Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela is a struggle giant and an icon of global proportion that transcends all borders and appeals to everyone across all walks of life. His historical association with uMgungundlovu District Municipality contributed and shaped the democratic, modern day South Africa that we live in today. This has made the District Municipality one of the critical nerve centres of the struggle against apartheid.

On Sunday, 25 August 2013 the marathon will start at the Manayi Hall (formerly known as Arya Samaj Hall) in Imbali, where Nelson Mandela made his last speech on 25 March 1961, and will end at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site outside Howick, where he was arrested, on 05 August 1962. It is against this reason that his historical association with the District has been coined and immortalized through the Mandela Day Marathon. In 2013 the Mandela Day Marathon has major events lined up, that will heighten and bring much deserved attraction to the event, with ambassadors, charities and prizes that will be announced.

The race starts at 07:00am and the route passes through our surrounding areas, details below indicate which roads will be effected.

It is measured that runners will run contra flow to traffic unless stated.
Start F.J. Sithole Road near Manayi Hall
Mnkayi Road Left into Mnkayi Rd
Mbhelebhele Rd Left into Mbhelebhele Rd
Sikale Road Left into Sikale Rd becomes Mthombothi
Sibhubhu Road Right into Sibhubhu Rd
Sutherland Road Left into Sutherland Rd
M70 Left onto M70
Caluza Road Right into Caluza
Dennis Shepstone Left into Dennis Shepstone running contra flow
Hillary Road Left into Hillary
Ridge Road Right into Ridge Road
Cedara Road R103 Left into Cedara running contra flow. Follow Cedara over N3 and back over N3
District Drive Left into District
Macleroy Road Right into Macleroy
Byrnwood Road Right into Byrnwood
Wilson Road Left into Wilson
Zeederberg Road Left into R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road)
N3 Follow R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road) right under N3
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg Road running with traffic
Starlite Road Left into Starlite
Riverview Road Right into Riverview
Sport Field Right onto sports field and clockwise on gravel road, exiting onto Zeederberg
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg running with traffic
Prospect Road Left into Prospect Running contra flow crossing N3, following Prospect
(R103) right past Midmar Dam wall running contra flow

We wish all the entrants a good run. Howick residents will be out in force supporting the athletes and driving with caution and patience.

"It's time again to don yer kilts, get on yer gear and enter the annual Howick Highlander MTB and Trail Run events," said organisers of the annual event.

It all takes place on Sunday 25 August 2013 at the Karkloof Farmers' Market just outside Howick.  The event, which is hosted by the 1st Howick Cubs and Scouts, is focused on being an affordable family event.
"You will be able to enjoy sociable routes along dirt roads and jeep tracks in the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve and Everdon Estate – places you cannot normally access. After dodging zebra and antelope you will pass some of the most breathtaking views around," said organisers.

Registration opens at 06:00. Trail runs will start from 07:00 and cover 20km, 10km and 5km distances. MTB rides will start from 08:30 and cover 40km, 20km, 10km and 2km distances.

"Don't miss the EXTREME 20km MTB route for the not so faint-hearted, which will follow the 20km trail run route down the Umngeni Valley."

Check out www.howickhighlander.co.za or www.roag.co.za for more details.

FreeMe update on the animals introduced to us over the past few weeks.

We introduced you to this Bushbuck recently and as can be seen from the attached photo - our little Bushbuck is doing well and growing. An interesting fact about these antelope is that the males are probably among the most feared by hunters. They back themselves into dense bush if hurt or cornered to protect their hind quarters and lie in ambush, darting out at any threat and doing terrific damage with their long, sharp horns. This is a little female which means that she is a much better candidate for successful rehabilitation and release then her male counterpart would be. She and Dinky, the duiker, have bonded really well and groom each other contentedly.

