81024-howick-hospice-family-5km-colour-fun-run/#/
OR Grab a manual entry at Howick Hospice House, 7 Mansfield Road / email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What a fun morning for the whole family.

This event is hosted by Howick High School.

Pictured above: 2 of last year's Colour Run participants.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

WIN your own GOLF DAY in our Spring Swing Competition

SPRING SWING SPECIAL = R500
• 2 Players + Hire of a Cart for 18 Holes
• Entry to the Spring Swing Competition
• Bonus round - Free Green Fee on the day of the draw ie Sunday, 6th October 2019

SPRING SWING DATES
Sunday, 1st September Saturday, 7th September
Sunday, 8th September Saturday, 14th September
Saturday, 21st September Sunday, 22nd September
Tuesday, 24th September Saturday, 28th September

DRAW DATE: Sunday, 6th October
1st PRIZE:
• Green Fees for 5 x 4 Balls (20 Players) for 18 Holes
• Use of 10 Carts
• Bottle of water per Player
• Chicken or Beef Roll at Half Way per Player
• 2 Beers per Player

2nd PRIZE:
• Green Fees for 4 x 4 Balls (16 Players) for 18 Holes
• Use of 8 Carts
• Bottle of water per Player
• Chicken or Beef Roll at Half Way per Player
• 2 Beers per Player

3rd PRIZE:
• Green Fees for 3 x 4 Balls (12 Players) for 18 Holes
• Use of 6 Carts
• Bottle of water per Player
• Chicken or Beef Roll at Half Way per Player
• 2 Beers per Player

4th PRIZE:
• Green Fees for 2 x 4 Balls (8 Players) for 18 Holes
• Use of 4 Carts
• Bottle of water per Player
• Chicken or Beef Roll at Half Way per Player
• 2 Beers per Player

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
LIMITED ENTRIES – FIRST COME – FIRST SERVE

TEL:(033) 330 6751 E-MAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.sakabula.co.za

News supplied by Sakabula Golf Course.