In an endeavour to assist efforts to arrest the spread of Covid-19 and ensure the safety of our staff, Cooke Fuller Group will introduce immediate steps to allow staff to work remotely, (from home).

Fortunately, we are able to use advanced technology to ensure service levels continue to meet your expectations however should you encounter difficulty engaging with us, please do not hesitate to contact your servicing Broker direct.

Meanwhile, our switchboard, office number 033 330 3601 has been diverted to Allison's cellphone, between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Nicky Gray is available to assist you at any time on 082 450 8767

Please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.

033 330 3601 101 Main Street, Howick.

Supplied.

On Friday 20 March, Angels care managed to pack 350 food parcels to be handed out on Saturday in various ways to children from underprivileged backgrounds who  need it now more then ever. They have fruit, yoghurt and sandwiches in each bag. 150 packs will be for children under the age of 5.

We also managed to send food parcels to 20 families in desperate need of anything. Each parcel contained fruit, vegetables, mealie meal, some meat, tinned backed beans, yogurt, Maas and bath soap. We had some children collecting these for their families as they feel so much responsibility to look after their younger siblings.

We had our nursing sister educating each family about hygiene and what to do to stay healthy through this time, and other staff members with soap and hand sanitizer at the ready. We will protect our staff and children as much as we can throughout this uncertain time.

This would not have been possible without the help of Greendale Superspar & Tops, WOOLWORTHS Howick, Southern Lodestar Foundation and the many donations made by individuals. Please please keep it coming as times are going to get tougher. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us keep our community healthy.

News supplied by Angel's Care.

For 31 years Knight has been keeping our community a safer place. Our strong cores values, integrity and sheer grit are going to be our guide over the coming weeks and months ahead, as we South Africans, face the challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19). It is our shared challenge and we feel deeply for those already affected.

KSS is taking every measure to ensure the safety and security of our clients and staff. We are working closely with our Guarding site clients and Security Guards, ensuring that strict hygiene measures are in place. We have also ensured that hygiene measures are in place for our technical staff, armed response staff, control room staff, administration staff and all other KSS Operations staff.

We have educated (in English and isiZulu) and briefed all our staff, and they are aware of the reality of what we are dealing with. Our workplace Union has also assisted in this collaboration of ensuring that our staff are well informed.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

 
As the impact of the Corona virus continues to spread, the safety of our customers, our employees and our delivery partners remains our primary concern, so we wanted to reach out and explain a few things about our approach to business during these challenging times.

In case any of you feel that it is inappropriate to be marketing our products at this time, we would like to explain that it is crucial that small businesses like ours continue to operate as we employ people who rely on us and their monthly income to support their families. Please support businesses as you normally would as we all need them to survive.

To this end, we have decided to reduce all of our prices by 5% at firesandbraais.co.za for the next six weeks to keep things moving.

This sale will enable you to buy a beautiful closed combustion stove or fireplace for your home or business at a reduced price. You can buy your fireplace, your flue-kit and everything you need for installation online. We will deliver it directly to you and put you in touch with a local installer who will fit your home essential in time for winter.

With regards to our showroom, of course the safety of our staff and customers is our first priority, so we are monitoring Government advice on a daily basis and will change our policy very quickly where required.

However, for the time being our showroom and Piggly Wiggly remain OPEN and are cleaned daily. Our staff members wash their hands and have hand gel which they are using on a regular basis. They are also making sure that all surfaces and door handles are kept clean at all times.

If you feel at all unwell, or have recently returned from an infected area, for the safety of everyone, please don’t visit the showroom, rather call us and let us help you telephonically or shop online where you will find our full and extensive catalogue.

We thank you very much for your understanding and continued support, it is much appreciated.

Stay safe and look after yourselves and others in need in your community.


Shipping & Dispatch Safety
For all online orders, Fires & Braais is taking precautionary measures to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Here are some of the steps we are taking with immediate effect.

As a precaution, during this time we will wipe down all your packages in your order prior to delivery. Our despatch staff sanitise their hands prior to packaging and will wear disposable gloves.

