1st Howick Cubs and Scouts are proud to once again host the annual Howick Highlander! This year is a special year as we celebrate our 21st event making the Howick Highlander one of the oldest mountain biking events in the country! Over the years this event has evolved into a truly unique experience which caters for the whole family. On offer are trail runs and mountain bike rides which will take you on routes through the beautiful Umgeni Valley and Everdon Estate - normally not accessible to the public. The runs and rides are not timed allowing you to soak up the views at your leisure. Sunday, the 30th August 2015 from 7am at the Karkloof Farmers Market is the place to be.

Proceeds from the event go towards subsidising outdoor activities such as camps, outings and events for the 1st Howick Cubs & Scouts. Run entirely by volunteers, the Howick Group has over the years provided invaluable services to the youth of the area. In today's chaotic world we believe that it is absolutely critical that the youth engage with environmental, conservation and social responsibility programs. Cubs and Scouts endeavour to promote a range of competencies in our youth with a special focus on leadership.

For the first time in 2015, the Howick Highlander will be partnering with Ethembeni HIV, AIDS and TB Ministry. Bikes in need of repair will be restored and used by vulnerable families. If you have a bike or any cycling accessories to donate, please contact Andrew Kirby on 083 228 2252.

Sister Peg saves the day!

Sister Peg has long contributed to the Midlands community through her excellent work in caring for and educating under privileged children in the area. In 2000, when the Highlander race had a handful of participants the race looked like it may need to be cancelled as a result of a lack of funding and resources to keep it running. Sister Peg decided this was not going to happen and promptly raised $1000 from friends and family to ensure the Highlander lived on! This has allowed the Highlander to evolve into the Family Adventure Weekend that it has become today. In 2008, the Highlander race donated a portion of the money raised to Sister Peg as thanks for her support over the years – and to allow her to continue the selfless, invaluable work that she does in the Midlands community! Thanks Sister Peg and thanks to all the Highlander participants over the years!
Register for this unique event at www.roag.co.za or visit our web page at www.howickhighlander.co.za. Don't miss out on our legendary pancakes or some of the many other delicious foods and drinks on offer while waiting for the lucky draw prize giving, which once again will include the sought after Everdon avos and a new mountain bike.

For more information:
Name: Bryan Bullock
Position: Howick Highlander Chairman
Contact number: 082 872 7085
Email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.howickhighlander.co.za

News supplied.

These special offers are available from African Insight: The Safari Shop. Stay 3 Nights for the price of 2 – these two destinations can be combined or taken separately.

Victoria Falls, Stay for 3 nights, only pay for 2. This small, intimate lodge has only 6 large safari tents and is right on the banks of the Upper Zambezi from which you can fish, canoe and enjoy the wildlife and stunning sunsets.

Hwange National Park, in a private concession in a remote part of Hwange National Park, this lodge with raised thatched tents is also offering Stay for 3 nights, only pay for 2. There is also a honeymoon suite and family accommodation.

For full details contact Lesley at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 033 330 2269. 

Photograph by Russell Gammon.

News supplied by African Insight: The Safari Travel Shop. 

Local equestrian star and Howick High School student Taro Reece has been selected to represent South Africa in the Mounted Games Nations Championship in Australia on 13 to 15 November this year. Seven countries will be competing including Canada, Burkina Faso, USA, New Zealand, Iran and South Africa.

None of this would be a possibility for Taro if it weren't for the kind sponsorship from Speedi Beet over the last few years. Taro was chosen as the reserve for the team last year. This is a team competition and a team consists of five team members and one reserve.

Pat Reece, Taro's mom says, 'This was such a wonderful surprise and it could be the beginning of a huge opportunity for Taro, he will be embarking on his first international competition abroad. This discipline requires the ability to ride different ponies at each competition as pool ponies are made available to visiting teams.

As a family this is a massive undertaking for us since we rely solely on sponsorship to make these events possible for Taro. To be able to secure his place in the team each rider has to pay AU$1000 to make up the entry fee etc. This is excluding the air fare. The visiting teams must arrive in Australia on the 8 November. The competition runs over the weekend of 13, 14 and 15 November.

