We’ve had a little bit of a quieter week at UWBC for a change.

Wednesday’s tabs in and Hillbillies were a bit rained out. Of course, that didn’t put too much of a damper on things as there was lots of socializing and fun inside the clubhouse instead. On Saturday we played our monthly Greendale Drawn Trips/Pairs. Whilst we had a small field, there was no shortage of banter and laughter on the greens and it was a great afternoon of bowls. Thanks to our sponsor Greendale Spar and well done to:-

1st Place:- Neil Wright, Shane Lines & Jo Boonzaier
2nd Place:- Ed Sharpe, Koos Marais & Catherine Rennie

We also need to take a minute to congratulate Colin Burden and Steve Smith who represented our club in the pairs section at the BSA Nationals Competition over the weekend. The standard of bowls was amazing! They played five games over 2 days of which they won two, but bear in mind two of the teams they played against were Springbok bowlers. What a great experience for them to pit their skills against the best of the best and they certainly managed to make an impression on the teams they played against. Not only was it fantastic to see our club represented at this competition, but our Natal Inland District was well represented with some excellent results for the district. Good Luck to Colin who will be playing in the singles section later in the week!

Aside from the bowls excitement we’ve also been busy with a new “mini project”. On Thursday we started the brick work for a new braai area… well, to say the gents are excited would be an understatement. There has been a lot of discussion around the new braai discussing design and airflow, number of people who will be able to braai at once, whether we can incorporate a spit braai too. I suspect that we’ll have to change the term “braai master” to “braai engineer” soon! It will certainly be a festive event when we inaugurate it!

As for what’s coming up, on the 13th of May we have a fun quiz night planned. Entry is R50 per person including vetkoek and mince for dinner, starting at 5.30pm. This event is open to members and visitors and teams are limited to 4 people. If you do not have a team of four we’ll happily include you in one of ours. Please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866 for more information or to book.

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 10 May: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 13 May: Quiz Night starting at 17h30
Tuesday, 16 May: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 19 May: Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15 (Book with Wendy on 071 353 2866)
Friday, 26 May: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45

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

Pictured here: Winners of the Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs, Neil Wright, Shane Lines & Jo Boonzaier

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

'We congratulate Callum Moran (U18) and Logan Reece (U16) who have been selected to represent Country Districts Rugby teams!' Howick High announced this fine achievement.

Well done boys!

Second and third degree burns on day five of a Drakensberg Grand Traverse did not mar an amazing experience for Howick teenager, Daniel Jonck, a Grade 11 student at Treverton College.

Dan spilt a cup of hot water, burning the top of his foot. That night he endured significant pain, at this point many people would have conceded victory to the mighty mountains, but Dan remained committed to the rest of the planned 15-day journey. By loosening the dressing, he found he could manage the discomfort and with his group of ten, continued to clock almost twenty kilometres daily. They finished the entire 250 km journey in 13 days, in good weather broken briefly by a hailstorm and subsequent 50 to 60 knot winds.

‘When he arrived home, he had to soak his foot to get it out of his sock.’ said Dan’s mom Claire Perrett.

Happily, the burns healed well, and Dan looks forward to a 40km run this coming weekend in the Mweni Mountain Marathon.

‘The sheer magnitude of the Drakensberg mountains, compared to the massive drops between them and walking over them day after day reminded me of how small I am.’ said Dan of his traverse experience.

Along with his school mates Kai Broom and Jarred van Alphen, Dan is planning a coastal hiking adventure soon.

Born for adventure to a family who love hiking and sailing, Dan chose sailing lessons over an eighth birthday party. Since then, he has completed the instructor’s course and makes time for training and racing. This passion for sailing may in part have inspired Daniel’s aspiration of studying Marine Technology in the Netherlands after school.

Lotus FM listeners will hear from Daniel today (Tuesday, 2 May 2023 at 16h30) when he will be interviewed live on radio.