No contact delivery
When our drivers arrive at your delivery address, they have been instructed to ring the bell, and stand back at a safe distance.

The drivers will place the pallet and items at your door or where you instruct them to place them. The driver will then record your name, with the date and time of delivery in front of you, so you won’t need to touch or sign any paperwork. We advise that you wipe down all packaging prior to opening it and store it for installation.

For third party deliveries we advise that you follow the above protocols.

News supplied by Fires and Braais.

FIREPLACES |
BRAAIS |
BONFIRES |
PIZZA OVENS |
COOKERS |
SERVICE & INFO

In line with public health advice, we have taken the decision to close all parkrun events across South Africa, Namibia, and Eswatini with immediate effect. Initially, this closure will be in place until the end of March, however this is largely to bring all parkrun countries into the same time frame and we very much expect closures to continue through April at least.

Going forward we will update parkrunners regularly and aim to communicate important information as soon as is appropriate.
We know that this message may be a difficult one for you to receive, and many people will be wondering what to do without their regular weekly catch-up. Please rest assured that we are working hard to develop our strategy so that we are able to support the health and happiness of parkrunners around the world during this difficult time.

Remaining active is incredibly important, and we are working on ways to encourage and support that, however please do not arrange group gatherings at your parkrun venues whilst parkrun events are suspended.

Thanks for your continued support, and please know that the parkrun family is there for you.

News supplied.

We believe in Conservation through Adventure

In an increasingly busy world with kids glued to devices and parents worrying about screen time, we believe that everyone deserves to spend more TIME OUTDOORS EXPERIENCING NATURE.

And what better way to do it than a FUN AERIAL ADVENTURE through some of the most pristine wilderness areas our country has to offer? We hope you learn something new from our knowledgeable guides and encourage you to play a greater role in CONSERVING SOUTH AFRICA’s NATURAL HABITATS.

We now have something new for those who like to be out in the open. A party venue with a difference in the indigenous Karkloof Forest.

News supplied by Karkloof Canopy Tour.

We are continuing to render our services, taking strict hygiene control measures, disinfecting vehicles before and after every transfer. We have hand sanitizers in all vehicles.

On all airport transfers the chauffeurs will meet clients at the designated meeting points outside the airport buildings.

Clients who require additional services such as shopping of groceries, medicines etc delivered to your front door, this is now available to enable those who wish to avoid crowded areas.

For more information contact Sisonke Transfer Services : Tel: 0861-747-6653, Cel/Whatsapp: 0832255585 or email :This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by Sisonke Transfer Services.

UMGENI WATERFALL BOWLING CLUB

Despite the strong winds, heavy rain and large hailstones, only minor damage was caused to the greens so bowling continued as normal on Wednesday when the greens were running well.

RESULTS:
The Halfway Toyota Howick /The Treatery/Dr Alan Sara Tabs In Competition held on Wednesday 11 March was won by Bruce Coldwells, Malcolm Tait and Des Blackford; 2nd was Bernice Burden, Tiny Lourens and, Barry Fairbrother; 3rd was Bob Chetty, Barbara Cuthill and Yvonne Otto. Prizes were presented by Margie Wheelwright of Halfway Toyota Howick.

The Greendale Superspar/Giovision Tabs In Competition held on Saturday, 14 March was won by Piet van Rensburg and Barbara Cuthill.; runners up were Tony Gage, Tim Waring and Grace Abrahams.

We thank the above sponsors for their continued support.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

An urgent committee meeting was held at the Umgeni Waterfall Club on Monday afternoon and a decision was made to suspend all formal club sponsored competitions until the end of April. Normal tabs in and internal club comps will continue to be played. This change was made to comply with the directive from the President which states: ‘ ..........it is essential that we minimise the risk of the spread of this virus by limiting contact amongst groups of people............ Where small gatherings are unavoidable, organisers will need to put in place stringent measures of prevention and control.” This decision by the committee was also made to protect our members who may be susceptible to the virus and who have suppressed immune systems.

EVENTS IN MARCH
Kindly note that all fixtures are cancelled until further notice. Members may however continue to play on regular days should they wish to do so. They are also requested to organise to play internal club competitions with their opponents as soon as possible.

