I had the privilege of representing the u24 Ultimate Frisbee South African team at the World Championships in Heidelberg, Germany this year. The trip was an amazing experience and I learnt a lot both on and off the playing field.
I had the opportunity to spend a few days with family relatives before the tournament started. I stayed in a small village called Hornbach, about twenty minutes outside of Heidelberg. The family was very accommodating and helpful with immersing me in the rich German culture.

The tournament included 51 teams from 27 different countries from across the globe. It was split into three divisions Men, Women and Mixed of which South Africa participated in the latter. We played a total of eleven games and two warm-up fixtures against Singapore and Czech Republic. Some of my highlights were playing the Irish team, as they were definitely one of the best spirited teams in the tournament and fun to be around. My second is playing the Singapore team as they finished 3rd overall, it was amazing to watch and play against such a strong team. The final highlight was to be able to witness some of the best u24 players in the world play in the finals.

Although we did not finish with the desired result in placement we were awarded the spirit trophy for the Mixed Division. This is given to the team which most embraces the Spirit of the Game. In addition we moved up three places from our original seeded ranking.

Thank you for supporting me throughout this wonderful experience and helping me achieve my dream of competing at this high level. Your support, financially or in other manner, has been highly appreciated. Thank you to all who helped make this happen.

Here are a few links that may be of interest to you.
https://www.facebook.com/SAu24wilddogs - pictures of the action and tales of the team.
World Flying Disc Federation: http://www.wfdf.org/ - more about the sport of Ultimate Frisbee
Opening ceremony video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlMVuwHQ3Qc
Highlights from Day 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBejGGsD3T4)

News provided by Stuart Rencken (Grade 11 at Howick High School.)

This will be Eat at Andrew's  last themed dinner for the year as the last Thursday of December is the day after Christmas.

Book your spot for this dinner.

News supplied by Eat at Andrew's.

Working with ToPS Species (Threatened or Protected Species).

This time it's a very rare (and absolutely adorable)... Tree Hyrax (Denrohyrax arboreus).

This juvenile arrived earlier this week after being found in the Balgowan Conservancy, wandering alone in the daytime. Being nocturnal mammals this was highly unusual.

Tree Hyrax, unlike the Rock Hyrax are solitary and tend to stay in their immediate family group, consisting of a mother and her young during the breeding season.

They are arboreal folivores, this means that they feed on foliage (leaves), and make use of cavities in trees as dens, which the mother and her young will inhabit during the daylight hours. This little one can skillfully climb tress at the amazing age of 1 day and eats solid food from day 3!!! It will be returned to the wild shortly.

We would love you to join our Custodianship Program. It is a fun way of supporting us and being involved. To find out more, just click this link: http://www.freemekzn.co.za/become-a-custodian/

News taken from FreeMe WIldlife Facebook page.

What started out as a small farm stall, Piggly Wiggly has now grown into a formidable force in the Midlands offering a one-stop shop for all good country experiences.

The Coffee Shop serves up generous breakfasts and is the perfect lunch-time spot. Grab an award-winning cappuccino, nosh on a fresh farm-ranch salad and enjoy the relaxed, pretty setting.

So from fresh organic food, to incredible home decor, ceramic painting, candle dipping, and plenty of kids activities, make Piggly Wiggly your favourite spot!

Piggly Wiggly parkrun is a free weekly 5km timed run
we meet every Saturday at 8am you can register online at www.parkrun.co.za

News supplied by Piggly Wiggly.

The florist's choice...every week our flowers are different, depending on what's in season and available at the market... we strive to bring you the freshest, largest variety we can find...

Some of the compliments from happy customers this week :

"Thank you so so much. The basket is beautiful."

"Many thanks for the feedback and for going the extra mile!"

Delighted customers make my day...

The Antique Rose will tailor-make your gift for you... nothing is too big or too small for us to handle. We form the link between you and your loved ones, going the extra mile to ensure perfect satisfaction! Goodie Hampers are our speciality!

News supplied by The Antique Rose Florist.

It's that time of the year again where we host our festive sip and sketch. This is by far the most popular Sip & Sketch of the year. Arrival drinks, festive decor, snacks, dinner, all art materials required, live music and of course the talented Brent Dodd's expertise and guidance on the night. Great for a group of friends or for families.
18h00
Fern Hill Hotel
R290pp
033 330 5071
News supplied by Fern Hill Hotel.

Holiday Opening TImes for Howick Businesses

Active Fire Services

Annual shutdown from 13th December to 13th January.

Casablanca Flooring

Annual shutdown from 18 December till 8 January 2020.

Phalane Property Group Midlands

Close 20 December reopening 6 January 2019.

