Fifty years ago Mrs Cronje of Amberfield in Howick purchased a handmade chess table as a gift for her now late husband at a church fundraiser, hoping he may take up the game. Time passed as it does and as Mrs Cronje was about to do a clear out of unused items she spotted a news article in the Village Talk sharing news of Grace College pupil, Cole Baker’s recent chess win. Mrs Cronje contacted the Village Talk Editor, Peta Lee who kindly put Mrs Cronje in touch with Grace College. Mrs Cronje had decided to present this table to Cole.

The gift delighted Cole who has been playing chess since age five. It has taken 50 years but finally this table and the pieces will be used with enthusiasm and prowess.

News supplied.

A successful day - 400 children fed!!!!

With 2 huge pots of Briyani we headed over to the open lot next to the Howick library to feed what we thought would be 500 hungry orphans/homeless children. What greeted us was a group of only about 120.... What a disappointment!!!!

BUT not a team that is easily defeated, we loaded our pots, ladles and Easter eggs and headed to Howick West. What a turn around!! We finished the 2 pots of briyani, 10 boxes of Easter eggs, 2 huge drums of juice and a very, very large bag of popcorn - all in 30 minutes.

A huge thank you to our amazing team for being so willing to spend their holiday afternoon helping out, the Sookdeo family for again cooking the amazing meal, to our friend Jax for making sure the children could play soccer after all and to Merrivale SUPERSPAR for sponsoring 7 boxes of Easter eggs.

A very positive and rewarding Human Rights Day!

News supplied by Hi-Q Howick.

At Laurianne STEERE Architects , we are committed to producing world-class Architecture representing local climate, culture, textures, landscape . and our clients’ wildest dreams.

Our passion is to be able to work alongside our clients in producing personalized and appropriate, site-specific homes, offices, and community structures.

Green is good. Local materials are preferable…. low carbon footprint, low impact, low energy…infused with high levels of fun – we love what we do!!!

We love glass, steel, timber and light, especially diffused natural light, place-making, space- making, patterns in nature, creative and economical design, we love a challenge and are passionate about working with people to bring their ideas to life.

News supplied.

To view more images of their lastest finished house, www.luxurycoastalescapes.com/31colwyndrive

Knight Security Solutions is a security solution service provider that has been going for 28 years.

So, what are you looking for in a security service provider?

A COMPANY THAT...
• Is a well-established, local company that has been operating in the Midlands since 1989.
• Embraces integrity, professionalism and innovation.
• PIONEERED a holistic approach to Emergency Response in the Midlands.
• Works hand in hand with SAPS, ER24 Medical emergency, Midlands EMS, Fire, RTI, SA CAN.
• Has a 24/7, 365 Monitoring Control Centre.
• Uses the latest technology in monitoring communication between you and KSS.
• Has a 24/7 Armed Response Division with two officers per vehicle.
• Has a 24/7 Guarding Division – Residential, Business, Retail, Industrial and Estate.
• Has established its own K9 unit (patrol dogs and a tracker dog).
• Has highly skilled technical teams (Alarm and CCTV installations, access control, alarm repairs
and alarm upgrades).
• Has a 24/7, 365 Technician on standby.
• Emails out a weekly newsletter to all clients.
• Has an active website and Facebook page.
• Runs the Howick Community Bobbies Patrol and the Hilton Hawks Security Projects.
• Has set up its own Security Training Centre

Knight Security Solutions does all that.... And “Cares about our Community”.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Each year we invite photographers to submit their beautiful landscape photographs of Howick or surrounds, to be considered as the Cover Pic for the annual business directory, Howick Covered.

Before our beautiful area of the KZN Midlands browns off for Winter, get clicking!

Photographs of the Dargle, Lidgetton, Curry's Post, Karkloof, Merrivale, Merrivale Heights and Birnamwood will be considered.

You will get photo credits on the inside cover of each of the 10,000 copies of Howick Covered which we will distribute in June 2017.

Your pathway to becoming a renowned photographer may begin when you are selected for this local honour!

