HUCTO is staging its FIRST AGM on TUESDAY, 16 JULY, 2013, at 6 pm at St. Ives, and you are kindly invited to attend this auspicious event where you will learn more about the organisation and its plans.

There will be snacks aplenty, a talk by Roger and Pat de la Harpe on their photographic business and how it fits into tourism, then the AGM, followed by the draw for several fantastic prizes.

HUCTO thinks Howick and the Midlands deserves to have you "on board," so please try to attend - and bring a prize if you would like to.

HUCTO has also been approached by the organisers of Mandela Week (August 17 to 25) who are staging several events, the main one being a race from Pietermaritzburg to finish at the Mandela complex (at the Capture Site, Tweedie). We would appeal to you to assist in any way you can – special accommodation rates, special food prices and transport (as the race starts in Pietermaritzburg and finishes near Tweedie, participants will have to be transported from one to the other).

Please dig deep and assist HUCTO by letting us know how you can help – accommodation, food or transport. You can contact the HUCTO Secretary, Lorraine Bryant, at 033-3306192 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or the HUCTO Chairman, Kai Schulz, at 0836474595 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SEE YOU AT THE AGM ON JULY 16TH!!!!!

What a fabulous day it turned out to be at our annual Weekend Witness 1000 Paws Walk on Sunday the 30th June! The sun shone down upon us as hundreds of loyal SPCA supporters and their gorgeous pooches joined in a day of beautiful walks and masses of fun!

The day began either a leisurely stroll of 2km around the sports fields of Hilton College or a brisk 4km walk through their lovely plantations which resulted in pink healthy cheeks from the two legged folk and smiling, panting pooches.

In the events arena, there was plenty of entertainment to keep the spectators enthralled. The doggie demos from Funda Nenja, Bruntville and the SAAF were phenomenal, the Belly Dancers and Modern Dancers were a colourful array of delight, the Caledonian Band wowed us, the Sky Divers took our breath away with the winner of the paper plate stakes, Janet Angus, walking away with a fantastic weekend away at Bellwood Cottages for 14 people. The Tug-O-War made us laugh and we enjoyed the kids all beating the adults! Not to mention the fantastic display of Vintage Cars and Harley Davidsons gleaming in the sunshine! Delicious food hit the spot as the sounds of the talented Charles Webster and his band, Undercover, filtered through the marquee.

Other highlights of the event were the rolling plastic balls, aptly named Groovy Balls, which saw kids and adults alike rolling across the field in the ball, seeing things from a totally different perspective! The popular Paws Challenge that was set up and run by the 1st Howick Scout Troop brought proud dog owners and their dogs together as they tackled the obstacles on the course. The winning duo was Jimmy Mallett and Jemma. Over 30 stallholders sold their wares to many people looking to get in early and avoid the Christmas rush.

The arena also accommodated the event that we hold very dear to our hearts, the SPCA Dog of the Year competition whereby all dogs that are adopted from SPCA are proudly shown off by their owners. The competition was stiff as each and every pooch had their own endearing qualities that made them all rather special. Finally a decision was reached and Biscuit Hancock was pleased as punch to be announced the winner of the competition. Equally happy for the win were Biscuit's family, Dale and Tiffany Hancock and their children, Tannit and Callum. Second place went to Liz Bull and Lucy Lieu and 3rd place was clinched by Bianca Horne and Lucy, all deserving winners without a doubt!

Huge congratulations must also go to the winner of the spectacular first prize in our 1000 Paws raffle, Lyn Zadi, who walked away with a week's holiday at the magnificent splendour of Alpine Heath in the heart of the Drakensberg. Second prize winner, Colleen Andrews, was also extremely thrilled to win a weekend break at Engeleni Lodge and a Granny Mouse lunch voucher.