You can learn more about this epic Drakensberg Grand Traverse when the documentary flights around mid-May. With footage recorded by one of the hikers, Ethan Lundy, Barry Smit is compiling this film. View the trailer here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri23cQ3YFVk

Read Shaun Robertson's account of this 250 km Drakensberg hike; https://howickvillage.co.za/news/3628-treverton-college-kids-complete-the-250-km-drakensberg-grand-traverse

Pictured above: Daniel Jonck (Image credit Jen Townsend)

Pictured below: Drakensberg landscape (Image credit Kean Broom)

What a wonderful week! Nice weather, good bowls, lots of laughter and camaraderie, some ongoing maintenance… just another week at UWBC!

We had our usual tabs in sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, plus our Midlands Hillbillies on Wednesday evening. The Hillibillies played a game of 4-3-2-1 with a bit of a twist; the first bowler to score 50 points was the winner and well done to Kyle for getting there first!

On Friday the 28th we hosted our monthly Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. With all the public holidays we had a slightly smaller field than usual, but with 16 teams it was still a great day. Thank you to all the players who joined us and to our sponsor Dormehl Phalane Property Group. Congratulations to the following teams:-

1st Prize – “Team N” Colin and Pat Norris and Lisa Nagel
2nd Prize – Fred Palmer, Tor and Horse
3rd Prize – Colin Burden, Mike Scheffer and Jo Boonzaier
Plate Prize – Clint Nortje, Rick Olivier and Shayne Knott

The toucher prizes went to Grace and Dave Mainprize and Colin Burden, and Koos Marais won the 100 Club Prize. Well done to all involved and thank you to our fantastic sponsors.

On Monday we decided to make a day of the public holiday and held a fun day of “Lord of the Rings”. Each player played into the head which was marked with three rings, with a different score awarded to each ring. We had a fantastic turnout of players, including some bowlers all the way from Berea and some brand new bowlers who have never played before. The bowls was followed by a bring and braai, along with some live music from Rick Olivier. What an amazing day! Well done to the following players:-

1st Place with 100 points – Steve Smith
2nd Place with 91 points - Colin Norris
3rd Prize with 91 points – Catherine Rennie

A note about 2nd and 3rd prize; they were neck and neck with the exact same score on each session, so the tie breaker came down to who had the most points on the last end.

Coming up on the 13th of May we have a fun quiz night planned. Entry is R50 per person including vetkoek and mince for dinner, starting at 5.30pm. Please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866 for more information or to book.

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 5 May: Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Saturday, 6 May: Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs In 13h15
Wednesday, 10 May: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 13 May: Quiz Night starting at 17h30
Tuesday, 16 May: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15

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

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club 

Pictured here below: “Team N”, the winners of Friday’s Dormehl Phalane Sponsored day.

This past Wednesday, we hosted our leg of the High School Midlands Cross Country League.

It was a beautiful afternoon with approx 300 runners enjoying our trails and rather a colourful campus during the peak of Autumn. The Girls and Junior Boys raced on a challenging 4.4km route, while the Senior Boys raced on an 8km route, making them work hard for every kilometre.

The top 15 Treverton results were as follows...

Senior Boys - Kai Broom 1st out of 55 runners
Senior Girls - Georgina Thompson 10th, Karijn Kooy 11th, Tejah Balie 14th out of 65 runners
Junior Boys - Seeiso Mashoeshoe 12th out of 35 runners
Junior Girls - Grace Slater 2nd, Willow Crawford 6th out of 72 runners.

We look forward to the event at Michaelhouse next week.

Supplied.

Needing to mark a special occasion, why not support Midlands Hospice and buy one of our hand made cards

Extra stock will be available at our Hospice Market on Saturday 13 May in the Hall at 7 Mansfield Road or pop into any of the listed stockists.

If you would like to stock them please get in touch with Meghan 033 330 5257 whatsapp or phone.

And we are more than happy to take any preloved cards off your hands.

