Karkloof – Riders took the focus on Sunday at the 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival with the Sappi 60km Marathon being the highlight, as 2015 race winner Max Knox proved to be far too strong for the rest of the field with Natalie Bergstrom claiming the ladies honours at the Karkloof Country Club.

Conditions were frosty when riders set off to take on the famous Karkloof trails and the early racing was exciting with a bunch of riders on the front led by Lowveld Trekkers’ Knox who pushed the pace hard to try and break up the field up.

“I managed to get a slight gap on the opening climb which gave me the advantage that I needed and I kept my head down from there,” Knox commented.

“The trails are incredible here and we had the SA Marathon Champs last weekend, they should have just had it here this weekend!

“There was a massive race in Mpumamlanga this weekend but I love Karkloof and made the effort to come down and race here.”

South African Marathon Champs was an event that Knox tried to put out of his mind after he pulled out 10km into the race, however it might have been a blessing in disguise going into the Karkloof showdown.

“I had a mechanical at SA champs and so I was feeling really fresh this week and was strong throughout the race today.

“Julian (Jessop) is a strong, young rider and he was always going to be a threat but I just really enjoyed my ride today,” Knox added.

Jessop’s last month of mountain bike racing has been choker-block with a race every weekend; despite this a few small dramas on Sunday didn’t help him in his bid to track down the imperious Knox, meaning he had to settle for his second runner-up finish in as many years.

“With massive races every week as well as university exams starting this last week, it’s been a really hectic time for me.

“I had a few issues today starting with a broken spoke which cost me some time and then I had a lapse of concentration and went the wrong way!

“Although these didn’t help me, I think my biggest problem was that Max was just far too strong for me today,” the Ballito Concept Cyclery star mentioned humbly.

Rounding out the men’s podium was Leeroy Emslie who came home just under three minutes behind Jessop.

The women’s race was always going to be a shoot-out between veteran Natalie Bergstrom and Christie-Leigh Hearder and the pair decided that they would set the pace at the front of the race right from the get-go.

“We pushed hard early on and made the decision that we would work together to get a good gap on the others.

“I could see when we got to about 20km into the race that Christie was starting to hurt, so I knew that it was time for me to put the hammer down.

“The trails were incredible today and the course was a lot faster than it has been in previous years, about 20 minutes faster!

“I have had some problems at the race in the past two years so to get a win here is great. It’s a great feeling to be able to win a race like this when I am the oldest person on the start line,” Bergstrom said with a smile.

Bergstrom dominated the ladies field finishing over eight minutes ahead of Hearder with Andrea de Boer rounding out the women’s 60km podium.

The aQuellé 40km Half Marathon was a showcase of some of the up-and-coming talent on the local mountain biking scene as Travis Steadman cruising to victory ahead Duane Stander in second and Bongukuphiwe Ndlovu in third.

The ladies 40km Half Marathon was won by Frances Janse van Rensberg ahead of Lindsay Everson in second and Pauline Rainbird.

In the popular aQuellé 20km Fun Ride young Jordan Bold took top honours ahead of Jonathan Watts and Mnceblisi Mkhize whilst in the girl’s race Emily van Heerden, Riley Smith and Jodi Mackinnon finished first, second and third.

In the Stihl Karkloof Enduro on Saturday afternoon, Tiaan Odendaal, Sam Bull and Keira Duncan fought a tight battle with multiple South African downhill champion Odendaal just edging to a narrow three-second victory.

By winning the final two of the four timed sections, Odendaal fought back from third place to claim the title from fellow downhill specialist Bull, with the young Duncan third.

Duncan, who was leading after the first two timed sections, will rue his third split which saw him lose seven seconds to his older and more experienced rivals and cost him his chance of victory as he slipped to third, just five seconds behind the winner.

In the women’s event, Sabine ‘Beani’ Thies highlighted her status as arguably the most exciting young rising star on the women’s downhill/enduro circuit with a solid victory over last year’s winner, Kathryn Fourie, while Kim Westbrook claimed third.

