Howick High School welcomed their new Grade 8 lion cubs at an Orientation event on Tuesday, 20 January.  Looking smart in their new uniforms, the pupils were given a guided tour by the school leaders whilst their parents were addressed by Principal, Mr Langley.

It was pleasing to have a large number of Past Pupils accompanying their children at this event, including a third generation.

The Grade 8 lion cubs will participate in a week of integration and mentoring, assisting them to learn our school values and settle into the high school program before they officially join our pride of Rampant Lions.

Pictured are Kim Poole and Shaun Holmes, both past pupils of Howick High, with their son, Nathan Holmes, who has started Grade 8 this year. Shaun's mother, Kathy Holmes nee Hughes, is also a past pupil, and her sister, Lynne Mackay nee Hughes, was the school's first Head Girl in 1967.

15 of our new Grade 8 pupils have parents who are proudly past pupils of Howick High School.  See the picture below.

Welcome to 2015 Folks! Now that we are hopefully all settled in and ready for the New Year, we will be kicking off with a promotion.

We have a number of Mince Pie Trays over from the Xmas period, we will be giving away 1 x tray of 6 pies (Value R40) with every 2 x4 portion meals purchased (4 portion soups count as well).

Jonty's new soup addition, Cream of Carrot and Ginger is proving to be very popular so pop in give it a try if you haven't already done so.

See you soon at The Cookhouse!

At the recent KZN Mountain Biking Awards ceremony, Charne Dreyer of Howick Prep School, was awarded the following awards:

GOLD: Trophy for 1st place U/16 Girl in the KZN Enduro series 2014,
GOLD: Trophy for 1st place U/16 Girl in the Cross Country (XCO) & Enduro (END) Series 2014,
SILVER: Trophy for 2nd place U/16 Girl in the KZN Enduro Championships,
SILVER: Certificate - 2nd place Sprog girl in the KZN Cross Country (XCO) Series
BRONZE: Trophy for KZN Schools MTB series 2014,
Certificate: KZN MTB Provincial Colours 2014.

Well done Charne Dreyer!

Racking your brain on what to buy a loved one for Christmas?

Why not purchase one of our gift vouchers?

Redeemable at any time with no expiry date, our vouchers are available in R25.00 denominations which will make an ideal gift for anyone!

Jonty's homemade mince pies are selling like hot cakes so please place your orders well in advance for Christmas.

We are closing for one week in January from New Year's Day and opening again on Monday the 12th.

Be sure not to allow your freezer to run empty & stock up before the year is out!

Hope to see you soon at.....The Cookhouse.

BOBBIES COMMUNITY PATROL

KSS are continuing with the Bobbies Project, but it will take on a whole new look. After an extensive survey and meetings with interested community role players, herewith are the details of the 'NEW LOOK' Bobbies Project.

1. The project will be called the 'Bobbies Community Patrol'.
2. There will be a 24/7/365 Armed Patrolling vehicle.
3. There will be a fully qualified Reaction Officer in the vehicle at all times.
4. The area to be patrolled will cover Greendale Park, Eridene and Lakeview Road.
5. The vehicle has been subsidised by CMH DATCENTRE, Pmb.
6. There will be a GPRS tracking device fitted to the vehicle.
7. The Sentinel Patrolling system will be used.

Why are we doing away with the Bobbies on the bicycles? Bobbies on bicycles was effective in the past but after much debate with major role players in the security industry the decision was taken to change the operational structure of the Bobbies Project.

Herewith are the PRO's of the Bobbies Community Patrol:

• A trained Reaction Officer.
• Instant contact with the KSS Control Centre.
• Response times quicker.
• Support to KSS Armed Response and other security service providers.
• Visible in public area's at vulnerable times (e.g. Schools/Estate Agents).
• Community surveillance and assistance.
• Backed up by ER24 Medical Support, VCAT (PBO) and SAPS.
• Branded vehicle dedicated to the project.
• Proactive patrolling and live tracking with the Sentinel patrolling system.
• A daily average of 400km will be covered patrolling the areas.
• Able to escort suspicious people/vehicles out of the area.
• If more community members join, KSS will be able to expand the project in the area.

