You check your emails and send text messages from almost everywhere. But, if you're not taking now-and-then breaks, you could be hurting your effectiveness says Joanne Cantor, founder of Your Mind on Media, a Madison, Wisconsin US consulting firm that helps companies manage cyber-overload.

Research backs that claim: A 2012 study by the University of California, Irvine and US Army researchers found that being cut off from work emails periodically significantly reduced stress and increased focus.

We know... You own a business. People depend on you. You can't disconnect. Cantor says that's not true. Maybe you can't turn off your smartphone entirely for a week, but here are four ways you can buy some tech-free time.

1. Recruit a gatekeeper. Business owners used to have secretaries who understood the critical people who had to get through - and had tactful ways of running interference with those who could wait. An assistant or trusted second-in-command could field calls while you're working on a project that needs focus, or when you simply need a day off. If that's not an option, change your outgoing voicemail message to inform callers you're unavailable and let them know when you'll be available to answer their calls.

2. Schedule your prime time. The best time to be tech-free is when you are most productive or creative. Block out those windows as you would an important meeting - a disconnected hour or two several times a week can make a difference to your creativity, focus and the quality of your work.

3. Use a distraction-blocking app. Even as our smartphones, tablets and laptops seek to monopolise time, there are a collection of apps to help us disconnect. AntiSocial and Freedom are site blockers, making any time-sucking sites (like Facebook) unavailable for as long as you choose. iPhones, running the iOS6 platform, and apps such as I'm Sleeping and Ultimate Call Block offer "do not disturb" functions, and also allow you to white list certain people (your gatekeeper, spouse, or child's school) whose calls will ring through.

4. Change your culture. If you've spent time cultivating an "always on" workplace, it's not going to change overnight. Work on a communication hierarchy for your team, setting boundaries for essential and non-essential contact.

For example, if the issue is urgent, reach out with both phone and text messages. Non-urgent issues will be communicated by email with a please-respond-by time notice.

Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Howick is certainly wild. Where else can you chat to zebras while doing your recycling, watch otters swimming in the river during your afternoon walk or slow down for a mongoose crossing the road on the way to school?

Owls call at night, spotted genets inhabit roofs and fish eagles are often heard. Even an aardvark was seen in a wildish spot right in the middle of the suburbs! The Midlands Conservancies Forum camera trap spent time at three locations in Howick recently and images of some of the more elusive creatures were captured. 

Thank you to The Midlands Conservancies Forum for the news and photographs.

Winter has flown by and we are enjoying the warmer weather in this part of the world. Our rains have finally arrived and everything is greening up. It's such a privilege to live in the beautiful surrounds of the KwaZulu Natal Midlands.

Since our last news Bridges of Hope has made good progress with our plans to become self-sustaining. Our chicken arks are selling well, and we have acquired a few happy hens that have started laying healthy free range eggs for us. Our veggie garden suffered in the dry and cold winter, but with the recent good rains we plan to get stuck in to planting our summer crops. The bakery producing bread and dog biscuits continues to provide us with much needed income.

Our grateful thanks to Peet Nel, Hennie, all their friends and family, for putting up the fencing for the chickens. What a blessing to be part of a community that wants to be involved with orphans and vulnerable children!

Our Preschool is growing and our application for registration is pending inspection by the Health Department.

The children thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Free Me, the wildlife rehabilitation centre in Howick. Caleb & Benji decided that they wanted a baby mongoose! They had to be content with a pair of guinea pigs. It's a wonderful thing to be able to enrich the children's worlds with outings like this. These are memories being made for life.

It was birthday month in October! Abigail turned 2, Noah 3, and Benji 5. We're so proud of these precious children who have come so far, and are such a blessing to us.

Please help us to help these orphaned, abandoned and abused children reach their potential they were born with. We can't give them a new beginning, but with your help we can start today and give them a better ending. None of this is possible without the on-going, faithful support of our friends. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly

There is no such thing as an unwanted child, just an unfound family.

News and pictures kindly supplied by Bridges of Hope

On Friday 18th October the annual Speech Night and Prize Giving was held at Howick High. Wayne Coetzer a past head boy was invited to be the guest speaker. Wayne is the General Manager of the Oyster Box, in Umhlanga. Wayne unfortunately was hospitalized the day before the Speech Night and so we called on a past Governing Body president and current convenor of the Midlands Forum, Mrs Mary Carlisle, to do the honours. Mary, along with our headmaster Mr Rob Langley, read and interpreted Wayne's speech. The speech was geared to the Matrics of 2013 and was an inspirational message; encouraging them to set goals for themselves, to believe in their ability to achieve and to enjoy the journey of life. Words we should all take to heart.

