If you are looking for a fun event to wrap up the holidays why not go along to The Marriott Dargle Trails Festival at the Lions River Club on the 19th and 20th of July?

This is the 3rd time the club has had the trails festival and this year is even bigger and better than before. It is a unique event offering a great array of trails to challenge both seasoned competitors and family members alike.

There is something for everyone. Horse lovers, mountain bikers and runners can all head for the hills on the different trails; the kiddies can enjoy the 200m bike race and many activities organized by the Midlands Meander Education Project (MMAEP). Even the family dog/s can take part in the Boot and Paw Trail in aid of MMAEP.

And for those who want to simply enjoy the wonderful Dargle fresh air there are lots of activities at the Lions River Club to entertain you including polo, carriage driving, the SA mounted games team and ultimate frisbee.

To top it all there will be delicious food and live music.

Nanny facilities will be available in the Kids Zone. Limited stabling available.

For more information please visit the website www.dargletrailsfestival.co.za or enter the mountain bike and trail running events on ROAG.

Click here to view the programme of events.

The sixth annual SPCA / Hill's 1000 Paws Walk is happening in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands on Sunday 13 July, from 9am to 3pm. Walkers and their four-legged friends can choose between the 2km or 4km routes which wind through the beautiful grounds of Hilton College with stunning views of the Albert Falls Dam. Lots of healthy fun for the whole family, entry is R30 per person and R10 per dog. All profits go to the uMngeni, Mooi River and District and Pietermaritzburg SPCAs.

For more info visit www.umngenispca.org.za or contact Tess Fernandez on 076 301 4827 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dear Friends of Howick uMngeni Museum

We have had to change the date of the FoHuM AGM as it turned out that HUCTO and ourselves had chosen the same date and time for the respective AGMs. As HUCTO has a large membership, and a number of Museum Friends belong to both organisations, we thought it best to try and change the date of our meeting.

Please make a note of the new date:

Tuesday 22nd July 2014, at 5pm for 5.30, at Eagle Ridge, followed by cheese and wine and music provided by Kech Sanchez and his Pan Latino group.

Please click here for the amended agenda.

We look forward to seeing you there. Do bring guests along – family, or newly arrived Howick residents. For catering and access to Eagle Ridge please confirm attendance by email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or by phone: 033 330 7175, by 18th July 2014.

Best wishes

FoHuM Committee

The Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF), established in 2013 is fast becoming a voice across the Nation. With a presence in every Province, the organisation is fulfilling its objective of calling together professionals who are ready and willing to contribute towards the growth of our society and our country, as a volunteer corps that encourages, fosters and nurtures progressive thinking and stimulates a plough-back culture among professionals.

The Moses Mabhida Region (uMgungundlovu) of the PPF, in honouring the Mandela Day call "to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better", is hosting a celebration with the people living in the Curry's Post area on the 12 July 2014.

"We wanted to give something back to the community and share the spirit of goodwill that Dr. Mandela has inspired us to do. So this year, as our inaugural celebration as the PPF in this Region, we decided to participate with a segment of our society that is often not in the spotlight and sometimes marginalised – and yet they are the pillars of our agricultural economy, the farm workers and dwellers." Explained Mr. Xolani Xulu, Regional Chairperson.

"We are calling on our fellow South Africans in this Region to support us in donating all the toys, clothing, blankets, uniforms and non-perishable foodstuffs that they can muster, so we can share them with people less fortunate than ourselves. We will be placing boxes in the foyers of most of the Provincial Department offices in Pietermaritzburg as well as Municipal offices in Msunduzi, uMgungundlovu and uMngeni and we ask that these be filled to capacity." Requested Mr. Xulu.

The event, planned for the 12 July will be taking place at the Currys Post Junior School, starting at 11 am and will be open to all people living in the area, young and old. The focus of the day, aligning to the President's State of the Nation Address, is to Clean South Africa. The theme of the day is therefore: HEALTHY PLANET AND HEALTHY PEOPLE, and while litter cleaning up and environmental awareness will be taking place, there will also be motivational speakers from the sporting fraternity, promoting healthy and active living.

To emphasise that a few fun sporting activities will be taking place with prices, lucky draws and of course, the distribution of all the goods donated at the collection points.

