Dawn Viljoen has recently opened Azalea Bed and Breakfast in Howick. Dawn has been involved in the Hospitality Industry for over 20 years in total; being an assessor for AA Quality Assured for 15 years and for the Tourism Grading Council for 4 years. Dawn and her husband also had a the wonderful experience of owning their own Guest House for 10 years in Howick - WINDERMERE GUEST HOUSE which was purchased by Ophra Winfry for an Aid Orphan home.

They continued with assessing for the AAQA, travelling many miles in KZN, Eastern Free State and part of the Wild Coast. Dawn says "The best part of this experience was being able to assist and give advice to new establishments and to work together until they achieved the standard they truly wanted to offer to their guests. This was always great encouragement to me and to assist the long standing establishment uplift their standards as this industry is evolving all the time. I am now looking forward to working with our local community and network with one another to grow this industry in our area."

At the end of last year Dawn decided to slow down from all the travelling and to open her own Bed and Breakfast - Azalea Bed and Breakfast in Howick. Azalea Bed and Breakfast has recently been endorsed by AA as Highly Recommended. Azalea Bed and Breakfast strives to serve their guests and offer warm friendly hospitality, a place to unwind and relax and feel at home. A hearty breakfast is served or a packed breakfast on request. The rooms are very well appointed offering guests great comfort and quality.

Dawn says "What has been so encouraging to me is having my clients who I have assessed over the years offering advice and help with opening up my bed and breakfast."

An exciting long weekend ahead for the Midlands,as we welcome the Seeds Izimbewu Film Festival to Howick. Join us as we draw on wisdom from our past to build resilience for our future through thought-provoking films, keynote speakers; IGNITE sessions, display stands, seed swops, live music, food, craft and poetry.

Sheila Berry, one of the organising team comments "This event is the first of what will hopefully become a vibrant, annual festival that brings the best local and international documentary films focusing on environmental issues to the KZN Midlands."

The positive energy of enthusiastic volunteers who have put together this event is certainly cause for celebration!

See the EVENTS Calendar for more information.

Howick High School's musical production, A Tribute to 4 Jacks & a Jill, starts on Wednesday, 12 March at 19h00 with additional shows on Thursday, 13 and Friday, 14 March.

The show features great music and singing, energetic dancing and comedic acting with 'sarff efrican' accents.

Tickets are R40 each and can be purchased at the school. Tel 033 330 2858.

Pictured below are Suman Nunkumar as 'Michele' and Jordan Barnsley as 'Jimmy'.

AMBERFIELD RETIREMENT VILLAGE's Annual Pancake Race was held on Friday, 7th March. The morning was sponsored by J Leslie Smith. The ingredients for the delicious pancakes were donated by Merrivale Spar while Greendale Spar donated the prizes.

A challenge was sent out to the other 'Ambers' to each send a team to participate in the team races none of whom took up the challenge. The Amber Challenge race was won by the was won by the Amberfield Frail Care team. The Female Contractor's Race was won by the Tsebo Staff, while the Male Contractor's race was won by the staff of Our Secret Garden . The Frail Care Residents' Race was won by Dulcie Wyett-Smith. The Cottage Residents' Race was won by Cynthia Griesel.

It was a most enjoyable morning and gratitude must be extended to the team of volunteers who worked so hard to make the morning such a success.

Pictured: Dulcie relaxing in her room after her win.

For decades a household name across Southern Africa, this born and raised Durbanite needs no introduction. Often called "South Africa's favourite gardener", Keith Kirsten has informed, entertained and inspired gardening enthusiasts for more than 30 years through radio; television shows ,the publishing of more than 7 books, articles and lectures.

Amber Valley Retirement Village will proudly host Keith Kirsten as he addresses Howick residents) on Sustainable Gardening on 27 March 2014 in the new Amber Valley Auditorium.

The event is to be held in aid of Howick Hospice, a non-profit organisation relying on donations to provide quality care and support to patients suffering from life threatening illnesses in the area, as well as their family members.

Marriott – the Income Specialists has kindly agreed to sponsor the refreshments for this worthwhile event.

Visit Marriott at their client centre at the Greendale Acres Centre in Lawton Road Howick.