Sunday’s action also included another 9km Trail Run which was won by Nicholas de Scally whilst Louize Erasmus was the fastest lady through the 9km course.

More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival (Day Two)

60km Sappi Marathon
Overall
1.Max Knox 02:29:19
2.Julian Jessop 2:37:28
3.Leeroy Emslie 2:40:01
4.Brennan Anderson 2:42:36
5.Henry Liebenberg 2:43:19
6.Jason Davies 2:47:13
7.Sthembiso Masango 2:47:53
8.Warren Price 2:47:59
9.Natahn Treble 2:48:28
10.Mitchell Ginsberg 2:48:29

Women
1.Natalie Bergstrom 3:08:32
2.Christie-Leigh Hearder 3:16:16
3.Andrea de Boer 3:21:41
4.Nadine Nunes 3:25:37
5.Landy Puddu 3:32:29

aQuellé 40km Half Marathon
Overall
1.Travis Stedman 2:13:52
2.Duane Stander 2:25:30
3.Bongukuphiwa Ndlovu 2:25:45

Women
1.Frances Janse van Rensberg 2:36:29
2.Lindsay Everson 2:54:19
3.Pauline Rainbird 2:54:33

aQuellé 20km Fun Ride
Overall
1.Jordan Bold 49:47
2.Jonathan Watts 53:37
3.Mnceblisi Mkhize 53:44

Girls
1.Emily van Heerden 1:02:29
2.Riley Smith 1:04:50
3.Jodi Mackinnon 1:06:20
Stihl Karkloof Enduro
1.Tiaan Odendaal 13:58
2.Samuel Bull 14:01
3.Keira Duncan 14:03
4.Christopher Pearton 15:25
5.Carl Donaldson 15:36
6.Devlin Fogg 15:39
7.Andre Pretorius 15:42
8.Mark Millar 15:49
9.Craig Scott 15:57
10.Luke Dinkel 16:04

Women
1.Sabine Thies 16:59
2.Kathryn Fourie 17:56
3.Kim Westbrook 19:44

Sappi Karkloof 9km Trail Run
Overall
1.Nicholas de Scally 35:33
2.Dumisani Hlongwane 36:09
3.Roy Newlands 38:31
4.Andrew Neal 38:38
5.Dale Earle 41:05

Women
1.Louize Erasmus 49:18
2.Kate Brading 50:49
3.Nina Gough 52:54
4.Erin Ellerker 53:20
5.Nicholette Spence 53:31

Pictured: An icy swim early in the morning for one rider during the 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival on Sunday.

Photographer: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

News supplied. 

Congratulations to Sarah Macaskill of Howick Prep School (Grade 5) who participated in the KZN Youth Cattle Show this past weekend at the Royal Agricultural Show in Pietermaritzburg. Sarah won 8 awards in total, including the prestigious Overall Stockman Junior Trophy for cattle (10 – 13 years). The full list of Sarah’s awards is as follows:
1st Prize - Best Showmanship dairy.
3rd Prize - Best Ayrshire on show.
4th Prize – Best dairy animal on show.
2nd Prize – Best Junior Group on show.
4th Prize – Best Junior Showman (out of all beef and dairy Junior contestants).
Special Prize – Award for the cattle stall with the best attention to detail and neatness.

Sarah also won 2nd prize in the Art Exhibition at the Royal Show. Well done Sarah, we are all very proud of your outstanding achievements!!

Attached is a photograph of Sarah Macaskill with the 8 awards that she won.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Gifts at Wear, a shopping through the home event, supporting Sunfield Home Howick, is open on the 9th and 10th June.

Book early for your biscuit decorating for Father's Day. Phone Natasja on 074 60 9564. 36a Wear Avenue Howick.

 

The Tabs–in Competition held on Friday 19 May and sponsored by J Leslie Smith was won by the team of Brian Ellison, Mark Taylor and Stella Gardiner. On Saturday the Tabs competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision was won by Barry Bedworth, Eunice Gage & Lisa Nagel. Runners up were Peter Burton, Neil Wright & Ann Pyle. Congratulations to all those mentioned, and it is good to see some new names amongst the prize winners! It is also recorded that the club team of Colin Burden, Clark Logan & Bev Vorster came second in the popular open trips event at Lynwood BC this Sunday.