We are not sure that this will all happen for Taro but we will try and do some fund raising and see how far we get. Taro's Grandpa lives in Australia and it will be an extra special treat to be able to see him again.'

If you would consider sponsoring Taro to take up his dream opportunity kindly can contact Pat Reece by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your business Logo could be placed on the team kit for advertising, as a way of saying thank you.

Something big happened in little Howick this week! Angel's Care Centre officially opened their new Crisis Centre, the first ever centre to offer one stop care for survivors of gender-based violence.

Carolyn Hancock, Director of Angel's Care Centre and a forensic scientist with The DNA Project, advised that DNA testing has now been made mandatory in the investigation of all gender-based crimes in SA. This is another huge step forward for our country, who statistically has the highest daily occurrence of such offences.

The newly opened Crisis Centre will greet visitors with a bright welcome and provide an efficient service in one location.
Congratulations is due to Carolyn and her team of supporters who made this dream a reality. Your work is an inspiration!

Read more about Angel's Care Centre.

Pictured: Mayoress Mbali and Carolyn

Howick Travel your travel professionals are offering you the opportunity to experience the beauty of Africa at the majestic Victoria Falls. From just R11 713.00 per person sharing you get a 3 nights at Imbabala Lodge (International and SADC). Return Livingstone or Vicfalls airport transfers; Tour of Falls en-route to Imbabala; 3 nights Imbabala include all meals,teas and coffees; Game drive in the morning or afternoon, River safari am or pm and night drive; Local Brand drinks; 1 x Chobe Day Trip -park fees included; Park Fees Included!

Contact Howick Travel today for this Flame of Africa special!

Lauryn Wilson, recently relocated from Hillcrest, has taken on the role of the Operations Manager at 68 on Main. Lauryn is well-equipped for the task with Hotel, Catering and Resort Management qualifications and an infectious smile amongst her attributes. She has travelled abroad where she worked in the Cotswolds and at the Anchor Hotel in Scotland.

On her return to South Africa Lauryn started up a small business but soon realised her passion lay back in the food industry, she took on management of the Keg and Trout in Hillcrest, where she spent two happy years.

Lauryn is thrilled to be in Howick at 68 on Main, she loves the family run pub concept and is launching her career there with all sorts of new specials!

She says, 'I hope to see the restaurant full of life in the weeks to come, 68 on Main has a great history and untapped potential. We hope to soon have Wi-Fi installed and Hansa and Castle Lite on tap. I look forward to meeting all the Howick locals.'

We have a new walk in the Rosetta - Nottingham Road Conservancy.

Quarterly Walk at The Bend, Nottingham Road on the last Thursday of February, May, August, November: 09h30 – 13h00.

Climb through indigenous forest onto montane grassland. Reasonable levels of fitness required.

Contact Sarah Tilbury to book: +27 (0)82 335 4598

Donation: R20 to Rosetta-Nottingham Road Conservancy

News supplied by Midlands Conservancies Forum.

Midlands Wellness and Fitness Centre has made it their mission to provide affordable, expertly complied fitness programs and exercise guidance. The Centre is a fully equipped, modern exercise facility which is open to all on a membership basis.

Take advantage of the current special. Join for three months and get one month free!

What's more is that Vitality members can earn points at every gym session in our Centre.

Offer valid unit the end of August 2015. Join Midlands Wellness and Fitness Centre today!

The cold start to the days has seen a drop in numbers of members playing social bowls in the mornings. Only a few hardy (foolhardy?) members arrived on both Tuesday and Friday morning. Attendance on Wednesday and Friday afternoons remains high.