For bookings kindly contact Melanie on 033 330 5257, tickets are R80 per person.

The Lawn Mower Shop is continuing to sponsor the monthly PowerDrive Tabs-In Competition. The next competition will take place on Wednesday, 26th February. Tabs in before 1.45pm for play at 2.00pm. Visitors are most welcome to participate.

March sees us undertaking a new venture. Commencing on Friday, 7th March we will be playing twilight bowls with a starting time of 4pm, followed by a light supper and the Friday Draw. See notices in the clubhouse for full details. Visitors welcome to play bowls and join us in the clubhouse afterwards. The Draw is for members only who must be present to win.

Please will members check the boards for NIBA competitions (Men/Women Senior Pairs, Mixed Pairs) and for the entry sheets for club competitions. Also check the notice board for Refreshment and Tab Duties.

Greg Perrett first completed LEAP Challenge over 9 days, solo and unsupported, in May 2012. He attempted the Comrades Marathon the following day, but only managed to do 45km of the 89km event. He then decided to open the event to the public, as a mountain bike ride from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg over 11 days.

LEAP Challenge exists to raise money for LEAP, which is the Learner Enhancement and Advancement Programme. This is a part of Grace College's broader outreach initiative, Masihambisane (let's walk together). LEAP successfully educates kids who are talented but don't have the means to afford good education. If you'd like to know more, you can read up on Masihambisane and LEAP, on http://www.grace-college.co.za/about-us/outreach/masihambisane

LEAP Challenge is a superb physical and mental challenge; it will take you to parts of your mind and physical ability which you have not examined before, and will distract you along the way with some of the most beautiful, deserted scenery which our country has to offer.

Approximately 60% of your entry fee goes to funding for LEAP. The exact amount is clearly disclosed on the 'details' page of the website.

This year's Valentine's Day celebrations at Howick High School ended with the Inter-House Gala. The spirit at the event was fantastic and spectators were treated to some excellent swimming. Including the pre-gala events, a total of 19 records were broken.

In the Under 14 age group, Savanna Buchanan and Bryce Mitchell were the runners up with Lisa Munro and Tyrone Gibbs the Champions. In the Under 15 age group, Kirsten Mingay and Orin Rubidge were runners up with Sarah Mingay and Nicholas Goudemond the Champions. The Under 16 runners up were Kate Venter and Ruari Karlsen with Jenna Pike and Duen Janesen van Rensburg as the Champions. The overall Victrix and Victor Ludorum awards were presented to Kelsey Ebersohn and Adam Friedel, with Grace Crooks and Ian Bray being the runners up.

The winning House was Oatlands (Green) with Allemans (Yellow) in 2nd Place. The Spirit Cup went to Allemans.

Pictured: Kelsey Ebersohn and Adam Friedel the Victrix & Victor Ludorum award recipients (left) and Captains of Allemans House which won the Spirit Cup (Roland Pienaar and Bronwyn Wishart) (right)

A busy but successful week has drawn to a close.

The Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar was played on Wednesday, 12th February. The winners were Barbara Brook, Brian Ellison and Helen Emberton. Ray Bester was the lucky winner of the Lucky Dip.

A most successful Fun Valentine's Competition took place on Saturday, 15th February. The players with the highest individual scores were Mike Cain, Pat Ciro, Alan Wells and Peter Burton. The players with the most touchers were Lyn Durant and Hilary Williams and they were the lucky recipients of a bottle of champagne each.

The highlight of the week was the Tournament on Sunday which was sponsored by Moffatt Optical. Twenty-two teams keenly competed for the top prizes of meat packs. Session prizes went to the following skips and their teams: Tony Ward of Howick Bowling Club, Jack Nel of Umgeni Waterfall and Tom Hartley of Hilton. The winner of the Tournament was Gavin Stokes and team from Creighton, Mike Andrew and team from Howick came second and Gordon Phipps and team from Mooi River came third.

The spider was won by Des from Howick and Sharon from Mooi River. The beneficiary of the spider is Howick Hospice.