The sponsorships we received (cash donations and prizes) were absolutely amazing, ranging from lovely pamper goodies, luxury hampers, spa treatments, dinner vouchers, bed and breakfast vouchers, hair styling vouchers, doggie duvets, flea treatment vouchers, canopy tour vouchers and much more! We remain eternally grateful to our donors who gave so generously and supported our cause with such gusto!

Saving the best for last, we want to thank every single SPCA supporter who shared in the day with us. The PMB SPCA, uMngeni SPCA and the Mooi River SPCA would not have had the successful day we had without YOUR support and we remain indebted and thankful to you all for being the fierce animal warriors you continue to be.

Article kindly supplied by uMgeni SPCA.

Photograph: Proud winner of the Best SPCA Dog Competition 2013, Biscuit, enjoying the day with his family (from left to right), Tannit, Callum and Tiffany Hancock

Please note that our Fun day date has changed from the 7th July until the 9th August – National Women's day and a public holiday. Put in your diary now and we will keep you up to date with more details soon.

After many comments and general feedback we have decided that it's essential we explain to you all our limitations and mandate. There seem to be a unrealistic expectations and negative comments about our inability to fulfil our perceived mandate here at FreeMe.

A key area of discussion is Hadedas. There have been reports of Hadedas with string around their feet – sadly and as we tell callers there is very little we can do to help if the bird is flying. Even with them on the ground there is no magic muti or special technique to catching these birds and we fully understand that it is very distressing to see them battling to walk.

We get on average at least 20 to 30 calls of this nature a month, and have learnt from hard experience that we could spend all our time and our entire budget on them and in theses financially trying times it time and budget are better spent helping those hadedas brought to our clinic.

The sad fact is that, since Rob Taylor's demise FreeMe is battling to survive. This year we have had to reduce our staff numbers and have sold one vehicle, which means that we only have two full time employees, to carry out all the duties of the centre and one of those has to be based at FreeMe.  Rising costs and a focus on budget has meant we need to halve our diesel budget, made harder as we don't charge for call outs or recoup costs on call outs.

Another sad matter is that we have stopped taking in AFS Students because of the cost factor to FreeMe. We would love to continue this training programme. Yet we have seen a significant decline in donations and not all visitors leave money in our box.

Again, with monkeys and "problem" animals, we are not mandated to remove these, and are, in fact, not allowed to do so. We are here for the animals who find themselves in life threatening circumstances and those are our priority. We hope that everyone now understands our financial situation and our mandate and will support our staff as we work through these very difficult and distressing circumstances.

What is business coaching?
It is the process of coaching business owners to better their businesses through mentorship, guidance, support, accountability and encouragement.

Who conducts business coaching?
Business coaches are responsible for the coaching. Business owners should seek the services of certified business coaches. The success of a business does not necessarily mean the company owner is a good coach. Business coaches have broad and deep business experience, and are fellow business owners who have invested and continue to invest their time, money, and energy to make their own various business ventures successful.

What is the role of a business coach?
It is to help owners of small- and medium/large-sized businesses with all aspects of business such as mindset, sales, marketing, management, team building – and more. Most importantly, just like a sport coach, a business coach makes you focus on the game.

Why would I need a business coach?
Every great performer whether an athlete, performer or businessperson is surrounded by coaches and advisors. And as the world of business moves faster and gets more competitive it's difficult to keep abreast of changes. Having a business coach is no longer a luxury it has become a necessity. It is possible to survive without a coach but it's difficult to thrive. Based on sales, marketing, and business management systems, your business revenues and profits will increase - often quite dramatically. You will also be coached to develop your business so that you, as the owner, can work less, relax more, and finally enjoy business ownership.

How will a coach help me?
Your coach can see the wood as well as the trees. He/she will listen; make you focus on the game; make you run more 'laps' than you feel like tackling; tell it to you like it is; give you ideas you hadn't thought about. At one tenth of the cost, your coach will be your marketing manager, sales director, training coordinator, partner, confidant, mentor – and your best friend. Your coach will help you make your dreams come true. If you do the work!