More about Midlands Hospice

Another busy week has flown by at UWBC.

On Tuesday we played our monthly J Leslie Smith & Company Nominated Pairs. This competition is always a really interesting one as the format is 2-4-2 so both players get to have turns playing into a busy head and it’s a great experience for both leads and skips. As usual it was a really enjoyable morning with some good bowls and close games.

Congratulations go to the following players who took home some Woolworths vouchers and wine and chocolates sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Company:-
1st Place – Colin and Pat Norris
2nd Place – Steve Smith and Arlene Malloy
3rd Place – Lisa Nagel and Koos Marais

After our usual Wednesday afternoon tabs in session the Midlands Hillbillies took to the greens for a game of Last Man Standing. This time we added a handicap with the more experienced bowlers starting with fewer bowls than the social and less experienced bowlers. Boy was the competition on! Well done to Clint Nortje, who was the overall winner and took home two large bottles of Erdinger along with a limited edition Erdinger glass. I am certain he thoroughly enjoyed not just the bowls but his prize too!

To end off the work week we hosted Friday Night Lights in rather chilly temperatures. Despite the wintery weather we had a great turnout of 20 players who played two sessions of 4-3-2-1 and then enjoyed some burgers after the game. Again, there was some really interesting bowls to watch, some great music to listen to and lots of laughter and joviality. A big well done to Mabel Tully who took home the 1st prize of R350 cash, as well as to Steve Smith who took home the 2nd prize of R150 cash.

Saturday was round two of this season’s league games and both our men’s and ladies teams battled it out against incredibly strong opposition sides.

The ladies played at home against Maritzburg West with one of the games getting off to a very unusual start. The first end saw our team pick up a 5, and then drop a 6 in the second end; very interesting start indeed! Whilst our ladies held their own and played with their hearts, they finished with an overall loss, but did manage to put half a point on the board. The men travelled to Wartburg to play against a very experienced Wartburg side. They played very well and certainly gave their absolute best but lost overall. At the end of the day they came home with another 4 points for UWBC. Well done to all who played this weekend!

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 28 April : Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45
Monday, 1 May : “Lord of the Rings” Fun Bowls. Tabs In 09h30
Friday, 5 May : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Saturday, 6 May : Greendale Spar 3 Bowl Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs In 13h15
Wednesday, 10 May: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 13 May: Quiz Night starting at 17h30
Tuesday, 16 May: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15

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

Picture here: Pat and Colin Norris with Lisa Nagel of J Leslie Smith & Company

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

It’s hard to think of life without technology. From being able to stream movies on Netflix, asking Alexa to play our favourite songs or just being able to Google the weather, latest soccer scores or answers to life’s most puzzling questions – technology is playing a central role in the way we work, play, and do business.

What’s even harder to fathom though, is that most of these platforms only came into existence two decades ago. As Shanaaz Trethewey, chief operating officer for Comcorp South Africa explains, one of the main reasons for this rapid growth is our insatiable desire for instant gratification and feedback.

“Digital business is a very real part of our daily lives because we want to work faster, respond to problems faster and adapt to changes faster. The only way to achieve this is with technology, and it has become a non-negotiable that companies have the right people, processes, and culture to execute their digital strategies. Only then will they be able to continue to keep up with the rapid pace of today’s consumer,” she says.

As a reputable software innovator with over 25 years of financial industry expertise, Comcorp is determined to advance business efficiencies and increase productivity through digital processes, whilst minimising risks associated with not doing proper consumer due diligence.

Trethewey unpacks some of the top trends for consumer-facing businesses who are focused on improving their digital foundation and processes.

1. Responsiveness to Gen Z
This is core for any business regardless of whether it has a B2B or a direct-to-consumer offering. The population is rising, with millennials and Gen Z who grew up with mobile telephony and the internet of things, now maturing into primary income earners / customers.
Not being able to appeal to them and maintain relevancy in their lives is a major concern. Those businesses who don’t take radical steps risk not just losing significance, but at worst, becoming completely obsolete.
Technology is part of the fibre of businesses and the foundation of any business’s value proposition will, no doubt, be based on how technical solutions bring easier, more responsive, and greater value to the end consumer.