The Tournament was largely successful due to the efforts of members of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club and all the sponsors. Thank you Moffatt Optical, Greendale Spar and Merrivale Spar, Pick n Pay, Merrivale Butchery, Howick Pharmacy, Ivanhoe Farm, Creighton Cheese for your generosity.

Club Duties 22 to 28 Feb:

Tabs – Barbara Brook and Trevor James.

Refreshments – Trevor James

As the seasons change and the mornings grow cooler, fewer bowlers are venturing out for early morning bowls at the Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club. With this in mind, commencing on Tuesday 1st April, tabs in time will be 08.45 am for play at 9 am. Wednesday and Saturday tabs in times remain 1.45 pm for play at 2 pm. for the next month.

Our Friday evening Twilight Bowls followed by a light supper and Lucky Draw continues to be supported by a regular group of members and a few visitors. Thanks is expressed to the members who have agreed to prepare the suppers. Members must be present to win. After three weeks there has been no winner. The prize, therefore continues to grow in value. Commencing this Friday 28th March, there may also be random prizes for visitors depending on numbers present.

Forthcoming events:-
Wednesday 26th March: Power Drive Tabs In Trips sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop. Visitors welcome.

Wednesday 9th April: Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar. Visitors welcome.

Thursday 10th April at 10 am: A morning tea party for our past bowlers and for club members.

Saturday 12th April: An afternoon of bowls with a difference- watch the board for additional information.

NIBA Mixed Fours and Senior Ladies Trips entry forms are on the relevant board.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties.

We have the privilege of having the most incredibly dedicated, determined and passionate staff members, who go above and beyond to rescue animals in dangerous situations! On Sunday, the 9th of March, a call for help was made to us at 17:45 to try and assist in rescuing a little Jack Russell who had become trapped in the uMngeni River. The recent rains had made wading into the river impossible as the current was extremely strong.

Within minutes a plan was formulated and it was decided that a washing basket tied with strong rope would be used to try and "scoop" the pooch out of the river. After 4 nerve wracking attempts, Dudu Abraham, Jabulani Mshengu and Michael Mkhize managed to scoop the terrified dog up into the washing basket and hauled her up as quickly and calmly as possible. She tried to jump back into the river in terror. Thankfully, the rescue was successful and the dog was quickly bundled into the warm, safe van. If she had jumped out and fallen back into the river, she would have been washed away and been killed.

Our guys took her back to our kennels where she was covered in warm, comfortable blankets in a dog bed, and fed food and water. The next day, our vet gave her a good checking over and she was declared healthy and only had a bruise on her head confirming she had fallen into the river. This lucky dog is approximately 8 months old, and unsterilised. She has been named Miracle after her amazing rescue!

We consider ourselves extremely blessed to have such wonderful staff who protect, love and care for animals with such passion and integrity. We would also like to thank Big Two Engineering cc and Sylma Mckenzie for their kindness and assistance in this successful rescue.

News and pictures kindly supplied by uMngeni SPCA

Congratulations to Clark Logan, a member of Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club, who won the 2014 Natal Inland Bowling Aassociation Men's Novice Singles! The NIBA Men's and Women's Novice Singles were played over the past weekend on the greens at Maritzburg Bowls Club. Three of our newer bowlers participated and all acquitted themselves well.

Our first Tabs-In Twilight Bowls evening followed by the Friday Draw was well-attended. There was no winner of the Draw so the prize will be even bigger next week. Be there if you would like to be a winner!
Members are requested to volunteer to prepare simple meals for these evenings.

Forthcoming events: Continuation of the Club Singles Competition. Members are reminded to play their first games as soon as possible.

The Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar will be played on Wednesday, 12th March. Visitors welcome!

Members please check the noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties.

Imagine business as a Formula 1 pit team. How successful do you think you would be? Would you be the team manager, calmly orchestrating the events from the safety of the pit wall; or the type running around, doing every job to ensure it's done well, getting in everybody's way but feeling good because you are busy helping out - the end result being the car going out late and with only three wheels?

A big problem for business owners is we convince ourselves that being busy is what business is about and as long as we are giving our all, then there is nothing else we can do. While we know we need to work smarter rather than harder, the reality is life throws curved balls and we end up reacting to the environment in and going back to our old ways.

