You might wonder what intimacy has to do with business.

Just like any liaison, experts will tell you, intimacy is an important part of a successful, long-term relationship. In business, intimacy needs to be created and maintained with your customers, your staff, your suppliers and your alliances; to name the most important ones. This intimacy takes the relationship to a level that can be fulfilling to both parties, not just as a one-sided affair. People need to feel appreciated and to understand where they 'fit' - and that includes how they fit with your business.

Here are some ideas on how to create or maintain intimacy and keep the 'spark' going between you and your suppliers, staff – and all the rest:
1. When was the last time you took your best client out to dinner? What about your five best clients? Wouldn't it make sense to invest a percentage of your top clients' monthly spends with you into retaining them and generating referrals? This is often much cheaper than advertising for new ones.
2. Are you one of those employers who always finds ways to improve things? There's nothing wrong with that. What about telling people when they're doing a great job? Or thanking them for being punctual? Or for putting in that extra 10 minutes today? You may consider these the way a person 'should' behave but think about your children or your pets – you praise them when they do well don't you?
3. How about sending your supplier a thank-you card or note showing gratitude for their support, timely deliveries or whatever positive things you're noticing. Invite them to come and present to your staff or to meet for coffee and give you some feedback on your business and how you might improve. In many cases they're probably a bigger business than you and could pass on some valuable tips or learnings to help improve yours.

These are just a few ideas on how to get the spark back in your relationships with some of the most important people in your business. If you're already doing these that's great! Find some ways to change and keep your relationship fresh.

It's like the old saying goes – nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Show them you care, get 'intimate' with them and you might be pleasantly surprised about where you can take your relationship.

News supplied by ActionCOACH.

BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE STEAM TRAIN EXCURSION. THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP DRIVE – YOU ENJOY.

THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP invite you to join them at the Creighton Aloe Festival. Join them when the coach departs from Howick at 7.30 am for train departure at 10.00 am, Returns to Creighton approx 12.30. Visit the market at Creighton Country Club, return to Howick 3.30 pm.

There are other dates available for the Steam Train which are 27th and 28th June 27 and 4th, 5th and 18th, 19th July

The train ride is a 2 -2.5 hr trip with lovely views of the aloes. It stops along the way for passengers to stretch their legs with photographic opportunities walking amongst the aloes. The train also stops at Riverside Station where passengers are entertained by singing groups.

There will be Egg & Bacon Rolls, teas & coffees on sale at Creighton Station. Refreshments & snacks for sale on the train. For Lunch & Picnic Hampers on board booking is essential.!

Don't miss out, this is a very popular trip and seats are taken quickly. Choose from Vintage to luxurious Sisonke Lounge

For further details and bookings contact Lesley
033 330 2269 / 072 640 2737

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

Howick – 2015 KZN Enduro Series champion Hilton Frost is looking forward to getting back on his bike and being part of the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival's action once more when he takes on the descends of the Karkloof region during Saturday 9 May's STIHL Karkloof Enduro.

With the three-leg KZN series having wrapped up two weeks ago, the PYGA Industries flyer has enjoyed some time off of late but is relishing a return to the saddle this weekend as he looks to start his preparations for the upcoming KZN Championships which take place on 6 June.

"It was great to walk away from the KZN Series with the title this year and hopefully things can go well for me at Karkloof this weekend too as I look to get the ball rolling ahead of KZN Champs," says Frost.

"Karkloof is always such a great event and usually attracts all the big names so I'm sure it will be another super-hot race on Saturday.

"While I don't look to put too much pressure on myself ahead of a race, it would be great to get onto the podium or possibly even a win," he adds.

While being a lesser known discipline of mountain biking, enduro has enjoyed tremendous growth throughout KZN and beyond recently and Frost is enjoying being a part of the upward spiral.

"Enduro has been growing so fast and it's great to see things going so well for the sport!" says Frost.

"A lot of people are now starting to realise that it isn't nearly as crazy as downhill is while sponsors are also starting to get on board which is really helping with enduro's growth."

The KZN Enduro Series visited the trails of the Karkloof in early February whereby Frost clinched second place, something he believes will be to his advantage ahead of this weekend's clash.

"Having taken part in the KZN Series race at Karkloof I'm sure will help ahead of Saturday.

"The organisers do however look to make sure that the two races have a different feel and so they usually change the route quite a bit which obviously changes things up.

"Being in the same area, the trails will still be quite similar however this weekend's race will probably involve a bit more climbing and the individual stages will also be a bit longer than the KZN Series race.

"Riding at Karkloof is always really fun! There will be the odd rock garden on the route but these usually aren't all that technical and so the racing is usually really fast as the trails are hard and well-manicured!"