Is there a business coach in Howick?
Yes... well almost! ActionCOACH is a business coaching and mentoring company based in Hilton.

What can ActionCOACH do for me?
It is structured to provide you, the business owner, with short-term assistance and long-term results through a mentoring approach. Its clients, and the hundreds of thousands of clients and seminar attendees worldwide, will attest to the power of the programmes.

Who could I approach for referrals?
Derryn Fourie, of Midmar Crushers attends coaching session every week and is a firm fan of business coaching: "I have seen a steady growth in my business over the past three years and I would never have reached the targets accomplished on my own."

Clive and Linda Foss of Riverside Trading (Nottingham Road Hotel and Gowrie Country Club) attend sessions on alternate weeks and their respective businesses have developed beyond expectations: "Our initial scepticism has turned to complete faith in business coaching."

July Mweli of Heathcliff Farming: "I wouldn't be here where I stand today had my employee not sent me to a business coach. I hold out my hand in gratitude."

Mark Heinrich of Jaxx Restaurant: "I didn't think I needed a coach because my established restaurant in Tweni was doing well. When Jaxx opened in The Quarry Centre in Hilton I noticed we were next door to ActionCOACH. I conducted research, gave it a try and, with the help of coaching we have put tried-and-tested systems in place and we have moved forward more rapidly than ever anticipated. We've seen a healthy profit growth and the attitude of our staff tell a positive story."

Trevor Rawlins of Commercial Fleet Claims Adjusters has enjoyed similar success in his business: "It's a fact, business coaching works. I have seen a considerable growth in my annual profit."

Pastor Jabu Mnculwane of Project Gateway: "You have no idea how ActionCOACH has changed my life."

What can I expect to pay for a business coach?
This is for you to discuss with the coach during your complimentary, obligation-free business assessment, hour-and-a-half feedback session. The company offers a selection of books; one-to-one coaching; ActionCLUB: a 10/12-month group coaching programme that has been structured to help delegates learn, implement, sustain and grow their businesses, revenues and profits – monthly meetings, and between-sessions webinars ensure an understanding of the previous session's content and successful implementation; GrowthCLUB: a full-day, quarterly, intensive and exclusive 90-day business-planning workshop with coaching and educational content, aiming to establishing an effective and executable strategy for your business - as with quarterly planning in large organisations, small- and medium-business owners are given the opportunity to participate in a business-building day with like-minded owners.

Are there any guarantees that business coaching will work for me?
The short answer in no! You must remember your coach is just that – you are the player and it's up to you to take the field. Your coach will push you, cajole you, help you, be there for you – and even do some things with you – but you have to do the work. Only you can be accountable for your success. A business coach guarantees to give you the best service possible – and remember your success is your coach's success. We do offer a 17 week 7 point guarantee in certain circumstances.

How do I get more information about business coaching?
ActionCOACH is a phone call away! 033 343 2960

On Saturday 13th July, 2013 at 2pm at Eagle Ridge Club House, Curry's Post Road, Howick, the uMgeni SPCA will hold their AGM.

Nominations for Management Committee and any Resolutions must comply with the requirements of our Constitution and be received by Saturday 6th July, 2013.

We are so privileged in the greater Hilton and Howick areas to have such a successful and well run SPCA on our doorstep and they value any contribution you can make. New Committee members would be very welcome as new ideas and approaches are good for forward momentum and continued growth. Please consider putting yourself forward to be available for the committee – all skills required.

Last Year's Minutes and our Constitution are available for perusal at the uMgeni SPCA Fundraising Centre, 39 Main Street, Howick.

All members and interested parties are welcome.  If you would like any further information please contact the centre.

Tea will be served after the meeting.

You have an invitation from these four lovely ladies! They are from left: Allison Hattingh (Receptionist) Nicky Gray (Short Term Insurance Broker/Manager) Heather Ikin (Policy Administrator) Florence Mwelase (General Assistant) - the office staff at Cooke Fuller Garrun Insurance Brokers and Financial Advisers.

