Mountain bikers from across the country will be racing the 60km race at the Sappi Karkloof Classic festival in under a month's time in an effort to secure qualification for the new Rainbow Challenge final that will precede the MTB Marathon World Championships in June.

The three day Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival is the biggest event of its kind on the national calendar and draws MTB enthusiasts to the wide range of events, including a night race, an enduro race, and short easy accessible races aimed at less experienced riders.

It is the long 60km marathon event that has secured qualifier status of the Rainbow Challenge final on 28 June, and riders simply need to finish the race to secure a place on the startline on the day before the elite world title decider in Pietermaritzburg.

Qualifying events have already been held in the Western Cape (Cape Argus Pick n Pay MTB Challenge), Mpumalanga (Sappi Mankele MTB Challenge), and in Gauteng (Cradle Mountain Trophy).

With the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival 60km marathon event forming the fourth and final qualifier, local veteran and masters riders will be joined by the peers from around the country to secure their qualification for the Rainbow Challenge final by completing the race through the Karkloof plantations on Sunday 11 May.

"We are excited to have secured qualifier status at major events in the major regions of the country to satisfy the interest in qualifying for the new Rainbow Challenge final," said marathon world champs organiser Alec Lenferna.

"With the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival marathon event being one of the biggest of its kind, it was an ideal event to have as a final qualifier.

"There has been substantial interest in taking part in the Rainbow Challenge from MTB riders around the country, and for riders that weren't able to get to the other three qualifying events in the Western Cape, Mpumalnaga and the Gauteng qualifier last weekend, the Sappi Karkloof event is the event they will have to ride.

"The 60km Sappi Karkloof race is the ideal qualifier as it will be very similar in character to the course that will be used for the Rainbow Challenge final and the marathon worlds, so not only will riders be able to get their qualifier under their belts but it will also be perfect training for them at the same time," Lenferna said.

The Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival takes place from 9-11 May at Karkloof Country Club. Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za More information about the Rainbow Challenge can be found at www.rainbowchallenge.co.za 

Photograph:  Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

As reported by "Eat Out" Howick's very own Corner Post have achieved a place on the "Ulltimate Burger Guide".

"After a tough day at the office, it's quite a battle fighting the urge to dive face-first into whatever's available in your kitchen. It's a whole other ballgame trying to resist just going out for a burger. This quintessential Friday night meal is available, just there, waiting for you, every day of the week... Usually we hold out until the end so we can savour every bite – washed down by some craft beer, of course – when the weekend finally comes.

Why do we associate the idea of a perfectly grilled burger with the end of a working week? Is it because eating a burger is such a guilty pleasure that it may rip you from your schedule, causing you to spiral down into the junk-food pit, never to return to salads again? It would be worth it, we say. You really don't want to miss out on the gourmet burgers on our list, with toppings ranging from halloumi to bone marrow, mature cheddar and onion jam. This is a delicious way to fall from grace."  

Corner Post are delighted to be listed within the tops 3 of  "Eat Outs" Ultimate Buger Guide.

Knight Security Solutions celebrate 25th years in business this month and to mark this milestone they are offering an alarming birthday deal for you!

Get a 10 circuit keypad system with installation and 3 months monitoring at just R1500.00!

This birthday special is to install a 10 circuit keypad system with the following:
1. 1 x 10 circuit LED display keypad in the main bedroom.
2. 2 x magnetic contacts.
3. 3 x fixed panic buttons.
4. 3 x internal pet proof passive infrared beams.
5. 1 x 50VA mall mounted transformer.
6. 1 x 12 Volt 9amp hour battery.
7. LED status light.
8. Internal and external siren.

The important Terms and Conditions:
The entire system remains the property of Knight Security Solutions until fully paid for.
Monitoring from our 24/7/365 control room.
Armed Response from our 24/7/365 reaction units.

This deal is valid until 31st May 2014.

Contact Knight Security Solutions on 033 3305911 or Gary on 082 8947628 for more information on this great birthday deal.

What a wonderful festive spirit in the 8 mile tent this year with all the swimmers “hanging out” under one roof. BIDVEST and PINKDRIVE ensured that we were all well looked after, with an ongoing supply of fantastic food and drinks as well as massages for our hardworking bodies.