Mayor Mbali Myeni of the uMngeni Municipality is also fully supportive of this initiative and has welcomed the PPF's enthusiasm and commitment to working with the structures of Government; "Let us allow the memory and generosity of Nelson Mandela to live on in us, and through activities like this, lets demonstrate our commitment to a non-racial and beautiful Country, and honour the spirit of Mandela Day to "Take Action; Inspire Change; Make Every Day a Mandela Day". May I call upon the citizens of uMngeni and the Region to please support us and donate all those items you could part with and brighten the day of people less fortunate than ourselves, living in our own constituency. "

Pictured here is Mayor Mbali Myeni of uMngeni, donating the first gifts into a collection box.

Professionals wanting to join the PPF and become a part of this wave of action, may contact Mr. Xulu on 076 951 4204 or visit the website and join on-line, http://www.ppfsa.org.za/index.htm

A HILLBILLY ROMP FEATURING THE HAIRY LEGGED LENTIL EATERS & BANDITS IN CONCERT 23rd JULY IN THE AMBER VALLEY AUDITORIUM

Stand by for an evening of Hillbilly- Country- Blue Grass-Folksy- Rock that will have you rocking in the aisles and begging for more. Remember numbers like Country Roads & Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver, Looking Out My Backdoor & Who'll Stop the Rain by Credence Clearwater Revival ? Just some of the songs you will hear from the Bandits.

From the Hairies you can look forward to Thank God I'm a Country Boy by John Denver, Teach Your Children by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Traditional songs Will the Circle Be Unbroken and Roll in My Sweet Baby's Arms plus many more.

The Bandits is a three-piece traditional Blue Grass band with that trademark string bass, guitar and banjo sound and they will open the show. Formed in 2001, the Bandits have developed into one of the Midlands most popular groups and have played at festivals like Splashy Fen, Poet's Porch and Southern Cross. Renowned for their tight harmonies, listen out for the a cappella opening of Blue Ridge Mountain.

They will be followed by the Hairies who are an iconic band in the Midland and always in great demand. A six to eight piece outfit, depending on the type of concert, these talented musicians are all performers in their own right. The band celebrated their 21st birthday last year. Brian and Huyton are the front vocalists with slick harmonies from the other band members. Most band members play a number of instruments as well as their vocals so be prepared for some real good music the way you remember it.

The pace will pick up towards the end when the Hairies will probably invite the Bandits to collaborate on a few numbers which is going to be a real treat for us.

We hope to show our appreciation by filling the auditorium so please come along along.

Sewing Club & Community Team Partnership. The Howick High School Sewing Club, guided by Mrs Linda Jensen, produced 15 gorgeous beanies this term. We thank Kayleigh Szente, Sonja Govindasamy, Alexis Boldough and Kerrin Twigg for donating the beanies to the Howick Branch of the Red Cross to distribute to those in need.

The Howick Branch of the Red Cross is located in Morling Street and any assistance they receive is always appreciated. You can help by either making a once-off donation or by becoming a member.

Contact their office on 033 330 3018 for further information.

Grade 8 & 9 Knitting
At the end of the 2nd Term, our Grade 8 & 9 pupils started knitting scarves as part of their Art & Culture Syllabus. It was decided that all scarves collected would be donated to charity. We collected a total of 135 scarves and we would like to thank all pupils, parents, teachers and friends who took the time to make and donate a scarf. 50 scarves were donated to the 'Medlemon Scarves for Schools' initiative, sponsored by Glaxosmithkline and judging by the footage shared with us, the recipients were delighted with their scarves. 85 scarves have also been donated to the '67 blankets for Mandela Day' initiative and these will be distributed to those in need on Nelson Mandela Day (18 July).

Pictured above. Left to Righ: Mr Biyela of the Red Cross, Kerrin Twigg, Kayleigh Szente, Mrs L Jensen, Sonja Govindasamy, Alexis Boldough of Howick High and Ms Ayande of the Red Cross

Pictured below. Howick High pupils with their Arts & Culture teacher, Mrs D Le Roux, at the Nelson Mandela sculpture with the scarves donated to the '67 Blankets for Mandela Day' initiative to be distributed on Mandela Day.

Congratulations to the Men's League teams who won their respective games against Hilton and Maritzburg Bowling Clubs on Saturday afternoon.

The Ladies' League team was defeated by the Maritzburg ladies who played well on our fast greens.

Members who are delaying the club pairs competitions, especially the mixed pairs, are once again reminded to play the outstanding pairs matches as soon as possible.