Eat at Andrew's

Open 7 days a week during school holidays.

Open Christmas Eve for a booked lunch and Christmas Day for a booked lunch.

Home Trends

Monday to Friday 9h00am to 4h30pm.

Saturday 8h00am till 2h00pm.

Howick Hospice

16 - 23 December 8h00am to 3h00pm

24 December 8h00am till 12h00pm.

Closed 25 December reopening 2 January 2020.

HowickVillage.co.za

Annual Shutdown: 23 December 2019 to 10 January 2020. Office opens 13 January 2020.

Little Mozambique

Open 25th December till 16H00 and closed on the 26th December.

Midlands Building Supplies

24 December close at 12pm

25, 26, 27, 28 December Closed.

31 December close at 12pm.

Closed all public holidays.

Sisonke Transfer Services

Closed 25 December only.

As the festive season approaches we would like you to join us in giving our community a gift that will not only provide momentary happiness but also the means to make their school year successful. We aim to distribute 500 SCHOOLBOXES to underprivileged learners at the start of the 2020 school year.

Many of these learners start their school year with little to no stationery, thus making it difficult to reach their dreams. Through your generous partnership, we hope to change so many young lives by giving them the right start. Join us in making a difference this Christmas!

There are a number of ways you can partner with us:
1. Purchase a SchoolBox by donating R200 and we will fill it for you.
Account Name: Love Howick NPC
Account Number: 62774727039
Branch: Howick, KZN
Branch Code: 220725
Reference: SANTA’S SCHOOLBOX
2. Donate items on our SchoolBox List and we will make up a SchoolBox on your behalf
ALL DONATIONS WILL BE COLLECTED FROM 1 OCTOBER – 20 DECEMBER 2019. Donations can be dropped off at Oasis Church, 70 Main Street, Howick, 3290 during this time. Please contact (033) 330 3456 for all queries.

News supplied by Love Howick.

#Stronger Together

Since the beginning of Sisonke Transfer Services in 2006 we have empowered over 1000 chauffeurs, training and equipping them to be Driven On Purpose, Driven With Service Excellence Always In Mind.

For your next transfer ...

Tel: 0861 SISONKE, 0861-747-6653

Cell/WhatsApp: 083-225-5585

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

News supplied by Sisonke Transfer Services.

Dog training is a great way to build trust and mutual respect while bonding. A well trained dog with good manners is more manageable, relaxed, content and confident and this results in better quality of life for the dog.

The trainer learns the importance of patience, consistency and understanding the dog. The use of force free training methods also teach us that violence is not necessary to get what we want and helps to nurture kindness and compassion.

These are just some of the benefits experienced by those attending our township dog school in Mpophomeni.

These photos of our senior class show our top handlers in action enjoying quality time with their dogs.

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

Artefacts was born when the owner Sandi, had finished a huge Company Rehabilitation Consultancy and could not decide whether to continue Financial Consulting or start on a completely new project.

While driving around Howick one day I drove past the old "Bloo Monkey" in the Falls Precinct and an idea began!! It had the space, it had the potential position and it could bring out a passion that started as a young child being dragged by my father to Auctions and Antique shops collecting high end Art, furniture and Glass.

So with a deep breath I purchased the property and went about redecorating and redesigning the property to suite Antiques, Art, Gifting, Jewellry and generally a shop that anyone of any age could come in and buy something for everyone for every occasion as well as an Interior Decorators Heaven for their clients.

The Art Gallery side came about by mistake, I was in a shopping centre and saw a little HARTS Art Exhibition. On chatting to a member I found out that there are 100's of Artists and Crafters who have no outlet or a place to sell their amazing treasures. So the concept of being Howicks Art Gallery started most especially as there is so much wall space in the shop.

All products are of the highest quality and if anyone brings in furniture or items that need repair before going on the floor we have a workshop to bring the love back. Anyone can bring in their Art and Furniture on a consignment basis and I add on a mark up to cover the overheads and insurances as well as marketing and sales of their products.

To compliment that I purchase new items that always work with the shops eclectic concept as well as refurbish furniture and make specialised items.

Our biggest selling points are the atmosphere and layout of the shop that all our customers love, but also you cannot find the same anywhere else in the Midlands and we try and keep prices at a Howick rate and not tourist rate even though we do have some good tourist traffic and accommodate their shopping requirements which also gives our locals the options to buy goodies for their overseas visits and visitors to our part of the Midlands Meander.

We are based on the far side of the Falls Precinct being 2 Harvart Street, Howick.

There is plenty of safe parking and if you want a cup of coffee while you wander around we can do that for you too...