Photographed above are the incoming school prefects. In addition we celebrated the achievements of Brendon Fourie and Calvin Reynders (Dux) and Shirley Jensen (dux proximae accessit). Congratulations to the outgoing Head boy and Head girl, prefects and the matrics of 2013. We wish you well.

This is the first in a series of quarterly articles focussing on topical issues, which we will publish by Alistair Mork-Chadwick, a counselling psychologist based in Howick, KZN.

The festive season is almost upon us and many people will once again have to put a lot of effort into wearing a smile for friends and family when, in reality, they are feeling stressed and unhappy.

My experience as a psychologist tells me that many 'normal' people are beginning to feel increasing levels of stress as we head towards the December school holidays and Christmas. The 'festive season' is typically one of the most stressful and/or depressing times of the year. The heightened expectations of family togetherness, along with the expense of buying gifts, and the pressure of last minute shopping can all combine to leave one feeling stressed and 'depressed'. And, unfortunately, it does not end there for many of us because of the following negative experiences:

Isolation - Many of us find ourselves alone at Christmas time. The reasons include relocation to an area far from relatives, a marital break-up or a family estrangement. The emphasis on family, friends and shared good times during the 'festive season' can make many of us feel depressed and unloved.

Family tensions - All families experience tension to some degree. Part of the reason why Christmas time can be so stressful is the unrealistic hope of coming together as a happy, loving family.

Separation or divorce - It can be hard for a 'fractured' family to face Christmas. Perhaps the parents have separated or divorced, or a family member is overseas and unable to attend the traditional celebrations.

Step-families – Many South African families are step-families, while blended families (partners who each have children from prior relationships) are also becoming increasingly common. Often, Christmas for these families can be awkward and uncomfortable.

Bereavement - Significant occasions, such as Christmas, are always difficult for a bereaved family or individual. This is exacerbated because happy memories (of past Christmases) are much more easily recalled to mind than the less happy ones.

Looking back without joy - The close of another year prompts many of us to reflect on our achievements and/or disappointments over the previous 12 months. Many people mourn the loss of another year of their lives.

In general, the festive season comes with a broad range of unrealistic expectations, not only of shared happy times, but also that we will have a joyful and relaxed time in general. The reality is often very different, and experiencing any of the above makes stress, anxiety and depression common during this period.

My advice is that if nothing else, reassure yourself that these difficult feelings are normal and appreciate that they are likely to be due to a combination of Christmas-related factors, including money worries and naive expectations of festive cheer. Remind yourself that many of these negative feelings will pass once the New Year is underway. And, perhaps most importantly, don't expect a hassle-free Christmas. If you find certain family members an ongoing challenge during the year, you can be sure there'll be tension during this period (and at Christmas lunch). And if all else fails drop in for a session or two with your local psychologist.

After having their first baby in 2012, Jonty & Tanya Nicolson of Nicolson's Restaurant & Bar at Garlington Estate, Hilton, became increasingly aware of the need for convenient ready-made meals in the home.

So together with Tanya's father, Gary, & step mum, Debbie, the Nicolson's created The Cookhouse which provides a range of ready-made meals especially designed for those of us whose lives seem to be too full to be able to cook a nutritious meal for the family, or for those tricky situations when friends are coming over and time seems to run away with us or even for those tough times in life when one has been incapacitated for whatever reason and therefore is simply unable to cook.

The Cookhouse aims to make your life a little easier.

For your added convenience they have opened a pick-up point shop at 58 Main St, Howick whilst still supplying the meals from Nicolson's at Garlington Estate in Hilton.

The meals are frozen fresh and conveniently packaged for you to pop into your freezer at home or if you give The Cookhouse adequate notice they will ensure your order is defrosted by the time you collect.

Enquiries welcome on 079 144 6982.

Cyrtanthus contractus bursts into flower a few weeks after late winter fires, creating brilliant red splashes in the still-blackened veld. The large bulb produces a scarlet inflorescence with up to 10 tubular, hanging flowers which can be up to 8cm long, curved open at the mouth. The stems are mauve or sometimes red and the leaves only appear after flowering.