Clark Logan is congratulated on being selected to play in the District Preliminary Masters Singles event at Maritzburg West next Saturday & Sunday. Members are encouraged to be there to support him either Saturday or preferably on Sunday.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
As there are no competitions this week members are encouraged to complete as many singles matches as possible on Tuesday, Wednesday and next Saturday. Members are also reminded of the important Special General Meeting to be held at the club on Wednesday 24 May, straight after bowls at approximately 16h30.

Members are reminded to check boards for duties and competitions sponsored by other clubs, particularly those in our area. Tab duty officers may be assisted by the Competition Secretary and Assistant Competition Secretary if necessary.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

Karkloof – Having occupied every spot from fourth to second at the Sappi Karkloof Trail Festival over the past three years, young Julian Jessop’s eyes are firmly set on claiming that elusive 60km Marathon win when he and some of South Africa’s MTB elite set off from the Karkloof Country Club on Sunday, 28 May.

The dice for the 2016 title was between Jessop and Brendon Davids, however the latter was too strong for the youngster who had to settle for the runner-up position over the 60km marathon route that takes riders through some breath-taking single track.

“I am definitely going out to try and win the marathon at Karkloof,” a determined Jessop said.

“The route follows a cross country format and the descents are really cool which makes the climbing all worth it in the end.

“It is renowned for its single track and with my cross country background I think that it plays into my hands quite nicely. I hope that I can use my knowledge of the course to my advantage during the race.”

The Concept Cyclery Ballito/Cadence Nutrition star expects there to be another strong field at the Karkloof marathon in 2017, but with such a busy schedule on his plate, which included university exams, he hopes he doesn’t run out of steam before Karkloof.

“It is one of the biggest one-day races in the country so I expect there to be a really top-class field there as always.

“I rode the KAP sani2c recently, and am following that with the South African MTB Marathon Championships the following weekend and Karkloof after that I hope that I have enough left in the tank!

“I was injured the weekend before sani2c but with the help of the team at the Prime Human Performance Institute I was able to take part and now I am in the middle of a really tough bit of racing,” the youngster mentioned.

Jessop’s recent performance at the three-day sani2c from the Southern Drakensberg to Scottburgh with partner Andrew Hill has boosted his confidence as he was able to compete with some of the best riders in the country in telling conditions.

“To be able to finish fifth at the sani2c was a real positive for me because I now know that I can compete with the best, even in such tough, muddy conditions.

“Even after my injury I was able to ride well with Andrew and I am really happy with how the three days went for me and for us as a team,” he added.

The weekend before the Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is the South African MTB Marathon championships in Pietermaritzburg, and once again Jessop hopes that he can push for a top result.

“I would love to get into the top five at the national championships, but I am racing in the elite category so it is going to be difficult.

“A top five would be incredible but I will also be happy with a top 10 finish.

“It has been a really busy few weeks for me and so if I can do well at the national champs and then continue that form into Karkloof, I would be really stoked.”

The 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival takes place at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

RESULTS:
The Tabs–in Competition held on Wednesday, 10 May and sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick was won by Rita Aitken, Alison Toms and Colin Brown. Runners up were Tiny Lourens, Bev Vorster and Kitty Conradie.
The Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision which was to be held on Saturday, 13 May had to be postponed.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Friday, 19 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Saturday, 20 May: The postponed Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision will take place. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Club colours or whites to be worn for all sponsored competitions.

Members are reminded to check boards for duties and competitions sponsored by other clubs. Tab duty officers may be assisted by The Competition Secretary and Assistant Competition Secretary if necessary.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Howick - With the 23rd edition of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival looming large on the trail running and MTB calendar at the end of May, economists and tourism experts have placed the value of recreational outdoor tourism to the Karkloof local economy at R234 million.