What a privilege to once again be able to swim for a wonderful cause and to raise funds for the PINKDRIVE.

The 8 miles were a lot harder this year with races 3 & 4 on the Saturday being particularly trying as the waves were over 1m. The wind picked up and when we went into the water for that race we had no idea that we were heading into conditions perfect for sea surfing!! I actually got the giggles when I looked back and saw my friend behind me cresting the top of a wave and then plunging down again - well as much as one can giggle in the water!!

The whole experience was absolutely fantastic – from the camaraderie, to the spirit, to the swimming and the food – it was just a great 2 days and I can highly recommend it to anyone wanting to do something different and to raise money.

Between the 7 Swimchix, who fundraised as a group, we managed to raise over R153 000 for Pink drive and their fight for early detection of cancer by being proudly pink for the whole weekend!

A HUGE BIG thank you to everyone who made pledges, donated cash, sponsored various prizes, held swimathons for us, swam in our swimathon, bought raffle tickets & generally gave us fantastic support and encouragement – thank you.

Next year we hope to be back again!!

News and Photo supplied by Janet Viedge

When tough times strike there are five mistakes to avoid:

1. Ignoring customers
If you neglect them, someone else will take them. Most customers leave because they think you don't care! Instead of chasing new ones, negotiate a great deal because it's six times more expensive to get a new customer than it is to keep an existing one. Have you graded your customers A – D? Focus on As and Bs, convert Cs, and let Ds go! Keep contact at least every 90 days - a call, visit, card or email.

2. Stop advertising, marketing, promoting
Avoid knee-jerk, panic reaction. This accelerates the downward spiral. Marketing starts long before the sale and continues long after. You need spend only a little money - just be prudent. Contact me I'll share 21 low- to no-cost ways to get noticed. Advertising must have a call to action. Focus on your target, communicate a compelling offer, and drive the sale!

3. Neglecting your team
Now, more than ever, the team has to be "firing on all cylinders". Get rid of under performers. Many good folk are looking for jobs. A recession grants the opportunity to select some great talent. As the leader, strike a careful balance; encourage and motivate your team players while sharing feedback and holding them accountable. Technology helps us communicate - conference calls and webinars help travel-cost cuts. Train, train, train - investing now pays future dividends.

4. Wasting time
Your only non-renewable resource is time. Ask yourself: What is the best use of my time for the business right now? Ask every day, especially when planning the next one. The time to plan tomorrow is at the end of today. Turn off automatic email receipt - the time saved from this distraction is startling. When did you last up date your default calendar? Take control – do it today.

5. Making excuses for doing any of the above
If you are guilty of succumbing to the temptations above - congratulations, you are human, however, you can do something about it! Take ownership and be accountable now. We all choose how we respond to the curve balls that business throws. If you're not yielding the results you want, something must change. Nothing will, until you do. Are you involved in or committed to your business?
Involvement means taking action when it's convenient, commitment means accepting no excuses, only results.

Now, get out there and do what you do best...

Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Founded in 1967, when 150 pupils and staff, together with the headmaster Mr. Gerard Hattingh and Mr. Ken Kyte (deputy headmaster), walked from the Junior School to the site of the new school in Amber Avenue.  Since then Howick High School has flourished and become what is today referred to by many as 'the secret gem of the midlands'.  Howick High will be celebrating the founding of our school over the weekend of 11 and 12 April.

On Friday Staff, Past Pupils & Matrics will attend a special tea, followed by Founders Assembly in the School Hall.

Saturday, 12 April will be a compulsory school day for all pupils & staff with Netball, Hockey and Rugby matches taking place against Wartburg from 09h00.

The Mum's Squad will be selling bacon & egg rolls as well as wors rolls and hamburgers as a fundraiser for the school and the Tuck Shop will be open for additional refreshments.

Karkloof Canopy Tours will have a temporary Zip-line in place over the Rugby/Netball field offering rides for R30.

