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31 Oct2019

Sing Angel Sing

howick angel cover 002Can any of us understand how it would feel to have been in boarding school since you were five years old?

To have never had your mother attend a single performance or award ceremony? To have never had a parent with you to acknowledge any of your achievements?
Can anyone relate to this statement: "I feel like my school IS my family. Sometimes I feel like they are all I have." Or this statement: “The ONLY good thing in my life is singing.”

We need to find funding for our beautiful girls who, through no faults of their own, have parents who have fallen on hard times and can no longer afford their fees.
Yes they are in a private school, and some might say they should just leave and return to government schooling - but we need to remember they are here for a reason. They are here because they have unique artistic talents that they will not be able to nurture and grow in a normal school environment.
I just cannot look them in the eye and tell them that they must leave. PLEASE HELP!

Read their stories. These are all genuine cases, but we are just calling them Angel 1, Angel 2, etc. in order to protect their identities. These reference numbers will be used to ensure the right girl gets the funding.

And if you feel you want to help, there are several ways you can do this:
1. SMS SING TO 42646. R30 will be taken off your airtime / contract.

2. Make a donation to Drakondale, into the following account, and use Angel 1 or Angel 2 as your reference.
Drakondale Girls Choir School
FNB Howick
ACC No. 62636342925
REF. ANGEL 1 or ANGEL 2

3. Corporate or Company donors needing to take advantage of tax rebates will receive a Section 18a Certificate from The United Africa Girls Choir Organisation who have offered to collect funds on our behalf.
UNITED AFRICA GIRLS CHOIR (NGO, Registered Section 18a Company)
NEDBANK Branch Code 198765
ACC No. 1140512536
ACC TYPE: Current
REF. ANGEL 1 or ANGEL 2

4. PLEDGE a monthly amount towards school fees for 2020. Just give us your name and email address and we will send you a pledge agreement. You can choose the following options:
1. R100 a month 2. R250 a month 3. R500 a month 4. R1000 a month

“My name is Angel 1. That’s not my real name but I can’t tell you that - and I like Angel better than my real name anyway, so I don’t mind.”

“I have always loved singing. In 2017 I was singing a solo at my junior school concert when I was approached and offered a 50% scholarship to attend Drakondale Girls Choir School. This was the MOST exciting thing that had ever happened to me. I had not had a very easy life before this, with some quite horrible things happening to me which I also can’t talk about, and had never been offered anything this amazing before.
I begged my parents day and night, and sang to them continuously until they finally agreed.
2018 was probably the best year of my life, and included our choir winning GOLD in the WORLD CHOIR GAMES.”

“In about September last year though, my parents got divorced ... and suddenly my father just disappeared out of my life. I didn’t know it at the time, but my mother was no longer able to keep paying the full fees, even after the scholarship, because my father was the chief breadwinner and he was nowhere to be seen.
Finally, a year later, my mother admitted to me that I am going to have to leave school because she already owes so much money and can no longer make the payments.”

“I am so, so sad. Initially I even tried to commit suicide but I am now under a psychologist’s care and learning to cope. Fortunately, my grades have always been quite good so I have been able to keep them up - and the singing helps me on a daily basis. But...singing is the only GOOD thing in my life and I desperately want to stay at Drakondale and keep singing. I have grown so much here and have some wonderful friends.” ANGEL1

My ‘name’ is Angel 2. In 2018 I joined Darkondale Girls Choir School and I was immensely proud to have passed the singing audition.
Daily life at Drakondale is filled with incredible experiences. I am proud to be attending a private school, but I am also determined not to lose sight of my roots.
I recently attended the Reed Dance. I was amazed that this could be every day life for some people - and I loved the experience. I felt “cultured” because absolutely no private school girls were there as they tend to look down on this event. I hope I made history ... and I got to meet the King.

My Reed Dance experience was so much fun and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It made me appreciate what I have, but it also made me proud to not be afraid to explore my cultural roots.

Which brings me to the reason for this letter, and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.
My mother is a single, very hard working parent who does everything she can to support me financially. Because of this I very seldom get to see her and she can never manage to attend any of my shows or concerts. However, I did not quite understand how much she was battling to keep me at Drakondale. Finally, my mother has admitted to me that I am going to have to leave school because she already owes the school so much money and can no longer pay the fees.

I do NOT want to leave Drakondale. I want to keep singing and I want to be here with my friends who ARE my family, because my mother has to go away so much that I don’t often see her.

I would be most grateful if you could help. That would be super amazing.” - ANGEL 2

News supplied.

