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.
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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.

Try answering the questions below:
Will there be someone at home to give sufficient quality time to your dog?

Have you sufficient space for a dog?

Does your lease/complex allow you to keep a dog?

Are you prepared to exercise your dog sufficiently?

Is there open space either near your home or that you are prepared to drive to where you are allowed to exercise your dog if your grounds are not big enough?

Can you afford veterinary fees?

Are you prepared to give up time to ensure that your dog has the necessary training to socialise and to learn to obey basic commands like "sit" or "stay"?

Do you know that some types of dog are noisier or more energetic than others?

If you decide to adopt a puppy, are you prepared for some damage in your home ("toileting" accidents or chewing items, for example)?

Have you the time to groom a dog properly or can you afford grooming fees?

Can you afford to feed your dog properly - and we do mean "properly" - not makeshift diets, the cheapest food available of leftovers!

Do you appreciate that dogs, like people, grow old and may need special care and attention later in their lives?

If you cannot leave your dog with responsible relatives or friends when you go on holiday, can you afford the cost of boarding kennels?

Are you planning on staying in South Africa?

If you have answered "yes" to all of them, you are ready to adopt!

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up an adoptions appointment.

Are you prepared to love and care for a dog all its life, which is often more than ten years: - and not just when it is a cuddly puppy

'We did our first steri clinic of the year for #fundanenja in their new premises at the Mpophomeni Sports Stadium. We used the change room as our clinic which worked perfectly, and 20 dogs were booked to be sterilised. Very sadly we lost one dog on induction, which shakes us all and puts a damper on an otherwise very succesful clinic. When we look at the stats though of animals we have lost at steri clinic's, it is very very low. Its is always a risk with anesthesia and we do everything possible to prevent this.

Thank you to all involved at Funda Nenja.' shared Midmar Vet Clinic.

'As much as I love my studio painting, it cannot compare to the joy I get from painting outdoors in nature. Painting in real time with all one's senses heightened by the smells and sounds, the incredible natural lighting and feel of the breeze, is a therapeutic experience like no other. There is no comparison between a scene captured in a photograph and one experienced first hand in real time.

Plein air painting greatly improves one's creative skill. As pleasant as it is to be outdoors painting, it is also very challenging and so a great opportunity to learn and grow as an artist.' shared Carol Cox, Midlands based artist.

Today plein air painting is a flourishing and growing trend in our modern art world. Artists come together for 'paint out' excursions, workshops, and even 'plein air conferences' if you are in America. Landscapers today are finding that painting outdoors is as rewarding and powerful an experience a it was for the French Impressionists all those years ago.

Keep an eye open for this bird and botanical focused artist when you venture into nature in and around the KZN Midlands. You will also be able to view her works at the annual Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country exhibition which happens in May at Harrington House.

Contact Carol on 083 973 9555 to find out more about her workshops at her home studio or in a nearby meadow.

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.

Ophthalmologist transition at Lenmed Howick Private Hospital: Grateful farewell to Dr Sara and a warm welcome to Dr Davey 

Lenmed Howick Private Hospital bids a heartfelt farewell to the esteemed Dr Sara, who has been a dedicated and compassionate ophthalmologist serving the community of Howick. His unwavering commitment to eye care and patient well-being has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

While Dr Sara’s departure marks the end of an era and the hospital extends its deepest gratitude to Dr Sara for his tireless efforts, expertise, and the positive impact he has made during his tenure, the community can look forward to continued exceptional eye care with the arrival of Dr Davey.

Hospital Manager, Inga Vermeulen, expressed her appreciation for Dr Sara’s contributions, saying, “Dr Sara has been a cornerstone of our ophthalmology department, and his commitment to providing exceptional care has positively impacted countless lives. We extend our deepest gratitude for his service and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Welcoming Dr Davey to Howick Private Hospital, the hospital is confident in his abilities to seamlessly carry forward the legacy of exceptional ophthalmological care. With a wealth of experience and a passion for serving communities, Dr Davey is set to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessor.

Dr Davey completed his MBChB undergraduate degree with the University of Free State and later completed his Fellowship of the College of Ophthalmologists of South Africa. After a year spent as an Ophthalmology Consultant in Durban, Dr Davey was awarded two fellowships in cornea and refractive surgery. He has trained with world leaders in eye surgery at top institutions.

Vermeulen also spoke about the seamless transition, assuring the community that patient care remains the top priority. She stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr Davey to our team. His wealth of experience ensures that the high standard of care set by Dr Sara will be retained. We will work diligently to ensure a smooth transition to guarantee that patient care and services are not compromised during this change as we further Lenmed’s vision and mission of creating healthier and prosperous communities.”

And we’re firmly into 2024 with all sorts on the go already!

Since the first week in January, we’ve hosted a number of competitions starting with the Greendale Spar Drawn trips which was won by Colin Norris, Chantal D’Hotman & Dave Mainprize. The Halfway Toyota Drawn pairs was an interesting competition as first place was shared by two teams who peeled against each other. Well done to Mary Steytler and Marie Gouws, as well as Koos Marais and Mally Gouws on an interesting win! Thanks to our dedicated sponsors for their ongoing support.

In addition to these two competitions, we also hosted the J Leslie Smith & Company Nominated Pairs 2 – 4 – 2 competition. We had a fantastic turnout of twenty teams who were all spoilt with delicious brownies at tea time courtesy of our generous sponsor. The players of the day were:-

1st Prize: Colin Brown & Mary Steytler
2nd Prize: Alan Willey & Phil Lang
Plate Prize: Ray Bester & Edwin Hohls

At the end of last week we also hosted our Fun Friday Night Lights session which is played in the 4-3-2-1 format with individual scoring. Congratulation to Lisa Nagel who won it with a very comfortable margin.

We’ve also played the first few rounds of league games; with matches being played on a Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning in order to shorten the league season. After the first few rounds our ladies team has gained 4.5 points, while the men have 6 points. We wish them well for the rest of the season.

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

Events to keep an eye out for…

Friday, 26 January: 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.

Pictured above: Mary Steytler & Colin Brown, winners of the JLS 2-4-2 Competition with Crystal Dekkar from J Leslie Smith & Co.

'We congratulate Grade 12 learner, Brooklynn Meintjies, who has been voted the Head Girl of the KZN Midlands Youth Choir.

Age Quod Agis, Brooklynn!' shared Howick High School.

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