Cooke Fuller Garrun purchased Howick Insurance Brokers in December 2009, and Nicky transferred at that time from the Kloof Branch. The office is located at 103 Main Street in Howick. Feel free to pop in for a cup of coffee and chat about your Insurance requirements with this qualified team!

Pictured below is the front view of the Cooke Fuller Garrun office.

Sparkling weather and enjoyable competition resulted in a very successful tournament held on Sunday 16 June. This was kindly sponsored by Halfway Toyota. Congratulations to the winners, Barry Earnshaw and his team.

The competition for chickens, sponsored by Toyota and Giovision, on Wednesday 12th June, was won by Piet van Rensburg, Graham Sharp and Jo Boonzaier.

We look forward to our next meeting and this continued winter sunshine.

Did you know.....

In World War One (WWI) parrots were kept on the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France because of their remarkable sense of hearing. When the Parrots heard the enemy aircraft coming they would warn everyone of the approaching danger long before any human ear would hear it.

It is estimated that in excess of 500 million people around the world suffer from some form of hearing loss? Are you one of them? Take a minute to think whether any of these signs that you may have a hearing problem apply to you.

Do you :-

Put the TV or radio louder than usual

Find that your family and friends are complaining that you do not hear them when they speak to you

Find that most people mumble

Have to ask for repetition more often than other people

Begin to feel that it is too much effort to take part in certain conversations, and you withdraw or 'switch off' in company

have any other symptoms in the ear, such as ringing, pain or dizziness

LaurieButlin says "Early identification and diagnosis may help to prevent more of a problem later on. Finding and treating a hearing loss closer to its onset is important because, once the cause has been diagnosed, it is often possible to prevent it from worsening further and may lead to more positive results."
 

Butlin Hearing is a family owned practice consisting of Laurie Butlin and his daughter-in-law, Kate-Marie Butlin. All clients consult personally with either Laurie or Kate-Marie.

They look forward to meeting you at Butlin Hearing's consulting rooms, where they will gladly offer advice and answer any questions you may have relating to hearing loss and hearing instruments.

Last week, the uMngeni Municipal Manager, Dr Ngubane, signed agreements with the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme to have Beacon Hill officially declared a Protected Area. The Municipality must be congratulated for their forward thinking approach to serving the citizens of uMngeni. Less than 2% of the original grassland in KZN is conserved. Grassland ecosystems provide society with essential goods and services including water storage, carbon sinks and habitats for many medicinal plants, birds and animals.

Ross Haynes, Chair of Friends of Beacon Hill, comments "In 2011 we met with the Mayor, Councillor Mbali Myeni. She was very supportive of our plan to have the area conserved. Last year, the application for protective status was supported when it came to Council along with the Fort Nottingham project. I truly doubt that this would have happened so soon had it not been for the support, knowledge and hard work of Gareth Boothway, Biodiversity Stewardship Manager for the Midlands Conservancies Forum."

This year the Dargle Conservancy celebrates a decade of conservation.  Originally, the Dargle Conservancy was formed in 1985 and despite the break of a few years of active conservation, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife recently recognised their almost 30 year commitment and outstanding contribution to conservation. Since it was re-established in 2003, Dargle Conservancy has worked hard to improve awareness of biodiversity conservation in the Midlands.

Many landowners are keen to share the splendour of their surroundings and regular, guided walks take place in Kilgobbin and Lemonwood forests and across the grass covered hills at Satori. These are popular with those who don't usually have access to the countryside, and serve to inspire everyone to cherish the biodiversity and to understand the eco-system goods and services which these areas provide humanity.

For many years, Dargle Conservancy has been working towards having a large area of private land officially proclaimed as part of the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme to protect areas which contain critically important habitats, including Midlands Mist-belt Grasslands and indigenous Eastern Mist-belt Forests, home to many endangered species. The 1000ha Dargle Nature Reserve should be proclaimed by the end of this year incorporating 5 privately owned properties. These forward-thinking landowners are to be commended for their impressive contribution to conservation and for taking seriously their role as custodians of an important water catchment and some of the most vulnerable biodiversity in South Africa.