2. Balancing fast consumer onboarding with compliance
Today's consumers want to complete most of their business online. They dislike physically applying for services such as opening a new account, applying for credit, filing insurance claims, or signing up for medical care. Despite all the efforts to digitally transform customer experiences, one process remains a challenge – customer onboarding.

Businesses battle to satisfy customers with an easy, streamlined process while protecting themselves from fraud. Compliance is there for a very real and relevant reason. All business roads lead to the end customer, making it crucial that correct checks and balances are intact. It’s imperative that we ensure the end user is who they say they are, with valid credentials, to protect ourselves but also provide consumers the assurance that they aren’t subject to identity theft.

Most consumers want to do their part and authenticate themselves when applying for a loan, a car, or a phone. It’s more about “how” it’s done that makes all the difference to them. A seamless and embedded compliance procedure is the solution – reducing the friction in what can be a clumsy or cumbersome confirmation process.

3. Permission-based data sharing
The financial sector in South Africa may be a bit far from the reality of open banking where consumer’s financial data is easily accessible. However, the growing trend of being able to access other forms of information, with consent, is one we cannot ignore.
Today’s consumer is used to having their data stored virtually, if on their phone, on an app or in the cloud. Businesses will need to adapt their processes and understanding of how data, financial or not, can be accessed so they can respond to their client’s needs seamlessly.

4. Biometric identification & increased regulatory vigilance
Biometric identification has been around for several years, with products like iris recognition at the forefront of the delivery of identity checks. Biometrics will become critical as widened anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism legislation comes into effect in Feb 2023.
Increased regulatory vigilance affecting a wider range of financial and non-financial companies means having to implement stricter consumer due diligence, including identification and verification. Biometrics will therefore become even more necessary.
Also, exploring its use in industries outside of traditional financial services, allows businesses to engage with potential customers and gain assurance that staff on the ground are working with whom they should be.

5. Responsible lending
Easily obtainable credit increases the risk of consumers over-extending themselves. Objectivity, consistency, and a quick response time is something all businesses need to consider, as failure to do so will cause a negative impact later on, as consumer’s affordability decreases.
Businesses have a duty to assess the consumer credit risk profile via direct-to- source information, both from an expense and from an income verification perspective. Responsible lending is a marriage between ensuring effective identity verification, and the complete/accurate affordability assessment. Having those seamless processes line up will allow some businesses to rise above the rest as we progress into the new year.
Trethewey concludes: Although cumbersome digital processes can limit the ability of businesses to grow – the solutions to solve these challenges are not so far from the doorstep of local businesses. A solid digital foundation, securing credible partnerships and implementing innovative software, is the way of sustaining growth plans.

For more information visit www.comcorp.co.za

Supplied.

We are getting ready for our Annual Golf Day, which includes a New Course and a New Fundraising Target.

We are very excited to welcome golfers and sponsors to join us for this event.

All proceeds raised will be used to fund our palliative care, as well as go towards a new project we are working on.

Your involvement would be greatly appreciated.

Contact Meghan 033 330 5257 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mweni Mountain Marathon is a 40km proper mountain adventure suitable ONLY for the experienced trail runner and/or hiker. The route shows off the architectural marvels of Mnweni: the great buttresses, basalt colonnades, and masonry gargoyles and spires.

Daniel Jonck, a Grade 11 student, was the youngest participant in this marathon yesterday. We are proud of his achievement and representation of Treverton's love of the Outdoors.

Supplied.

