Howick – For 21 years the Sappi Karkloof MTB Festival has provided riders with exhilarating mountain bike track with varying elements that appeal to all riders and whilst previous years have been successful, course designer and builder Hylton Turvey continues to revamp, reshape and reinvent the courses at the Karkloof MTB Club and the 2015 three-day, 8-10 May, festival will be no different.

Turvey and his team took the decision in 2014 to give the aQuellé 40km Half Marathon course a huge reshape which meant that they changed the direction in which the course ran but 2015 sees the 40km course remain mostly untouched whilst one section on the Sappi 60km Marathon course is receiving a revamp along with a few other minor adjustments.

"There are changes this year but no route changes like we had last year," Turvey said. "We have had to rebuild some of the old trails as well as revamp a bit here and there but the routes for this year are going to be the same as they were last year."

One of the cornerstone elements of the 60km Marathon route is the Rene's Rumble section and Turvey took the decision to reshape the entire section. However instead of building an entirely new section what he has done is embed the whole section into the natural layout out the land.

"We went with the choice to rebuild the whole of Rene's Rumble for the race this year and we think that the riders are going to really enjoy the new set up that we have gone with. There are new trail as well as new jumps and other elements to the feature.

"It gives a new feel to an old piece of the course and we have used the rocks, fallen trees and the natural features to form the basis of the new and improved Rene's Rumble," an excited Turvey mentioned.

The 40km course has received a slight amendment as riders tackle trail instead of the usual road section just past the halfway mark of the course.

"As riders ride down the Bombardé section of the course then there is an uphill that we used to take them up a road but this year we have decided to keep the riders off road as they head up a trail but that is the only slight change to the 40km race," Turvey added.

Turvey has been in charge of the trails in the Karkloof for a number of years now and as a rider himself he understands what riders would like from a track and using his imagination as well as his experience he has become renowned for building popular courses amongst riders.

"When I prepare to build or rework a section of the track I like to picture myself riding it and that is sort of how I imagine it should be laid out. I have always been a fan of keeping things interesting and being able to mix things up.

"Creating mountain biking trails is definitely my passion and I build what I love which means that I am able to do what I love every day," Turvey added.

Increasing in popularity is the STIHL Karkloof Enduro which follows much of the 60km course does encompass a few of its own elements but the majority of the course will be sections of track that all the riders in the 60km Marathon will tackle on Sunday.

"We did take the Enduro into consideration and so we have given it some of its own elements with a few jumps and other features but it is still very doable for all which is something that we wanted to ensure. It includes a number of the popular 60km elements like Bat out of Hell which we know the riders enjoy," he concluded.

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB) while more information can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za and entries can be submitted via www.roag.co.za.

Photographer: Dané Kok/Gameplan Media

Mpophomeni Conservation Group Pumpkin Competition:

Sunday 10 May 13h00
MCG Community Garden, Corner Mhlongo/Stadium Road, Mpophomeni

Prizes from TWK for Biggest and Best pumpkins grown in Mpophomeni.

RSVP to Penz Malinga on +27 (0)87 236 4480 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact her for further details.

Howick Prep School's Tennis teams have just returned from a very successful tour of Gauteng. Whilst up in Johannesberg games were played against St Peter's Prep, Trinityhouse, St Stithians, Redhill Prep and Jan Celliers.

Howick Prep School has built a strong relationship with these schools having hosted their hockey, rugby, cricket, soccer and swimming teams over the past years. St Peter's Prep travel annually to Howick Prep to participate in the Howick Prep Spring Choir Festival held in October.     

Pictured are the Howick Prep teams along with their St Stithians hosts after the games played at St Stithians College.

This Saturday, 18 April, Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club members will be celebrating a few birthdays, the most note-worthy being those of our two nonagenarians, Ted Smith and Ian Somerville, both of whom have aged to perfection.

All members, both past and present, are invited to celebrate with us on Saturday by joining us for tea and cake at 14h45.

Bowls will commence at 13h30 as usual and continue after tea.

RESULTS OF SPONSORED COMPETITIONS:
Wednesday, 08 April: The Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick was won by Colin Burden, Tony Gage and Julia Strachan. Runners-up were John Hodgkinson, Bernice Burden and Tim Waring.
Saturday, 11 April: The Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision and Greendale Spar was won by Peter Burton, Ray Bester and Denise Rocher.

NB Tabs-in times. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15
Members please check notice boards for club duties.