29 Oct2019

Funda Nenja making a difference

funda nenja and asanda copyLast week we featured Asanda Mohapi and Puppy as our "dog guardian of the week" story. Asanda lives next door to one of our long-term attendees, Slindokuhle Ngubane and his dear little dog, Mercy. Sadly, Asanda was recently orphaned and now lives with his frail grandmother. Slindokuhle’s mother, Grace, not only agreed to care for a dog for Asanda, but has also unofficially adopted both Asanda and his aged grandmother.

To help out Asanda’s struggling grandmother, as well as Grace who is feeding two extra people, we put together a food parcel from some of the funds raised during our food parcel plea earlier this year. We delivered the food (as well as the kids and dogs!) to Grace’s home after dog school on Friday. Grace was very overcome and so delighted by the generosity. After a huge hug, she said “that is so kind, I cannot believe that people can be so kind to strangers… I thank everyone who has helped to give us this lovely food, you will all be very blessed”.
Grace also mentioned that Asanda's grandmother is very ill, and is actually in hospital at the moment. As a result, Asanda is now living with her. “I have three boys so one more is no problem” she said with a big grin, “and Asanda is a very good boy”.
As we left, Grace said “please don’t worry about Asanda and Puppy... my husband has a good job and he works hard... so we will always care for Asanda and Puppy”.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

28 Oct2019

Lythwood Lodge Autumn Wedding Special Package

lythwood october newsOur Autumn Wedding Special Package includes:

Venue Hire: Chapel, Avellini Tent, Khaya Centre
Three Course Buffet or Plated Menu
Tea, coffee and fresh fruit juice for pre-Reception drinks
Tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, glassware and white linen
Professional wedding photographer*
Professional wedding DJ*
Dedicated waitron per table of 10 and bar staff
No cut-off time and no levy charged after midnight
Five complimentary rooms for the night of the wedding
Dedicated wedding co-ordinator to plan and execute the weekend activities
Complimetary 1st Year Wedding Anniversary weekend

R97,300 for 100 guests
Wedding to take place at Lythwood
between 1 March 2020 and 31st May 2020

Package will be adjusted up or down depending on number of wedding guests
Recommended service fee of 8% on reception meal is not included | *T&Cs apply

News supplied by Lythwood Lodge.

24 Oct2019

Howick High President Awards Achievements

howick high presidents awardsWe congratulate Luyanda Madladla (left) and Nompumelelo Ngobese (right) who achieved their Bronze President's Awards and Radley Jackson (centre) who has achieved his Silver President's Award. Age Quod Agis!

The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment is part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. It is an exciting personal challenge for young people between the ages of 14 and 24. It started in the United Kingdom in 1956 and was first available in South Africa in 1983. There are over 14,300 active participants in the country from schools, prisons, community youth groups and children’s homes.

German educationalist Kurt Hahn, who conceptualised the Award programme, said: “When the mind is stretched by new experiences it can never return to its former dimensions.” The Award is about stretching YOU(TH)!

News supplied by Howick High School.

24 Oct2019

A new Summer menu at Eat at Andrew's

Eat at andrews BH newsSummer has arrived which means a new menu for Eat at Andrew's. Some old favourites have proved themselves and there are some new and exciting options as well.

Summer also brought us an amazing feature article in the October issue of Country life magazine, did you get a copy?

The new menu will have the look and feel of most of the dishes featured in the magazine. The harvest table makes a come back on the weekends as we enjoy summers bounty.
Pop in and have try us out, we are open from Tuesdays to Sundays 09:00 - 16:00.

Andrew is particularly excited about the falafel pita pockets and homemade pasta.

Our themed dinners continue with a visit to Mauritius this month on the 31st.

We also have and exciting talk this Saturday on edible weeds with Nikki Brighton - cost is R150 which covers the talk, nibbles and tea/coffee.

 News supplied by Eat at Andrew's.

22 Oct2019

Home Trends Deli has opened at St John's Lifestyle Centre

home trendsHome Trends formally known as Repurposed has opened their deli....
Delicious cheeses and cured meats coupled with artisinal sourdough bread...
Why not enjoy a platter with a bottle of wine from St John's PnP Liquors....

Delicious farm milk in glass bottles and cold pressed juices from Farm2You
Artisinal goats and cow milk cheeses from Indezi River Creamery + The Dairy Shoppe

Also , don't miss sushi Wednesday.

News supplied by Home Trends.