They are common on road verges where they are protected from cattle damage. While you may be tempted, don't dig them up on the side of the road. Besides being illegal to do this, they do not grow well in cultivation and seldom survive. Simply admire and enjoy them in their natural habitat.

Cyrtanthus belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and about 60 different species are found all over South Africa. Commonly known garden varieties are the George Lily and the Ifafa Lily, both very rewarding. Traditionally, bulb infusions are used as sprinkling charms against storms and evil. Children use the hollow stems as whistles.

News kindly supplied by Midlands Conservancies Forum

This time of the year is always hectic for us, with lots of babies and lots of fund raising events. It is hard to believe it is only two months to Christmas – this year has flown by so fast. Thanks to Judy and Pete for hosting our Tea Garden at the Open Gardens this year, we really enjoyed being able to spend time in one of the most beautiful settings the Midlands has to offer. We also have an Open Garden at Alskeith Farm in Caversham for the next two weekends, so please support us there as well. It is another lovely, big garden full of little gems. The 26th October is our Christmas Fair at FreeMe from 10h00 till 14h00. There will be lots of stalls and eats and a chance to buy some different Christmas gifts, and support us as well. Lets hope that the weather gods are kind to us for a change. On the 20th October, Wakefields will be holding another charity book sale at their new premises. The last one was such fun and we can make it bigger and better, so please come. You can get some really nice books at a fraction of the new price. Please also consider recycling your old ones by dropping them off at FreeMe or at Wakefields. Thanks again to the guys at Wakefields for going the extra mile to help charities in the area. On the animal front, all our babies are growing well and are getting more independent. Our only loss was the dear little Reedbuck with the two broken legs, obviously the trauma was just too much for him. The gang has been joined by seven baby Egyptian geese and three little African Black ducks. The duck eggs were brought to FreeMe from the Howick Golf Course after the nest was disturbed and we were very excited to be able to hatch three of the six. Look forward to seeing you all at the various events. Please remember to sms Donate freeme to 48748 to donate R 10.00.

News  kindly supplied by FreeMe

Happy Birthday to Nightingales Home Based Care Services who are celebrating five years of service to the Hilton and Howick community. The business has grown and now cares for more than 75 clients and employs 35 staff members who provide a wide range of personalised in-home care services for the elderly and infirm.

Mark and Lorraine wish to thank their amazing staff for the loyalty and hard work they have put in to help Nightingales grow the way it has. They also wish to thank their clients for their continued support. To the Howick doctors and specialists, Howick hospital, Oatlands Care Centre, HADCA, the Amber Care Centres and staff, Nightingales offer a HUGE thank you for the encouragement and support you have all provided over the years. This has all contributed to the success of Nightingales. We hope to remain serving the Midlands community for many years to come.

Members of the Meander Quilters' Guild handed over their community project quilt for 2013 to Hayfields House in Howick at the end of October. Anna Williams, representing HADCA and Hayfields House, said that the residents would be thrilled to have the quilt hanging in the entrance to their home.

Members of the guild were asked to complete a square using templates provided to them. The embellishments and unique details were chosen by each individual.

"We wanted to display the diversity of our village", said Chairlady, Lindy Briscoe. She said that they had definitely achieved that aim and hoped that it would brighten the lives of those living at Hayfields House.

Pictured far right is Anna Williams who is the Sister in Charge at Hayfields House with Lindy Briscoe of the Meander Quilters Guild.

Photograph kindly provided by Lindy Briscoe

With the ever present demands of managing our personal finances and more and more transactions being processed electronically, The Accounts Office is introducing a new service. Our aim, says Moyra of The Accounts Office, is to assist individuals battling with managing all their personal accounts and timeous payments, whether through lack of confidence, lack of technical knowledge, lack of time or organisation.

Personal Financial Account services include:

Managing monthly accounts and ensuring accounts are paid on time

Keeping track of income and expenses

Submitting of medical claims

Submitting Tax Certificates to your Tax consultant

Meeting with you regularly to ensure you are up to date with your financial affairs

Assist in setting up internet banking

Assist with account payments on internet banking, removing the security risk and fees involved with cash, and cheques.

Assisting on cost saving where possible.

A confidentiality form will be signed to allow you peace of mind that your accounts will remain confidential. 

For more details or a meeting to see where The Accounts Office can assist, please contact Moyra on +27 (0)82 4102 111.

