'The time to get back to work has arrived. The GARDENATOMY Team return this coming week as we see our lowering to Level 3 of the lockdown. We're ready, well-rested and eager, and anticipate some interesting times ahead in getting gardens back to their former glory through our Garden Care Program service as well as landscaping contracting using all manner of hard and soft materials to create stunning living spaces and aesthetically appealing surroundings. Can't wait!' shared Gardenatomy in their excitement to garden in and around Howick once again. As permitted in Level 3.

Groundcover is more than just a leather shop selling shoes and handbags it is a place where commitment to staff and community is taken seriously.
Situated along the scenic Curry’s Post road the historic shop selling the sought after genuine leather goods may be all you notice if you pop in on a sunny day. Smiling Thuli, the sales lady usually offers customers advice and a smile. The smell of tanned leather is likely to leave a deep impression and if you look out of the window you will see a herd of Nguni cattle grazing on the hill.

But around the corner, the busy leather workshop is a hive of activity as this is where the shoes, are manufactured, up the wooden and Nguni hide stairs you may find Amanda McCarthy checking her emails and trying to sort out customer queries.

Groundcover was her husband Justin’s vision and together they worked very hard to build the brand and establish the workshop and shop, tragedy struck when he was killed in a tragic bicycle accident a few years ago, Amanda was left to make the business work.

It may have been a temptation to pack up and leave, but for this Midlands stalwart, Amanda felt she was too deeply connected to the land and to the families who have built up the business with her, the business had become them, Amanda McCarthy was not going anywhere.

One of her beliefs is that her staff’s children should get the best access to education possible and often you may see the Groundcover delivery vehicle stopping off at the local schools in Howick fetching the children after school.

The staff at the shop and at the factory may not be paid enormous salaries but the friendly attitude and perks make up for a traditional setting; they know they are valuable members of this industrious little company. Amanda said: “We grew up in the Apartheid era and we knew it was wrong for certain people to have access to all the benefits.

We felt that we really ought to make a difference, so we left the country after University and joined a cultural development project in Lesotho, where the idea was to teach the local people how to make leather goods.

“Our idea was to empower people by sharing skills. We had a wonderful time and at that time we focused a lot on hand-stitching and giving people skills they could adapt.

“When we decided to come back to South Africa and we decided to settle in the Midlands, we thought Groundcover would be a vehicle to teach people skills to create their own micro-businesses, but our focus moved to uplifting our immediate community. Our staffers needed housing and their children needed schooling and so our focus changed.

Some people make shoes to make profits, but we like to think that we make shoes to build community. They employ 25 people and they sell their shoes through other outlets.

Amanda said they liked to make decisions together with their staff and if someone was off sick, the others pulled their weight, because they knew if they got sick they would also be supported.

A strong part of their ethos is after-sales service and shoes can be re-soled. One of the initiatives that Justin started was to make shoes for those people who battled to find shoes because of their strange feet. Podiatrists refer clients to their shop to get comfortable shoes made up.

Amanda said their shoes were supported by locals because they knew the shoes were made by a local business “with heart”. She added: “The process has become more mechanized but we still make sure we stick to the principles of good leatherwork.”

The little historical sales shop is a tourism drawcard. It is an Oregon pine and tin house. They bought and re-assembled it on their property in 1994. It originally came from England as a house kit over 100 years ago and was ordered by a colonial farmer who needed a home. It arrived in Delagoa Bay and was transported to Creighton by ox-wagon to the Smiths who owned it originally. The McCarthy’s bought it 80 years later and it re-assembled it as their shop and showroom in Curry’s Post.

Another beautiful feature at Groundcover is the exquisite sculpture in the garden of the Grimm’s - Elves and the Shoemaker done by Karkloof sculptor Abbo Hall. It is a fine and detailed permanent sculpture that captures some of the magic of the story and of the labour and dedication that goes into making fine handmade goods.

The latest addition is The Barn Owl, a beautiful artisan Coffee Shop situated in front of the Groundcover Shop. It also does cakes and light lunches. Lately, it has broken into the niche market of small weddings, ideally suited to this with its beautiful location, and attractive interior.

More about Groundcover Leather Company.

As we look forward to the easing of restrictions on our day to day lives, we eagerly anticipate the joy of spending time with our families again.

Grandparents have been missed, during the last 11 weeks, their absence has been deeply felt. Grandparents provide an extra layer of support and are an important, positive, influence on the social and emotional development of children. They listen, advise and are a link to our children’s cultural heritage.