21 Oct2019

Love Howick's Renoverge Project

love howick renovergeThe Renoverge Project is a coordinated approach to restoring beauty to the CBD, exits/entrances to Howick and Main Road areas. Our vision is to simply ‘make Howick beautiful again’, attracting potential investors and a much-needed boost to our local economy; while at the same time giving residents a community to be proud of. A coordinated effort between all sectors is needed to achieve this in a sustainable way.

Get involved by making a monthly donation of R100 per month to Love Howick to help cover the costs of their daily clean up efforts. We need the support of the Howick community.

LOVE HOWICK BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS
Account number: 62774727039
Account name: love howick npc
Bank: first national bank, howick
Branch code: 220725

News supplied by Love Howick.

17 Oct2019

Pick out some weekend reads at Nuts About Books and Toys

Nuts about BooksA country toy shop stocked with quality toys, puzzles, games, crafts and books. Come in and pick out some books for your weekend reading.

Thie gem of a toy shop shop is a stockist of educational toys, puzzles, games, crafts, novelty toys, books and more. Popular brands include Lego, Melissa & Doug, Big Jigs, Think Fun, Top Trumps, Top Model, Hooligans Kids Clothing and Sylvanian Families.

News supplied by Nuts about Books and Toys.

16 Oct2019

Kudos to Knight Security Solutions

kss bh hc 15With Christmas 70 days away, the KSS team would like to remind you to get you alarm serviced before you go away. There is often a “mad scramble” as people realise they need an upgrade, alarm addition or a general alarm service before the festive season.

For service bookings or more information and advice call Gary on 0828947628 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Keshen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0833935265.

Administration
Please advise the KSS administration office if any of your details have changed (email address, phone numbers, and key holders). Please also make sure that you advise the office about house sitters during the festive season. These details need to be added to the system temporarily so we know who to contact in case of an emergency. You can contact Elaine on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Monique on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 033 330 5911 to update these details.

Positive feedback
KSS are out there every day making a difference, in small and big ways. It feels so great to be applauded for the action we take and the care we afford the community. This encouraging message was posted on social media which reached our offices:

“So I just wanted to say “KUDOS to KSS”. This morning my Mom accidentally triggered the alarm, I was in the shower and didn’t hear/answer their 2 check-up calls, and I think my Mom didn’t hear the check-up calls they made to her phone either, and so they actually came to my house to check. Yes, all of the above is part of the service, BUT the speed that all this was done was absolutely amazing!!. My Mom said it was literally minutes from the time she triggered the alarm to the time she had FOUR KSS guys in our front yard. Thank you KSS for your awesome service”

You have no idea what positive feedback does for our whole team. Thank you.

On the flipside – if there are any concerns you, as a client may have, please contact the KSS office or Management directly so that we can immediately attend to them. We are here to fix things and keep our clients happy.

You are safer with us!

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

30 Oct2019

Summertime means Snake Season

snake manSummer is here, warm long days, afternoon thunderstorms to quench the parched soils winter has left us and the smell of freshly cut grass triggers your memory of years gone by.
It is also what triggers the snake season which means that human/ snake encounters will be on the increase and members of the public are asked not to kill snakes but rather contact me to safely remove it. As it begins to heat up snakes come out of hibernation, taking advantage of the warmer weather they will be actively searching for prey items. It is also the beginning of the mating season for some species so it's not uncommon to find two or more snakes in the same area looking for a mate. The female releases a pheromone, leaving a scent trail which will attract the attention of at least one or many males looking to mate with her.
If you encounter a snake:
Don't panic.
Don't try to pick it up.
Don't try to kill the snake.
Do keep all pets and children safe from the snake's location in the home.
And probably the most important is to keep an eye on it until help arrives.
In the event of a snake bite:
DO NOT cut the bite site and try to suck out the venom. It does not work and you may end up making things worse for the patient.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
DO NOT inject antivenom yourself as the patient may have an allergic reaction to the antivenom. If required, antivenom must be administered by a doctor in a hospital as large quantities may be needed and should the patient go into anaphylactic shock, it can be treated promptly.
DO keep the patient calm. The faster the heartbeat, the faster the venom is spread.
DO take off any jewellery, wristwatch, tight clothing, shoes, or anything that may restrict blood flow if the patient is bitten on the arm, hand, lower leg, or foot.
DO contact the hospital so that they are aware of the emergency and
DO mark the site of the bite and the time at which you are bitten with a pen or a permanent marker. This will tell the doctor the time you were bitten and track the movement of the venom.
I am an experienced snake handler (30yrs) and I'm passionate when it comes to snakes. I operate from Howick and cover the Midlands and surrounding areas. All snakes that are removed will be assessed and if necessary will be fed and watered before being released in a safe place out of harm's way.
Should you encounter a snake/s on your property, instead of trying to kill the snake, please don’t hesitate to contact Lance van der Bank anytime on +27(0)79 615 1816 as I am available 24/7.