The 1st Rugby XV are proud to be sponsored by the Fury Motor Group who have chosen Howick High as one of the few schools in the country to participate in their Rugby Development Program. The program equips the school with the means of raising funds via the sale of raffle tickets with a motor vehicle, sponsored by the Fury Motor Group, being the ultimate prize. Howick High will also be running a lucky draw with these tickets on Founders Day and any company who would like to market their service or product on the day in return for the donation of a prize should contact the Marketing Manager, Mrs Carmen Nanni, on 033 330 2858 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Howick High is also proud to have the 1st Girls Hockey team sponsored by Howick Travel. This team continues to play in the A Division and are only one of two state school teams to do so.

We invite all past pupils and members of the community to join us in celebrating this occasion. Entry is free and there is safe parking on the school grounds.

I'm sure you will agree that the very foundation of prevention of cruelty lies in education. Much cruelty arises from ignorance. The uMngeni SPCA Education Team are doing amazing work, visiting scores of schools throughout our area and teaching hundreds of young school children about compassion and how to care for animals.

Due to a lack of space at our Operations Division in Campbell Road, the Education Officer and her Assistant need to find a temporary new place to work from as soon as possible. Do you perhaps have a spare office, outside room, or a space with electricity and access to a toilet that you are not using? The pair work only 3 mornings a week but will need to store their material and basic office equipment there so a locking door would be necessary. It would be ideal if it could be in Howick so the team can be in touch with our SPCA in Howick.

At present we would really hope to find such space at little or no cost as our funds are currently low. Such assistance would be very much appreciated and good care will be taken of it.

Please contact Heather (033 330 5299 or 082 378 2300) or Tess (076 301 4827) if you think you might be able to assist us.  Thank you and hope to hear from you.

News and photograph kindly supplied by uMngeni SPCA

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 Prep School recently hosted a 20 20 cricket Festival over three days with eight schools attending from throughout KZN. Well done to Howick Prep School who remained unbeaten winning all four of their games against Kloof Senior Primary from Hillcrest, St Henry's from Durban, Felixton from Zululand and Underberg Primary School.

On Wednesday 9th April, the monthly Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar was won by the all-women team of Hilary Williams, Margie Holl, Wendy Holmes and Pat Ciro. Well done ladies.

The tea party held for Umgeni Waterfal Bowls Club retired bowlers and for present club members was a resounding success. Old friends reminisced while enjoying the wonderful eats provided by club members.

There was an excellent turnout of members on Saturday 12th April for the Fun Competition organised by Pam and Richard Grant. Although saying farewell to friends can be sad, great fun was had by all bowlers during play and after the game. The Grants ensured that fun was had by all through the format of the afternoon. We, the club members, thank them for all they have done for the club over the years and for their generosity. Our ‘fines mistress’ added to the fun and, through her vigilance, was very successful in administering fines for minor misdemeanours such as ‘waving a duster too enthusiastically’, ‘pulling faces’ and ‘performing ballet steps while playing bowls’.

Will club members please note that, with effect from 21st April, Wednesday and Saturday Tabs In times will change to 1.15 pm for play at 1.30 pm, Twilight bowls will commence at 3.30 pm every Friday. Please note there will be no Twilight Bowls on Good Friday, 18th April.

Visitors are also welcome on all bowls days. Subject to a minimum number of visitors and at the discretion of the organiser, there will also be a draw for visitors at the Friday night draw.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties. If you are unable to carry out your duty, please ask another member to do your duty for you.

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

With the onset of Winter and cooler mornings and shorter afternoons, changes in Tabs times will occur at the Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club. Tuesday morning Tabs In will now remain 08.45 am for 09.00 play. With effect from 21st April, Wednesday and Saturday Tabs In times will change to 1.15 pm for play at 1.30 pm. Twilight bowls will commence at 3.30 pm every Friday. Please note there will be no Twilight Bowls on Good Friday, 18th April.

Five weeks have passed since the start of Twilight Bowls followed by the Draw which is increasing in value. Members are reminded that they need not play bowls on Fridays but must be present in the the clubhouse at the time the draw takes place. Visitors are also welcome. Subject to a minimum number of visitors and at the discretion of the organiser, there will be a draw for visitors.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:-
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: Morning tea party for our retired bowlers and for club members. An Invitations is extended to all our retired bowlers. Members attending the tea party are requested to bring along a small plate of eats.