We are aware of how there are big topics and changes happening in the world around us. Our children, being so perceptive as they are, are coming home with big questions and are needing safe places to talk and ask questions. Sometimes us as parents need some equipping to help answer hard questions that we have never had to address before. Which is why we are hosting a parent equip night on "Parenting through big identity questions" We are priviliged to have Dr Trish Fiandeiro and Proffesor Reitze Rodseth lead us in informative discussions on how to address hard topics, specifically identity questions.

Please join us at the Oasis Campus on the 31 May 2023, at 6pm.

20th Anniversary Season FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY
“things we hide from the light”
19 – 21 May 2023 Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre

Celebrating a monumental 20 years as eThekwini’s most prolific and awarded dance company, FLATFOOT DANCE COMPANY honours this milestone with an extraordinary season of new contemporary dance - “things we hide from the light” which will run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 19 to 21 May 2023.

Returning to the Sneddon Theatre where the company offered its first season in 2003 – FLATFOOT has crafted an intoxicating new work that honours past legacies, current directions, and future imaginings. Provocatively titled “things we hide from the light”, FLATFOOT offers its inimitable serious and deeply personal dance-making – a style of working that has seen the company for over 20 years invited to perform on countless international stages, and which has seen the company win commissions and awards honouring the excellence of its vision.

Fearlessly led by founder and artistic director, Lliane Loots, FLATFOOT’s 20th anniversary is a landmark worth celebrating. “It has been both a slow burn and a blink of an eye getting to 20. Struggling for funding and survival while simultaneously being in awe of the daily grace of dancers who turn up every day to work, train, teach, and push their craft - often in environments that have not been easy. It’s been a deeply humbling time!” says Loots. “We also honour the hundreds of dancers who have danced with us in township halls, university, and school spaces, and in our various developmental and rural spaces. And the audiences who have called us family and come out to all sorts of spaces to watch us and support us … it takes a village to raise dancers and FLATFOOT is so grateful for our village.”

Reflecting on this new 20th anniversary season Loots says, that it has “offered me and the three senior FLATFOOT dancers a moment to stop and reflect and to revisit - albeit in new and exciting ways – on what got us here. It is also a moment to honour the younger dancers in the company (Siseko Duba, Sbonga Ndlovu and Ndumiso Dube) who are exceptional performers and who feed into so much of our dance-making. It is a moment to also feel incredible joy and the sheer power of the moving body to narrate so much of who we are.”

“things we hide from the light”, is a full-length work made up of four ‘movements’ that are connected by theme, intention, and meaning”. With choreography by FLATFOOT’s Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama, and Lliane Loots - each offering is a deeply personal dance journey into each choreographer’s respective heartland. Reflecting and referencing FLATFOOT’s history, these four ‘movements’, speak to ideas of community and belonging that are set against the private and public ideas of healing and renewal. In confronting what we – both personally and collectively - hide from the light, this quartet of connected works is about the power of memory in forging what it means to be a South African at this time in our history.

“things we hide from the light” will run at the Sneddon Theatre from 19 to 21 May and only has four public performances: 19 May (Friday) – 7pm, 20 May (Saturday) - 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and 21 May (Sunday) – 2.30pm.

Tickets are R100 (learners, students, and pensioners – R80). Booking is via COMPUTICKET:

Picture here: "things we hide from the light"
Choreography by Sifiso Khumalo, Jabu Siphika, Zinhle Nzama and Lliane Loots
DANCERS IN PHOTO: (full company L - R) Sbonga Ndlovu, Ndumiso "Digga" Dube, Sifiso Khumalo, Zinhle Nzama, Jabu Siphika and Siseko Duba
PHOTO CREDIT: Val Adamson

Supplied.

'Our school was a buzz with excitement yesterday. Every classroom, passage and playground was filled with the most creative book characters. Lots of giggles and laughs were had as characters bumped into their fellow book characters.

Work Book Day is always a highlight at Howick Prep.

Thank you to our amazing parents for always going the extra mile for your children.

Our collection of old books and stationery will continue until the end of May. Use this long weekend to find some old books and stationery that will make a huge difference in the lives of those that don’t have.'