Forthcoming Events:
Wednesday, 25th June: Tabs In Competition – a new sponsor has been found. We extend grateful thanks to J Leslie Smith & Company Inc. for their generosity.

Please note that Twilight Bowls is suspended until Spring.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Coaching is available on request. Contact Graeme Cameron on 033 330 3457 for details of available coaches.

Members kindly check the Notice Board for Tab and Refreshment Duties. Note: With immediate effect all bowlers are expected to carry out tab duties.

Make it a date!

It's confirmed – the date for this year's SPCA 1000 Paws Walk is Sunday 13 July 2014. 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 076 301 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.

Howick High School's 'Achiever of the Week' on 6 June 2014 was Kayleigh Szente in Grade 8. Kayleigh is a member of the PMB Children's Choir and she will be travelling during the July holidays to Latvia where the choir will be competing in the World Choir Games.  (Pictured below)

Five Howick High pupils have successfully auditioned for forthcoming Shakespearian productions. Joining Hilton College's cast of 'Hamlet' are Taryne Young and Chloe Taylor and joining Michaelhouse's '12th Night' cast are Grace Crooks, Lindi Dlamini and Kendal Miller. (Pictured left).

Congratulations from the Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club to Colin Burden for winning the Natal Inland Men's Senior Singles.

On Saturday, 5th July a fun-filled afternoon was sponsored by Warwick Wealth. The format used was to encourage bowlers to enjoy the afternoon and not to take it too seriously. A Lucky Draw was held for two bottles of whisky provided by Warwick Wealth. The winners were Lynn Ventress and Jim Richards.

The winner of the prize for the most touchers was Clark Logan, and another three lucky winners of Spar Greendale vouchers were Clark Logan (another prize for him), Mike Scheffer and Mabel Tully.

Forthcoming Events:
Wednesday, 9th July: Tabs–In Competition. This event is sponsored by Halfway Toyota with chickens donated by Greendale Spar. Visitors welcome to join us.

There will be no social bowls on Saturday 12th July and Sunday 13th July as the greens are being used for the KZN Pairs. Many thanks to the members who have kindly offered to help out with various duties.

Members kindly check the Notice Board for Tab and Refreshment Duties. Should you be unable to carry out your duty, please arrange for another member to help out and note this on the relevant Duty List.

Since 50% of businesses fail in the first two years and 80% within five years, it is good practice to ask why. It's not 'what' but 'how' I do it that matters.

Excellence in execution is about driving change. How you do what you do and how you consistently improve must be front of mind for you and your managers.

Besides defining how specifically the change will be accomplished we must create a methodology to measure the progress. What we don't measure will disappear.

Link the team, the strategy, and the tasks or actions, and then maintain the gains via:
• Measuring the results
• Accountability
• Instilling a culture of CANI: Constant And Never-ending Improvement

Let's get practical
An essential tool for growing business towards excellence is your USP (Unique Selling Proposition).

It is the excellent execution of your USP that will:
• Determine your price
• Define the difference in the value you provide
• Establish customer expectations. Imagine going into a McDonald's expecting to eat gourmet cuisine served on fine china with white table cloths and an extensive wine list!

Relationships, not transactions
Every time a customer buys from your business, you have the opportunity to turn that transaction into a relationship through the consistent deployment of CNEs (Critical Non Essentials).
Think about relationships rather than transactions. The only way to turn a customer into a Raving Fan is to focus on relationships. It's the best and least expensive marketing money can buy!

Stay in dating mode
That goes for a marriage - and your business.
Why do so many of those dating CNEs fall by the wayside? Because we start to take one another for granted... Do you ever find your team taking customers for granted?

Systemise your CNEs
• Make a list of ways to deepen relationships with your customers. Don't just care about them; show them you care!
• Systemise those ways by writing into your operations manual everything that must be done for each of those CNEs, frequency or timing for each, and how to track compliance with the system. Without tracking compliance, your CNEs cease
• Define your USP and create execution, pricing, and marketing strategies around it
• Develop a list of CNEs that magnify your USP in the eyes of your customers, and make them feel successful when they buy from you
• Systemize and monitor your CNEs

Supplied by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

A successful Tabs-In Trips Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Company Inc was held on Wednesday, 25th June. The winners were Jack Nel, Barbara Wyatt and Peter Little each of whom took home a bottle of wine and a key ring presented by Crystal Dellar who represented the sponsors on this occasion.