They offer an affordable babysitting service too!

From our CG Carers' family to all the amazing Grandparents, ‘We love and miss you, see you soon!'

More about CG Carers.

Mushka has a gorgeous selection of Cape Mohair blankets to keep you warm this winter. These winter blankets deliver the ultimate in quality and warmth.

Special offer - free courier during lockdown.

News supplied by Mushka.

"Wait and see" is the current status of The Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk which brings in a large chunk of funds annually for our SPCA. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the event may not be permitted. We appeal to everyone to support this necessary service.

For donations:
uMngeni SPCA
Nedbank
Account number 1133791700
Branch code 198765
Reference: Your name

More about uMngeni SPCA.

Howick High's Grade 9 learners have been creating the most awesome masks as their learning task during the COVID-10 Lockdown. Age Quod Agis Grade 9's!

The staff look forward to seeing more wonderful masks soon.

News from Howick High School.

'Today we celebrate our Howick Hospice Nurses. The amazing women that they are that go above and beyond!

May all the care and kindness you give come back to warm your heart.' shared Howick Hospice of their Facebook page.

Pictured from left to right: Sister Carolee Thompson, Sister Chantal Hathorn, Clinical Manager Charlotte Woudberg, Sister Bev Gibson and Sister Nola Poole.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

We hope that you have come out of the initial lockdown period healthy and in a good state of mind. Under the current challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the limitations of a continued state of lockdown, we have decided to keep our recycling villages closed until further notice. This is to ensure the safety and maximum protection of our staff and the general public, while we investigate and put in place measures to adhere to the back-to-workplace regulations as communicated by the government on the 3rd of May 2020.

The recycling villages which will be CLOSED until further notice are as follows:
• Quarry Recycling Village, Hilton
• Midlands Mall Recycling Village, Pietermaritzburg
• Hayfields Recycling Village, Pietermaritzburg
• Pick n Pay Recycling Village, Howick
• St Johns Recycling Village, Howick
• Watercrest Recycling Village, Hillcrest

Although we encourage you to continue best environmental practice, including recycling from home during this period – we urge you to please not dump your recyclables at the villages over this time as there will be no one available to sort, collect and keep the villages clean and tidy.

We thank you in advance for your understanding, apologise for the inconvenience caused and wish you and your families good health.

Should you experience any Covid-19 symptoms which include a dry cough, runny nose, fever and shortness of breath, please use the following numbers provided by the National Department of Health – Covid-19 Support Services:
• Emergency Hotline – 0800 029 999
• WhatsApp Support line – 0600 123 456

WILD Regards,
The WILDLANDS Recycling Team

News supplied.

The UCSI continues to add value and support to SAPS and the crime-fighting initiatives in our communities.

UCSI Update 15 April – 5 May 2020
18 April 2020 (Karkloof): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was sought by the Underberg SAPS. Affiliated security companies, SAPS radio control and local SAPS were informed. Vehicle could not be located. Case still pending.

19 April 2020 (Hilton): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was sought by the Kloof SAPS. Affiliated security companies, SAPS radio control and local SAPS were informed. Vehicle could not be located. Case still pending.

20 April 2020 (Merrivale): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was sought by the Durban North SAPS. Affiliated security companies, SAPS radio control and local SAPS were informed. The vehicle was located. UCSI handed the matter over to SAPS.

22 April 2020 (Merrivale): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was possibly linked to an armed robbery in the area. Affiliated security companies and local SAPS were informed. The vehicle was located and monitored. SAPS were advised. The UCSI was instructed to monitor the vehicle further.

25 April 2020 (Merrivale): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was reported stolen with a Pietermaritzburg CAS number. Affiliated security companies and local SAPS were informed. The vehicle could not be located. The UCSI suspects the vehicle went onto the R617 where there are no cameras in place as yet. Case still pending.

29 April 2020 (Merrivale): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was reported stolen with a Mountain Rise CAS number. Affiliated security companies, SAPS radio control and local SAPS were informed. The vehicle was located. SAPS and radio control confirmed that the vehicle had been recovered. The vehicle owner was advised to update details with SAPS. The vehicle was removed from the SNIPR database. Case closed.

1 May 2020 (Merrivale): The UCSI received a notification about a vehicle that was wanted by SAPS. Affiliated security companies, SAPS radio control and local SAPS were informed. The vehicle could not be located. The UCSI suspects the vehicle went onto the R 617 where there are no cameras in place as yet. Case still pending.