A unique and interesting Christmas present does not come much better than a 'one direction – unlimited time Baz Bus ticket' - for one! The recipient - Annie Waterhouse, resident of Eagle Ridge Estate in Howick, aged (it must be said) 65.

The Baz Bus is a hop on, hop off, Door-to-Door Backpacker Bus Service that travels up and down the East Coast of South Africa and beyond, usually seen as the domain of young, foreign travellers. Not many locals use it and especially not local pensioners. However, with an adventurous spirit and a dash of common sense, the Baz Bus is an extremely cost effective way of exploring our beautiful land without costing a fortune. The great attraction of the Baz Bus is that it transports travellers from backpacker hostel to backpacker hostel and it is safe. This is reassuring for all those parents from Europe who only hear bad things about South African crime, and whose offspring know a good deal when they see one. They were young mostly (25-35 year olds) in search of a good time, an adventure and cheap beer. After the initial shock of spotting a pensioner joining in on their fun, they were friendly, interested and interesting.

At all the backpacker hostels there was the option of a single room and privacy. Although Annie is adventurous, there is a limit and to the relief of all concerned she took a single room at all the stops. The beds were comfortable, the meals wholesome and fireside chats entertaining. Having no car means taking life in the slow lane, walking is great exercise and when time is your friend, you can appreciate all the small, slow things around one. Annie took seven weeks to travel from Cape Town back to Howick. The Baz Bus stops at all the Western Cape gems – historical Swellendam and coastal Hermanus and the Wilderness - all the way up the coast. The Eastern Cape beaches are surely the pride of Africa - unpopulated and unspoilt, natural beauty at its finest. What a wonderful way to explore our lovely country.

Baz Bus Babe or Gallivanting Grannie? You decide.

A relatively quiet week has just passed with little to report. Although the club was open for play over the Easter weekend the only organised events were the usual Saturday tabs-in games and the Monday morning tabs-in game which was followed by a braai.

Reports from members of other clubs who played in our Halfway Toyota All Day Tournament last week were most encouraging with many who had not joined us before taking the time to send e-mails during the week congratulating us on the enjoyment they achieved that day and stating that they would return to participate in further tournaments. We thank them for their feedback and look forward to seeing them on our greens again.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 08 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs-In by 13h15 for play at 13h30. Visitors welcome.

Saturday, 11 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with prizes donated by Greendale Spar. Tabs-In by 13h15 for play at 13h30. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 12 April: NIBA Mixed pairs at various venues. We have two entries in this competition and both teams will be playing at Collegians. We wish them 'Good Bowling'.

NB Kindly note that tabs-in times have changed. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15

Members please check notice boards for club duties.

In conjunction with our third birthday celebrations, Fit &Go Howick have decided to give a something back to our customers when they buy two or more tyres during the Easter period.

We also have two great in-store competitions running, so why not come down to the shop, and speak to Kevan or Fabian, who will gladly offer you the right tyre advice for your car.

This has been a relatively busy, yet enjoyable week at Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club. The first event of the week was a sponsored competition held on Wednesday,25 March. The worthy winners of the prizes sponsored by J Leslie Smith Inc were Eddie Speed, May Blackford and Barry Fairbrother. Piet van Rensburg, Ray Bester and Mike Caine, as runners-up, went home with vouchers sponsored by The Health Nut.

The second event was the most successful tournament sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Sunday turned out to be a perfect day in many respects. The tournament was well-organised, the greens were in an excellent condition, food was good, and drinks were cold. Grateful thanks is extended to all players who joined us on our greens and to everyone who assisted in any way. Thank you, too, to those who expressed their enjoyment and appreciation to the organisers. It is good to know that hard work is appreciated.

Winners were: First prize - Brian Ellison, Piet van Rensburg, Ray Bester and Margie Holl (Umgeni Waterfall). Second prize – Rose Varty, Rob Buchanan, Lorna Allen and Dave Pechey (Lynwood and Hilton). Third Prize – Marinda Opperman, Rene Mycklebust, Dawn Easthorpe and Percy Rogers (Maritzburg West).

The winners of the Plate Event were Alan Willey, Glyn Evans, Droughty Hartley and Sharon Willey (Mooi River).

Session prizes were won by teams from Richmond, Howick and a team from Estcourt, skipped by a member of Umgeni Waterfall. The three bowlers from Estcourt included ten year old Khanyiso who is to be admired for his concentration and skill.
The raffle was won by Graeme Cameron.