"Founded back in 1983 on the promise to bring a community hardware store to every town, Mica has steadily proven itself as the hardware brand of choice in the South African market by capitalizing on our ability to offer superior service and expert advice. Mica values the power of the entrepreneur and each individual Mica Store Owner's flair for their market. For 30 years Mica has strived to better serve its community, bringing the very best deals to our customers. Mica has provided the forum where store owners, staff and suppliers all work together for a common cause and that is to best service the communities in which we operate and offer a unique product advice service, expert knowledge and top quality products.

From paint and power tools, hand tools and tool boxes to garden, pool, outdoor, braai and electrical products, Mica is proud to be in a position to offer our customers a wide range of products and brands that has been tried and tested in our 30 years of hardware retail in Southern Africa.

Mica has been there to help families build and improve their homes, to help other businesses become prepared for their tasks and services and to bring communities closer through construction, home improvement and social responsibility. October 2013 celebrates this momentous occasion in Mica's life and is marked with great promotional deals for the customers and a customer competition to win a Polo Vivo when shopping in any one of the Mica Stores."

Visit us at Midlands Mica Hardware to be part of the celebration.  Click here to see more information on the October specials.

Ethembeni's 3rd group of Job Readiness students graduated on the 11th of October 2013. Ethembeni works with an organisation called Catalyx on a programme called Jumpstart to run a 40 hour Job Readiness programme for the unemployed in Mpophomeni. The programme runs over 10 weeks where the candidates are prepared for the workplace, they learn what would be expected of them as well as what to expect in the workplace. Customer service, work ethics, time management and entrepreneurship are a few of the topics covered. Ethembeni also focuses on spiritual development, self esteem development, emotional maturity, problem solving and other character building exercises. Ethembeni keeps a database of candidates that have been through the programme and we have been appealing to local businesses to draw from these candidates when they need staff. We are very excited about this programme as we have seen wonderful results and positive changes in our candidates.

Please contact Gail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Cell : 0835629173 should you need any extra staff especially over this busy Christmas period. We charge no fee's and we have a database of people who are very eager to work and improve their circumstances.

The Haynes' permaculture garden in Howick was designed and developed by their elder son Bruce at the end of 2010 after a comment, "Mom and Dad, I won't be able to look after you when you are old but I will make you a garden so you can sustain yourselves!" During his vacation from his studies in botany and photojournalism, Bruce dug swales in the front sloping garden, which fill with rain water from the roof for the double-reach beds. Later on he designed circular beds, which are easier to maintain, being watered and maintained from the outside so as to protect the beds from compaction (in line with permaculture principles). These beds are now filled with flowering potatoes, as well as pumpkins and mielies planted from seed. The two Jojo rain water tanks at the back of the house supply that vegetable garden.

A water-wise spiral herb garden made from alien invasive wood by Bruce and brother, Duncan, is incorporated into the design, as are chickens, various compost bins and a worm farm. Everything is done organically with no chemical sprays and Pam says they try to use what they find around them, another permaculture principle. Ways in which the recycling of waste is incorporated in the plan are: a nursery table along the length of the back fence, constructed by Duncan from wattle poles and lathes, old compact discs (CDs) strung across the garden to chase mouse birds and monkeys away, branches covering the seedlings protecting them from being scratched out by the chickens and hadedas, when they are looking for worms.

Pam and Ross belong to an extensive network of like-minded organic home gardeners, organic farmers and seed-savers. Old-fashioned skills are being revived and enjoyed – making sourdough bread, jamming and pickling. Nowadays they have cut down their supermarket shopping, preferring to buy locally (free range chicken, duck, seedlings) from markets: Broadleaze Farm, Dovehouse (this type of shopping cuts down significantly on packaging). Dairy produce is delivered by Gillie Robarts (Wana Farm) and Sharon Barnsley.

Pam feels spiritually, mentally and physically empowered. Her favourite vegetable is the bean and she harvested and podded 4kg last season. She estimates that in summer 40% of the family's nutritional requirements come from their garden. "There is nothing more fulfilling than harvesting your own home grown veggies!" She also supports a walking greengrocer and collects wasted fruit and vegetables from a travelling greengrocer.

Above all, Pam says she has learned to use her common sense in managing her permaculture garden and continues to learn from others on a similar path. If you would like to contact her email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Also visit the KZN Sustainability Forum for more information.

HowickVillage.co.za will be following this story with more input from other local households who have successfully created a level of food security in the Howick area. If you have any useful tips to share email us today at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We have published a spoken word poem that Bruce wrote, "Awakening the dreamer" at the end of this article.