Saturday 12th April: Members and past members are invited to spend this afternoon participating in a fun competition and enjoying refreshments as we bid farewell to Richard and Pam Grant.

Sunday 13th April: The first Round of the Nominated Mixed Pairs will take place. Check the Notice Board for the Draw. Competitors please note that non-availability on Sunday will be viewed sympathetically. By mutual agreement with your opponents, your game may be scheduled for another day . Club Competitions may not be played on sponsored competition days without prior consent of the Competition Secretaries.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties. If you are unable to carry out your duty, please ask another member to do your duty for you.

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

Dormehl Property Group Howick were thrilled to be recognized for the past years work at the Dormehl Awards evening! Pippa received recognition for her outstanding work in rentals (Midlands Rentals) and for achieving excellent sales results, Edwin was among only 3 agents who made sales in excess of R100 million Rand, Liane received Farms & Smallholdings Agent of the Year 2013 (3 years in a row now!), as well as Franchisee of the Year 2013, and to top it all came 14th in the top 20 Agents of the Year.  Our branch received the Franchise of the Year Award, 8th position overall! We had a fantastic event at the Elangeni hotel in Durban, and a safe trip home with Survivor Tours Taxi service from Mooiriver in a minibus. Well done Dormehl Howick!

News and photograph supplied.

After four weeks of Twilight Bowls which is followed by a light supper and a lucky draw, no winner has yet been present to take the prize. The prize, therefore continues to grow in value.

Visitors are welcome to play and to remain for super and the draw. There may also be random prizes for visitors depending on numbers present.

Tabs in times are 08.45 am for play at 9 am on Tuesdays. Wednesday and Saturday tabs in times remain 1.45 pm for play at 2 pm. for the next month. Twilight bowls play commences at 4 pm and play continues until 'light stops play'.

The Power Drive Tabs In Trips Competition held last Wednesday was won by Barry Bedworth, Rita Stevens and Jo Boonzaier. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to The Lawnmower Shop for their sponsorship.

Forthcoming events:-

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 retired bowlers and for club members. An Invitations is extended to all our retired bowlers. Phone Barbara Brook (033 330 4229) or Bernice Burden (033 239 2251/071 1 64 3162) for further information.

Saturday 12th April: Members are invited to spend this afternoon participating in a fun competition and enjoying refreshments as we bid farewell to Richard and Pam Grant who are leaving us for pastures fresh in England.

NIBA Senior Ladies Trips and Senior Men's Trips entry forms are on the relevant board. A reminder: If you wish to enter the NIBA Mixed Fours entries close this week.

Members are requested to check the general noticeboard for refreshment and tabs duties. If you are unable to carry out your duty, please ask another member to do your duty for you.

New members are always welcome. Coaching is available for novices.

Howick High School congratulate Adam Friedel (Grade 11) who participated in the SA Regional Level 2 Swimming Championships in Sasolburg this past weekend.

He achieved a Gold medal for 50m Backstroke and a Bronze medal for 50m Butterfly.

Friedel has now been awarded with Half Colours from the KZN Swimming Association.

More Howick High School success - Sbonga Magubane in Grade 11, and her ballroom dancing partner have been selected to attend the World Dancing Championships in Moscow, Russia in October this year.

Photo supplied.

THUNDER ON THE VELDT, written by Howick's Daphne Olivier, brings history to life in an epic tale that sweeps from the goldfields of Witwatersrand to Ladysmith, the battlefields in Natal, Howick and on to the Concentration camps where so many women and children died.

This book will be of special interest to all with links to the ANGLO-BOER WAR, be they Boer, British or one of the many other nations that took part in that conflict.

THUNDER ON THE VELDT is more than a list of historical facts—it is an account of how ordinary men and women reacted, and how their lives changed forever when they were swept up into the turmoil of war.

Get your copy now. Price: R170-00 (plus R10 postage)

To order: email Daphne Oliver:

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

http://www.daphneolivierdotnet.wordpress.com/

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