The existing Bobbies on bicycles will be re-absorbed into the KSS guarding division and will not lose their jobs.

COST per month
R100 per household
R300 – R1000 per complex (dependant on the number of units in the complex)

Future Projects
Merrivale / Merrivale Heights / Howick West
Howick CBD / Business area / Industrial Area
Hilton

Knight Security Solutions (KSS) is the first security company in South Africa to open its doors and invite other major, professional and highly established organisations to work together from the same Control Centre. KSS is now able to facilitate and assist with any type of emergency with the support of SA CAN My911, which specialises in Emergency Management.

• The Midlands ERPC is housed at the KSS offices and includes the following role players on the Management team: KSS, SA CAN My911, ER24, SA Guardians (NPO), VCAT (PBO), Recoveri Microdot and Red Alert.
• The Midlands ERPC is a support structure for all community operations and associations and is funded by the community, for the community and it is
100% neutral.
• The ERPC Management Committee are helping to establish and pioneer this powerful community tool and networking centre. One of our main focus areas is to support the SAPS.

ABOUT THE ERPC ROLE PLAYERS

KSS is a family owned Security Company that has been operating for the past 25 years. KSS specialises in alarm installations, alarm repairs, CCTV, intercom systems and access control. KSS has a 24 hour Control Centre, 24 hour Armed Response units and 24 hour guarding of residential estates / complexes, businesses, shopping centres, construction sites and private residences. KSS is proactive and leading the way in a multi-faceted approached to dealing with all emergency situations.

SA CAN My911 manages and co-ordinates emergency situations. It is a KZN-based initiative with national and international coverage, ensuring that all medical, policing, and security service providers are able to offer a rapid, effective, and suitable response. SA CAN My911 is the forerunner in operational cell phone tracking, tracing, positioning, national emergency and international emergency response. SA CAN is the sole provider of My911 technology in Southern Africa. SA CAN My 911 works with 96 organisations.

ER24 EMS (Pty) Ltd. Is a private, national, emergency medical care service, committed to providing South Africans with efficient, effective emergency response and pre-hospital care. ER24 supports all hospitals throughout South Africa both private and public. ER24's emergency services cover South Africa extensively. ER24 strive to be the first call in any medical emergency and respond in a way that reflects real help real fast.

SA Guardians and Community Safety (NPC) was established to help develop community policing in partnership with the SAPS and assist with reducing crime and supporting victims of crime. SA Guardians also assists with emergency and disaster management where human or animal life is threated.

Violent Crime Apprehension Team (VCAT) is a Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) that falls under the SA Guardians and Community Safety (NPC). The primary purpose of the VCAT is support SAPS in the trio-crimes (business robbery, house robbery, car/truck jacking and associated crimes of murder and rape).
Recoveri Microdot provides an advanced online asset registration and tracing solution. Valuable assets are tagged with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read with a Recoveri Microscope and identified with ultra violet light for ease of detection. Assets are registered in a secure online database where ownership of goods can be traced locally and internationally.

Red Alert is a Pietermaritzburg based Security Company.

Twilight bowls: Friday afternoon was dull and misty and no bowlers were courageous enough to venture onto the green. Despite this a few members did venture out to enjoy a drink at the club. Friday's draw took place but there was no winner this week. Visitors are welcome to join us for Twilight Bowls. If you are thinking of playing bowls or wish to return to bowls, this is a very good opportunity to play an informal game. Dress casual with flat-soled shoes. Be at the club by 15h15 for play to commence at 15h30.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
The next Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with chickens donated by Greendale Spar as prizes will be held on Saturday, 13th December. Members please note change of date.
There will be a short Special General Meeting after the competition and this will be followed by the Annual Prize Giving. Past Bowlers are invited to attend.