While seeking a victory himself, Frost warns that Tiaan Odendaal, Tim Bentley, Jedson Tooms, Craig Paul and the likes are also set to feature prominently in the men's clash.

Saturday's STIHL Karkloof Enduro is preceded by Friday's 20km Karkloof Night Race while Sunday 10 May's 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon, 40km aQuellé Half Marathon, 20km aQuellé Family Ride and 10km aQuellé Kids Ride rounds out a thrilling weekend's cycling adventure for the whole family.

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB) while more information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za and entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za.

It's confirmed – the date for this year's SPCA 1000 Paws Walk is Sunday 12 July 2015. This annual fundraiser sees the three SPCA KZN Midlands branches, namely the Pietermaritzburg, uMngeni (Howick) and Mooi River SPCAs, joining forces to put together a fun day in the outdoors for dogs and their humans. Enjoy beautiful walks through the grounds of Hilton College overlooking the Albert Falls Dam, plus lots of family fun, with dog displays, stalls, food, entertainment etc). The three societies share the money raised through this event, so come along and support them. For more details, please email the uMngeni SPCA PRO Tess Fernandez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call her on +27 (0)76 301 4827.

Photo (from left to right) – Tannit, Callum and Tiffany Hancock enjoying their day at the 1000 Paws Walk for SPCA. Biscuit (with the scarf around his neck) won top prize in the Best SPCA Dog of the Year competition.

During the April school holidays, Howick High School's First Rugby, Boys and Girls Hockey teams participated in the Treverton Sports festival in Mooi River.

The Boys Hockey team Won 3 matches, drew 3 matches and lost 2 matches whilst the Girls Hockey team won 2 matches, drew 2 matches and lost 4 matches.

Our rugby team won 2 of their 3 matches, including a match against Watershed from Zimbabwe.

We congratulate Zinhle Gwala who was presented with the award for Goalkeeper of the Festival: Girls Hockey.

I was listening to Elton John singing 'I'm still standing' and this made me think of our two gentlemen bowlers who are not just standing but who are still bowling well at the tender age of ninety.

We had a fun-filled celebration on Saturday with the two gentlemen presenting each other with a 'long-service' medal followed by a presentation to the club president of a 'good conduct' medal. Thank you, Ted and Ian. I will treasure that award and wish you both happy bowling for many years more.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 22 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by J LeslieSmith Inc. and The Health Nut. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 26 April: Atomic Moth Shellhole will be hosting an all day tournament on our greens.

Should you wish to enter a team, please contact Mike Scheffer on 0824119582

We wish Helen Emberton and Neil Wright , excellent bowling on Sunday, 26 April, when they compete in the NIBA Novice Singles.

NB Tabs-in times. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday and Friday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15

Members please check notice boards for club duties.

THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP is a 'personal shopper' version of a traditional travel agent. We don't just sell and send you on a trip, we design and create to your personal requirements.  We have lived in or explored most sub-Saharan countries, and it is this experience that we offer to you.

Lesley has been designing and arranging safaris for over 32 years. If you are a lone traveller, or wish to travel with a group, if you have a small budget or a big one, Lesley can arrange interesting travels from one-day to multi-day across borders safaris.

Ian has worked in wildlife management for more than 40 years. It is this combined understanding of Africa, its flora and fauna, people and cultures, that we are able to discuss and tailor-make a special trip for you.

Day excursions from Howick include lunches and picnics in the beautiful Midlands of Natal, excursions on a lovely old Steam Train, nearby festivals, events and exhibitions and even wine and beer tasting. Great fun and an easy way to meet like-minded people. We drive, you enjoy!
Further afield we can take you up Kilimanjaro, to see the gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, white-water rafting in Victoria Falls, scuba-diving in Lake Malawi, sand-duneing in the Namib Desert, sailing dhows off Mozambique, riding horses over the salt pans of Botswana or specialist guided farm tours in Zambia - before catching a tiger fish on the Zambezi or Lake Kariba.

Not forgetting the luxury of lazing around swimming pools at elegant hotels, exploring inner cities such as Stone Town on Zanzibar, discovering new art galleries and museums, and meeting the people, always an important part of travelling, THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP will listen to your ideas and advise how and where to go.

As part of AFRICAN INSIGHT, a company that has been pleasing travellers since 1996, THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP also has extensive knowlede of South Africa for those who wish to explore more of this unique country which is, as they say "A world in one Country".

We will come to you to discuss your next trip if you live in or around Howick. Just phone and lets make an arragement to meet.

21 year-old Karkloof Classic MTB Festival continues to mature well with age.