Unfortunately, the Secretary Bird did not make it. Our vet did a great job of cleaning the wing and we were very hopeful that it would make a full recovery, but obviously the infection from the wound had spread too far. After responding really well for a week, it started to lose ground. Thanks to the guys who sponsored the vet's bill. We really did have to try everything we could to save it.

Our four servals are growing fast and we are discussing possible releases and monitoring devices for them with a researcher from UKZN.

Other than that, we have had a rash of raptor rescues, as a lot of migrants return to the Midlands, and hungry after their flight back, they are inclined to hunt on the roads and high ways. Thanks to N3 Traffic Officials for helping Roz rescue one from the Centre Inland of the Highway just outside Howick. A mission not to undertaken lightly.

Thanks to all those who have made use of our donation sms line. Please continue to sms donate freeme to 48748 to donate your R 10.00, you cannot believe how much it is helping.

News and image kindly provided by FreeMe KZN

Britt and Rene Stubbs moved to the Karkloof valley in 1986. Britt describes the changes on their farms over the years.

Denleigh was a beef and maize farm at the time, but we developed it into a dairy farm, planting maize, soya beans, potatoes and carrots using conventional tillage methods. It soon became clear that this type of land use was leading to severe erosion, increased soil pests, proliferation of weeds on contour banks and serious wear and tear on equipment. Seventeen years ago we decided to convert to No-Till for the maize silage, cover crops and autumn pasture establishment.

The positive results have been overwhelming! We have enjoyed increased yields from healthier soils due to an increase in earthworms and a decrease in soil pests. There have been significant fuel savings as well as reduced wear and tear on equipment. In addition to the commercial advantages of converting to No-Till we have also observed positive environmental changes: improved water quality and availability; increased food sources and cover for wildlife; the return of indicator species and reduced erosion. We now enjoy regular sightings of all three crane species on the farm and have a resident pair of Blue Cranes which have been breeding here for a number of years. We hardly ever saw cranes when we first arrived in the valley, but now, with most of the large-scale farmers having converted to No-Till, the increase in crane sightings has been significant.

We took a conscious decision not to plant trees on veld which had been granted a timber permit. Choosing instead to rehabilitate 200ha of contiguous mistbelt Themeda veld to regain its biodiversity and secure the farm's water supply. Livestock was taken off the predominantly Aristida veld and a carefully managed burning regime was introduced. 26 years later there is a significant increase in Themeda cover and many other plant species have re-appeared. This area now hosts many wildlife species, including cranes, grass owls, Natal red rock rabbits, porcupines, ant bears, mongooses, genets, cervals, oribi, reedbuck and duiker.

Six years ago, we bought a neighbouring farm Bartersfield, also a beef farm which we have converted to dairy. As oribi occur here, we leave one of the four veld paddocks unburnt every year to provide cover for them. We have found that if the paddocks are not burnt in regular rotation the veld becomes moribund and overgrown, which prevents the healthy regeneration of Themeda and other plant species. Late autumn block-burning (particularly after rain) has proven to be the ideal time to burn the veld. This ensures that the fire is not too hot and doesn't damage the Themeda. Burning in spring (in the absence of early spring rains) can destroy the growing tips and seeds of the Themeda which then sets the plants back.

We have found that the reedbuck, bushbuck, duiker and, to a lesser extent, the oribi have adapted very easily to feeding on the ryegrass pastures which we have established. The quality winter forage which is available to them has resulted in year-round breeding amongst the reedbuck. The oribi still only breed on an annual basis. We believe that the increase in jackal activity in recent years (as well as caracal and dog hunting to a much lesser extent) has had a major impact on the oribi population.

What a privilege it is to farm in harmony with the Midlands wildlife.

Charlie MacGillivray, adds: There is no doubt that in my 39 years of farming on Gartmore, the advent of No-Till farming has been one of the most gratifying experiences.

It is our privilege to share the beauty and integrity of our piece of paradise with others and the Karkloof Conservation Centre - the hides are merely the start of making possible. Whether you twitch or tweet, there is something for everyone on Gartmore!