Forthcoming Events:
Saturday, 5th July: A fun Tabs-In Event, sponsored by Warwick Wealth, will take place.
Wednesday, 9th July: Tabs–In Competition. This event is sponsored by Halfway Toyota with chickens donated by Greendale Spar. Visitors welcome to join us for both these events.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Coaching is available on request. Contact Graeme Cameron on 033 330 3457. or John Withers on 033 239 5376 for details of available coaches.

Members kindly check the Notice Board for Tab and Refreshment Duties. Should you be unable to carry out your duty, please arrange for another member to help out and note this on the relevant Duty List.

When Mr. Graham Chadwick decided to build a 26 foot catamaran he really meant business. To achieve this he added a deck to the side of his house covered by a metal awning. That was five years ago. Today his boat is moored on the waters of Midmar Dam.

Patience was the name of the game, and slowly frame by frame and sheet by sheet of marine plywood, the cradle on his deck began to fill up. Eighteen months later the first hull was completed with port holes intact and fitted with bunk beds and storage lockers. Then work on the second hull progressed a little faster as various little pitfalls were understood and more easily avoided.

The construction of the cuddy took place in his garage and it is fitted with cooking facilities, sink, and cupboards rather like a caravan. When all was complete with hours and hours of sanding behind him, layers and layers of fiberglass were applied after which it was ready for the trip to Midmar. Numerous friends arrived and loaded a hull at a time on to the dolly hauled by a large Bakkie. Mid clapping and cheering it made a successful journey from Windermere Gardens, Howick, to a site at the Midmar Yacht Club. Here it was all assembled and the 10.4 meter mast needed many hands and many ropes to set it in position. The final paint of colour gave the "Cat " a really polished look and it's name TRYFAN, emblazoned on the side has its own story to tell.

As a young man Graham scaled Mt Tryfan in northern Wales. At the summit were two huge rocks nicknamed Adam and Eve. An agile person could jump from one to the other. Graham felt he wasn't as agile anymore so couldn't jump from one hull to the other, so hence the cuddy. It solved the problem! Should those hulls not be called Adam and Eve?

With pride, Graham and his wife, Loraine can enjoy all his hard work and say " Mission Accomplished." It is a great achievement for a 78 year old gentleman of a determined spirit and he thanks his many helpers who were there in his time of need.

News kindly supplied by Shirley Hardwick
Photographs kindly supplied by Keran Ducasse. 

Top: Graham and Lorraine Chadwick at Midmar Dam, with Tryfan, Graham's Catamaran just behind them.

Below:  Tryfan

Howick High School congratulates Tim Gordon (G12), Kimberleigh van Jaarsveld (G12) and May Mazibuko (G10) who were selected by the Girls Hockey Association to umpire matches at the U14 District Tournament held in Pietermaritzburg. Kimberleigh and May were also selected to referee the final of the tournament and Tim was selected to referee the bronze play-off match.

Pictured, left to Righ: Tim Gordon, Kimberleigh van Jaarsveld and May Mazibuko

Howick Prep School would like to congratulate the following girls who performed outstandingly in the recent American Academy of Ballet Performance Awards:

Tabitha Hulett (Level 4 Gold); Alexandra Candler (Level 3 Silver with Two Distinctions); Christine Murray (Level 3 Silver with Distinction); Abigail Petersen (Level 4 Gold); Sienna Guerrera (Level 2 Silver); Amy Hulett (Level 3 Silver with Two Distinctions); Rachel Tyrer (Level 3 Gold); Rita Cox (Level 3 Gold); Megan Tyrer (Level 2 Silver with Two Distinctions), Emma Barnes (Level 2 Silver); Neave Cox (Level 2 Silver with Distinction).

The Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre receives injured birds regularly. They have been hit by cars, poisoned and electrocuted. Sometimes the raptors are shot by irate farmers protecting small livestock like chickens and geese. After receiving tender loving care, many are able to be released back into the wild. However, this is not just a case of letting them go anywhere, usually they need a soft release, with someone to take care of their needs for a while, while they find their wings.

RRRC is looking for potential release sites for birds. Do you live on a farm or small holding that would be suitable to support birds of prey, either owls, or diurnal raptors?