Forthcoming Events:

• Wednesday, 22 July – Tabs-in Comp sponsored by J Leslie Smith and The Health Nut.
• Friday, 31 July – Annual Match against Hilton Bowling Club at Hilton.
• Entries are now open for the Umgeni Waterfall Open Trips Tournament to be held all day on Sunday, 16 August. New sponsors have stepped in viz. J Leslie Smith. Please note that this event appears in the NIBA Fixture Book but the host club's name was omitted. Please check your respective club's notice boards for further details or contact our Comp. Sec. Colin Burden.

Regular start of play is as follows: Tuesday and Friday at 09h00 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h30 (whites). Tabs must be in 15 minutes prior to commencement of play.
Visitors and prospective members are always welcome to join us on days when social bowls is played.

NB Members please check notice boards for club duties. If you are unable to do your duty, please arrange to swop with another member.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club. 

On Saturday, 08 August the Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision was played. The lucky winners of the chickens donated by Greendale Spar were Dave Truscott, Trevor James, Chantal D'Hotman and Ian Somerville.

Forthcoming Events:
Wednesday, 12 August: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 16 August: All Day Open Trips sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co. Inc. Entries are invited from all registered players. Thank you to our members and to the clubs which have shown support and entered teams. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Visitors are welcome to play in all our competitions and in social games. 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.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

DJ Productions is proud to announce the launch of Howick resident, Shae de la Hunt-James' debut album, "Let Your Hair Down"! No stranger to the stage or studio, Shae is a singer/songwriter/composer with many years of experience leading worship, writing songs, performing and now producing her own music. She has performed locally and abroad in churches and coffee shops, and at numerous events. Shae is delighted to have finally produced her own album with Producer Anthony Govender of Omega Studio in Durban.

In Shae's own words, "I'm thrilled to have released my debut EP entitled 'Let Your Hair Down' using sounds that appeal to me. You'll find a bit of jazz, a romantic classical touch, and even a bit rock thrown in to form a groovy cross-section of genres, hopefully, providing something for everyone to enjoy."

Shae's music and lyrics contain rich imagery, a unique harmonious sound, powerful vocals and altogether provide a fresh, vivacious experience for the listener. Shae's musical influences range from Barbara Streisand, Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, and Isi de Gersigny. People have often mentioned that Shae sounds like a female Michael Buble!

Shae's songs have emerged from much time in worship. Various instruments (violin, cello, saxophone) are included to create a sound that carries the listener into another world for the duration of the album, evoking strong emotions that yearn for more. The song titles include: A New Thing, Lean Into You, Cover Me, Let Your Hair Down, Who Knew, and Wonderful Days.

The music is available online on our website (see below). Watch this space for upcoming live performance dates.

Details of the Launch Party: 15th August 2015, 7pm, Oasis Church, 72 Main Street, Howick, KZN. Entrance to all, free. Refreshments served. CD's on sale.

Please see Shae's websites:
www.delahuntjames.com
www.numberonemusic.com/shaedelahuntjames
www.facebook.com/shaedelahuntjamesmusic

Please contact Andrew for any further inquiries about the album, or setup an interview.
Andrew de la Hunt-James, DJ PRODUCTIONS, 084 555 7536, 033 330 3456, E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.delahuntjames.com

Yes we are already 2 years old this month & to celebrate the occasion we will be running a lucky draw with the winner receiving a complimentary meal at Nicolson's Country Cafe. This prize is lunch or dinner for two excluding beverages and gratuity. Booking is essential. Draw to take place on Monday 31st August at 17h00.

We are also proud to announce that in 2 years of trading we have managed to keep our prices constant without any increases. So, in re-costing all our meals we have altered some prices slightly (only from September) but with many staying the same. The good news however is The Braised Beef Pot has been reduced slightly.

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

This has been an active week for all our bowlers. The Tabs-In Competition which was postponed due to rain took place on Wednesday, 29 July. The winners of bottles of wine donated by J Leslie Smith & Co were won by Barbara Brook, Tim Waring, Barry Fairbrother and Michael Caine. The runners-up were Tony Gage, Ted Smith, Allan Pienaar and Bev Vorster all of whom went home with a voucher from The Health Nut. Well done to the winners and thank you to the sponsors for their generosity.