Wrap up
The role the UCSI is playing in our community is invaluable. The support offered to SAPS and Law Enforcement is critical in monitoring who is moving in and out of our areas. The UCSI also plays a fundamental role in helping “clean-up” databases. No matter how small the contribution – it all matters and makes a difference.

How can you get involved?
Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities, shopping centres, hospitals, schools, estates, security companies and private individuals.

Contact the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our website at www.ucsi.org.za for more information on how to join and make a contribution. Private individuals from R 50 pm and business entities from R 300 pm.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Thandeni Zondi (Vice-chairperson), Debbie Preston (Secretary), Krish Ramkuber, Kevin Wright, Terence James, Whyona Sithapersad and PJ Myeni.

Supplied by UCSI.

'Please be careful driving up Main Road in Howick towards Greendale side. Outside the Methodist Church there is a massive pothole that takes up half the lane. We have requested that it is repaired urgently.

We painted a white line around it this afternoon to warn those motorists who may not know about it.' shared Janis Holmes on Facebook.

Thank you Janis, your effort is appreciated as this has been a growing problem.

'In the midst of a rapidly contracting economy in limbo under an extended lockdown, today’s (21 May 2020) announcement of a further reduction of 50 bps in the repo rate will have a positive effect on the residential property market, albeit deferred until potential buyers can begin transacting in earnest.' says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.

More about your local Pam Golding Properties.

As the first cold front rolled in last week, Angel's Care Centre managed to get 350 blankets to desperately cold and needy children. They honestly cannot thank everyone enough for making this possible and only wish they could have shared the moment of pure joy and gratitude with you. They hope to continue raising funds for the expansion of our winter warmth programme to not only ensure that the children are warm but also their families. If you can contribute towards blankets (R100 each), or drop off anything warm at the centre it would be hugely appreciated. http://www.angelscare.co.za/donate.

Their thanks goes out to Makro PMB for sourcing 350 blankets for Angel's Care in record time and helping to load into not one but two bakkies (thankfully Qondile Branding and Signage Qondile Stay Real came to the rescue as they ran out of space). They have been completely overwhelmed by the incredible support received and promise that they are doing everything in their power and budget to look after the most precious children and their families.

Photo credit: Dané Turvey.

News from Angel's Care Centre.

Congratulations to Alex Candler who was selected to be a part of the U19 Shadow Squad of the U19 South African Girls Team that will attend the inaugural U19 Girls World Cup.

News supplied.

The Ugly Duckling is pleased to announce that their new and improved website is live! They are now allowed to sell all products online and ship immediately - please visit their website to see what beautiful products we have on offer at www.theuglyduckling.co.za.

More about The Ugly Duckling.

Bridget Erskine, a KZN Midlands property agent with Pam Golding Properties shares her lockdown thoughts, 'Hello fellow South Africans, I am so proud of this wonderful country and how we are all making the very best of this difficult situation. During this time, I have decided we are definitely not turning into the ‘Lockdown Loners’ but the ‘Lockdown Learners’! Pam Golding is forging ahead with updating and enhancing our skills as agents. After many years in the property business, I realise up-skilling is an ongoing and empowering exercise which I have fully embraced!

Our property market in Hilton and Howick – which includes the beautiful St. John’s Village is moving steadily upwards due to new developments and the general expansion in the area which is so encouraging. Now is definitely the time to browse what is available on our webpage and contact us agents for many more properties.

It’s great to be able to exercise in the early morning and I have sensed a much kinder and friendlier attitude by all. We have always been a happy nation and now the concern for each other is something we have embraced and will carry forward into the future. I miss face-to-face chats as does everyone else but we are strong and will survive!'

News supplied by Pam Golding Properties.

Hello Little Mozambique Familia! We have a special Lockdown menu designed just for you. Give us a call to book and we will talk you through our pick up/delivery process and payment.

Tel. 073 997 4747

Visit our website for more information - https://www.littlemozambique.com/

We have all been assessing the impact that the pandemic has had on our personal finances. Be it short term liquidity or more long term retirement planning, at a time like this, it can feel like your finances have been completely turned upside down.

While the picture may seem grim, now is the time to maintain focus, develop a strategy and find opportunities within the challenges we face. We can help you make the right financial decisions and adopt strategies in your investment planning so that you are in a better place in the future. We are faced with many challenges but together we can overcome them.

"We Look After You"

Contact Cooke Fuller Group.

There has never been a better time to plant some winter veggies, fruit trees and edible plants! Now open at Fairways on Main, The Plan & Plant Nursery - call 079 216 9322 with your questions.