Join the Dargle Conservancy to mark this occasion on 9/10/11 August. Celebrations include a long table local dinner in the 100 year old Corrie Lynn Barn with David Johnson as guest speaker, a hike and picnic on Inhlosane, a walk through forest and grassland of the Dargle Nature Reserve with land art sculptures to celebrate the landscape. This is a weekend not to be missed! Have a look at the HowickVillage.co.za Events Pages for more information and contact details.

Pictures:
Inhlosane by Jethro Bronner
Forest Walk by Karen Edwards

As a HowickVillage.co.za staffer I was privileged to be invited to spend a few hours with Ethembeni in Mpophomeni last week. For those of you that are not aware Ethembeni is a NGO working to educate, and care for those in the Mpophomeni area who are sick and vulnerable whether adults or children affected or infected by HIV & AIDS.

I was introduced to two gentlemen in the Residential Care Centre with AIDS who have a safe and warm place to stay, a nursing sister looking over them and ensuring the appropriate medications is given, nutritious food and knowing there are people who care. A volunteer doctor attends the centre and along with the onsite team monitor the care of the residents. I heard wonderful stories of residents who had been so unwell they could not stand to now being successful working members of the Howick community. The care centre also runs a weekly clinic and a home based family support programme as well as a perinatal programme

I was then welcomed to their regular Thursday morning briefing before the many volunteers and carers head out into the community to offer support; spiritual, emotional and advisory. Although cold and rainy it was an experience to warm anyone's heart.

The morning gathering started with a song – bringing goose bumps to my skin, then visitors (me, a young volunteer from England and three new volunteers from the community were personally welcomed by Grant Edkins - Director). I within minutes felt one of the team. One of the carers shared with us a reading meaningful to her from the bible – this was then translated to English. After brief notices and discussion about which teams would take which vehicles, like a well-oiled machine all volunteers and staff distributed maize and food (donated by A-Maize and Merrivale and Greendale Spar's) to each vehicle.

I was then taken to the Family Care Centre which although chaotic as undergoing some much needed renovation, was so full of love I was quite overcome. At this home the team of 14 look after upto 80 children each day, make sure they have a healthy meal, get to and from school safely and are sent home with sandwiches for dinner. The children attending this centre are from teenage headed households. The teenagers drop the little ones off at the centre on their way to school, go to the centre for lunch after school, do their home work, work on computers and then they all go home with sandwiches. The rooms were being tiled and painted to make them safe for the children, a new bathroom fitted so that there are enough ablutions to comply with health and safety regulations. Due to this upheaval there were beautiful youngsters gathered in the makeshift kitchen, they kitchen was filled with children exchanging high fives, tickles and laughter while the older children were singing, braiding hair and chatting in a room partitioned off from the building. I am sure once complete, all will be so thrilled. The babes will have a separate sleeping area while the older children have somewhere to study, do homework and receive computer lessons weekly.

I could go on about the wonders of this organisation for pages but perhaps I will leave you wanting to hear more about the community outreach, AIDS and HIV education, work readiness programme, opportunities for volunteers, support with childcare for families affected by HIV/AIDS.

If ever a time comes when we remember where we have come from as a country, this is an organisation that shows us white, black, young or old we all have a role to play and can make our wonderful country stronger one step at a time. I was reminded that just 20 years ago a gathering of song, prayer and support of all colours and creeds was illegal – we should be so proud of what we have achieved and challenged by what we can add to our future on a personal level as well as on a national level. Thank you Madiba for making this possible and thank you to Grant, his team and the local community for making it happen.