More about Howick Prep School

Wishing our wonderful and supportive community a very HAPPY FREEDOM DAY tomorrow!!

We do, however, acknowledge that for many of you this is a rare "free day" and so we will be open from 08h00 until 13h00 for all your tyre needs!

We will also be open from 08h00 until 13h00 on Monday, 1st May (Worker's Day).

More about Hi-Q

Jason Reineke (Grade 8, pictured above) participted in the Woolworths Xtri race on Sunday, 26 March. He and his cousin competed in the triathlon light event which included a 400m swim, 12km cycle and 5km run. They were placed 1st overall and 1st in their category with a convincing lead of 9 minutes.

Tylor Payn (Grade 8) and Timothy Payn (Grade 10) competed in the KZN Trail Running 7km Table Mountain race on 14 April 2023 where Tylor finished 7th overall and 1st in the under 16 age group in a time of 45min 29 seconds and Timothy finished 10th overall and 4th in the under 16 age group in a time of 50 min 55 seconds.

More about Howick High School.

On the road again! The ever-popular Durban SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge - dubbed as South Africa’s most beautiful race - is back in full swing as entries are now open for its 2023 edition on Sunday 25 June.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge is one of South Africa’s oldest and most-loved road races that continues to inspire and support women, old and young from all walks of life to achieve personal goals and live a healthy lifestyle. With a maximum of 10 000 entries available participants need to get their entries in soon.

The theme for this year is #ItsPersonal, a motivation for women to show their incredible determination to attain their goals, and just one way to demonstrate it’s a personal journey and that challenges can always be conquered, and goals achieved.

SPAR is also pleased to announce that four strong KZN female role models will be flying the flag as the race Ambassadors: SA Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu, actress; and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and an Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan.

Setting off first, the 10km race, incorporating the national SPAR Grand Prix Series, gets going at 08:00am, followed by the popular 5km Fun Run / Walk which begins at 9am. The route for both distances is a fast and flat one that showcases the spectacular Durban beachfront before finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium outer fields.

Online entries are now open, and limited to the first 10 000 ladies at www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. Bulk entries are now also available online. Entries close on Sunday 18 June or when the 10 000 cap has been reached.

Prize money for the winner is R30,000, second place is R25,000 and third is R20,000. Prize money of R10,000 has been introduced for the first South African runner, with a total prize pool of R185,000. The event is offering over R70,000 in Lucky Draw prizes and the opportunity to go into a final draw to win a brand new Proton X50 worth R449,900.

The entry fee for licensed runners for the 10km is R150 and R200 for non-licensed runners. The 5km Fun Run entry fee is R150. Participants will receive a beautiful race T-shirt and SPAR Goody Bag. On race day there will be route refreshment stations, live entertainment, and medals will be handed out on completion of the event. Participants in the 10km event should be 14 years and older, and participants for the 5km should be 9 years and older on the day of the event.

For all the relevant race information and to enter online go to www.sparwomensrace.co.za/durban. For more information like the SPAR Women’s Race KZN Facebook page (SPARWomens10and5kmRace), or follow on Instagram (sparwomenskzn) or Twitter (sparladiesrace).

Above: All smiles. Training with good friends, getting ready for the return of the Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge that is taking place on Sunday 25 June finishing at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium. Pictured warming up are Durban Race Ambassadors, former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert; Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan and former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde.

Below: Step by step. Getting into stride for the upcoming Durban’s SPAR Women’s 10/5km Challenge, the Durban Race Ambassadors former SA Springbok, current KZN Rugby player and firefighting hero, Zinhle Ndawonde; former Protea’s Netball star, Baby Proteas coach and teacher, Precious Mthembu; actress and comedian, Lisa Bobbert and Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist Dr Marise Subrayan enjoy their training. The return of the challenge takes place on Sunday 25 June, finishing at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium.