This beautiful home in Amber Valley comprises of 2 bedrooms, study or 3rd bedroom, 2 bathrooms (tiled to the ceiling), very cleverly thought out kitchen, lovely open plan living area finished off with a slow combustion fire place for those cold winter days and nights, and an extra length double garage. The house is free standing and has good space around it and to finish off a gorgeous view!

Amber Valley is situated to the north of Howick, just off the Karkloof road, overlooking numerous dams and streams and nestled comfortably into the surrounding countryside. All this, and only 2km from Howick's full range of amenities.

Howick is a quaint rural town on the Johannesburg to Durban route (just off the N3 highway) and a comfortable 25 minutes from Pietermaritzburg.

Amber Valley also offers many facilities including, frail care, dining room, coffee shop, pub area, snooker room, hair dresser, library, astro-turf bowling green, tennis courts, croquet lawn as well as 2 indoor heated swimming pools.

Take a stroll in the beautiful game estate and enjoy viewing the abundant bird life and free roaming game.

For more information contact Tiffiny Hancock.

Bridges of Hope for Children was established to provide love, care and a home for orphaned, abandoned and abused children, infected and affected by HIV/AIDS in rural KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Each child that comes to us is welcomed into our family as a special and important member. Some children are placed back with family members or suitable foster parents, and some remain with us long term. Our desire for each little one is that they are given the best family that God has for them.

Our preschool is starting to fill up with children from the nearby housing area. We are delighted to be able to make a difference in our local community. We use the Konos Curriculum which is biblically based on Godly character formation. Our children have the benefit of extending their social circle, and our community's children by receiving teaching in areas that are not generally covered in local schools, such as computer literacy and music. Both Zulu and English are learned and practiced by the children to give them the best possible advantage when they move on to higher grades.

Our house received a much needed facelift this month. An enormous thank you to Albert, Peter & Dwayne Vergos and his team for the painting!

The Methodist Church Sunday School children joined with our children for a picnic on the farm. The tractor and trailer ride was the highlight of the day!

We are thrilled with our new Mamamimi wood burning bread oven, so generously donated to us by Paul Elliot! We are baking all our own bread, and have started to generate much needed income by selling freshly baked bread to the locals.

Another blessing this month was the birth of 2 litters of pedigreed Labrador puppies . They are being showered with love and attention.

News and Pictures supplied by Bridges Of Hope.

At a glamorous occasion in Pietermaritzburg, Penelope Malinga was announced as a winner in the KZN Youth Achievers Awards - organised by uMvithi and aimed at exposing young people to positive career, educational, entrepreneurial and recreational opportunities - in recognition of her 'selfless efforts in making a difference in KwaZulu Natal'. Penelope was nominated in the Environmental Category by the Midlands Conservancies Forum (MCF).

Judy Bell, Chair of the MCF "We are very proud to be associated with the Mpophomeni Conservation Group, which Penz is a founding member of. Credit is due to the inspirational people who started this initiative to motivate others to consider environmental issues. It is right that Penz has been recognised by this Award. We look forward to even more exciting things in the future from this exceptional group."  Penelope describes herself as a self-appointed guardian of wild places, tree and bunny hugger. She recalls the inspiration, "one day a friend introduced me to the uMngeni River gorge below the Howick Falls, it was like nothing I had ever seen, heard, or felt before. I knew I was home."

Last year she was part of the team who walked the length of the uMngeni river, inspiring many to take up the cause of protecting our rivers. Penelope particularly enjoys working with the youth, passing on her passion for wetlands and a respect and connection to our precious rivers.

Penny Rees, fellow river lover is very excited about her achievement. "Penz - from the days that we walked the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve with kids in tow, to your work in Mpophomeni pulling the community together and healing the streams, from your Zulu dance lessons, to duck diving in muddy pools, from all the grey hairs you gave me climbing down holes and up huge boulders, from the uMngeni River walk, to witnessing your singing debut, we have walked a long road together (sometimes quite literally!) I cannot tell you how happy I am for you and how proud I am - you SO deserve this award - go forward from this day with your head held high.