Tea and biscuits will be available during the afternoon but members are asked to bring along a plate of savouries to be enjoyed in the evening.

Club duties for week commencing 12th December:
Tabs Duty: Ray Bester, Peter Burton
Refreshments: Trevor James

Club duties for week commencing 19th December:
Tabs Duty: Any competent member present
Refreshments: Graeme Cameron

Regular Tabs In times are Tuesday, 08h15 (Casual dress);
Wednesday and Saturday, 13h45 (Bowling attire).
Friday, 15h15 (Casual dress);
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Coaching is available.

Howick Prep pupils recently entered the FEMSISA Southern African Mathematics exams which were written by 20 000 pupils from all schools in Kwa Zulu Natal. Congratulations to Timothy Twigg who was placed 1st in KZN in Grade 7 and Phoebe Jeske who was placed 1st in Grade 5 in KZN. Howick Prep is also very proud of both Tabitha Hulett and Christine Pius who were both placed 2nd in Grade 7 in KZN. All three of the Grade 7 pupils were also awarded Academic Scholarships to the High Schools of their choice in 2015. Tabitha Hulett was awarded the Major Scholarship to Epworth, Timothy Twigg an Academic Scholarship to Howick High School and Christine Pius an Academic Scholarship to Pietermaritzburg Girls.

Pictured:

Back (L- R) Timothy Twigg, Christine Pius, Tabitha Hulett

Front: Phoebe Jeske

Howick Prep entered the Liberty Midlands Mall 'I Love Trees' Art Competition, open to all school in KZN. All images of artwork were uploaded onto the Liberty Midlands Mall facebook page and voting for the favourite artwork was done via facebook. Howick Prep was placed 2nd in the Senior Primary Category (Grade 4 - 7).

Pictured: Howick Prep Art teacher, Mrs Bougenon, receiving a cheque for R3000 from representatives of Midlands Mall for achieving 2nd place.

Monique Gladding, an Olympic 10m Diver, and representative of Fillabag.org visited Howick High School earlier this month to share with our pupils the fundamental qualities that Olympians have to guide them to success and how they can develop these qualities to help them achieve their own goals and dreams. Each pupil was given a bag to fill with things that could be useful to others in need, such as: clothes, blankets, food, kitchen/household ware, etc. One of Howick High School's core values is Charity and we have been overwhelmed by the generous response from our pupils. The donated items will be distributed to people in need throughout the KwaZulu Natal area. Thank you to all pupils and parents who supported this charitable initiative

Pictured: Howick High School's Headmaster, Mr Rob Langley, was pleased to send a full van of charity donations to the Fillabag.org headquarters with their KZN Distribution Manager, Mr Nkosinathi Sihlophe.

New Grade 8 pupil at Howick High School, Megan Caldecott, participated in the KZN Road and Time Trial champs held in Ladysmith on Saturday, 17th January.  In the Time trial event over 10km, Megan achieved a 2nd with a Silver Medal.  In the road race over 30km, Megan achieved a 1st with a Gold Medal. She has earned herself the KZN Road Cycling Champion for U14 Girls – 2015.  Megan will be representing KZN at the SA Road and Time Trial champs in Nelspruit on the 3rd and 6th of February 2015.

This has been a most enjoyable week at the club with a successful tabs in competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick on Wednesday.

The Triples team of Tony Gage, Graham Sharp and Mavis Robson won the Halfway Toyota Howick Competition. The Runners-up were Colin Burden, Balf Balfour, Marianne van Wieringen and Peter Little. We extend our thanks to the sponsors for their presence and especially to Theo von Mollendorff for presenting the prizes to the winners and to the runners-up.

An apology is extended to Averil Kriedemann for the error in last week's results when her name was omitted from the list of prize winners of the PowerDrive Competition.

On Sunday, the club hosted three sections of the NIBA Men's Open Pairs Competition. Gratitude is extended to the barmen, our green keeper and the ladies who volunteered to do the catering and washing of dishes. It was a long but rewarding day.