Howick – The 2015 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is set to serve up a weekend of action-packed off-road adventure as this year's edition of the country's biggest mountain biking festival prepares to celebrate turning 21 years-old this May.

The event has grown in leaps and bounds over the years and from its humble beginnings of just a modest marathon, it is now a weekend full of mountain biking activities that involve the whole family and riders of a variety of MTB disciplines.

The Karkloof Classic prides itself on being the biggest mountain bike festival in the country and with such a diverse three day programme on offer, it is no surprise that it has proven so popular with local riders and those from further afield alike.

The festival's flagship event is the 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon takes place on Sunday 10 May and is once again set to attract a number of the country's top riders eager to fight it out for one of top titles in local marathon mountain bike circles.

The weekend's appeal stretches far beyond the 60km marathon though as the Friday 8 May sees riders take on the unique 20km Karkloof Night Race which offers a whole new experience to riders before Saturday 9 May's STIHL Karkloof Enduro brings the adrenalin junkies from around the country to the region.

Then, on top of the 60km marathon, Sunday's jam packed programme also includes a number of different events for riders of all ages and abilities. The aQuellé 40km Half Marathon, aQuellé 20km Family Ride and aQuellé 10km Kids Ride each offer up unique challenges and experiences that will test the whole family and provide a day's worth of excitement and fun for all.

The sharp end of this year's 60km clash has been blown wide open with the news that the African Continental MTB Champs will be taking place in Rwanda over the same period as the Karkloof Classic, potentially ruling out defending champion Rourke Croeser, 2014 winner Brendon Davids as well as a host of the nation's top MTB riders.

The door has been left open for a new champion in 2015 and there are a number of potential title challengers starting to queue for a shot at this year's spoils. Triple Quattro ROAG Series champion and stalwart of KZN mountain biking Andrew Hill (TIB Insurance) immediately springs to mind as a firm pre-race contender along with Travis Walker (Full Dynamix) and Alan Hatherly, should the youngsters enter race. Hatherly, the Kargo PRO MTB and Elite Athlete Development Programme star, has been in devastating form of late and will almost certainly be a strong threat when the 60km marathon gets underway at the Karkloof Club.

There will also be a potential charge for the podium by Martin Dreyer's RMB Change a Life MTB Academy and, led by veteran John Ntuli, the team could produce a number of strong performances through the likes of Sthembiso Masango – who recorded a sixth place finish in the 50km Marathon at the recent PMB MTB Festival, Bongumusa Zikhali, Ndumiso Dontso and Sipho Kupiso.

The ladies race will be equally affected by the national XCO team's absence with defending champion Candice Neethling (Pam Golding/Freewheel Cycology) and Under-23 sensation Bianca Haw also expected to do duty for the national side in Rwanda. With Neethling's absence the door is open for 2015 runner-up Jeannie Dreyer (USN/Hi-Tec) to mirror Neethling's efforts by etching her name on the winner's trophy for a second time in three years should she tackle the testing marathon course in the Midlands.

There is also strong junior flavour starting to waft through into the senior ranks with the likes of Frankie du Toit and Julian Jessop making names for themselves. Jessop managed to outsprint veteran Andrew Hill for third place at the 2014 edition and the former junior SA Marathon Champion has been making great strides of late following a broken back last year.

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More info can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

Pictured: With the potential absence of 2014 Sappi Karkloof Classic champion Candice Neethling (Pam Golding/Freewheel Cycology), 2014 winner and 2015 runner-up Jeannie Dreyer (USN/Hi-Tec) could notch up a second win in three years if she is on the start line at the 2015 60km marathon during the Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival from 8-10 May. 

Photographer: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

Having successfully served KwaZulu-Natal Midlands business owners for more than a year, Linda Lawrie of BusinessBuilders is relocating to Port Elizabeth where she will open a branch for ActionCOACH KZN. "Although we're now in search of a coach to step into Linda's shoes, her move has been a blessing in disguise," says Patrick Greenaway, a master coach and the owner of the ActionCOACH KZN franchise. "After following up on Melanie Veness' email of introduction to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber I'm confident that with Linda guiding the process we'll be well established in the 'Friendly City's' business community by this time next year," he adds.

News supplied by ActionCOACH KZN.

As part of a recent educational trip to Gauteng, a group of Howick Prep pupils had the opportunity of visiting and going down a Gold mine shaft. They were also shown how Gold is mined, refined and smelted into Gold bars. While in Johannesberg, they also visited Maropeng - Cradle of Humankind, Sterkfontein Caves and were given a Behind the Scenes tour of the Johannesberg Zoo. The trip was a fantastic way of reinforcing what had been learnt back at School in the classroom.