Photos by Val Adamson

Supplied.

Generally, there is a sense of satisfaction when a task or a job is completed. In one sense, Treverton College students finishing the Grand Traverse again this year is no different. Two female students (Karijn Kooy and Georgina Thompson), three male students (Alexander Giokos, Konstantino Giokos, and Daniel Jonck), our Headmaster (Kean Broom), and three other staff members (Derek Brown, Channelle Oosthuizen, and Shaun Robertson) completed the Traverse. As far as we know, these are the first two school girls to complete the 250km traverse of the Drakensberg as a part of a school team. In another, there is a profound sense of sadness. As a team, we have looked forward to it, planned for it, and trained our bodies toward it. On the trip, we were immersed in a world of big mountains, deep valleys, fresh crystal clear water, inclement weather, constant companionship, and the satisfaction of completing the day's walk before settling down into our tents for the night. Wide open spaces, physical effort, and the simplicity of living in this foreign environment have a magnetic effect on the hearts of those who choose to wander into them. When the experience is over, we want more. I speak for the whole team when I say that we all feel this way. The journey is more wonderful, more memorable, and more enthralling than simply completing the task or ticking the event off a bucket list. A piece of our affection remains embedded in that place, and it is in us.

Generally, the weather was good. There was a cold wind that prevailed from the interior of Lesotho for most of the trip. This helped to keep the escarpment edge clear of mist for the most part. We only had a mist problem on the day we submitted Giants Castle (Day 8) and yet, even here, the mist cleared as we reached the summit to reveal the most beautiful late afternoon views over the Midlands. We experienced an incredible storm that brought sleet and hail as we headed for Thabana Ntleyana. After the storm, the winds on the summit ridge were incredibly strong nearly knocking us off of our feet at times. While the experience left us cold and wet, it was exciting to experience such high winds and such an interesting mixture of sleet and hail. Unsurprisingly, we didn’t spend long on this summit and headed for cover from the wind soon afterward. A similar storm hit us during the night and the following day we walked to the Sani Pub on the frozen, hail-littered ground. Other than that, we had incredible views of the escarpment, the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, and the interior of Lesotho, a notable highlight for Georgina.

Each team member faced their own personal challenges, which were also a cause for concern to the group at various points. Daniel burnt his foot with hot water after knocking his coffee over while reaching for something in his tent. The second and third-degree burns on the top of his foot were an immediate threat to the progress of the group. However, the first aid kits supplied by Tecmed Pharma proved invaluable and Mr. Brown patched Daniel’s foot with a burn shield, gauze, and a bandage. Daniel was also able to work through the pain and constant friction of the shoe and sock on the wound. He earned the nickname “Dan the Man” for his strength and perseverance. He admits that he spent many long hours wondering if he could continue with his wound. Alexander battled with diarrhea for two nights, which left him feeling weak and uncertain. One of the enduring memories of the trip is Mr. Brown lighting a fire at the top of Leslie’s pass using a handful of dead twigs from a small ground-level protea bush at a tea break. The ash was then mixed with water to make a black carbon-rich ashen drink. The theory, according to Mr. Brown, is that the activated carbon binds with toxins in the gut and is an excellent antidiuretic. Whatever the theory, it worked and Alexander was soon fit and strong again. Karijn developed a respiratory tract infection and spent many hours coughing during the night. She never once complained or appeared to struggle. However, it caused me some concern as I lay awake wondering if she would be alright to continue. While these troubles may seem somewhat trivial in our modern world, small problems become big problems in the mountains very quickly if not dealt with. The students worked through their individual struggles bravely and finished well.