You are invited to email your pics to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Go forth and explore the nearby Midlands forests, falls, farms and dams. Some of our quirkier town scenes could prove interesting too.

We look forward to being blown away by your stunning Howick KZN landscape!

The Kids’ Lit Quiz is an annual literature quiz for students aged 10 – 13 years, held in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom and USA.

The winning team from each heat competes in a National Final. National champions compete in the World final.

The quiz was founded by New Zealand quizmaster Wayne Mills, who reads enough books to write several thousand questions each year.

Howick Prep entered into the Pietermaritzburg Regional Quiz yesterday, 22 February, held at Athlone Primary.

Howick Prep ‘A’ team comprised Jade Rindlisbacher, Paris Frazer, Jody Edgcumbe and Seth Segal; while the Howick Prep ‘B’ team was made up by Justine Hutton, Sara McMahon, Jack Holyoak and Callum Ludick.

We are very proud of both teams who came in the Top Five, each winning a round. Howick Prep ‘A’ team came second overall and the Howick Prep ‘B’ team was placed 5th.

There were twenty teams from schools across Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands who participated in the Regional competition.

The top five teams were:
Wykeham Collegiate – 70,5 points; Howick ‘A’ – 70 points; Epworth – 66 points; Pelham – 65 points and Howick ‘B’ – 64 points.

The attached photograph is of the Howick Prep team members.

Back (L-R): Jack Holyoak, Callum Ludick, Paris Fraser
Front (L-R): Justine Hutton, Joseph Edgcumbe, Seth Segal

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

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Discount allowed for NPO's.

A decision was made to change the Drawn Open 2-4-2 Comp sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick to a Trips Comp due to the good turnout of bowlers.

The winners were Peter Burton, Julia Strachan and Mark Taylor. The runners up, who won prizes sponsored by Dr Alan Sara, were Jack Bush, Dave Riall and Ed Matthews.

The Skills Training session organised by John Withers was well-attended.

The First Division league match played at home against a strong Maritzburg West side ended in a tie, whilst the Third Division encounter with Maritzburg B C unfortunately ended in a 3½ - 9½ loss for Umgeni Waterfall.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Friday, 17 February at 13h15: Drawn Mixed Fours Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc.

Saturday, 18 February: Final League matches of the season. – The First Division side has a ”must win” game away to Kokstad with the match being played in Underberg. The side playing in the Third Division are home to Hilton. Good bowling to all players!

Coming Soon:
Apology and Correction: An error in editing led to some confusion for which I apologise. The following is now correct.
Friday 17 March – Drawn Mixed Fours Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc
Tuesday 21 March - Human Rights Day: All Day Open Trips Tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. All bowlers are encouraged to get entries in early. Email or phone the Comp Sec. of Umgeni Waterfall. See NIBA Fixture Book and posters displayed at your clubs for details.

Members are encouraged to check the boards for district and outside competitions. Please support all these events.

Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h15 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites/club colours).

Prospective new members and visitors are always offered a cordial welcome by our friendly members. Coaching is available for those requesting it. For further information, why not pop in to the club on Tuesday mornings between 08h30 and 11h30 or on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and join us for tea at 14h45?

Pictured: Toyota on show with bowlers-photo courtesy of Margie Wheelwright

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Drawn Open Trips Comp sponsored by Greendale Spar and Giovision was played on a very hot Saturday afternoon with some brave souls venturing out to play. The winners of the generous prizes were Dave Riall and Ken Sibson. Runners Up were Barry Bedworth, Julia Strachan and Bev Vorster.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday,08 February: Drawn Open 2-4-2 Comp sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Make sure you get your tab in early to avoid disappointment.
Friday, 10 February commencing at 15h00: Skills training open to all bowlers. See list on club board.
Saturday, 11 February: Both league sides at home to Pmburg. Check notice board for selection.
Tuesday, 14 February: Be bowled over on Valentine’s Day – wear something red to participate in a Fun competition.
Friday, 17 February: Drawn Mixed Fours Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc and The Health Nut.