Pictured: (L-R) are of Rachelle Shaw, Alex Candler, Chloe Morton and Jade Harty about to go down the Gold mine shaft,  Below are the entire group about to enter the Sterkfontein Caves.

In this day and age, nobody is exempt from the scourge of crime. FreeMe's beloved bakkie was stolen on the 4th May from outside Hopewell Supplies in Harvard Street just after 13h15 in the afternoon, right in front of the car guard. It takes an amazing amount of cheek to steal a vehicle that everybody knows and with such distinctive signage and drive it away in broad daylight. All the vendors at the Falls saw it and happily informed us that it was driving towards Main Road, but the police could not find it. It is particularly distressing, as we had spent a great deal of hard earned donations fixing it and getting it sorted out, including a new engine, new shocks and brakes, and a new battery. To add insult to injury, we had just put in R 500's worth of diesel. Unfortunately, this severely hampers our efforts to rescue our patients. We are now reduced to only one vehicle again and with no bakkie, we cannot load anything bigger than a duiker, and while it was insured, we are not going to get anything like what it was worth to us. If anyone has an older second hand vehicle that they are thinking of getting rid of, please let us know and we can see if we can afford it. While we would prefer a bakkie, at this point we would just be happy to have anything to enable us to go on more than one call out at a time. We have very helpful mechanics that will fix things for us, so we are happy to do some work on it. Also everyone be vigilant with your own vehicles, and don't assume that because there are people around, that they are safe. Finally, if you would like to help, FreeMe will be running a huge raffle over the next six months, with wonderful prizes such as a Big Boy Scooter, trips to a game reserve, five tablets, 7 x Samsung TV's and 15 x R500 shopping vouchers. Tickets are R10 each, so please buy one or, even better, contact us and take a book to sell or a few for your business - you get one free ticket per book sold, and your kids can earn community service hours for fund raising. If you only enter one raffle this year, please let it be the FreeMe one.

News supplied by FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation (KZN).

Harvard Electrical, the only electrical wholesaler in the greater Howick area brings you a new range by Crabtree. These special introductory prices are valid for one month. For more information call Harvard Electrical or visit the store at 22 Harvard Street for these and more deals on switches and sockets.

Howick – For 21 years the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival has provided riders with exhilarating mountain bike track with varying elements that appeal to all riders and whilst previous years have been successful, course designer and builder Hylton Turvey continues to revamp, reshape and reinvent the courses at the Karkloof MTB Club and the 2015 three-day, 8-10 May, festival will be no different.

Turvey and his team took the decision in 2014 to give the aQuellé 40km Half Marathon course a huge reshape which meant that they changed the direction in which the course ran but 2015 sees the 40km course remain mostly untouched whilst one section on the Sappi 60km Marathon course is receiving a revamp along with a few other minor adjustments.

"There are changes this year but no route changes like we had last year," Turvey said. "We have had to rebuild some of the old trails as well as revamp a bit here and there but the routes for this year are going to be the same as they were last year."

One of the cornerstone elements of the 60km Marathon route is the Rene's Rumble section and Turvey took the decision to reshape the entire section. However instead of building an entirely new section what he has done is embed the whole section into the natural layout out the land.

"We went with the choice to rebuild the whole of Rene's Rumble for the race this year and we think that the riders are going to really enjoy the new set up that we have gone with. There are new trail as well as new jumps and other elements to the feature.

"It gives a new feel to an old piece of the course and we have used the rocks, fallen trees and the natural features to form the basis of the new and improved Rene's Rumble," an excited Turvey mentioned.

The 40km course has received a slight amendment as riders tackle trail instead of the usual road section just past the halfway mark of the course.

"As riders ride down the Bombardé section of the course then there is an uphill that we used to take them up a road but this year we have decided to keep the riders off road as they head up a trail but that is the only slight change to the 40km race," Turvey added.

Turvey has been in charge of the trails in the Karkloof for a number of years now and as a rider himself he understands what riders would like from a track and using his imagination as well as his experience he has become renowned for building popular courses amongst riders.

"When I prepare to build or rework a section of the track I like to picture myself riding it and that is sort of how I imagine it should be laid out. I have always been a fan of keeping things interesting and being able to mix things up.

"Creating mountain biking trails is definitely my passion and I build what I love which means that I am able to do what I love every day," Turvey added.

Increasing in popularity is the STIHL Karkloof Enduro which follows much of the 60km course does encompass a few of its own elements but the majority of the course will be sections of track that all the riders in the 60km Marathon will tackle on Sunday.