The "Spider" raised an amount of R 548.75. This amount will be donated to Howick Hospice.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Easter Monday: Tabs In by 09h45 for play at 10h00 followed by a braai. BYO meats and salads Dress: Casual. Visitors welcome.
Wednesday, 08 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Tabs-In by 13h15 for play at 13h30. Visitors welcome.

NB Members kindly note that, due to popular request, tabs-in times will revert to winter times with effect from Wednesday, 01 April.
Morning tabs-in times are 08h45; afternoon tabs-in times are 13h15
Please check notice boards for club duties.

Howick Covered 2015/16 is an annual business directory focused on Howick and surrounds. Be in the first edition of this full colour, coffee table business directory.

This publication has been successfully produced for Hilton since 2012. View online version of Hilton Covered.

Bookings are open until mid-April 2015. Book your space online or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

During the April school holidays, Howick High School's First Rugby, Boys and Girls Hockey teams participated in the Treverton Sports festival in Mooi River.

The Boys Hockey team Won 3 matches, drew 3 matches and lost 2 matches whilst the Girls Hockey team won 2 matches, drew 2 matches and lost 4 matches.

Our rugby team won 2 of their 3 matches, including a match against Watershed from Zimbabwe.

We congratulate Zinhle Gwala who was presented with the award for Goalkeeper of the Festival: Girls Hockey.

I was listening to Elton John singing 'I'm still standing' and this made me think of our two gentlemen bowlers who are not just standing but who are still bowling well at the tender age of ninety.

We had a fun-filled celebration on Saturday with the two gentlemen presenting each other with a 'long-service' medal followed by a presentation to the club president of a 'good conduct' medal. Thank you, Ted and Ian. I will treasure that award and wish you both happy bowling for many years more.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
Wednesday, 22 April: Tabs In Competition sponsored by J LeslieSmith Inc. and The Health Nut. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 26 April: Atomic Moth Shellhole will be hosting an all day tournament on our greens.

Should you wish to enter a team, please contact Mike Scheffer on 0824119582

We wish Helen Emberton and Neil Wright , excellent bowling on Sunday, 26 April, when they compete in the NIBA Novice Singles.

NB Tabs-in times. Morning tabs-in are Tuesday and Friday at 08h45; (dress is casual); afternoon tabs-in are Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15

Members please check notice boards for club duties.

THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP is a 'personal shopper' version of a traditional travel agent. We don't just sell and send you on a trip, we design and create to your personal requirements.  We have lived in or explored most sub-Saharan countries, and it is this experience that we offer to you.

Lesley has been designing and arranging safaris for over 32 years. If you are a lone traveller, or wish to travel with a group, if you have a small budget or a big one, Lesley can arrange interesting travels from one-day to multi-day across borders safaris.

Ian has worked in wildlife management for more than 40 years. It is this combined understanding of Africa, its flora and fauna, people and cultures, that we are able to discuss and tailor-make a special trip for you.

Day excursions from Howick include lunches and picnics in the beautiful Midlands of Natal, excursions on a lovely old Steam Train, nearby festivals, events and exhibitions and even wine and beer tasting. Great fun and an easy way to meet like-minded people. We drive, you enjoy!
Further afield we can take you up Kilimanjaro, to see the gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda, white-water rafting in Victoria Falls, scuba-diving in Lake Malawi, sand-duneing in the Namib Desert, sailing dhows off Mozambique, riding horses over the salt pans of Botswana or specialist guided farm tours in Zambia - before catching a tiger fish on the Zambezi or Lake Kariba.

Not forgetting the luxury of lazing around swimming pools at elegant hotels, exploring inner cities such as Stone Town on Zanzibar, discovering new art galleries and museums, and meeting the people, always an important part of travelling, THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP will listen to your ideas and advise how and where to go.

As part of AFRICAN INSIGHT, a company that has been pleasing travellers since 1996, THE SAFARI TRAVEL SHOP also has extensive knowlede of South Africa for those who wish to explore more of this unique country which is, as they say "A world in one Country".

We will come to you to discuss your next trip if you live in or around Howick. Just phone and lets make an arragement to meet.

21 year-old Karkloof Classic MTB Festival continues to mature well with age.

Howick – The 2015 Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival is set to serve up a weekend of action-packed off-road adventure as this year's edition of the country's biggest mountain biking festival prepares to celebrate turning 21 years-old this May.