Coming Soon: Friday 17 March – Human Rights Day: All Day Open Trips Tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick.

Members are encouraged to check the boards for district and outside competitions. Please support these events.
Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h15 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites/club colours).
Prospective new members and visitors are always offered a cordial welcome by our friendly members. Coaching is available for those requesting it. For further information, why not pop in to the club on Tuesday mornings between 08h30 and 11h30 or on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon and join us for tea at 14h45?

News supplied Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

The All Day tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick held on Tuesday 21 March (Human Rights Day Tournament) was a most enjoyable . Our thanks are extended to our main sponsor and to Howick Pharmacy and Fairways PnP for donationstowards the raffle. A ‘Spider’ was held after lunch with the proceeds of R500 being given to Howick Hospice . Thank you to everyone who participated and who gave so generously. Thank you, to, to Margie Wheelwright who spent the day with us.

The prize winners were:
1st Place : Philip Uys, Sharon Willey and Glyn Evans of Mooi River
2nd Place : Alan Dakers, Ray Bester and Nicky Wallis of Howick
3rd Place : Colin Burden, Alan Wells and Terry Hamilton of Umgeni Waterfall.
The Plate Event was won by Peter Burton, Tim Waring and Clark Logan of Umgeni Waterfall

Club Members please note that the draw for the Ladies’ and Men’s Pairs Championship is on the board. Please play your games to semi-final stage by the end of April.

Club Event: Friday 07 April commencing at 3pm, there will be a short game of bowls followed by a light supper and the postponed Prize-giving.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

As part of our integrated learning curriculum, Howick Pre-Primary School chose to support National Water Month. As part of this learning journey, the children have had many wonderful opportunities to support our environment.

These activities included visiting our local Wetlands to learn all about frogs as well as learning all about trees and forests and the importance of saving them. To end off our Forest and Jungle theme, our Chameleon, Owl and Ladybird groups planted an indigenous tree in our local park

.
We would like to say a VERY BIG thank you to Gareth-John Keough from Gardenatomy for donating a beautiful Bush Willow Tree and for teaching us all about how to plant a tree correctly so that it is able to grow big and strong!

News supplied by Howick Pre-Primary School.

Howick Preparatory hosted their Championship Swimming Gala on Saturday morning, 25 February. Congratulations to King House who won the Staff trophy for being crowned champion swimming house. This is the first time in 26 years that King have won the swimming trophy after last winning it in 1991.

The attached photograph is of the King swimming captains with their Championship trophy.

(L-R): Hayley Muller; Robert Lawrence; Jemma Goodenough.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Howick Covered is an annual business directory focused on Howick and surrounds, including the Dargle, Lidgetton, Curry's Post, Karkloof, Birnamwood, Merrivale and Merrivale Heights. This is a great advertising opportunity for all businesses based in this beautiful area of the KZN Midlands.

Bookings are now open for the third successful edition of this full colour, upmarket, business directory.

10,000 copies will be distributed in Howick, Hilton and beyond during June 2017.

Will your business feature in Howick Covered?

If you want smart, affordable, targetted advertising the answer is a resounding YES!

Bookings are open until the end of March 2017. Book your space online or contact Sue on 033 343 1287 or 072 389 0727.

If you prefer the quick and easy route - you can book online now!

As we have previously mentioned, we are are now at the point where we are having to register for VAT, so this means that we are having to implement a price increase by next Wednesday, 1st March 2017.

So perhaps it's a good time to stock up your freezers before
next Wednesday!

Chef's Tip this week:
PIZZAIOLA SAUCE STEAK ROLLS
Our sauces are great for pastas & casseroles but try something different...
Braai a Rump Steak, of your choice, to your liking.
Let rest, then slice up into strip steak.
Butter some gorgeous Portuguese Rolls & pop on a few of the steak slices drenched in our PIZZAIOLA SAUCE WITH OLIVES - packed full of tomatoes, sweet peppers, garlic, olives & cream ... Delicious & a great way to make a Rump steak go further, with the price of meat these days!