We become addicted to the buzz, and the last person to realise this is the one with the problem. Like an alcoholic, it is those around us who suffer most. Family is neglected, friends become acquaintances, and worse still the people employed to provide support are driven away if they refuse to behave similarly.

If you are a workaholic the first step is recognising it. The signs are clear. If you need help to see them ask somebody close to you to be honest.

The more obvious symptoms include:
• struggling to sleep at night because your mind won't stop;
• stressing and losing your temper over relatively minor issues;
• starting things and not finishing them;
• working late or over weekends when those around you are enjoying themselves;
• being accused of not listening to other people

Once aware there is a problem, take ownership of it. The only problem is will you continue doing what you've always done, so get what you've always got - or will you change?

Decide how many hours per week / days per year you want to work and what your team should do for you. What you'd rather do instead of working all the time is important because if you don't have something you like better, you will end up doing what you are doing now, even if you hate it.

The longer you have been a workaholic, the longer it will take to change your habit. Be honest and admit when you need help. Others will see you fall back into your old busyness habits far sooner than you do.

So, rev up your business and get out of the pits!

Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway, ActionCOACH Business Coaching in KZN.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is holding its second National Awareness Day for threatened amphibians on the 28th of February 2014 – a date now designated as Leap Day for Frogs! The day will comprise a number of events, activities and opportunities for learners, homeowners and employees to take a leap of action to save our frogs.

There are 160 frog species in South Africa, of which 30% are threatened due to habitat destruction, increasing levels of pollution in freshwater systems, disease and changes in climate.

The good news is that unlike a number of other endangered species, which require global support and intervention, the protection and conservation of frogs is something in which ordinary South Africans can play a meaningful and impactful role.

Said Dr. Jeanne Tarrant, Manager of the EWT's Threatened Amphibian Programme (EWT-TAP), "The conservation of frogs is so closely related to existing environmental management and conservation policies and practices, that it's really just a matter of paying more attention to them."

The awareness campaign aims to put frogs on South Africa's conservation map by providing information on what people, businesses and government can do towards reducing their negative impact on amphibian habitats, as well as how they can create environments that are conducive to the survival of frogs.

Various events will be held throughout the country focusing on threatened species including the Critically Endangered Pickersgill's Reed Frog from KwaZulu-Natal. Jeanne will be involved in two events during the course of the day: she will be addressing local residents of Mtunzini on the afternoon of the 28th about their area being a hotspot for Pickersgill's Reed Frog and how they can help. That evening she will be in her local town of Kloof for a family outing including kids activities, an illustrated presentation and a guided walk in Glenholme Nature Reserve.

Individuals are asked to organise their own events at home, school or the office to bring attention to and celebrate these important creatures in general. The website dedicated to the day will have plenty of information on ideas, tips on how you can help and events in your area.

For further information about the EWT-TAP and Leap Day for Frogs visit www.leapdayforfrogs.org.za

Dearest souls of Howick,

What a delight I found here when re-locating mid-2013! As author and Artist with creative juices flowing 24/7, I find Howick to be an ideal location for creativity! Not only are the citizens most friendly and accommodating, they are also compassionate and understanding! Howick is a true example of a healthy, functional social structure, something to be exceedingly proud of!

Admittedly, there are no 'perfect' places in our world today, but this I can testify to, Howick comes closest! The seasonal patterns are aesthetically breath taking with night skies perfect for star gazing! The air is pure, where birds flit about at peace. Splendid natural beauty abound, bursting with colour around every corner!

All this serves as constant inspiration for my work as artist and author, under my brand Chique Afrique. My aim is to inspire others with all that I do, be it creative writing, fine art or the performing arts as actress and dancer. My work is a reflection of my love for people and nature. My fine art themes are expressions of gratitude and I often paint my prayers.

Ballet Mystique, my personal form of dancing, under development since age 16, is spiritually inspired with the aim to cultivate and maintain a healthy fusion of body and soul.

I look forward to forming collaborations with like-minded people in all my work and am presently preparing several manuscripts for publication, screenplays for film and fine art for exhibition.

Thank you, citizens of Howick for being the beautiful souls that you are!