News supplied by Artefacts Gallery.

Finding balance, this is what CBD boils down to. ⁠
⁠
Just like you, your body is in a constant quest for balance—or, in biological terms, “homeostasis.” Homeostasis depends on your body maintaining a stable internal environment. Overall homeostasis includes each variable within your body—countless things like blood glucose, body temperature, blood pressure, hormonal levels, and more.⁠
⁠
One of the most important tools your body uses to achieve homeostasis is the endocannabinoid system (ECS). In basic terms, CBD helps your ECS to function better so you can manage outside stressors while maintaining your inner equilibrium: home sweet homeostasis.

News supplied by The Hemp People.

Our Young Engineers are having a blast, building towers using counter balances and cantilevers as part of their Genius Hour project. We love experiential learning!

We only have limited number of spaces for 2020/2021, so contact our Office today to find out more.

News supplied by Oasis Prep School.

Anyone can enjoy a pint at their local pub, but Lions River beergarden offers a very different experience. Just imagine sharing a craftbeer with good friends while nibbling on a home-grown country platter and enjoying the beauty of Lions River. We don’t offer the ordinary. For an extraordinary BrewWithAView, come visit us!

You can hire us for your event. We’ll bring the kegs and our mobile bar and serve your guests.

News supplied by Lions River Craft Bewery.

Christmas Service Times for Howick Churches.

Assemblies of God

25 December 2019       Christmas Day Service 7:30 am
31 December 2019        New Year’s Eve  Service 10:15 pm

Christ Church Howick

22 December 2019  5:00pm    Picnic and "Carols by Candlelight"  5:00pm (actual service will start at 6:00pm).

25 December 2019              Christmas Day Service 8:00am - 9:00am.

Howick Family Fellowship

25 December 2019               Christmas Day Service 8:30am - 9:30am.

Howick Presbyterian Church

25 December 2019           Christmas Day Service 8:30am.

To all stakeholders, friends, visitors, hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, season ticket holders, climbers, teachers, school groups and guests:

We want to firstly direct our sincere condolences to the lady who was hiking on the reserve on Sunday afternoon and who experienced the unfortunate incident with poachers. We have engaged directly with her and her family, and are providing any support that is necessary to deal with the specific incident.

We are working extremely hard with the relevant authorities to combat this threat to our precious wildlife, and to maintain a level of safety on our reserve so that all people can enjoy the beauty of the location. This is the first incident of violent crime we have experienced on our reserve.

We have setup patrols, fly-overs, weekend camp outs and even local community volunteer walks. We have also engaged with the local communities and done several education and awareness programmes with our neighbours over the last two years.

The safety of all our visitors is a priority to WESSA and we appeal to the authorities to apprehend the perpetrators, and to work with the community to reduce the scourge of poaching and its related crimes.

We ask the local municipality to assist us with improving the safety of the community so that we can use our proclaimed nature reserve for tourism activities.

Here are some safety tips should you wish to visit us in the future:
1. Sign the registration form at the reception so that we know you are on the reserve.
2. Depart from the reserve before the official closing times and preferably please sign out from reception.
3. Engage with the onsite receptionist about the different trails available and their locations. They will also give you a printed map.
4. Never walk alone when on the reserve, and carry a mobile phone in case of emergency.

#WearePeopleCaringForTheEarth

News supplied by Wessa uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve.