Prospective new members and visitors are always welcome to join us.
Coaching and skills training: By arrangement, contact 071 164 3162 and leave a message or WhatsApp/Message.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

In this beautiful crazy modern world, economic decline has made it super hard for little NPO's like Howick Hospice to stay relevant within the bigger scheme of things regarding funding, from Corporate & Government departments.
So we are turning to the very community that we serve, to help us continue our Free Palliative Care service.Through our Sweepstakes initiative, you could walk away a winner,in more then one way!!! For only R50.00 p/m you can help us stay on course & help a patient receive the care that they deserve as their earthly journey comes to an end, your contribution will ensure that your fellow community will have a pain free and dignified passing.

By helping you will stand a chance at winning up to R30 000.00 every three months.....

SIGN ME UP!!!! I want to make a difference... It's as easy as 1,2,3
STEP 1 : Click on the 'FIND OUT MORE' button, fill in the membership form,choose your subscription
Email it or Drop it off @Howick Hospice : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
STEP 2: Congrats, you have now donated to our worthy cause and are in the draw for the next 12 months. Join our social media platforms and Get a friend or two to join & receive 1 extra entry
STEP 3: Keep an eye out for communication via email,social media,print media and telephone.
The draw will take place every 3 months.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
uMngeni refuse collection as follows from Friday 27th March for 21 days.

Collection will take place on the same days as usual but, to minimise the exposure of collectors and the public, COLLECTIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT NIGHT.

Staff will come on duty at 1800 [6pm] and residents must put their bags out in the late afternoon.

The refuse site will be closed to the general public. Only the municipal refuse trucks and those contracted to the municipality for refuse removal ie Garlington & the Ambers will be admitted.

No garden refuse will be accepted at the landfill site.

METER READING - APRIL 2020
Due to the lockdown, we will not be able to fo on site and read meters.  Kindly use the following details to submit your readings, we will try to capture as many readings as we can for the month of April. Submission of meter readings will work via EMAIL and SMS only do not call the numbers provided.

NOTE THIS WILL COMMENCE ON THE 1ST TO 15TH OF APRIL.

Details are as follows :+27(0)83 422 1037  and  +27(0)67 748 5314.

Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by uMngeni Municipality.

We now offer delivery to Howick!

During this difficult time we understand that self-isolating can be challenging and so we have collaborated with our neighbours Highgate Wine Estate to deliver to your door .

And what’s more – we’ll deliver for free on orders over R200!
Just send a Whatsapp message to our Business WhatsApp number (061) 968 6239 to get the ball rolling!
You are also welcome to order takeaways, and we’ll meet you outside in the parking lot
Let’s all stick together and keep safe.

News supplied by Piggly Wiggly.

The Karkloof Conservancy has decided to keep the Karkloof Conservation Centre open and continue to offer walks (limited to groups of 10) and allow access to the hides.

We ask that each person who chooses to participate to take personal responsibility for their own health and for the safety of others. To use the facilities mindfully and at your own risk.

As a venue, open to the public, we have to exercise extreme caution. These are some of the measures we have set in place for your safety:
- Sanitizer in the office to use on arrival and after dealing with money etc
- Sanitizer and paper towels in the bathroom, as well as hand soap
- Sanitizers in each bird hide - to use when opening and closing the door and to wipe the counters before and after each visit.
- Staff are screened and monitored and follow basic hygiene protocol
- If you have been travelling recently or are sick, please take it upon yourself not to visit the Centre and or hides.

We trust you will adhere to the measures we have put in place when visiting our facilities.

News supplied.

How do you plan on keeping your children  or grandchildren busy for this extended holiday time.

Play dates and outings are not a good idea.

Nuts about books and Toys have books, puzzles and plenty of toys to keep the young ones practically and educationally occupied.

New jigsaw puzzles will be in store soon!

Brands include Heye, Clementoni and Ravensburger.

News supplied by Nuts about Books and Toys.

Children/grandchildren at home and needing some constructive entertainment?

We have a great selection of craft at home options ready to go!