LOVE & PEACE
Amy Leo

The Hattings are selling their beautiful home, "St Clements" in Merrivale Heights on the Birnamwood Road.  "St Clements," Broadacres Country Estate available on the market for R3 750 000.00 

Linda Hatting sums it up with her "Ode to Oranges".  "St Clements" is a magnificent property set within the peaceful Broadacres Country Estate on the Birnamwood road. Surrounded by a thriving orange orchard, this beautiful home has breathtaking pastoral views towards Cedara.

The spacious open-plan Main living area leads onto a huge, enclosed verandah and conservatory with aluminium stack doors to the south.  A sunny pool and sophisticated braai area facing north, make for easy entertaining. The Gourmet kitchen and Potager are a foodie's delight.

There are three spacious bedrooms en suite in the Main house as well as a separate study. A private self-contained 54 m sq flatlet in the Loft over the double garage and workshop is perfect for extra guests or can be used as independent office space.

The prized show-garden has been professionally landscaped and the entire property is walled for extra privacy and security within the Estate.  A Victorian Gazebo with Jacuzzi complete the picture.

The owners are building another home within this unique Estate.

By appointment only:
Cell: 0832975722 or 0826776011

Total sq m of property: 2850 sq metres
Sq metre total of dwelling: 520 sq m
Rates and refuse collection: R1750 pm
Levy: R700 pm

Valentine's Day was celebrated at Amberfield with pleasant music, tea and scones in the shade of the garden. This fun event was organised by our Frail Care Diversional Therapist with the members of the Social Committee serving tea and cream scones. The event was sponsored by J Leslie Smith.

Residents of Frail Care and the Amberfield cottages were entertained by Marc, of the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, on the violin and his mother on the piano accordion.

All Howick High School Cricket teams enjoyed a very successful week on the cricket fields being victorious in all their matches against Voortrekker and Thomas Moore as well as exciting wins for the 1st team at the Sunfoil 20/20 Tournament.

The 1st Team won their match against Voortrekker on Thursday, 6 February by 24 runs. Chris Koning made 39 runs, Wade Peters 25 runs and Sam Karlsen 18 not out. Howick reached 106 runs for 3 wickets in 15 overs. Against some good tight bowling, Voortrekker managed to score 82 runs. Duen Jansen van Rensburg took 2 wickets for 5 and James Webb 2 for 4.

The 1st team played Thomas Moore at the Kloof Country Club on Friday, 7th February and won their match by 18 runs. Sam Karlsen scored 43 off 28 balls and Gareth Coetzer made 17 runs, setting a target of 90. An unbelievable bowling spell by captain Gareth Coetzer of 5 wickets for 7 runs enabled Howick to restrict and bowl Thomas Moore out for 72 runs.

Howick's first Cricket team participated in the Sunfoil 20/20 cricket tournament on Saturday, 8 February. In the morning session they played against Raisethorpe at the PMB Oval. Howick won the toss and chose to bat. With contributions from Lishen Reddy and May Mazibuko, Howick managed 126 in 20 overs. In response Raisethorpe kept within touching distance of the required run rate. With disciplined bowling and Lishen Reddy taking 3 wickets, Howick won an exciting game by 4 runs.

In the afternoon, Howick played Voortrekker at the KZN Varsity Oval. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Howick stuttered to 28/6. May Mazibuko batted well with the lower order, taking the team to 89/9 in 20 overs. An exciting innings followed with Voortrekker losing wickets regularly. Jordan Barnsley grabbed 5 of the top order. With Voortrekker needing 2 runs to win with 8 wickets down, May Mazibuko was given the ball to bowl. Claiming 2 wickets in 2 balls, Howick bowled Voortrekker for 88. Howick won by 1 run.

Howick qualified to play in the final vs Treverton at the PMB Oval on Thursday, 13 February at 3pm.

Pictured Left to right standing:
Lishen Reddy; Gareth Coetzer (Captain); Mr Richard Randelhof (Coach); James Webb; Duen Jansen van Rensburg; Timothy Gordon; Sam Karlsen; May Mazibuko; Chris Koning; Jordon Barnsley

Left to right kneeling: Philip Geldart; Wade Peters