Congratulations is extended to Colin Burden and Clark Logan who won all three games in Section 6 and to Barry Bedworth and Ray Bester who won two games in Section 9 of the NIBA Men's Open Pairs. The Playoffs of this competition commence at Collegians next Sunday.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
On Wednesday,28th January, the tabs in competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith, will take place.

The sponsored competition on Saturday, 14 February (Valentines' Day) will have a fun format with drawn prizes. Dress code will be RED. Regulation shoes must be worn. Other than that, players are requested to wear something red.

Visitors are most welcome to play in all our sponsored competitions. Tabs must be in by 13.45 for play to commence at 14.00.

CLUB DUTIES for the week commencing 24 January:
Tabs Duty: Hilary Williams, Barry Fairbrother
Refreshments: Trevor James

Regular Tabs In times are Tuesday, 08.15 (Casual dress);
Wednesday and Saturday, 13.45 (Bowling attire).

Visitors and new members are always welcome. Coaching is available on request.

How fortunate all bowlers were that rain did not spoil play on Saturday, 13 December, when there was a very good turnout of members and visitors at Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club.

The monthly competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision was won by Colin Burden, Graeme Cameron and Eunice Gage each of whom went home with a chicken donated by Greendale Spar. The Runners Up were Barry Bedworth, Trevor James and Denise Rocher.

The afternoon's bowls was followed by the Annual Prize-giving ceremony.

Trophies were presented to the winners of the various club competitions as follows:

Drawn Mixed Trips: Lynn Durant, Clark Logan, Pat Ciro.

Nominated Ladies Pairs: Jo Boonzaier, Jeanette Cain.

Nominated Men's Pairs: Brian Ellison,Tim Waring.

Nominated Mixed Pairs: Clark Logan, Jo Boonzaier.

Ladies' Singles: Yvonne Foot.

Mens' Singles: Barry Bedworth.

Jo Boonzaier was presented with the Victrix Ludorum Trophy and the Victor Ludorum Trophy went to Clark Logan

With the end of the year fast approaching, our sincere thanks is extended to the following local businesses who sponsored us this year: Halfway Toyota Howick, Giovision, Greendale Spar, J Lesley Smith & Co Inc and The Lawnmower Shop. We wish them a very happy Christmas and look forward to their continued sponsorship next year.

We also wish all bowlers in and around Howick who supported us this year a very happy Christmas and we look forward to meeting them on our greens next year.

Pictured:  The winners of the Nominated Mixed Pairs who were also Victor and Victrix Ludorum, together with the club president.

Howick Prep would like to congratulate Tabitha Hulett who was awarded the DUX award 2014 at our recent Prize Giving. Tabitha also won the Maths and Afrikaans awards.

Congratulations to all Howick Prep pupils for a very successful year.

The old maxim 'revenue is vanity, cash is reality' is easy to forget in the whirlwind life of a business owner –especially when things are going well.

Unfortunately running out of cash is the way hundreds of successful businesses die every year.

I have highlighted five of the best strategies for improving your cash-flow position.

Why?
• You have a choice regarding who you choose to trade with!
• We've seen many business suffer from doing business with high-revenue, D-grade clients who were detrimental to cash flow because they failed to pay on time
• It's too common for business owners to choose to work with just any customer, accepting unfavourable credit terms in return for winning the business
• I coach business owners to overcome fear by understanding that the portion of the market they need to capture is usually very small. They must calculate the percentage of their target market that they need as customers to hit their five-year revenue targets. It's generally less than 2%... In other words, you don't have to work with everyone!
• This new belief system empowers business owners to have the courage to stand up to, and better negotiate, more favourable terms with their customers – or to walk away, if necessary