"We did take the Enduro into consideration and so we have given it some of its own elements with a few jumps and other features but it is still very doable for all which is something that we wanted to ensure. It includes a number of the popular 60km elements like Bat out of Hell which we know the riders enjoy," he concluded.

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB) while more information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za and entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za.

Photographer: Dané Kok/Gameplan Media

Mpophomeni Conservation Group Pumpkin Competition:

Sunday 10 May 13h00
MCG Community Garden, Corner Mhlongo/Stadium Road, Mpophomeni

Prizes from TWK for Biggest and Best pumpkins grown in Mpophomeni.

RSVP to Penz Malinga on +27 (0)87 236 4480 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact her for further details.

Howick Prep School's Tennis teams have just returned from a very successful tour of Gauteng. Whilst up in Johannesberg games were played against St Peter's Prep, Trinityhouse, St Stithians, Redhill Prep and Jan Celliers.

Howick Prep School has built a strong relationship with these schools having hosted their hockey, rugby, cricket, soccer and swimming teams over the past years. St Peter's Prep travel annually to Howick Prep to participate in the Howick Prep Spring Choir Festival held in October.     

Pictured are the Howick Prep teams along with their St Stithians hosts after the games played at St Stithians College.

This Saturday, 18 April, Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club members will be celebrating a few birthdays, the most note-worthy being those of our two nonagenarians, Ted Smith and Ian Somerville, both of whom have aged to perfection.

All members, both past and present, are invited to celebrate with us on Saturday by joining us for tea and cake at 14h45.

Bowls will commence at 13h30 as usual and continue after tea.

RESULTS OF SPONSORED COMPETITIONS:
Wednesday, 08 April: The Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick was won by Colin Burden, Tony Gage and Julia Strachan. Runners-up were John Hodgkinson, Bernice Burden and Tim Waring.
Saturday, 11 April: The Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision and Greendale Spar was won by Peter Burton, Ray Bester and Denise Rocher.

NB Tabs-in times. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15
Members please check notice boards for club duties.

A unique and interesting Christmas present does not come much better than a 'one direction – unlimited time Baz Bus ticket' - for one! The recipient - Annie Waterhouse, resident of Eagle Ridge Estate in Howick, aged (it must be said) 65.

The Baz Bus is a hop on, hop off, Door-to-Door Backpacker Bus Service that travels up and down the East Coast of South Africa and beyond, usually seen as the domain of young, foreign travellers. Not many locals use it and especially not local pensioners. However, with an adventurous spirit and a dash of common sense, the Baz Bus is an extremely cost effective way of exploring our beautiful land without costing a fortune. The great attraction of the Baz Bus is that it transports travellers from backpacker hostel to backpacker hostel and it is safe. This is reassuring for all those parents from Europe who only hear bad things about South African crime, and whose offspring know a good deal when they see one. They were young mostly (25-35 year olds) in search of a good time, an adventure and cheap beer. After the initial shock of spotting a pensioner joining in on their fun, they were friendly, interested and interesting.

At all the backpacker hostels there was the option of a single room and privacy. Although Annie is adventurous, there is a limit and to the relief of all concerned she took a single room at all the stops. The beds were comfortable, the meals wholesome and fireside chats entertaining. Having no car means taking life in the slow lane, walking is great exercise and when time is your friend, you can appreciate all the small, slow things around one. Annie took seven weeks to travel from Cape Town back to Howick. The Baz Bus stops at all the Western Cape gems – historical Swellendam and coastal Hermanus and the Wilderness - all the way up the coast. The Eastern Cape beaches are surely the pride of Africa - unpopulated and unspoilt, natural beauty at its finest. What a wonderful way to explore our lovely country.

Baz Bus Babe or Gallivanting Grannie? You decide.

A relatively quiet week has just passed with little to report. Although the club was open for play over the Easter weekend the only organised events were the usual Saturday tabs-in games and the Monday morning tabs-in game which was followed by a braai.

Reports from members of other clubs who played in our Halfway Toyota All Day Tournament last week were most encouraging with many who had not joined us before taking the time to send e-mails during the week congratulating us on the enjoyment they achieved that day and stating that they would return to participate in further tournaments. We thank them for their feedback and look forward to seeing them on our greens again.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 08 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs-In by 13h15 for play at 13h30. Visitors welcome.

Saturday, 11 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with prizes donated by Greendale Spar. Tabs-In by 13h15 for play at 13h30. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 12 April: NIBA Mixed pairs at various venues. We have two entries in this competition and both teams will be playing at Collegians. We wish them 'Good Bowling'.

NB Kindly note that tabs-in times have changed. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15

Members please check notice boards for club duties.