Penz is an impressive young woman, her love for Mother Earth, her enthusiasm, ethics and sense of justice, her ability to work with folks of all ages and from all walks of life, and her sense of fun and radiant smile (resulting in our Mayday nickname for her - Chakide) have been an absolute pleasure to witness, and I look forward to many more years working together with Penelope Malinga - Bayete!"
Penelope is a positive role model, unafraid to speak up on issues of animal rights, fairness, racism, feminism and environmental causes. This means she is not always understood in her community.

Little sister Nonthokozo says "People often refuse to help her with testing the water, but now I think they will see what a difference she is making and help." Her mum, Thembeni, adds proudly "She always loved nature, I remember her coming back from school completely wet and saying she had fallen in the river." Penelope adds "Ja, people think I am a little weird, but it is my 'weirdness' which won me this award!"

At the Award Ceremony, the Environmental category was announced last, causing Penz' heart to thump when her name was called out. "I was getting ready to start clapping for the winner when they said it was me. I have never won anything in my life and yet tonight I am KZN Young Achiever in the environment category. Aweeeemah!"

Penz concludes: "I am proud of living in Mpophomeni and want to do all I can to alert people to the fact that we need to look after the small river, uMthimzima that runs through the township and into Midmar dam. Our actions have a big impact on the water quality of millions of people. I think this award might be a platform to make an even bigger difference.""I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Earth I walk on, the water that replenished my spirit, the Sun for lighting my way during day and the moon and stars by night, also the air that found a home in my body becoming a soul."

News and pictures kindly supplied by Midlands Conservancy.

With the very mild winter so far, we really are living in one of the best places in the country. This was borne out by the SABC2 Television Crew who spent the morning at FreeMe a couple of weeks ago. They were in the Midlands to make an episode for the Station's "Mooi Loop" programme which runs on Wednesday nights at 19h30, and they were amazed at the diverse beauty of the area, the gorgeous weather and the incredible number of attractions which are on offer. So if you want to see some familiar sights and faces (and one's you never knew existed) tune in to SABC2 during the first two weeks of August.

Our four baby serval and the little duiker from Greytown are thriving and keeping us all on our toes. Israel had the duiker on the lawn and was stimulating her to poop, when we suddenly saw him tearing after her in hot pursuit, as she decided it was time to play. For those of you who haven't met Israel, he is a tall, lanky lad and this was one of times when we blessed his extremely long legs.

FreeMe has now been dragged screaming and protesting into the technological age as our Centre Manager is particularly challenged in this area, and now has a sms donate line, to make life simple and easy for those wanting to help out. With so many positives on the horizon for FreeMe from December onwards on the financial side, we are going to make one big push to get us over the next five months until they come to fruition. So people this is how simple it is. You type in the words donate freeme, in upper or lower case and with a space between donate and freeme and nothing else and send it to 48748 and you will have donated R 10.00 to us and will receive an automatic acknowledgement to this effect. It requires no going to the bank, doing efts, filling in debit order forms, etc., and if a thousand people do it, it will more than make up the backlog we face every month.

Make it a fun family thing and teach your kids and grandkids the art of charitable giving. Use it as a punishment for swearing or breaking your diet with a chocolate bar or as a forfeit in games, etc. Use your networking skills to challenge your friends to meet your donation, and before we know it FreeMe will be wallowing in money (from our lips to God's ears). If we have touched your lives in any way or helped with an injured animal, use this to say "thanks, we appreciate it". Thanks also to Wakefields for their initiative of holding a book sale for charity at their offices on Sunday. They are one of our most charitably minded businesses, always giving up their time to help in any way they can. You guys really rock!

Mark and Marianne Taylor owners of Greetings DVD and Coffee Shop, were the first local community focused business to introduce the concept of "Suspended Coffee" in Howick.