How?
• Make sure you are clear who your ideal A-grade client is. That definition would include a statement about budget and payment terms
• Actively targeting A Grades with your marketing forces you to make your marketing far more targeted and to better understand your target market
• Avoid doing business with D Grades whenever possible
• Make sure the members of your sales team understand who they should be targeting and the importance of winning good quality leads
• Sack your D-grade customers - ie stop trading with them. The best way to enforce this is to put up your prices

1. Not all customers are equal. Grade your customers A, B, C or D from best to worst and then get rid of all the D Graders

Why?
It allows you to spot potential cash shortages before they happen, allowing you to plan for those shortfalls in advance, thereby avoiding the stress and panic of cash suddenly running out

• The mistake of not forecasting possible shortfalls catches too many businesses out – even long-established, multi-million rand companies!
• It's tragic that these disastrous cash situations could have been avoided with a bit of forward planning
How?
• Do it yourself or seek help from your bookkeeper or accountant
• It may be a daunting exercise at first, but once the system is created it can be updated every month or quarter with minimum time and effort
• Review regularly with your board, management team or financial director and ask them to help you achieve the stated cash-flow target

2. Your cash flow forecast system should be built to a professional standard and should be reviewed regularly so that potential cash flow problems don't fly under the radar

Why?
• Low-value tasks such as invoicing, reporting and credit control eat up valuable time. Senior team members should not be wasted here
• Systemisation of this process leads to optimisation of your working capital
• It's relatively easy and cost effective to implement
• Potential buyers or investors seek companies with ironclad control of these processes. It's a 'must have' otherwise they will walk away
How?
• Automate as much of your billing process as possible
• Break down the process into a clear step-by-step manual that anyone could follow
• Consider outsourcing to an external contractor. Business owners are often surprised by how little it costs and how much time it saves

3. Systemise your billing process or outsource completely. Your billing process is the perfect example of an area of your business that is ripe for systemisation. Done properly this results in better performance, cost savings and better scalability

Why?
• Several clients have freed up hundreds of thousands of rand (typically R3-m+ businesses). They would have limited or even zero cash flow without invoice factoring
• You sacrifice margin but it's a great solution for freeing up cash
How?
Invoice factoring
• You sell your invoices to an invoice finance provider. They pay you immediately and collect the invoice themselves later (taking a percentage fee)
• Make sure you vet your providers properly and don't use anyone who is likely to treat your customers unfairly
• Incentivise early payment - offer a small discount in return for early or upfront payment. Very effective where you have long projects with consequent long payment cycles

4. Consider paying to get your cash early. It's common practise for companies to give up a small amount of their margin in order to free up cash early. Be open to this idea as it often makes good financial sense

Why?
• Many businesses pride themselves on their customer-service standards and do a wonderful job at it
• However sometimes this is achieved only due to over servicing customers
• It's very common in service industries, especially among creatives who often go out of their way to prove their creative flair or design expertise, but with no eye on the clock
How?
• In service companies the biggest overhead is wages so make sure you track the time each employee spends on what.
• I've seen several businesses exceed budgeted-time allocations by 50% or more because they weren't tracking the time they spent on each project!
• Calculate the impact over servicing your customers has on your net profit margin. As a crude example, imagine a R1-m turnover business with a R500-m wage bill, but over servicing by 25% on average. A business that should be investing R400-m in wages is actually spending an extra 25% - ie R100-k extra for the same revenue. That's R100-k that could have been added to net profit or 25% more new clients that could have been taken on.

5. Realise that your customer can't always be your priority. Sometimes staying afloat is more important than going the extra mile for every customer. Over servicing your customers and running projects over schedule means you're sacrificing your margins...

Supplied by ActionCOACH.

Join us for a Bumper Year End Market on Sunday 7 December at the Lions River Club from 09h00. Followed by steak & boerie rolls for lunch. Live Music by the Unforgettables.