Paint sets can be added to wood art items, kiddies canvas or mandala on canvas, dot art starter kits and any decorative bisque item can be painted with acrylic paint. Lots of mix and match options!

 WhatsApp Vanessa 083 357 0588

News supplied by The Artbar at Zulu Lulu.

How decision-makers adapt to the Covid-19 national disaster will determine the knock-on effect to businesses and livelihoods around the entire country - According to Frank Mullen, CEO of Zinia, a leading mid-sized telecoms and ICT provider.

Businesses must support each other during Covid-19 crisis

17 March 20 - All South African business leaders have a responsibility to stand together to keep business moving, protect employment and the economy ticking over.

According to Frank Mullen, CEO of Zinia, a leading mid-sized telecoms and ICT provider, “How decision-makers adapt to the Covid-19 national disaster will determine the knock-on effect to businesses and livelihoods around the entire country.”

“Now is not the time to stop doing business or bring a halt to spending,” he says. “If we do so, it will negatively affect those we do business with, impacting employment and ultimately worsen the current economic situation.

“Our ability to bounce back will be severely affected and by the time the worst of the virus is over, the damage will be done.”

He makes his point strongly: “think about what will happen if your customers stop buying from you or you in turn stop purchasing from your suppliers due to Covid-19; what will the impact be? This would have a severe impact on your business as well as your suppliers.

“We are all in this together and have a responsibility to collaborate with our suppliers, customers, employees and peers, to find ways to keep business going, even if it is not how we traditionally would operate,” he says.

He believes that if every business in the country stopped their normal buying behaviour, then every business could be impacted, and the ripple effect will be felt throughout every sector of the economy, ultimately hurting society.

From travel bans, quarantines, to social distancing and behaviour change, Covid-19 will continue to affect South Africa in the coming months - he believes these measures will be around for at least three months.

As a nation South Africans are particularly resilient and he believes we should challenge all negative decisions, and not react out of fear.

He believes leaders need to adapt quickly and he provides the following as a guideline:

Implement Covid-19 education and take actions to protect the health of those within your company and those who come into contact with your business. This includes putting in place sanitary and protective supplies, educational information and make sure that the right behaviour patterns are adhered to.

Create a new 90-day business ADAPT action plan that includes dealing with further restrictions on travel and other decisions taken, should the situation worsen as a whole.

Continue business as usual as far as possible. Do not stop spending entirely or take the attitude that your business needs to shut down. This behaviour will damage the economy.

Give all staff the ability to work from home. Check that your business has the right technology and if not, put them in place quickly. This includes giving tools, such as access to data, devices, internet and remote access to work systems, so employees can continue working in isolation if need be. You will do more damage to your business if your employees are unable to work in isolation.

Manage the productivity of employees who are working at home. Instead of travelling use video conferencing and telephony systems.
“As business leaders we need to be open to limit the risk of spreading the virus, this means doing things differently than we would normally,” explains Mullen. “For example, find another way to get the information you need to make a decision, instead of cancelling a face-to-face meeting - by not making a decision you are further damaging the economy.”

“We absolutely must continue the buying cycle,” he says. He emphasises that some sectors like tourism will be majorly affected, but if it is within the control of a business leader they must do everything to support local tourism, businesses and co-workers.

“We should not panic and allow the country to go further into recession. We must rally together, support each other and speak up - including putting pressure on Government to come up with economic reforms and stimulus packages to boost and assist businesses during these times.”

Mullen concludes there is a silver lining: “as the price of oil drops, the price of fuel will lower, and interest rates may come down too, effectively increasing spending power and improving budgets.”

News supplied.

After the President’s address last night, the Fern Hill Hotel family sat down and discussed various ways forward for our hotel. Being a small, family-run business, we cannot afford to close and will be operating to the best of our ability. We agree there needs to be extra precautions taken and increased hygiene measures instituted to prevent the spread of the Corona Virus.

Being a Training College as well as hotel, we have always taught and exercised extreme hygiene practices, but with the current spread of COVID-19, we are putting extra measures in to protect further our staff, students and guests. Below are the various strategies we have put into play effective immediately:

• We ask all guests to use the hand sanitizers at the entrance to Fern Hill, on the counters and at tables.