This old tradition comes from post war days in Europe when wealthy patrons of cafés would buy themselves a cup of coffee and also buy one (in advance) for a less fortunate person. The tradition was started in Italy after the war and was known as "caffe sospeso" literally translated to suspended coffee and is an anonymous act of charity.

Mark, who manages the shop said the concept is now starting to take off in Howick. Mark says "Everyone is feeling the pinch from the slow economy and if we can help someone who is less fortunate than ourselves then it makes us feel good. We heard about the concept and thought it would be a great idea to share with our Howick community. A lot of the people who come to our coffee shop are pensioners and some are well off and others not. It is a great thing to be able to offer a nice cup of coffee to someone who really needs it.

I believe Howick residents are family orientated with big hearts and they are not immune to seeing those who are less fortunate suffer in these tough times. As a shop owner I see people counting out the coins to buy a small meal and others who go without. I think this is a small way to show we can all make a difference."

Those who buy suspended coffee have it recorded on a log pin up board and if a person comes and asks if there is any suspended coffee, Mark can immediately see whether there are any available. The suspended coffee is takeaway only and does not cover meals unless the donor has specified this. As the manager, Mark will monitor to see if people are taking a chance when asking for a suspended coffee. "It is about spreading goodwill and I am sure the spirit will prevail" says Mark.

Mark says "A cup of coffee is just the thing to put back that warm feeling of comfort into the stomach of someone who may be feeling the pinch, it's a caffeine pickup and a gesture of caring."

Mark and Marianne would also like to encourage other local restaurants to implement the idea. Let us know if you are?

Article and pictures kindly supplied by Mark Taylor.

Moyra Ventress is Durban born and bred. She initially studied Catering Management at Technikon but always had an interest in Accounts. While living on a Tea Estate in Zululand where Moyra's husband was farming, she studied bookkeeping and catapulted into a career in Accounting – now her first love.

Moyra and her family moved to Centurion 8 yrs ago pursuing a job opportunity for her husband. She retained her interested in accounting and took on accounts that needed sorting out and organising for small and medium businesses, establishing a skill base and obtaining a feel for the small and medium business issues and accounting challenges.

The love of KZN, the pull of family and friends and a new job opportunity for Moyra's husband brought the family back KZN, and to the Midlands which they have always had a love for. A year later, settled in and loving Howick Moyra felt the need to assist small to medium businesses and from this desire "The Accounts Office" was born.

The Accounts Office aim is to be able to work one-on-one with business owners, allowing them to concentrate on their business and not on their accounts. The Accounts Office offers tailored made bookkeeping solution for your business needs. The Accounts Office work with an Auditing and Tax Consulting firm should any of our clients need this service. We look forward to meeting you.

The Giovision, Halfway Toyota and Greendale Spar sponsored competition held on 14 August was won by the team of Norman Chemaly, Barbara Wyatt and Petra Stubbs. Congratulations!

The conflict of dates involving the holding of tournaments by other clubs has now been resolved, and as a result the Moffatt Optical tournament will now definitely be held on 20 October. We hope that other clubs will join us and that there will be a full house.

The Lawnmower Shop in Howick will generously be sponsoring a new tournament to be held on the last Wednesday of each month. The inaugural tournament will be held on 28 August. Enquiries to Dave Truscott 033 239 4512

Club Duties:
Refreshments:

24 August – 30 August: Tim Waring
31 August – 6 September: Brian Ellison

Tabs: 21 August– 27 August: Dave Truscott and Terry Elmer

Tea: 24 August: Marianne van Wieringen; 27 August: Win Maher; 28 August: Petra Stubbs

Social Bowls
Every Wednesday and Saturday, tabs in by 1.30pm. Whites.
Every Tuesday morning, tabs in by 9.00 am until further notice. Casual. Visitors most welcome.

FREE Coaching takes place on a regular basis.