Economic spend figures were first derived from research at the 2015 edition of the Sappi Karkloof Trail Festival, using data gleaned from 416 overnight visitors and 1183 day visitors to the event. Results showed that the direct spend into the local economy on the weekend was estimated at R6 017 012, with the broader economic value to the area being R12 million.

To further understand the economic impact of recreational access to Sappi land, studies were performed at the end of 2016 by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal. Researchers concluded that the sport tourism direct value was estimated at R77 million, with the indirect and broader economic value reaching R234 million.

In other words, mountain biking and the highly regarded trail networks in particular are impacting the area positively, through direct and indirect spending by mountain biking tourists.

When compared to similar research conducted in 2013, the study showed that more of the respondents were choosing to stay overnight in the area, even though 90% of the participants were from KwaZulu-Natal.

For Sappi, investing in a high profile event like the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival creates a direct economic injection into the region’s economy in addition to showcasing their plantations and their important environmental initiatives.

"Part of running a sustainable business is managing different types of capital, one of which is social and relationship capital," said Sappi's Communications Manager for Forests, Zelda Schwalbach.

'By virtue of being one of South Africa’s largest landowners, we have many neighbours and stakeholders and it makes sense to engage with communities, including the mountain biking community. It’s helpful for us to have more eyes and ears on the ground in our forests, and we’re pleased that the public can spend time doing what they love on our land through the Sappi MTB Project.

"Investing in the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is important, as the event allows a showcase of the trails and land, and the positive experience brings people back with their friends and family to the area, thus supporting the local economy” added Schwalbach.

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal commissioned the research into the value of the Karkloof day and overnight visitors, and found it to be a good example of the economic impact of sport tourism.

"Events play a critical role in growing the economy directly and indirectly. Events like this one have a huge economic impact as the employment opportunities are created for the local residents and local businesses benefit. An event of this nature can generate almost 12 million over one weekend," said Ndabo Khoza, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal.

"Events that are hosted on an annual basis have a greater potential to create continuous and sustainable economic growth for local economies as well as for the province.

"Sports tourism is a key component of events tourism as well as destination promotion. Sports Tourism assists with seasonality within the sector," added Khoza.

"Sports enthusiasts are always willing to travel anytime and anywhere to see their favourite team or to follow a particular sport that they like regardless of the season. Sports travellers can take an opportunity between events to explore tourist attraction around the area.

"Furthermore, they are likely to take a token back home as reminder of a trip that they took, which then serves as a compelling marketing tool for the destination. If they have enjoyed themselves in that destination, they are more likely to come back as a leisure tourist," Khoza pointed out.

He added that the growth of the event, at a time when others are dwindling, was due to a number of key factors.

"It is not surprising that the event has grown as much as it has because it is very well organized and takes place in a stunning part of the country. Also mountain biking and trail running are growing at a rapid pace in terms of being a sport and also a leisure activity.

"The Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival is a prime example of an event that leaves a lasting legacy in the region in which it is held. Not only does the event have a positive socio-economic impact on the local economy, but it also has created a number of permanent and temporary employment opportunities.

"The fact that the trails can be used all year round shows that the event has definitely created a legacy as it has provided much needed revenue to a number of local residents. Indirectly, the trails also contribute to the local economy through recreational riders as many of these buy food in town or even stay overnight," said Khoza.

"Events such as the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival thrive on corporate sponsorships and if these sponsorships and investments can continue to drive the growth of the event, it is extremely likely that the event will continue to have a very positive economic impact on the local economy," concluded Khoza.

Sidebar
MTB riders visiting Karkloof
79% from KwaZulu-Natal
18% from Gauteng
Average 14,8 trips per year

Trail preferences
Easy single track 9%
Jeep track 9%
Technical single track 51%
Track with jumps and drops 31%

Estimated annual recreational visitors to the Karkloof
4000

Average spend per trip R1783
Average length of each trip - 2days
45% travel more than 5 times per year to ride

Economic Impact
R234 million
Direct value R77 million
indirect value R157 million

The 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival takes place at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za.