Katie Robinson at Lemonwood in Dargle has rehabilitated and released a number of owls, a few from FreeMe and the rest rescued by locals. She says "I absolutely loved rehabilitating the owls and have done about 12 now over the years and although I don't see them very often any more, I know they are around and I hear them at night in the forest. My favourite was a barely alive fledgling, a Spotted Eagle Owl, whom we named Challenge. She was brought to me by a couple of the boys in the village. As luck would have it, I had two homeopathic vets staying in the cottages who told me to feed it a concoction of remedies, one of which was Rescue (I can't remember the other two). I got up every two hours to check on it and administer the drops for the next couple of nights. She made a remarkable recovery and was the first owl I had to teach how to hunt for itself. I had some live rat traps which were incredibly effective (designed and built by Ken Willan) and I would release the rats into the middle of the lawn and the race was on. She stayed around the garden for months suddenly appearing out of the trees and landing either on my head or shoulder. Their flight really is silent, I never knew it was there until I felt her talons trying to get a grip on my skull!! But she was a tremendous help with the rat problems I had on the farm, so a fright a few times a week was worth the pain! The guests in the cottages loved it. The owls would come and sit on their balcony."

What a privilege to be chosen as a suitable custodian and being able to engage closely with a bird of prey. This is a very rewarding experience if you have the enthusiasm, time and money to assist our precious raptors and contribute to conservation. You need to be willing to put up a 3m squared release enclosure at your own cost. It needs to have weld-mesh wire or shade cloth sides tied to a metal frame. One side has to have a covered area to protect the bird from the elements, and one side has to have a door in it. Once it has been set up it can be used repeatedly for several releases of various raptors. If owls are to be released, you would need to buy an owl box which will need to be placed in the protected corner of the enclosure. RRRC then bring the raptor/s and place them into your care.

Daily duties for the new guardians will include feeding the birds daily and monitoring their progress for two to three weeks as they settle into their new environment. RRRC will supply the food - several packets of frozen day old chicks which can be taken out, defrosted and used when necessary. Tammy Caine, of RRRC "We will recommend the amount of food to be given depending on the raptor, and which time of day is best to feed."

After sufficient time, the door to the enclosure will be opened allowing the raptors to come and go as they please. The guardians will have to continue placing food out until the raptors are hunting and self-sufficient again.

This is a really worthwhile project to be involved in and obviously a joyful one too. Raptors are often misunderstood and persecuted. "Owls in particular are killed on sight by those superstitious enough to view them as bringers of death. We also get orphan chicks, particularly owls coming into the rehab. It is always a challenge to find suitable homes for these babies as they need longer care, more vigilance and a lot more help in adjusting to life as free, wild birds." says Tammy Caine. Do contact her as soon as you can to offer your services as a raptor rescuer. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 076 724 6846.

News and pictures kindly provided by by Nikki Brighton

The finals of the both the Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club Men's and Ladies Singles' Championships were played on Saturday, 14th June. The winners of the titles were Barry Bedworth and Yvonne Foot. Congratulations to both Yvonne and Barry.

Members are reminded to play the outstanding pairs matches as soon as possible.

A very successful tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota, Howick was held on Father's Day. Theo von Mollendorff of Halfway Toyota, Howick presented the prizes to all the winners. The overall winners were Mike Andrew, Colleen Andrew and Brian Ravno of Howick Bowling Club.

Our gratitude is extended to all who generously donated raffle prizes: Shoprite, Howick Pharmacy, Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Compu-Rite and club members . Thank you, too, to the members and everyone who worked so hard to make the day the success it was. R300 was donated for the 'spider' by all the players and this money will be given to the National Association of Blind Bowlers.

Forthcoming Events:

Saturday, 21st June: All league teams will be playing at home.

Wednesday, 25th June: Tabs In Competition – sponsor to be announced.

Please note that Twilight Bowls is suspended until Spring.

New members and visitors are always welcome. Coaching is available on request. Contact Graeme Cameron on 033 330 3457 for details of available coaches.

Members kindly check the Notice Board for Tab and Refreshment Duties.

Pictured above: winners of club singles' Barry Bedworth and Yvonne Foot;

Pictured below: winners of the Halfway Toyota Tournament with Theo von Mollendorff.

"I have confirmed with Howick SAPS that the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) march planned for tomorrow, 10th June 2014, will be commencing from Howick Falls and moving up to the municipal offices in Dicks Street. I believe the times they have been granted permission to march are between 8am and 1pm. It may be best to avoid the Howick CBD tomorrow morning in order to avoid delays in traffic, as roads will be closed along the route the marchers take." - Janis Holmes, Ward 2 Councillor, uMngeni Municipality.

From the Knight Security Solutions newsletter.