For any enquiries kindly contact: John Withers on 033-239 5376, Graeme Cameron on 033-330 3457, Hilary Williams on 033-3303992 or Barry Bedworth on 033-239 5445

News kindly supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Patrick was born in Zambia.

He was schooled in South Africa, trained as an engineer and his working career started at AECI.

As with most young men wanderlust took him travelling and once back in South Africa he was employed at Metal Box. He was head hunted by Coca Cola where he worked for 15 years in Africa and Europe. During a stint in Ireland he farmed rare breeds of cattle, pigs, sheep and ducks.

He left Coke, returned to South African and again farmed rare cattle breeds. This time in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands where his business mind, coupled with the training he'd received at Coke, led to humble beginnings as a part-time business coach.

Then Patrick discovered ActionCOACH! He is the KZN franchisee and a master coach - and from his base in The Quarry Centre he has recorded a remarkable success rate for businesses in the greater Midlands area and in Durban.

Patrick's wife Glynis manages the operations and the finances at ActionCOACH KZN. Their 13-year-old son Nicholas is a learner at Cowan House. The family lives in Hilton.

Our very own Janet Waring of Stunning Stitches has won a Royal First prize. Her quilt (pictured) won First prize at the 2013 Royal Show. This beautiful quilt was first in the Large Quilt category and was created over a three month period. She is a member of the Meander Quilters Guild. If you would like to learn the art of quilting or simply improve your skills then Janet is offering sewing lessons or will create a personalised quilt for you.

Janet of Stunning Stitches has been sewing for over 40 years and is skilled in many areas of sewing. She not only sews award winning quilts, dresses for her grandchildren and friends but also sews beautiful gowns and dresses for all occasions. Have you, your daughter or granddaughter started thinking about that special gown – wedding, matric dance, mother of the bride or any special occasion? Give Stunning Stitches a call and make an appointment to make that dream dress a reality or to book your sewing lessons or discuss your personalised quilt.

Change is the one constant in life and because Travel is an ever-changing entity it is always exciting, never dull and full of endless opportunities. Even if you have visited a place before, you know that you can return and experience it as though it were your first time. Are you planning your next trip?

Would you like to win two air tickets to London with taxes paid? It's easy ...... each booking made with Howick Travel before 31st October gives you an entry in the draw. The more bookings you make, the more entries you have. Please note that conditions do apply.

At Howick Travel, we pride ourselves in being Travel Professionals, offering excellent, personalized service with knowledgeable travel advice whilst maintaining a 'value for money' element. We understand that Travel is an investment and with us, your investment will be nurtured and appreciated.
In a time where the world has gotten smaller, yet so diverse, it is vital for our Travel Consultants to be up to date with what Travel has to offer as well as what the various requirements are for each and every destination that may present itself at our desk. Taking short cuts or booking via electronic means can sometimes leave a traveller stranded at some forbidden place with no one to call.

Where ever you wish to travel Howick Travel are here to help you whether it is Local or International, Business or Leisure. We will advise and book for you Cruises; Bus Tours; Flights; Accommodation; Car hire; Individual Travel or Group Travel....to name but a few!

We are fortunate to be a part of a fabulous, thriving local community and believe in supporting this community. We raise funds for and participate in fundraising events with Howick Hospice, SPCA, local schools, Howick Bowling Club as well as Save the Rhino. For Mandela Day our staff took the initiative to make food for and deliver it all to Angels Care.

We are also grateful for the support we receive from our Community.

Put on your takkies and run 10km in aid of Howick Hospice at this year's "Mandela Day Marathon".

Howick Hospice has been nominated as one of the charities to benefit from The Mandela Day Marathon which takes place on the 25th August 2013.

There are two options available, 10km or 42.2km. This 42.2km marathon reflects, in a symbolic way, the gruelling marathon that Baba Mandela had to "run" to lay the foundation for the new democratic ethos that we in South Africa are currently enjoying. This race is a way for us to rekindle our special relationship with the great icon who is the Father of the Nation.