Ethan Lundy, a film graduate from Cape Town, came along to document the trip. Carrying hiking gear and food for a trip of two weeks is one challenge. Camera equipment is an added complication. A combination of a drone, DSLR camera, GoPro, and a tripod was used for the purpose. This was shared among the group so that no one person was overburdened by the weight. Getting used to the camera posed a challenge for some as people who love and enjoy the solitude of the mountains are not always the best in front of the camera. It took a while for all of us to warm up to the idea of having a camera in our faces from time to time. It was also a challenge for Ethan, who not only needed to walk with us but had the added job of filming along the way. He did his work well and we now look forward to the release of the documentary being put together by Barry Smit. The expected release date for this is the middle of May 2023.

On the whole, the group moved incredibly well. It was expected that the trip would take 15 days. However, we managed to complete the trip in 13 days thanks to putting in a few extra kilometers at the end of each day. The hardest day was probably the day from Bannerman’s pass to Giant’s Castle. It involved an ascent of both Mount Durnford and Giants Castle and our total ascent for the day was 1400m. Whilst this wasn’t the day with the most climbing, it just worked out to be a difficult walk and we only made camp after sunset. Konstantinou felt that this was a hard day, but still finished with a smile on his face.

On the whole, the trip was a great success. But this would not be the case if it wasn’t for the perseverance and determination of the students and staff on the trip and I am so pleased with the character that they displayed throughout. I am also so thankful to those who helped and supported us. The resupply teams who brought food up to us at the top of Organ Pipes Pass (Day 5) and at Sani Pass (Day 11) have my sincere gratitude. I am also grateful to the parents and our Headmaster for believing in this trip and allowing their children to participate in it. Various companies and individuals came on board and gave us various necessary items of clothing, first aid kits, and camera equipment and for that I am grateful (see the list below). I am also grateful to Derek Brown and Chanelle Oosthuizen for their work during their time off. Annie Hodes has given us excellent media exposure for which I am humbled and so thankful. Putting a trip like this together takes a team effort and I am grateful to so many people for their help in various ways.

My thanks go to the following companies and people:
1. Berkshire Meats
2. Performance Brands and First Ascent
3. SCS Worldwide Logistics
4. The Trail Food Company
5. Skull Candy
6. Tecmed Pharmaceuticals
7. Cold Storage Solutions
8. Halfway Toyota
9. Alexander Giokos at Van Buul International

Author credit: Shaun Robertson

LEAGUE HAS BEGUN!
We started our season this past Saturday with both our men’s and ladies teams playing at home. The men went up against Howick Bowling Club with one team finishing 11 - 26 down and the other finishing 19 - 10 up, resulting in 4.5 points overall. Our ladies took on Hilton Bowling Club with one team finishing 22 – 15 down and the other 28 – 20 up to finish on 7 points overall. It was fantastic to see some of our newer players experience league games for the first time and we’re very proud off all our players efforts.

This coming Saturday the men will be playing against Wartburg on their home turf, whilst the ladies will be taking on Maritzburg West on our home greens; definitely some great games to watch!

Last week also saw our monthly Halfway Toyota competition being played on Wednesday afternoon. We had a nice turnout for the competition and congratulations go to Alan Willey, Kevin Palmer and Julia Strachan who came first, followed by Malcolm Tait and Londiwe Mvelase. Well done to all who participated, and thank you to our sponsors!

Aside from bowls, we also hosted our first Whiskey Tasting on Thursday evening. What a fun and interesting evening and we’re certainly looking forward to next month! Whiskey Club will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 for 6.30pm. For more information and to book your seat, please contact Dougal on 083 389 5241.

Wednesday evenings are always filled with many activities! Tabs in is played from1.15pm, followed by our Midlands Hillbillies who are our social bowlers. We also host the Midlands Darts league who start playing at 6.30pm. For more information on darts, please contact Amar on 082 970 4949.

Coming up this week we have Friday night bowls starting at 5.15pm. There are cash prizes totaling R500 up for grabs, and the entry fee of R70 includes a chicken or beef burger. Space is limited to 24 players so for more information or to enter, please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866.

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

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 21 April : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15
Friday, 28 April : Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45

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

Pictured below: Some interesting measuring going on during league.