The event has grown in leaps and bounds over the years and from its humble beginnings of just a modest marathon, it is now a weekend full of mountain biking activities that involve the whole family and riders of a variety of MTB disciplines.

The Karkloof Classic prides itself on being the biggest mountain bike festival in the country and with such a diverse three day programme on offer, it is no surprise that it has proven so popular with local riders and those from further afield alike.

The festival's flagship event is the 60km Sappi Karkloof Marathon takes place on Sunday 10 May and is once again set to attract a number of the country's top riders eager to fight it out for one of top titles in local marathon mountain bike circles.

The weekend's appeal stretches far beyond the 60km marathon though as the Friday 8 May sees riders take on the unique 20km Karkloof Night Race which offers a whole new experience to riders before Saturday 9 May's STIHL Karkloof Enduro brings the adrenalin junkies from around the country to the region.

Then, on top of the 60km marathon, Sunday's jam packed programme also includes a number of different events for riders of all ages and abilities. The aQuellé 40km Half Marathon, aQuellé 20km Family Ride and aQuellé 10km Kids Ride each offer up unique challenges and experiences that will test the whole family and provide a day's worth of excitement and fun for all.

The sharp end of this year's 60km clash has been blown wide open with the news that the African Continental MTB Champs will be taking place in Rwanda over the same period as the Karkloof Classic, potentially ruling out defending champion Rourke Croeser, 2014 winner Brendon Davids as well as a host of the nation's top MTB riders.

The door has been left open for a new champion in 2015 and there are a number of potential title challengers starting to queue for a shot at this year's spoils. Triple Quattro ROAG Series champion and stalwart of KZN mountain biking Andrew Hill (TIB Insurance) immediately springs to mind as a firm pre-race contender along with Travis Walker (Full Dynamix) and Alan Hatherly, should the youngsters enter race. Hatherly, the Kargo PRO MTB and Elite Athlete Development Programme star, has been in devastating form of late and will almost certainly be a strong threat when the 60km marathon gets underway at the Karkloof Club.

There will also be a potential charge for the podium by Martin Dreyer's RMB Change a Life MTB Academy and, led by veteran John Ntuli, the team could produce a number of strong performances through the likes of Sthembiso Masango – who recorded a sixth place finish in the 50km Marathon at the recent PMB MTB Festival, Bongumusa Zikhali, Ndumiso Dontso and Sipho Kupiso.

The ladies race will be equally affected by the national XCO team's absence with defending champion Candice Neethling (Pam Golding/Freewheel Cycology) and Under-23 sensation Bianca Haw also expected to do duty for the national side in Rwanda. With Neethling's absence the door is open for 2015 runner-up Jeannie Dreyer (USN/Hi-Tec) to mirror Neethling's efforts by etching her name on the winner's trophy for a second time in three years should she tackle the testing marathon course in the Midlands.

There is also strong junior flavour starting to waft through into the senior ranks with the likes of Frankie du Toit and Julian Jessop making names for themselves. Jessop managed to outsprint veteran Andrew Hill for third place at the 2014 edition and the former junior SA Marathon Champion has been making great strides of late following a broken back last year.

Riders and spectators can follow news and developments via the event's Facebook page (Karkloof Mountain Bike Club) or on Twitter (@KarkloofMTB). More info can also be found at www.karkloofmtb.co.za

Pictured: With the potential absence of 2014 Sappi Karkloof Classic champion Candice Neethling (Pam Golding/Freewheel Cycology), 2014 winner and 2015 runner-up Jeannie Dreyer (USN/Hi-Tec) could notch up a second win in three years if she is on the start line at the 2015 60km marathon during the Sappi Karkloof Classic MTB Festival from 8-10 May. 

Photographer: Anthony Grote/Gameplan Media

Having successfully served KwaZulu-Natal Midlands business owners for more than a year, Linda Lawrie of BusinessBuilders is relocating to Port Elizabeth where she will open a branch for ActionCOACH KZN. "Although we're now in search of a coach to step into Linda's shoes, her move has been a blessing in disguise," says Patrick Greenaway, a master coach and the owner of the ActionCOACH KZN franchise. "After following up on Melanie Veness' email of introduction to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber I'm confident that with Linda guiding the process we'll be well established in the 'Friendly City's' business community by this time next year," he adds.

News supplied by ActionCOACH KZN.

I had a client who started coaching with me, recently. He was eager to grow his business, and I was able to get him to focus like a laser beam on revenue and client growth. Month after month he applied all of our marketing and business development tools, and generated significant growth and profit. He was swimming in cash and loving every second of it.