Please support this initiative by running 10km (or 42.2km for the more advanced athlete) for a very worthy cause. The 10km race will start at 7am from the Howick Stadium and finish at The Mandela Capture Site. The cost per entry is R75 and R15 for a temporary license. This is a pre-entry event and no entries will be accepted on race day. To enter, log onto www.mandelamarathon.co.za or contact Mel at Howick Hospice on 033 330 5257. The closing date to enter is the 31st July 2013, however the date has been extended for runners running in aid of charity. First 30 entrants will receive a FREE Howick Hospice running shirt to compete in. Please send us your proof of entry to secure your shirt.

We really hope you will join in and take on this 10km challenge for Howick Hospice!!

Local author, Daphne Olivier, has always wanted to write, but nursing, raising a family, running a rose nursery and farming got in the way, and it was only when she retired that she had time to do what she has always dreamt of doing.

Her first book, The Peacock Throne, published by Wild Child Publishers, is based on a search for the treasure that was lost when the Grosvenor was wrecked on the Wild Coast in 1782. It is available at www.wildchildpublishing.com

The Kennaway Woman, published by Melange books, is a historical novel about the shipload of Irish women who landed in East London in 1857 to provide wives for the German Legionnaires who had settled in the Eastern Cape.  Although Daphne's memoir, The Way it Was, was written primarily for her family, her publisher liked it so much that it has now been published and is available to the general public. Her latest book, The Pegasus Project, is a thriller based on a genetically modified product that goes horribly wrong. All these are available from the author and the publisher at http://www.melange-books.com/

When not writing novels, Daphne writes science fiction. Several of her stories have been published in American and Canadian magazines.

Daphne is at present working on a historical novel set in South Africa during the Boer War. Although Ladysmith is central to the story, some of the action takes place in Howick. It will be a while before this one comes on the market, but the subject is fascinating and the book will be well worth the wait.

Singer and songwriter Laurie Levine will perform at Caversham Mill on the 17th August 2013, seating is limited so book early. This marks the beginning of a country wide amble by Laurie, who has just returned from a successful tour of the UK. The concert begins at 14h30 giving you time enjoy lunch at Caversham Mill Restaurant from 11h30. Ticket cost R85.00 and can be booked by calling 033 234 4524 or 072 125 3392 or email your booking to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More about Laurie

Since surfacing with her remarkable debut, Unspoken, back in 2007, Laurie Levine has meticulously crafted a career that has turned her into a singer-songwriter of real substance. Over a trio of records and countless live performances, the South African-based artist has taken her original material to a growing fanbase, earning multiple accolades along the way.

Among these was a best producer award (for producer Dan Roberts) for the critically acclaimed album, Six Winters (2011) at the annual South African Music Awards (SAMAs) in 2012. Levine's second album, Living Room (2009), was also nominated for a SAMA in 2010 and her performances at South Africa's National Arts Festival in the town of Grahamstown in July 2011 earned Levine a highly coveted Standard Bank Silver Ovation award.

Now set to release her fourth full length album, due in August 2013, Levine will once again take her blend of folk, roots and country on the road. Her national tour of South Africa will kick off at the Oppikoppi Festival in early August. She will also be returning to the UK in October as a follow up to her successful 2012 UK tour, during which she received rave reviews.

Her national tour of South Africa will kick off at the Oppikoppi Festival in early August. She will also be returning to the UK in October as a follow up to her successful 2012 UK tour, during which she received rave reviews.

It's no secret why Levine has managed to sustain a career in a home market that's dominated by Gospel, urban and pop - and is now poised for a strong international push.

As her fans know well, Levine's gift lies in her ability to draw on the deep roots of folk music, and mix it in with a myriad of other influences, including from America's Appalachia region and her native South Africa. With the acoustic guitar as her main instrument, her recordings see Levine – and a host of superb musicians – deploy an array of instruments (pedal steel, dobro, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, strings) that add the kind of atmosphere and layers that propel her songs out of simple singer-songwriter territory.