Wow, we are almost half way through the year mid-year exams behind us. So apart from thinking of the finals at the end of the year excitement starts to build about "The Matric Dance". And "that" special dress to make you feel like a princess for the night. I remember pouring over patterns and fabrics and wondering which would be best for me and the memory of that special evening is still with me (as is my dress). Well mum's and matric's here is one less thing for you to worry about. Stunning Stiches owned by Janet Waring, local award winning seamstress can make that dress of your dreams.

Great pride and care is taken when creating a dress. Stunning Stiches will advise you of the best quality and affordable fabrics and will finish your special dress to perfection including with hand-stitches and beading if required.

Janet has been sewing for over 40 years and will be able to assist you make that dream come true, whether a dance dress, a wedding dress or other special occasion.

In addition Stunning Stiches offer sewing lessons and can make the quilt of your dreams for you.

The Gold & Silver Dealer has recently opened at Merrivale Spar shopping centre and has an uncanny resemblance to the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop featured on the Hit reality series Pawn Stars on the History Channel. The owner Cameron is an avid fan of the show and draws much inspiration from it.

The shop features the largest collection of Hallmarked silver for sale in the Midlands showcasing a wide variety of pieces from all over the globe and dates from the 18th century right until today.

Not only are they specialists in Silver but have a good collection of  fine glass including Radioactive Uranium Glass ranging from the late 19th to mid-20th century. There is also a selection of other interesting collectibles like the working model steam engine.

The Gold & Silver Dealer welcome customers to bring in Silver, Gold and certain collectibles for dating, distinguishing hallmarks and general information. Cameron advises to not sell something unless you know exactly what it is.

They buy gold and silver (including jewellery, coins, flatware etc.) for competitive and accurate pricing, regardless of condition. Aware that they are often dealing in client’s precious possessions, privacy, discretion and dignity of their clients is of upmost importance.

Cash flow solutions are also offered in the form of pawn broking. Very reasonable interest rates with no credit bureau checks, however ID is required.

A warm Midlands winter afternoon is just perfect for a stroll in the grassland. This is exactly what the group gathered at Mulberry Hill for the quarterly MCF Roadshow did during the week. After recent heavy frosts, there were hardly any leaves on anything. A few green sprouts in the firebreaks for Oribi to nibble on, and the first tiny Ledebouria coming up.

At the top of the hill we enjoyed fantastic views in all directions - Inhlosane, Karkloof and Midmar.

We then headed back for a sumptuous spread of nibbles (all locally sourced) with coffee supplied by Terbedore.

Kevan Zunckel was our guest speaker and had everyone captivated. He explained his project in conjunction with SANBI - the uMngeni Ecological Infrastructure Partnership. The basic idea is that down stream users pay for keeping the water catchments in great condition. This concept has worked extremely well for New York and there should be no reason that it shouldn't work in KZN too.

Kevan suggested that we should view natural infrastructure differently. Not focus on trying to save the habitat of a specific species, but rather package the argument from the perspective of the water services they provide. For example show the importance of saving the grasslands, which are essential for the water storage services they provide. By default, the persistence of vulnerable species will indicate the health of the eco-system. Although much of our natural capital is irreversibly destroyed, Kevan expressed his amazement at how well Nature in a degraded state can recover if allowed to do so.

Judy Bell gave a report back on all the action which has taken place in just a short time since the MCF AGM. Work on securing funding for a Development Monitor, the nomination of Penz Malinga for the KZN Youth Achievers Awards, The planning for the Lion's River Walk in September and all the schools field trips organised in conjunction with MMAEP and KZNCF.

Gareth Boothway gave a short update on the MCF Biodiversity Stewardship sites and Conservancy management plans that he has been working on. Then everyone relaxed with another cup of coffee and caught up on what was happening in other Conservancies. What a jolly pleasant afternoon.

News and photographs kindly supplied by Nikki Brighton

Maridadi Designs create and manufacture uniquely decorative and functional pewter art pieces exclusively designed by Allen Hallett. Allen's combined passions of African wildlife and pewter art, fuse together in an explosive range of individually designed functional pewter gifts and decorative sculpture art pieces. Maridadi art is becoming collectable on the world stage and ensures that the Maridadi name is synonymous with design, detail and quality.