• In addition to our bathrooms, a handwashing station is now available on our deck for all our guests to use freely.

• We have removed tables in our dining room and on the deck to prevent overcrowding and provide more space between guests and waiters.

• Hand sanitizers will be available on each table for guests’ use from Tuesday 17th.

• One member of staff is designated to sterilizing cutlery (beyond the regular measures) and wrapping in disposable napkins using gloves and mask.

• Our normal cutlery layout has stopped.

• Staff are being made to wash their hands every 15 to 20 minutes and make use of hand sterilizer throughout the day.

• Gloves will be worn during service. Should you wish your waiter to wear a mask this can be requested.

• Menus, pens, pay points, bill folders and salt and pepper sets will be wiped down and sanitized after each use.

• Bar staff will be using gloves and sanitizer.

• Pool cues, balls and gaming equipment will be sterilized after each use in the bar.

• Extra cleaning of surfaces will be done consistently throughout the day.

• Guests can request disposable cups for teas/coffees.

• Biodegradable straws will be available for cold drinks.

• Chefs already wear gloves but will wear masks when plating the food.

• No staff allowed to come to work if displaying flu-like symptoms. To date, we haven’t had any. We are encouraging lots of vitamin C amongst our team.

• Our staff live on the property and don’t travel to and from work in crowded taxis or buses.

• We ask that any guests displaying flu-like symptoms not come to our hotel and if they do will be denied entry.

• We are altering our special events to be under 50 people and with plated menu options.

• Buffets are being discouraged.

• We also encourage guests to download Zapper and use it to pay their bills. This obviates the handling of cash or using credit card machines.

• We will be offering free delivery on frozen ready-made meals to Howick, Merrivale and Hilton areas for the next month. This will be done by the directors. Menu to follow.

• Students in the training college have been asked to stay home for the next 2 to 3 weeks and work on theory. This will be relooked at after 2 weeks.

• All accommodation will be less 30% allowing relief for guests needing it.

• Our professionally trained housekeeping team will increase their cleaning regime in all public areas in the hotel.

Should you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us on 033 330 5071.

News from Fern Hill Hotel.

It has been just over a week since the first South African to have COVID-19 was diagnosed on our doorstep in Hilton, KZN Midlands by Dr Reed.

Basic information at a time when we all need to be calm and practical is imperative. There seems to be little more we can do but dose up on immune boosters, get enough sleep and stay as healthy as possible. To date, the best defence we have been offered is to employ social-distancing, sensible all-around hygiene and 20 second long handwashes interspersed with hand sanitiser in an attempt to delay the spread of COVID-19. In between handwashing do not touch your face.

More about social distancing, because there are cowboys out there who will flaunt the best advice because they assume they know better. Keep a 1,5m to 2m distance between yourself and other people as much as is practically possible. No hugging, kissing, shaking hands or any other skin to skin contact on greeting. Respect the cues from the people you meet, do not force any physical contact on them but instead thank them for honouring your space.

Travellers may have to face anything from self-isolation to institutional quarantines depending on where they are in the world.

Local Doctors have requested that if you fear you may be infected with the coronavirus, you should call the surgery to receive a consultation over the phone and do not physically consult your doctor. A visit to the surgery puts many people at risk unnecessarily.

Many local businesses have been proactive in placing hand sanitiser out for customers to use, but the responsibility is yours. When you head out think about the protective measures you can take and behave accordingly.

For any additional information please call the national NICD COVID-19 hotline on 0800 029 999.

Alternately WhatsApp 060 012 3456.

Resources:
http://www.nicd.ac.za/

Our next Passion Profile presents to you, Pipsey Denning.

Pipsey has a major soft spot for animals and is devoted to her family. She finds satisfaction in being by people’s sides every step of the way on their journey to finding their dream home.

Pipsey knows passion comes from doing something you love to do, so being passionate about finding your next home comes naturally to her.

News supplied by Dormehl Phalane Property Group Midlands.