Awakening the dreamer
Bruce Haynes
London 2007

The universe is happening right here right now at this moment
We are mirroring the ideas we find billowing
like thunderclouds
Right now lightning is simultaneously striking
one hundred places on the earth's surface
Great things are happening
Something new is arising
A decentralised spontaneous uprising
Almost one million groups under different names
coming together to reclaim
and replace
Old habits in their death throes
That are pulling us down with them like those on death row
Come instead to the life edge
The knife edge
Reading books like hope's edge
Clinging to the ledge debating the pledge for the plunge
Into the unknown
These systems needs outgrown
Ideas be out-flown
Some unique tone
Vibrates to the bones
Shifts stones
Trees lean over and the wind freezes over just
not to miss
a word
We speak soft we'll be heard
This is unprecedented
We are calling down the storm that will regreen the desert
biologically we are scientifically proven to only be able to physically see
What fits in with our mental map of reality
So perhaps the only thing that matters
To those discontent with the status quo
Is changing our minds, starting acting to create the kind of world we
want to find
World systems are collapsing on a scale unimaginable
we got to start thinking radically
This is a question of community unity
This planet's immunity
depends on this unity
Experts call it synergy
One hundred million stars in our galaxy
One hundred million neurons firing in our brains
Creativity unleashed
What if we are the change we have been
waiting for?

Whilst we walk the hill during the day admiring the beautiful flora and views we rarely get see the larger mammals that call Beacon Hill home. The images below were captured by FOBH Committee member Gareth Boothway at night and are further proof of Beacon Hill's ecological importance. We are very lucky that our small town is still host to such wildlife and Beacon Hill's protection is all the more important when we consider that some our shyer neighbours' livelihoods depend on it.

Common Reedbuck:
Medium sized antelope often seen in pairs or family parties. They will occur in larger numbers but this is usually representative of individuals or pairs feeding in one area. They occur across southern Central Africa, extending into Tanzania and then southwards into the extreme northern and eastern reaches of Southern Africa. Although seemingly common, they are now listed as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) under the KZN Conservation Ordinance. Decline in numbers could be the result of poaching, illegal capture (game capture market) and increased loss of habitat. Although they feed a lot on agricultural lands, they need areas with tall grass and reeds in close proximity to water. They feed mostly on grasses but are known to browse. Calves are born shortly after a good spring rain.

Large Grey Mongoose:
Usually spotted on their own but sometimes seen in pairs. Historically they are known to forage in larger groups of up to 10 individuals. Both diurnal and nocturnal, but more commonly seen during the day. Although wide spread they are a fairly uncommon resident in our area. They prefer riverine vegetation and will frequent other water bodies and are sometimes found a long way from these habitats when feeding. They feed on a range of vertebrates with a preference for rodents. They will feed on insects, fledglings and bird eggs.

Please see the events calendar for details of two of our upcoming events Beacon Hill Invasive Alien Plant Work Party 19th October 2013 and the Friends of Beacon Monthly Guided Walk - 27th October.

Small-to-medium-sized businesses can survive a recession if they act early – that is before their customers have committed to other vendors. Securing revenue during a recession is no different from any other time; the company simply needs to increase its marketing effort and scope to reach more customers. Here are some tips to increase your market share:

Create a strategy
If the company hasn't already, develop a marketing plan. If there is a plan, increase its activity by at least 25% to reach more prospects. Clarify the company's target markets and customer profile. Confirm that the company's value proposition solves a critical problem for that market, and that it is competitive in the market.

Publicise
Put the company's name in front of prospects. Ensure press releases are published regularly, letting prospects know about the company's recent successes, events, and activities. Use a separate release to target specific locations. Create a unique angle for the release that captures attention.

Publish articles
This is an easy and inexpensive way to capture attention for the company. We're in the information age and there are literally thousands of media outlets in search of interesting articles. The key is to write what prospects want to hear about, provide value, and include a clear call to action.

Ask for referrals
There is no faster way to find a new prospect than to ask an existing customer. They know you and your company and can easily predict whether any of their business partners would be a viable prospect.

Distribute electronic newsletters
Newsletters are a reliable way to maintain contact with customers and prospects because when prospects opt into the company's mailing list, the sales team can be sure that person is interested. Winning business is often a matter of timing. By keeping the company's name in front of prospects throughout the newsletter, chances improve significantly that the client will seek the company's services when he/she is ready to buy.