Pictured here for you to indulge in a sneak preview is a group of Guinea Fowl, these are from the newly released Feathers Collection.

The Maridadi team invite you to visit their showroom at 44 Main Street in Howick to view these pewter decor designs.

Members of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club are saddened by the news that Brian Stringer has passed away and we send condolences to his wife and family. Brian was a former committee member and club coach and contributed considerably to the ethos of the club.

Competitions
The competition for chickens, sponsored by Toyota and Giovision, will be held on Wednesday 12th June, tabs in by 1.30pm.

The all-day tournaments are:
The Toyota sponsored tournament on 16th June, and
The Moths Atomic Shellhole tournament on 18th August.

Social Bowls
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1.30pm. Whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 8.30 am. Casual. Visitors most welcome.

FREE Coaching takes place on a regular basis. For any enquiries kindly contact: John Withers on 033-239 5376, Graeme Cameron on 033-330 3457, Hilary Williams on 033-3303992 or Barry Bedworth on 033-239 5445

Saturday, 25th May 2013, saw Howick Prep School host the 4th leg of the Spur KZN Mongoose Schools Mountain Biking Series. There was an electric atmosphere amongst children and parents all afternoon, with over 200 pupils having entered the race. The floating water bridge, across our school pool, once again proved to be the hot spot of entertainment with the entire pool area being filled with excited onlookers.

We were very proud to see how many of our pupils entered the race and, as a result, Howick Prep once again won the race, having the most pupils entered. Well done cyclists.

Picture and news kindly submitted by Howick Prep School.

Not a cloud in the sky and sunny, warm weather blessed us at our recent 10th annual Township Dogshow in Mpophomeni. Almost two hundred entrants competed for 'top dog' at the uMngeni SPCA / Hill's Township Dog Show on Sunday 19 May, the oldest and biggest dog show of its kind in South Africa.

Golden boy Ranger, owned by Khanyiso Mbambo, won Best in Show, with Reserve Best in Show going to Skinny (who isn't skinny at all!), a Boerboel type dog, described by chief judge Adrienne Olivier as a "gentle giant", owned by Nonhlanhla Weli.

Ranger took top honours thanks to his friendly nature, lovely condition, well-brushed coat and the mutual admiration evident between him and his owner.

There were dogs of all shapes and sizes at the show which also definitely saw a greater variety of 'breed types' than we've ever seen before and the dogs were in great condition. It was heart-warming to see such a remarkable improvement in the dogs' health and well-being. There were also fewer puppies indicating the success of the Outreach Sterilisation Programme. Long time Judges and volunteers remarked that the handling skills of the owners were also much improved.

Before entering the show ring each dog was given a new collar and lead, all its details were recorded and then it was treated at an open air veterinary clinic where each dog was de-wormed, vaccinated against rabies and dipped. After a brief stop at the Education stand entrants were given light refreshments to eat while they were entertained by demonstrations of dog obedience and agility.

There were six classes in the show with every winner receiving Hill's pet food and a rosette. Ranger, the Best in Show and Skinny, the Reserve Best in Show, each won a cosy kennel donated by Howick F & F and Howick Cabins.

Parting gifts to all entrants included a dog bowl, blanket and premium Hill's pet food as well as magazines.

Heather Somerville, Deputy Chairperson of uMngeni SPCA said it was a very happy day, "Lots of smiling faces and wagging tails. The dogs coped well with such an unusual event in their lives. Many thanks to everyone who made this tenth anniversary show so special."

News kindly submitted byuMngeni SPCA.

Photograph: Reserve Best in Show winner, Nonhlanhla Weli with her lovely dog (Left), Skinny and Best in Show winner, Nkanyiso Mbambo with beautiful Ranger.

(photograph courtesy of  Pierre De Villiers)