News supplied. 

It is with great excitement that we launch the dates and themes of our upcoming WESSA uMngeni Valley Junior Field Guides programme. Following a very successful first year of Junior Field Guides, we shall start off our second year on the 29th of July by going on a ‘Desert Safari’.

This programme provides young nature enthusiasts aged between 8 and 12 with the opportunity to learn more about the environment and to prepare them for the possibility of a future in guiding or conservation. Learners will follow the FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) junior membership programme, conducted by WESSA. Once the workbook has been completed and a mark of 85% has been attained, a certificate will be issued for the theme ‘Desert Safari’.

Place: WESSA uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve, Howick
Time: 08:00- 11:30
Dates and Themes:
29th July– Heat and Dust, Home, sweet home
19th August – Under our feet and Keeping cool
16th September – Living together and Birds of prey
14th October – Radical reptiles and the quest for water
28th October – The tree of life and Prowling predators
18th November – Under the stars and Xau’s hope
*Please take note that these dates are subject to change

We would be grateful if you share this information with other parents as well as teachers.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

News supplied by Wessa.

Our greens are now looking good and playing well after a lot of hard work by our greenkeepers, assistant greenkeepers and the advice of the experts. The recent rains followed by warm sunshine have also played a fair part in this improvement.

The Monthly Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc. held on Friday, 21 April was well-attended. The winners of the prizes donated by J Leslie Smith and presented by Nathalie Cameron were Tiny Lourens and Barry Fairbrother. Runners-up were Derek Balfour, Chantal D’Hotman and Eric Simpson. Drawn prizes went to Lisa Nagel and Ed Sharp.

We wish our teams playing in the NIBA Senior Trips on Tuesday, 25 April good bowling.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Monday, 01 May (Workers’ Day): : At 09h00 there will be fun bowls for all members and their families. As on the previous public holiday, members of the public who are interested in playing bowls and who might like to come along and give the game a try will be welcomed. Dress Code: Informal. Braai fires will be available for everyone. Bring along your meat, salads, rolls, etc. and enjoy the day. There will be a draw for a voucher from Ray’s Cafe for one lucky person attending the braai.

Saturday, 13 May: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision. Tabs must be in by 13h15.
Kindly note that with effect from 02 May, Tuesday morning bowls will start at 09h00 due to the cooler weather. Tabs must be in by 08.45.
Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h45 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites/club colours).

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club. 

Grade 7 Mpophomeni primary schools learners got career education on Thursday 25th of May, thanks to uMngeni Municipality library services, uMgungundlovu District Municipality and various other government departments. This event took place as we celebrate Africa Day. The learners got career information from teachers, police, fire fighters, correctional service officers as well NGOs such SAPC and New Start.

Among the speakers at the event was Mrs Thulisile Ndlovu, a teacher who emphasized the importance of getting career knowledge at early age. According to her this helps motivate learners and parents to know the type of subjects they must choose for their children at primary school level. It also paves a good foundation for the learner’s behaviour.

The expo ran for the whole day with various speakers sharing the stage. According to the organisers this event will be organized occasionally to help share valuable information and help every child to be career savvy.

Pictured: Nelisiwe Shange, Asande Ngubane, Nompulelo Sikhakhane, Nqobile Gumede, and Kwanele Ngubane.

News supplied. 

Karkloof – The opening day of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival saw trail runners and adrenalin seeking enduro riders take on the typical Autumn KZN Midlands weather for a day of fun at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday.

Runners had the opportunity to run either an 18km or 9km trail run along the ever-popular Karkloof trails and it was Zimbabwean runner Nomore Mandivengerei who took home the overall honours as he winds down his preparatiosn for the Comrades Marathon next weekend.

"The trails were incredible today and it was so much fun to run along the trails and roads in this area," the winner said with a smile.

"It makes running a lot more fun when conditions are like this. The roads were clean and firm which made the running more comfortable for me.

"I would like to thank the organisers for such a great event."