On Friday, 28 members from Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club (UWBC) played the annual match against the members of Hilton Bowling Club (HBC). Although UWBC won their games on four rinks, HBC won on overall points and the trophy was presented to them leaving an empty space on our shelves. Well done Hilton and thank you for your hospitality!

A busy fortnight lies ahead of us.

FORTHCOMIMG EVENTS:
Saturday, 08 August: Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop and Giovision with prizes donated by Greendale Spar.

Saturday, 08 August and Sunday, 09 August: The NIBA Champion of Champions Competition takes place. We wish our club singles' winners, Jo Boonzaier and Ray Bester, good bowling.

Monday, 10 August (public holiday) Club Pairs Competition to be played by all available teams.

Wednesday, 12 August: Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick.
Sunday, 16 August: All Day Open Trips sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co. Inc. Entries are invited from all registered players.

Visitors are welcome to play in all our competitions and in social games. 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.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

The rain this week was most welcome but it certainly stopped play. The Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co. Inc. and The Health Nut had to be postponed due to the inclement conditions. This event will now take place on Wednesday, 29 July. Visitors are welcome to join us.

All Day Open Trips Tournament sponsored by J Leslie Smith will take place on Sunday, 16th August. Members and all affiliated clubs are invited to play. Kindly enter teams as early as possible.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

Howick Prep, Grade 6 pupil, Jade Harty has just returned from a very successful week in Bloemfontein where she represented KZN Inland U/13 Hockey. Jade was also selected for the Midlands U/12A Hockey team and has played 1st team hockey at Howick Prep School since Grade 5. Jade is an extremely talented on the sports field having also been selected to represent KZN U/13 Tennis this year and currently captains the Howick Prep 1st Tennis team. On the athletics field Jade won the U/12 Victrix Ladorum trophy and has also been a member of the School 'A' team swimming squad.

Jade's talents extend beyond the sport fields. On the academic front, Jade was awarded 9 Platinum and 1 Gold certificate in the Conquesta Olympiade and has been awarded Academic Merit certificates since Grade 3. On the cultural side Jade has received various 'A+' symbols in the Speech and Drama Festival and was awarded the Speech and Drama bursary for the top performing student. Jade strongly believes that hard work, commitment, lots of practice and believing in oneself are the basic ingredients for success. Jade is an all-round very balanced pupil, who despite all her outstanding achievements remains very sincere and grounded. Howick Prep is very proud of this incredible young lady and her achievements.

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

Four Laddsworth Primary School classes were treated to burgers and ice-creams at Steers during the last week of the second term. These pupils earned the reward for being top achievers in the Big Walk Fundraiser. Thanks is due to Steers Hilton for their generous hospitality and also to J Leslie Smith & Company Inc. for sponsoring the class prizes.

Pictured L-R back: Crystal Dellar and Vaugn Daly from J Leslie Smith & company Inc.
Pictured L-R front: Rethabile Manoko, Hayley Walters, Liam Firth, Thomas Prentice and Rebecca Porritt

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

On Friday 31 July, Howick Hospice and Fern Hill will be hosting our Food & Wine Fair at Fern Hill Hotel from 6pm-9pm. For only R100.00 pp you will be given wine on arrival and also be able to enjoy a wide variety of delicious eats and drinks and be entertained by the very talented musician Trevor Brown. Tickets are available at Fern Hill Hotel or Howick Hospice for R100.00 pp and will also be made available at the door.

Please note that the stallholders will also be selling their products on the evening to anyone who is interested in purchasing something they have enjoyed. We look forward to seeing you there.

For all enquiries about this event please contact Kaylynne on on +27 (0)33 330 5257

News supplied by Howick Hospice.

St Ives will be opening our new Lapa Pub on the 18th of July 2015. The Lapa is set on the St Ives Dam.

Operating hours: 11am onwards
Days: Friday, Saturday and Sunday

All major sporting events will be shown

Pizzas, Burgers and Craft Beer will be available.

News supplied by St Ives Hotel and Restaurant.