If you have ever been to the Midlands Meander near Nottingham Road, KwaZulu Natal, then you would have either been to The Ugly Duckling, heard of this quirky shop that sells just about anything, or driven past this big blue rustic building with a massive wooden elephant in the front to welcome you, on the old R103 road on your way to the Kamberg/Giant’s Castle, or if you decided to take the scenic route to Durban or Johannesburg.
Wander into The Ugly Duckling, and you are immediately greeted by the friendly staff and the sound of music jamming in the background. It doesn’t get any better than browsing through all of the unique items for sale and listening to some epic, retro upbeat classics like The Rolling Stones, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, The Beatles and many, many more.
As you immerse yourself in this fun shop you cannot help but be in awe of the vast amount and huge variety of items for sale.
The Ugly Duckling is a décor, gifting and furniture store like you have never seen before. The Ugly Duckling specializes in unique imported handicrafts from India and Indonesia, and also local crafters who supply The Ugly Duckling. You will find the most beautiful unique wooden furniture, locally made Sleeper Wood furniture, ornate mirrors, word sign boards, metal art paintings, décor bowls, handicrafts, chimes, bamboo gongs, retro antiques, unique clothing from the East, jewellery, embellished bling pens, leather wallets, antique replica gramophones (and they work!), antique replica brass nautical goods, fun wooden toys, 100% cotton throws in almost every colour, jute carpets, a massive selection of atlas globes, handmade and hand painted musical instruments that will blow that music teacher at school’s socks off, ceramic doorknobs for days, and much, much more!
Now these ceramic doorknobs are something that we need to focus on a little bit more in depth.
The Ugly Duckling has got to arguably be the shop that stocks the biggest selection of ceramic doorknobs in the country. With over 350 different designs and patterns to choose from, you are bound to find something to spruce up those kitchen cupboards, bedroom cupboards or that little dresser that you have been itching to tackle one weekend with some chalk paint.
However, let us go back 30 years and start at the beginning.
The Ugly Duckling is a family run business. In 1998, Rolfe Bettison saw the potential to open a handicraft shop in what was a dilapidated building in Rosetta that was trading as a community trading store, post office and scrap yard. With the help of his wife, Susan, together they started working on creating the Ugly Duckling in Rosetta that opened its doors in September 1998.
What started out as one shop in Rosetta on the Midlands Meander, KwaZulu Natal has expanded to more branches which are scattered across our beautiful Country. All of The Ugly Duckling Shops are situated in tranquil, lifestyle areas away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
You can now find The Ugly Duckling in tourist destinations like Parys – Free State, Clarens – Free State, Central Drakensberg – Opposite Champagne Sports Resort, 2 branches in Hartbeespoort by Chameleon Village and one opposite The Snake Park, and 3 branches in the beautiful Midlands Meander at Rosetta, The Junction – Nottingham Road, and Balgowan – Opposite Granny Mouse.
There is something for everyone so we invite you to waddle on out to any of The Ugly Duckling Stores to be amazed. It really lives up to its slogan, “The Fun Shop That’s Worth a Stop”.

News supplied by The Ugly Duckling.

The Bahá’ís of uMngeni joined millions of their fellow believers in universally celebrating the Births of Bahá’u’lláh, Founder of their Faith, and the Báb, His Forerunner, on 29 and 30 October. This year, 29 October marked the 200th anniversary of the Birth of the Báb in Shiraz, Persia (now Iran).

To some, these names may be unfamiliar. In English, Bahá’u’lláh means “the Glory of God”, in isiZulu, “iNkazimulo kaNkulunkulu”. The Báb means “the Gate” or “iSango”.

The Bahá’í Faith teaches that, from the time of the creation of mankind, God has sent a succession of Divine Educators, who have progressively revealed to us the Word of God. Each Divine Educator renews eternal spiritual truths and reveals social and moral teachings suited for that age and man’s capacity to understand. There have been many such Educators, some known to most people include Abraham, Moses, Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Jesus, and Muhammad – and now the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh.

While most people may see these Educators and their teachings as separate, the Bahá’ís see them as one. The teachings of these Divine Educators unfold as chapters in an endless book. Each chapter renews the Word of God, refreshes God’s religion, expands the unity of human civilisation and improving the spiritual and material condition of the world.

Bahá’u’lláh, who publicly announced His Revelation in 1863, is the most recent of these Divine Educators. This chapter of progressive Revelation from God opened with the Báb who, in Iran in 1844, brought new teachings from God. The purpose of the Báb’s Revelation was to prepare the world for the Promised One of All Ages, Bahá’u’lláh.

The Báb’s teachings swept through Iran like wildfire. The fear and apprehension they caused among the political and religious leaders resulted in the public execution of the Báb by firing squad in 1850, the execution of over 20000 of His followers, and the imprisonment and exile of Bahá’u’lláh for the remainder of His earthly life. The intention was to extinguish this new Faith and bring an end to its proposed reforms to society.

Despite these efforts, as with all the Divine Educators, the teachings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh and the stories of their lives survived to inspire millions of people around the world to work for the sole aim of uniting the peoples of the world as a single family as the children of the same Creator. In every corner of the globe, Bahá’ís continue to share and put into practice the teachings of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh through neighbourhood-level community building activities and service projects.

To celebrated these “twin birthdays”, the Bahá’ís of uMngeni have hosted several activities over the last few months. Most have been intimate celebrations in homes, where families and their friends and neighbours share stories and pray together, recounting episodes from the life of the Báb. A key part of their celebrations have been public and private viewings of a 48 minute movie called “Dawn of the Light” which tells the story of the Báb and of the efforts of the Bahá’ís in various parts of the world to address hard issues of building unity to overcome the many divisions in society. The movie is freely available for viewing or download at https://bicentenary.bahai.org.

To join one of these ongoing celebrations or to learn more about the Bahá’í Faith, call 083 7442490, write This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.bahai.org.za

News supplied.