Mandivengerei will be one of the thousands making the trek from Durban to Pietermaritzburg in a week's time and he felt that this trail run was a great way to get his final preparation done for the Ultimate Human Race.

"The race helps me in my final strength preparation for Comrades and I hope that it will give me some extra speed so I can achieve my goal!" he added.

The ladies 18km event was won by the versatile Kim Westbrook who was all smiles when she came across the line, although in the back of her mind was the enduro that started only two-and-half hours later.

"I think I left my legs somewhere out there on the 18km!" she commented.

"It was a really good run though, I love coming out here and running.

"Running has definitely helped my riding and I don't feel uncomfortable at all on the bike even though I haven't ridden properly for a while.

"The trails were great and course was really well marked so I didn't manage to get lost which was a positive," she chuckled.

Westbrook did not have an eye on the top spot on the podium when she set off on Saturday morning, but the running bug has bitten her hard and it has become her number one focus.

"I just love the convenience of running. Putting on your shoes and getting out there makes it an easy sport to fall in love with.

"I also find with running that you can go to places you can't on a mountain bike," Westbrook explained.

The men's 18km podium was rounded out by Mdu Zondi and Mthobisi Mzolo while in the ladies 18km race Wendy Mills and Kirsty Allen finished second and third respectively.

The Sappi Karkloof 9km Trail Run was another exciting race with Xolani Mthalane and Nicole Faulha finishng first in the men's and women's races respectively. Completing the men's podium was Jean-Pierre Faulha and Dumisane Hlongwane with Hannah Armitage and Paige Mackenzie taking silver and bronze in the ladies 9km race.

The focus on Sunday is on the mountain biking with the Sappi Karkloof 60km Marathon starting at 7.30am, followed by the aQuellé 40km Half Marathon an hour later. The 9km Karkloof Trail sets off at 9.20am followed by the aQuellé 20km Family Ride and aQuellé 10km Kids Ride at 9.30am and 10am respectively.

More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

SUMMARY OF RESULTS – SAPPI KARKLOOF CLASSIC TRAIL FESTIVAL (Day One)
Sappi Karkloof 18km Trail Run
Overall
1.Nomore Mandivengerei 1:15:02
2.Mdu Zondi 1:15:24
3.Mthobisi Mzolo 1:16:25
4.Lucky Madlala 1:19:36
5.Scott Wheeler 1:17:29
6.Elvis Mketo 1:33:57
7.Daniel Mcnamara 1:34:00
8.Nkosinomusa Mahlaba 1:35:37
9.Matthew Drew 1:36:01
10.Kim Westbrook 1:38:37
Women
1. Kim Westbrook 1:38:37
2.Wendy Mills 1:45:29
3.Kirsty Allen 1:46:35
4.Roxanne Vale 1:51:32
5.Debbie Cochrane 2:00:19

Sappi Karkloof 9km Trail Run
Overall
1.Xolani Mthalane 49:50
2.Jean-Pierre Faulha 50:12
3.Dumisani Hlongwane 50:21
4.Nicole Faulha 57:17
5.Hannah Armitage 1:02:28
6.Paige Mackenzie 1:10:38
7.Bradley Pope-Ellis 1:02:54
8.Hugo Engelbrecht 1:04:29
9.Edward West 1:07:02
10.Keegan Sansom 1:10:19

Women
1. Nicole Faulha 57:17
2.Hannah Armitage 1:02:28
3.Paige Mackenzie 1:10:38
4.Alison Guise-Brown 1:11:11
5.Megan Grewcock 1:12:07

EDITORS NOTES:
The STIHL Enduro happened on Saturday afternoon and results and copy will be included in Sunday’s race report.

Pictured: Trails runner were able to connect with nature during the trails runs on the opening day of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival on Saturday, 27 May. Photographer: Anthony Grote/ Gameplan Media.

News supplied. 

 

Karkloof - As thousands of mountain bikers prepare to converge on the Sappi plantations in the Karkloof for this weekend’s annual Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival, the forestry giant says the sporting event showcases some of the successful ways that a commercial timber operation can extend meaningfully into the lives of the surrounding community.