Pictured above : Lance with a snouted cobra.

News supplied.

28 Oct2019

Become a FreeMe Custodian

free me custodianWhat is the Custodianship Program?

The program is designed to support the running of our rehabilitation centre, and allow people who support our work to be more closely involved. The join up fee for the program goes directly to the running costs of our centre, but in return for their support our Custodians get benefits no other members of the public do.

 This program is vital to keeping our organisation running and our animals fed.

As a Custodian you will receive:

Invites to all FREEME Wildlife events,

Invites to Custodian Insights,

Discounts on selected courses and merchandise,

Holiday Club activities,

A monthly newsletter,

A certificate of appreciation

 Sign up to become a Custodian in two easy steps:

Step 1 – Fill in the Custodian Application Form with your selected Custodian membership level

Step 2 – Make a payment for your selected Custodian membership level using your name as reference

News supplied by FreeMe Wildlife.

25 Oct2019

Book your year-end function at Fern Hill Hotel

Year end functions at fern hillChristmas and year end function dates are filling up fast, book your year end function soon, to avoid dissapointment.

Be sure not to miss out by contacting Lulu on 033 330 5071 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fern Hill Hotel have different packages and offerings to suit all budgets.

News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

24 Oct2019

Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa’s (SCASA) KZN Regional Coffee Competitions

coffee howickIt has been a very busy year in South Africa’s competitive specialty coffee scene, with five local coffee competitions already completed. Not forgetting the two internationals, which saw South Africa’s current best barista, Harry Mole, and the country’s current best cup taster, Thabang Maluleka and latte artist, Christopher Abrahams, compete at the World Coffee Championships in Boston and Berlin respectively.

Competition season started with Nationals in Ballito at the beginning of the year, before kick starting the regional competitions, which saw Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, host the best baristas from their province to crown the next set of top competitors who’ll be representing at 2020’s National Coffee Competitions at Food & Hospitality (HOSTEX) in Johannesburg, 1-3 March.

The focus now however again turns to KwaZulu-Natal, for SCASA’s last regional coffee competition of 2019, set to come alive at The Pearls Mall in Umhlanga, 7-9 November. Baristas will have the opportunity to compete in three disciplines, the Cup Tasters, Latte Art and Barista competitions.

The Cup Tasters competition demonstrates speed, pure senses and accuracy in distinguishing the taste differences in specialty coffees. Cuppers need to discriminate between different coffees in choosing the odd one from a triangle of three cups in a row of eight.

The Latte Art competition highlights artistic expression that challenges the barista in an on-demand performance. Baristas need to create two identical free-pour lattes and two identical designer lattes, which allow etching and decoration, all under the watchful eyes of a set of judges.

The Barista competition is all about performance, skill and passion for coffee, as well as being able to pour delicious coffee under pressure, with a panel of skilled judges watching the barista’s every move as they produce four espressos, four milk beverages and four signature drinks, all in under 15 minutes.

Specialty Coffee Association of Southern Africa’s chairman, Bernard Muneri, is excited about the direction specialty coffee is heading and has urged for more local baristas to get involved: “The coffee industry is always evolving and that excites us. SCASA is all about coming together, sharing and celebrating specialty coffee. Through our barista competitions every year, we have seen baristas taking part and thereafter open their own café or roastery. Nothing makes me more happier than seeing baristas develop into entrepreneurs in their own way and for more to enter as competitors to up skill their knowledge.”

Entries for KZN’s regional coffee competitions are still open and can be downloaded from SCASA’s website at www.scasa.co.za.

The event will be free and open to the public who will have the opportunity to meet some of the region’s best coffee talent and to learn more about the world of specialty coffee.

ABOUT SCASA:
The Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA) is the only recognized non-profit organization in South Africa representing the coffee industry from seed to cup. SCASA’s members take up the responsibility to offer great products and exciting events to the public, uplifting the coffee industry of South Africa. SCASA proudly holds the regional license of the World Barista Competition (WBC) and in this respect oversees and manages the Regional and National Coffee Competitions, while arranging for the National South African Barista, Latte Art and Cup Tasters champions, to attend the annual World Barista Championships and proudly represent our country. Our members enjoy access to a large network of professional coffee producers, roasters, retailers and equipment manufacturers. Members are offered unlimited access to the SCASA website, plus essential professional tools, training seminars, market research and more.SCASA is registered as a Section 21, Non-profit company, with the Registrar of Companies.SCASA is motivated to ignite a ‘United Passion For Coffee’ for all coffee lovers.