Here is just some of what is on offer

Bacon & egg rolls to get you going.
Delicious piping hot coffee, an assortment of delectable teas and
Dargle Death by Chocolate Cake
all-in-one breakfast 'muffins' - perfect for those early hunger pangs
Dolph's Dargle Dop or an Irish if it's cold.
Yoghurt, cottage cheese, feta, cream, ice cream.
Mint cordial and Biltong
Open pollinated seeds and permaculture posters
Free range chicken and duck eggs
Fresh seasonal produce including:
onions, spinach, cabbages, leeks, spring onions,
cauliflowers, lettuces, spinach, fresh herbs, garlic & beetroot.
Artisan bread, pissaladiere and potato foccaccia
Free-range chickens
Pickled onions, preserves, onion marmalade, pesto, salads
Extra virgin olive oil and marinated olives
Fresh and smoked trout fillets
Exquisite hand-made soaps
Cheese & chive muffins, chocolate & orange biscuits, mince pies and rusks.

Phone Mike for more info: 083 325 1082

The Tabs In Competition held on Wednesday, 26th November and sponsored by J Leslie Smith was well-supported by club members and visitors. The worthy winners were John Hodgkinson, Julia Strachan and Ted Smith. Plate winners were John Withers, Colleen Andrew and Pat Ciro. Well done to all of them.

Twilight bowls: Friday's draw was won by Hilary Williams. Visitors are welcome to join us for Twilight Bowls. If you are thinking of playing bowls or wish to return to bowls, this is a very good opportunity to play an informal game. Dress casual with flat-soled shoes. Be at the club by 15h15 for play to commence at 15h30.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
The next Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with chickens donated by Greendale Spar as prizes will be held on Saturday, 13th December. Members please note change of date.

There will be a short Special General Meeting after the competition and this will be followed by the Annual Prize Giving. Snacks will be provided. Past Bowlers are invited to attend.

Club duties for week commencing 29th November:
Tabs Duty: Balf Balfour, Barry Bedworth
Refreshments: John Withers

Club duties for week commencing 5th December:
Tabs Duty: Barbara Brook, Barbara Wyatt
Refreshments: Tim Waring

Regular Tabs In times are Tuesday, 08h15 (Casual dress);
Wednesday and Saturday, 13h45 (Bowling attire).
Friday, 15h15 (Casual dress);
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Coaching is available.

It has been a quiet week at the club, bowlswise, with only regular tabs in games being played.

Friday evening's twilight bowls went ahead despite the mist and the damp weather. Bowls was followed by a relaxed evening in the clubhouse where the Lucky Draw took place. This was won by our Hon. Secretary who was present at the time of the draw.

Twilight bowls: Tabs must be in by 15.15 for play to commence at 15.30. Visitors are welcome to join us for a game.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
The monthly tabs in competition, sponsored by J Leslie Smith, will be held on Wednesday, 26 November. Visitors are welcome. Tabs must be in by 13.45 for play to commence at 14.00.

Club duties for week commencing 22 November:
Tabs Duty: Colin Burden, Lionel Keeling
Refreshments: Tim Waring

Club duties for week commencing 29 November:
Tabs Duty: Balf Balfour, Barry Bedworth
Refreshments: John Withers

Regular Tabs In times are Tuesday, 08.15 (Casual dress);
Wednesday and Saturday, 13.45 (Bowling attire).
Friday, 15.15 (Casual dress);
Visitors and new members are always welcome. Coaching is available.

Howick High School recently held a farewell tea for three members of the Midmar House staff who will be leaving at the end of this year. Mrs Carol Thompson has served as the Housekeeping Supervisor/Matron for the past 18 years, following her time as the School Tuckshop Manager. Ms SV Sibiya has served at Midmar House for the past 20 years and Mrs TP Nene for the past 13.5 years. We wish them well and thank them for their many years of service.

Pictured: Seated L-R: Ms T.P. Nene, Mrs C. Thompson, Ms S.V. Sibiya. Standing L-R: Mr T. Ndlovu, Ms J. Khawula, Ms I. Zikalala, Mrs A. Banks, Ms F. Luvuno, Ms P. Ndingi, Mr D. Malinga