“The plantations in the Karkloof are a hive of activity on the weekend of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival but there are many other ways that our operation touches the local community, and it is rewarding to see that many of these have a lasting and valuable impact,” said Sappi's Communications Manager for Forests, Zelda Schwalbach.

“Sappi grades and maintains the network of dirt roads in the region, that are widely used by local residents to access their homes and facilities. We manage and maintain dams for water and fire-fighting purposes, which is a major asset to the community, particularly in the dry season,” she added.

“Each plantation has an environmental management plan that ensures that land is managed in a way that has the least impact on the environment,” she explained.

“Trees are planted away from water catchment areas, ground erosion is avoided, roads are well maintained, timber depots are kept neat and the utmost safety precautions are taken at all times with harvesting, silviculture, fire protection and transport activities, safeguarding our contractor employees but also ensuring that community members are not endangered in any way.

Schwalbach added that the fun-filled weekend of sporting activity in their Karkloof plantations was seen as a celebration by the wide network of staff members involved in the year-round management of the forests, both directly and indirectly.

Sappi works in partnership with the Karkloof MTB Club to ensure that the popular network of trails through their plantations is maintained year round for social and recreational riding, providing an element of sustainable business for the club and its staff. "This provides direct employment as well as supporting the local tourism economy," said Schwalbach.

“Sappi provides employment to thousands of people to work in its plantations and to provide various services,” explained Schwalbach.

“This work is performed by companies that are contracted to Sappi to provide these services, such as planting, weeding, firefighting, harvesting, transport, cleaning, maintenance, grading of roads, construction, etc. In addition, Sappi also purchases various items from local suppliers such as fertiliser, fuel, vehicles, chemicals, catering services, and cleaning supplies.

“Sappi buys timber from small growers to supplement the timber they grow for their own use. These small growers supply about 11% of the required annual timber needed by Sappi in return for various technical services (including free seedlings) that Sappi supplies. Sappi also purchases timber from other commercial farms in the communities, providing a guaranteed market and a fair price for the timber,” she said.

Sappi provides free grazing to members of the community for their livestock. Permits for grazing are available from Sappi as long as community members adhere to a few simple guidelines, which protect the plantations as well as the environment.

“We really look forward to sharing our plantations with the trail runners, Enduro and mountain bikers – elite and social riders alike – on the weekend of the Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival,” said Schwalbach. “It is part of a year-round commitment to extend the reach of our operation into as many communities as we can.”

The 2017 Sappi Karkloof Classic Trail Festival takes place at the Karkloof Country Club on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May 2017. More info can be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za.

News supplied. 

We started off in 2015 with a few of us selling our crafts once a month in a home, and we asked FOSHIM (Friends of Sunfield in the Midlands) if we could use this as a tool to generate funds for them as well, by asking the public to donate "Nearly New" clothing for us to sell. This has proved very popular.

We have grown and now have Sunfield OT section selling their wares as well, which is helping them with much needed funds.

We now have 12 people selling crafts at Gifts @ Wear "Through the Home" and card and Zapper facilities available. Complimentary tea is available in the tranquil garden setting.

Like our FB page Gifts at Wear.

May's market saw beautiful cushions made by Lizzie, cute baby converse shoes and bootees in differentccolours and sizes,bracelets for Mother's Day and more beads from Moiralaine Jewellery. There were beautiful baby blankets made by Debbie, Annie's sheepskin slippers's, Annie's scarves, Rosie's beautiful handmade gift bags and cards, Stella's doorstops, hats, aprons ...Stella's beautiful doorstops. Cupcakes were decorated with Natasja during her workshop. There were loads of new scarves by Moiralaine Jewellery and decorated Mother's Day cakes by our baker, Natasja.

News supplied by MoiraLaine Exquisite Jewellery.