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

We are thrilled to welcome Matthew Cocks to WESSA.

Matthew takes on the role as Centre Manager for Umgeni Valley.

Matthew spent his youth catching snakes, lizards, chameleons and any other critters he could get his hands on in the Valley of a Thousand Hills.

After university, he followed his parent’s example and moved into the teaching profession. Having taught in both the formal and informal sectors of education for the past 12 years, and through his experiences, he developed a passion for hands-on, experiential learning.

 Matthew completed his Bachelor of Science at UCT and a PGCE through UNISA. He taught for 1 ½ years at Kloof Senior Primary School, before starting out on a life-changing journey to the United Arab Emirates lasting 11 years. During this time, he completed his Environmental Management (HONS-Cum Laude), which led him to change career paths and move into outdoor education.

Matthew taught IPC, IGCSE and IB subjects at Emirates International School for 5 years before literally stepping out into the desert, and setting up the first ever outdoor environmental education camp in the Middle East. Located in the dunes, with access to desert, mangrove, wadi and rocky shore habitats, he developed and delivered a number of cross-curricular and transdisciplinary education programmes to children and adults of all ages, and realised the potential of teaching numerous subjects and concepts using the natural world.

More recently, Matthew started his own business, ‘E2Consultants,’ writing curriculum-based environmental education programmes in exotic places like Borneo, China, UAE, and Oman. This led to a 2.5 year consulting contract at Al Ain Zoo, developing multi-subject education programmes for local and international students using the Zoo’s fantastic learning facilities.

After 11 years of being out of the country, the decision was made to return to South Africa. It has always been a dream of Matthew’s to work for WESSA, and he explained how truly privileged he feels to join an organisation whose legacy and vision has provided so much inspiration to him throughout his own life.

He is extremely excited to bring his international experience and passion for outdoor experiential learning to Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve, and to work with such a competent team to make this unit a ‘Centre for Environmental Education Excellence!’

Matthew has been married to Miranda for 9 years, and they have two beautiful children, Oliver 4, and Annabelle 2, both who already love the outdoors and are barefoot wherever they go.

Matthew, we are delighted to have you on board with us.

News supplied by Wessa.

Howick Prep cricketers  did exceptionally well in matches against Laddsworth on Saturday, 11 February.

Pictured: (L – R): Greg Van Laun (59 runs); Keaton Porrill (5 wickets for 6 runs); Andrew Webb (60 not out) and Kyran Everton (50 runs).

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School. 

Valentine’s Day is on Tuesday! Haven’t booked into a restaurant yet and struggling to find a spot?

Why not save some money this Valentine’s& score serious brownie points by “cooking” for your loved one?

Treat your special someone to a romantic candle-lit dinner, for two, at home this year…
It’ll save you the money and it’ll save you the drive home after a few glasses of the good stuff!

Valentine’s Menu Idea from The Cookhouse...(Go to www.thecookhouse.co.za for our full menu!)

Starter
Cream of Carrot & Ginger Soup
2 portion – R 42

Main
Cape Malay Creamed Chicken Masala
2 portion – R 83
&
Flavoured Rice
2 portion – R 16.50

Dessert
Homemade Wild Berry Ice cream
500ml tub to share – R42

(Sambals, Salad or Sides are up to you but feel free to ask us for some tips!)

Total Cost
Dinner for Two : R 183.50!
-----------------------------------------------------
“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.”
Alan D. Wolfelt

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

Lance Hart of the Howick Prep U/11A cricket team scored 113 runs on Saturday morning, 28 January against Cowan House U/11A. Lance opened the batting and was finally dismissed off the second last ball of the innings. His innings of 113, which included 20 boundries, was a superb effort from a 10 year old boy as to score a century in cricket takes a lot of concentration and skill. Lance’s effort resulted in Howick Prep scoring 268/5 in their allotted overs and bowling Cowan House out for 28 to win by 240 runs.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.