Public speaking
Speaking to groups is a proven method for generating new business. Offer expertise to industry trade shows, civic groups, or business organisations. If the company does not have a competent public speaker, send someone for training or join a local toastmasters group.

In short, the way to beat a recession is to creatively grow your market presence, not pull back. While many others diminish, this is your opportunity to move to the front.

Visit: www.actioncoach/patrickgreenaway.com

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

Phone: 033 343 2960

News article supplied by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Mountain bikers and trail runners headed off into the stunning Dargle Valley on Sunday 29 September, traversing farm land with amazing views. Their sights were set on completing the trails in this year's Lawnmower Shop Dargle Trail Festival, powered by Stihl, a fun family event held at the Lions River Club.

"As an event organiser and trail builder, working in the Dargle is always a great experience", says Devlin Fogg from Mi Trail. "Our thanks go to the Lawnmower Shop and Stihl for being such great partners and the local community for all their support and enthusiasm."

The 40km MTB trail was closely contested by Midlands riders Gareth Cook and Travis Hesom. "Travis and I battled it out during the latter part of the race" said Gareth. "We went into a sprint finish and I managed to pull through for the win!"

Pietermaritzburg rider Carla van Huyssteen took the ladies honours. "Not even the lurking rainy weather forecasts could bliss the vibe at Lions River this weekend" says Carla. "I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging route, well marked and fun for all levels of riders. The family friendly environment at the race venue was super."

The 20km trail was won by Durban North rider Cayde Muldoon. "It was a very fast wide track which was a great challenge" said Cayde. The first lady was Robyn Howard whose husband Benjamin and sons Dylan (14) and Luke (10) all competed. Robyn was thrilled with her achievement. "It was a lovely ride and an awesome day out with the family" she said.

This year a 14km and 6km trail run were added to the programme. Fresh from his win at the Howick Highlander, Malawian Owen Bengu took the 14km route in his stride. "The course was nice and tough and very well marked. One of the best courses I have ever run," he said enthusiastically. The 6km trail was wrapped up by Dargle all rounder Craig Rees.

Back at the club families enjoyed fun kiddies activities organized by the renowned Midlands Meander Education Project Bugs, the Stihl bouncing castle, pony rides and delicious local produce from the market.

The winners took home prestigious Zulu Lulu Dlaminis and the entire field enjoyed a lucky draw with donated prizes valued at over R20,000.

News kindly supplied by Lions River Club

'LOVE HOWICK' is not just a catchy slogan, but an opportunity for action. As people we seem to have this constant magnetic pull towards all things negative. If we were to be truly honest with ourselves, we can probably all agree that we spend more time being critical as opposed to optimistic, we often give more attention to what is wrong rather than what is right, and we definitely have more defined views of how things should not work rather than how they should work. This is a serious problem and one that we attempt to start reversing through a collective 'LOVE HOWICK' campaign. We think its time that we began to declare what we do have, what we can do and what we have already accomplished in our beautiful town of Howick. It's a time to drink from the well of good news and allow our collective hearts to be stirred to 'LOVE HOWICK' more than we presently are.

To get the ball rolling we are inviting the whole Howick (and surrounding) community to put their pens to paper and enter our 'LOVE HOWICK' Writers Competition, where you can tell us why you LOVE HOWICK. We want to hear all your positive thoughts, views, stories, etc. all centred on the theme of 'LOVE HOWICK'. All entries will be judged by a team of High School Students and English Teachers from Oasis Christian Academy who have a passion for writing and have formed a 'Young Writers Club' for the purpose of developing this passion. There are some great prizes to be won and the top 3 entries in each category will be published in the Village Talk during the month of October/November. Prize Giving will take place at Oasis Christian Academy on Friday 25th October 2013.

This is a great opportunity to raise a positive voice in our community and begin to speak about the good in our beautiful town of Howick. We encourage the whole community to get involved and let us hear YOUR voice!

Competition Rules:

• There are two categories for entries: (1) school-going age and (2) out-of-school age. Participants of all ages are welcome to enter
• Only one entry per participant is allowed
• Entries must be a maximum of 500 words and adhere strictly to the theme 'LOVE HOWICK'. Entries must be clearly marked with: NAME, SURNAME, AGE, CONTACT NUMBER, WORD COUNT
• Participants cannot be published writers
• Deadline for entries: Friday 18th October 2013
• Entries must be emailed to the Village Talk Editor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Judges decision is final and no deliberation will be entered into after results are announced