As an extension of what pupils have been taught in class, pupils from Howick Preparatory School recently spent time at the Cradle of Humankind just outside of Johannesburg. The Cradle of Humankind which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999 incorporates the Sterkfontein Caves which contain the discovery of a 2.3 million year old fossil, Australopithecus Africanus (nicknamed “Mrs Ples”) which was found in 1947 by Robert Broom. The discovery helped corroborate the 1924 discovery of the juvenile Australopithecus Africanus skull, Taung Child”, by Raymond Dart, at Taung in the North West Province where excavations still continue.

The attached photograph was taken of the group of Howick Prep pupils as they were about to enter the Sterkfontein Caves.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School. 

The fun day organised for Monday, 01 May proved to be yet another successful event. In the words of one of our younger members:

“What an awesome day.... Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club Rocks. 50 Bowlers with 22 being visitors. The braai, the bake sale and the fun prizes were awesome.... what more can you ask for.... May there be many more fun days ahead. Thanks to all my mates who came to try their hand at bowls today... Hope you guys had as much fun as I did. A special thanks to our sponsors: The Orchard House, Ray’s Cafe, The Treatery and Le Beautique.”

Special thanks is due to Hilary Williams for organising the event and the cake sale and to Graham Sharp, Tim Waring and Mark Taylor for all the effort they put into helping to organise the day and prepare the greens and set up the braai.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 10 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Saturday, 13 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by Greendale Kwikspar and Giovision. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Friday, 19 May: Tabs–in Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith. Tabs must be in by 13h15. Visitors welcome.
Club colours or whites to be worn for all sponsored competitions.

Members are reminded to check boards for duties and competitions sponsored by other clubs. Tab duty officers may be assisted by The Competition Secretary aND Assistant Competition Secretary if necessary.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Well done to both Howick Prep boys’ rugby and girls’ hockey teams who returned from very successful tours of Gauteng during the holidays.

The hockey girls remained unbeaten winning all four of their games against Reddam House, Brescia House, Cornwall Hill College and St Mary’s whilst the rugby boys were outstanding in their fixtures against Penryn from Mpumalanga, Parklands from the Cape and Woodridge from Port Elizabeth at the prestigious St Stithian’s Rugby Festival. Thank you to all our valuable sponsors who assisted with the fundraising and making these tours worthwhile and successful:

Georgie’s (Bacon), Bluff Meat Supply (Burger Patties), Bidvest Food Services (Condiments), Carlisle Family (Eggs), Buzi Wholesalers Boston (Flour), Dairy Day (Milk), Pick n Pay (Rolls), Greendale Spar (Rolls), Frosties Farming (Tomatoes), Wedgwood (Nougat Biscuits), Groundcover (Stickbags), TWK (Long sleeved tops, Diesel, Buckets for pancakes), Eco Chill (Rugby Jackets) Howick Travel (1st XI Girls Hockey Kit), Bundu Bashers (Tog Bags), Lythwood Lodge (Raffle Prize of two night’s accommodation for four people), Lavender Company (Raffle Hamper), Olive & Oil (Restaurant voucher for Raffle), Atasca (Restaurant voucher for Raffle), Meander Fine Wines (6 bottles of wine for Raffle Prize), Tops – Merrivale Spar ), Tops – Hilton Quarry, CNA – Hilton Quarry (Irish wrapping paper), Toy Hut – Hilton Quarry, Steampunk – Thokans Lions River (Coffee Beans), Musa Ntala – Howick Falls (Shamrock), Ngi Vela E Africa – Howick Falls (Wicker Basket), Tracey and Steve Wyllie (Coffee), Ian Lawrence (Lettuces), Gail Ferreira (Lettuces), Shannon Conollan (Biscuits), Liz Killian (Sugar, Lemon Juice, Cinnamon), Cebi Nqobile (Milk), Wendy Arnott (Milk).

The attached photograph is of Lara-Lyn Connellan of our 1st XI hockey team during the game against Brescia House in Johannesburg.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

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News supplied by AGC TechJoint.

Go shopping through the home this May at Gifts@Wear.

Decorate your own cupcakes for Mother's Day with Natasja. 

Donate your 'nearly new' clothes and all proceeds will go to Sunfield Home.