Photo Credit: The Coffee Magazine

News supplied.

 

23 Oct2019

Charity Walk for Howick Hospice

charity walkHowick Hospice is a non-profit organisation committed to caring for the terminally ill through home-based care, education and training,  and bereavement support. Hospice relies on support and financial contributions from the general public, corporate sector, and philanthropic donors.

Please support this fun event.

Charity Run/Walk for Howick Hospice
@ Piggly Wiggly
Sunday, 10 November 2019
9am
R50 Donation
More info contact 033 3305257
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

21 Oct2019

Spekboom Challenge to reduce the Tourism Industry's carbon footprint

spek boomSpekboom project to reduce tourism industry's carbon footprint

At least 5000 Spekboom will be planted...

www.getaway.co.za

#SpekboomChallenge

You might have seen this challenge around Facebook, what you didn't know is that Spekboom absorbs carbon from the air!

One mature Spekboom can process 4 to 8kg of carbon dioxide per year, making it 100 times more effective than one Pine tree in comparison.

One hectare of mature spekboom is 10 times more effective in processing carbon dioxide, compared to one hectare of the amazon forest

We challenge you to plant 10 Spekboom this year. One plant can make many other plants.

Join the movement.

https://www.getaway.co.za/…/spekboom-project-to-reduce-tou…/

News supplied

18 Oct2019

Fern Hill Hotel Yoga Retreat

yoga retreatOn 22nd and 23rd November, Fern Hill Hotel will be hosting a Yoga retreat in collaboration with Cami Barausse from Durban. Cami's yoga classes are a journey of exploration where edges will be met with compassion. In conjunction with Cami's yoga, Chef Alex Poltera will be custom making Vegan dishes, fresh pressed juices and more throughout your stay. The rate per person includes two nights stay in luxury accommodation with all meals and of course Cami's yoga classes. Drinks are to personal accounts.
Price is R2800pp sharing accommodation or R3200pp single. There is very limited availability. Booking is essential as well as payment upfront to secure your spot. Contact us on 033 330 5071.

“For me, yoga is the gift that keeps on giving. Been the most magical tool I've put in my tool box, it helps me heal, accept, shift aspects of myself I would otherwise be unaware of. Yoga for me isn't all unicorns and rainbows and that's what I love about it, stuff gets uprooted but all in the name of growth. And who doesn't want to grow?” - Cami

News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

17 Oct2019

Top products from The Hemp People

Hemp news OctoberHere are two of The Hemp People's most popular products to date. Low enough strength that they're a reliable place to start on your CBD journey, and among the most palatable tried. They go especially well with a cup of herbal tea in the morning or afternoon. Head to The Hemp People website to grab the last few  in stock before they order more...⁠

All organic, pharmaceutical grade, and third-party lab tested as with everything in stock. Usage instructions: take under the tongue and swish around the mouth/hold for at least a minute before swallowing.

The Hemp People now stocking a wider range of products for your health.

16 Oct2019

Guardian of the Week at Funda Nenja

funda Nenja member of the week OctoberThandoluhle Mache and Bova have been attending the Friday afternoon classes at Funda Nenja for a couple of years now.

Thandoluhle is just nine years old, but she handles sweet Bova beautifully. She says that “Bova is old now… he is five years old… Bova became alive when I was this big” as she puts her hand down to just above her knee. Indeed, we have noticed the distinguished greying moustache that Bova is sporting.

Five years old is pretty old for a township dog as most don’t survive past 4-5 years according to research by the State Veterinary Department. However, Bova is in fantastic condition and is very well cared for, so we are hopeful that he will have many years ahead of him.

Thandoluhle says that she first came to Funda Nenja “because I saw that all the children come here on Friday afternoons and that they have fun with the dogs. I told my grandmother that I want to come here with Bova”.

Thandoluhle says that Bova “can do the sit and the walk but not so much of the other training”. This young lady is a serious student who carefully listens to every word from the instructor and tries very hard to train Bova, “but sometimes Bova only likes to watch... or to lick me... or to hold hands and hug”. Indeed, Bova is a very affectionate boy who adores attention from everyone!

Thandoluhle lives with her grandparents and siblings as both her parents work far away from home. She says that the best thing about Bova is that “he is so happy” and that "he likes to play with me all the time… he is always fun”.

When this sweet young lady grows up she would like to be “a doctor to the dogs”.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

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  • When to Intervene with Wildlife Babies from FreeMe
  • Howick High pupils cruising through canoe marathons
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