Then one day he called in a panic. "Hey, I'm starting to lose clients - I don't know what's going on." I had him survey his customers, only to discover many of them were dissatisfied with his services, and were bailing out of their agreements. There were major quality issues that he had never discovered, and his team members were so focused on keeping up with the new business that they were ignoring any sort of product quality. What he had built with a flourish came crashing down in a heap of cancellations.

As you grow your business it is easy for you, as a business owner, to get seduced by the lure of easy money as you bring new customers into your business. However, real success and long-term profits are all about ensuring your customers are not just satisfied, but delighted with your product or service, and continue doing business with you for a life time. Take a look at where your focus is in your business. If you spend all your time marketing and selling, and no time ensuring excellent delivery of your services, it's time to dial back and zero in on creating raving fans out of your current customers. By doing this, you will generate a base of steady revenue that will allow you to reinvest into sales and marketing in order to grow your business in a safe and secure fashion.

Remember, real success is not about explosive growth, but rather steady growth that happens for a lifetime.

News supplied by ActionCOACH.

Dormehl Howick has moved into lovely new offices in the White House Centre, in a prime position, where all the agents are accommodated in individual offices. We are very excited to be here, with plenty of parking, and lots more space.

Now we have the best of everything! The best residential agent for Howick, Jennifer Gordon, the most professional rental agent in Pippa Griffin, as well as Merrivale area specialist Heather Tarboton. In Howick West, Mpophomeni & Imbali we have Petros Ngcobo and a wealth of knowledge across all spheres in Bill Comrie & Lyn dewing. Liane Aadnesgaard, Edwin Taylor and Zara Bisschoff specialize in commercial farms and lifestyle properties, and are very experienced in agricultural transactions, including those involving Land Affairs and the relocation of farm occupiers. Together with our branches in Richmond and Greytown

DPG Howick believes particularly in the referral system, and actively encourage relationships with other Dormehl franchises, and agents from other franchises who have a similar value system. With the professionalization of the real estate industry, we firmly believe that clients should only deal with registered agents who are in possession of current Fidelity Fund Certificates.

We are delighted with the support & encouragement we have had from so very many of our colleagues and friends, as well as people we didn't know before. We would like to especially thank Derek Fourie, Ryan Hogarty, Simon Spencer, Jacques Theron, Richard Baehr, Christa Lubbe, and AAM, who helped us move and get back to business in double quick time.

Our plan for the future is to increase our market share in the rental and residential segments – but also, of course, to be recognised as the best, most preferred and ethical property agents in the Midlands.

Contact DPG on 033 330 3865 or 330 8066 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

An update on the Jackal situation in Howick.

The Jackal was sighted late yesterday afternoon on the corner of Symmonds Lane and Andrew Street. Unfortunately we were only informed of this sighting this morning.

PLEASE report any sighting IMMEDIATELY to Ginette Mitchell on +27 (0)82 566 9673 or contact Knight Security Solutions on +27 (0)33 330 5911.

This animal is posing a serious safety and health concern for Howick residents and their pets. It needs to be caught so we can confirm if it is rabid or not. Its behaviour indicates that it is rabid and if this is the case then it may well die in the next few days. This means that ANY sighting of a DEAD or ALIVE jackal needs to be report IMMEDIATELY.

Please also note that Ginette Mitchell posted the following on Facebook yesterday.

"In regard to the recent rabies scare in Howick, there will be a free rabies vaccination clinic in Howick on Thursday, 2nd April, from 8am – 12pm. The clinic will be in the park outside the Howick Community Church. Please share this post with as many Howick residents as possible".

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Turn off electricity. Turn on life and sustainability this EARTH HOUR, Saturday 28 March 2015.

Earth hour is a global movement whereby homes and businesses turn off electricity for one hour. Earth hour began in 2007 and has grown tremendously throughout the world and this year you can be a part of this movement in an attempt to curb Global warming. If you have ever wanted to help the Earth now is your chance to do so. Your sacrifice for one hour could have a positive effect on the Earth that we live in.

Our reliance on coal, oil and natural gas is polluting the air with greenhouse gases. Thus causing climate change. The consequences of climate change are devastating to nature, mankind and every other living creature on the Earth. Fortunately there are ways and means to curb global warming. Make a change, make a start this Earth Hour, Saturday 28th March 2015 from 20:30pm until 21:30pm.

Remember to reuse, reduce and recycle.