Remarkably, however, Levine manages to locate her contemporary folk stylings with a singularity that only the very best in the genre achieve with ease (the likes of Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, Anais Mitchell and Emmylou Harris). This has led to critics in South Africa (many of whom have likened her material to Alison Krauss/Robert Plant and Ryans Adams) uniformly praising Levine's output, with all three of her albums making it onto multiple Best Of lists in their respective years.

At the heart of Levine's material is her storytelling ability. Whether tales of grief, loss, sex, betrayal or first loves, Levine's ability to open a door with her words, and let listeners into an intimate world populated by a cast of lovers, strays, strangers is immense. This has given rise to a string of fan favourites and music videos for songs like "Kites", a nostalgic waltz through an early summer love, and "Oh Brother", a sparse but potent track that could easily be an outtake from Krauss and Plant's Grammy winning Raising Sand.

Whether solo or with onstage collaborators, Levine has supported her releases with a slate of live performances that have cemented her standing as an artist of real power – and helped mark her out as a melodious, soulful singer.

QUICK FACTS:
Laurie Levine is a prolific songwriter with a soulful voice that breathes life into her songs and embodies the emotional core of her lyrics. Her songs touch our unspoken corners and her sounds are a contemporary interpretation of true folk.

Two South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations and 2012 SAMA winner for best producer for Dan Roberts

Toured the UK November – December 2012 after signing with UK based Bob Paterson Agency (BPA) to rave reviews with headline and key support slots.

Second album "Living Room" in the top 10 albums of 2009 in The Sunday Times

Won a Standard Bank Silver Ovation award in 2011 for her performances at South Africa's biggest festival- the Grahamstown Arts festival

Support act for Joe Jackson and Rodriguez

Performed at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland and CBGB's in New York

Has performed at South Africa's leading festivals – Oppikoppi, The Joy of Jazz Festival, Splashy Fen, Levis Vintage Sundays, Mr Price Pro, Old Mutual Emmarentia Concert Series, White Mountain Folk Festival

Her single, 'Tonight' was placed in the Defy TV ad campaign- 2011-2012 while her song, 'Every little thing' was placed in the Eskom (SA's power supplier) TV ad campaign.

PRESS QUOTES & REVIEWS:
"Superior Americana ... remarkable for the quality of Levine's writing, for her delivery ... it all hangs together easily and with a touch of beauty" - UNCUT (UK)

"Her song writing insights and vocal delicacy will be warmly welcomed by those who like folk and country with an individual sparkle". - Daily Mirror (UK)

"This was Laurie Levine's first show on her first ever UK tour but on the basis of this gig she will soon find herself headlining her own tour" - The Bristol Post (UK)

"Singer-songwriter Laurie Levine's music speaks to the heart. Her style of emotive folk has been compared with that of Tori Amos, but Levine is a talent all on her own." - Mail and Guardian (South Africa)

The return social match against Amber Valley resulted in a narrow victory to Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club. Thank you Amber Valley for a very enjoyable competition and warm hospitality. A splendid day with fun had by all.

Coming up we have a tournament sponsored by Moffat Optical on 4 August and the Moths Atomic Shellhole tournament on 18 August. Both tournaments require entries from more teams, please contact Dave Truscott 033 2394512 for more information or entry information.

The chicken competition sponsored by Greendale Spar is on the 7th August.

Club Duties:
Refreshments: 27 July – 2 August: Roger Freshman

Tabs: 24 – 30 July: Norman Chemaly and Dave Truscott
31 July – 6 August: Barbara Brook and Roger Nethersole

Tea: 23 July: Kathy Godleman; 24 July: Jeanette Cain; 27 July: Mabel Tully
30 July: Lyn Zadrazil; 31 July: Mavis Robson; 3 August: Mabel Tully