Skip winter by teaching abroad. South Africans, like our houses, are not built for winter. Between waking up in the dark, and constantly avoiding coworkers coughing in the office, many locals will be looking to escape to sunnier shores, without breaking the bank. As the world’s go-to option for working abroad, Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) presents an opportunity to follow summer around the world, while earning an income.

“Taking advantage of the global need for English teachers, South Africans can travel, experience different cultures, and even settle down somewhere with a guaranteed power supply. A TEFL qualification opens doors to a number of options, including full-time positions, summer camps, and online teaching. Whichever option you choose, swimming costumes and sunblock are a prerequisite,” says Rhyan O’Sullivan, Managing Director at The TEFL Academy, South Africa’s leading provider of TEFL courses and qualifications.

Summer camps, which run from a few weeks to three-months in length, offer qualified teachers an opportunity to gain in-person teaching experience in exotic locales, without committing to a full-time role. Italy, Thailand, and France are just some of the countries that host these camps. Often, teachers are only expected to work part-time, which leaves plenty opportunity to go exploring.

Another option for TEFL qualified teachers is to teach online, making it possible to teach from anywhere in the world – provided there is a strong wi-fi connection; “Many countries offer Digital Nomad visas, which allow remote workers to live and work in the country for a set duration. These visas are offered by over 50 countries, including Portugal, Croatia, and Malaysia. An online teaching post also allows you to enjoy a summer abroad, and be back home, in South Africa, as the festive season kicks off,” says O’Sullivan.

It can take as little as four weeks to complete a TEFL course. This means by time the country reaches the peak of winter, teachers could be qualified, and on their way to sipping on an Aperol Spritz in Rome, or exploring the night life in Seoul, South Korea. “Qualified teachers can earn up to R560 per hour, depending on the country and teaching post, which is significantly higher than many entry-level jobs in South Africa. This gives teachers the freedom to enjoy their time overseas, and even save for their future adventures,” says O’Sullivan.

Offering accessible and cost-effective ways to get TEFL-qualified, The TEFL Academy provides internationally accredited and regulated online courses. The company hosts a jobs board on their website, with over 1 500 international teaching opportunities for potential teachers to pursue, across a number of countries. For more information, visit www.theteflacademy.com/za/.

NEXT UP 22-25 MAY 2025

You will find Lynda at Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country next week from 25 to 28 May, at Harrington House in Hilton.

Lynda Buchanan Clarke is a professional artist and art teacher from Howick. Her preference is to paint with oils on canvas, and as she says… “a continuous pursuit and ultimate goal to capture the fragile beauty of nature." 

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) ended on a high note and was a resounding success for KwaZulu-Natal and Durban which can expect an economic boost of well over the expected R130 million. Initial figures indicate that the Indaba significantly beat expectations, 2022’s figures and marginally topped its 2019 pre-Covid high.

Statistics released by ATI Bid Partners show that as many as 8,629 delegates attended compared to 8000 in 2019, 22 African countries participated with 1023 exhibitors, 1000 international buyers attended and had 21,000 meaningful meetings with exhibitors and the Durban ICC prepared 6000 meals a day.

As the first Indaba without any restrictions since COVID-19, this year’s event had seen a stronger gathering of African countries, but there was work to be done to make Africa’s travel Indaba a truly Pan-African event.

“There are 54 countries in Africa and is important for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) to make Africa’s Travel Indaba a truly Pan-African event in collaboration with SA Tourism and other partners,” said Mr. Nhlanhla Khumalo Acting Chief Executive Officer TKZN.

Khumalo also pointed to the post ATI tours which took place this weekend. “A strong element of Indaba is the hosting of buyers and media on tours to various destinations so they can experience what our province offers for themselves and package KwaZulu-Natal for their clients.

As an example, he indicated that a group of some 50 buyers from SADC - Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and Namibia - visited the Drakensberg and Midlands. Among their activities they went quad biking, did the Karkloof Canopy tour, visited the Nelson Mandela Capture Site and the Midlands Meander. Another group went to the South Coast and a third tour went to the North Coast.

“We say KZN has it all! Believe it! But people need to experience the culture, the adventure, the mountains, the tranquility, the history for themselves so they transfer their experience to their clients in their travel packages,” said Khumalo.

Similarly, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, which manages KZN’s parks and game reserves hosted a post Indaba tour for a group of UK travel buyers and the Richards Bay Destination Marketing Company to Isimangaliso Wetland Park where they visited the Crocodile Centre, went to the Game Capture Museum showing how game used to be caught, Centenary craft centre run by local women and then to the Hlulhluwe area where they enjoyed umleqwa chicken.

“We are very pleased that as many as 400 travel buyers participated in our seven wonders of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Park virtual reality experience,” said Mr. Sihle Mkhize Acting Chief Executive Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

“By making our travel experiences tangible we are able to sell our story to international markets, which has played a part in our exponential increase in visitors to our protected areas”, he said.

Year on year to April 2023 the number of visitors increased by 65% from 39 958 to 66 091, which also beats their pre-Covid 2019 figures of 56 385.

“While domestic visitors make up the lions-share of the visitors to the parks at 88,4%, international visitors made up 11,6% of the total. Translated into number this is 7499 visitors which is 150% higher than 2022, which is a wonderful recovery and our post Indaba tours are aimed at maintain these numbers while attracting more visitors,” he said.

The most visited game park was Hluhluwe-iMfolozi with 26% of the total visitors, followed by Midmar 20% and Royal Natal National Park 9%. Each of the remaining parks received less than 5% each of the total visitors.

The 15 KwaZulu-Natal Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) hosted on the TKZN exhibition went all out to sell their products and services to international travel buyers. And early indications are that they all achieved good results..

These SMMEs were all first timers to Indaba, and it is really encouraging that they made the most of the opportunity. From what I saw most of them were busy on all three days with pre-arranged meetings in addition to walk-ins, and taking part in the speed marketing opportunities,” said Khumalo.

Msizeni Mngadi founder and director of Indlondlo Cultural Village in the Valley of 1000 Hills said: ”Africa’s Travel Indaba is a game changer for us. This is a very exciting platform and I want to thank to the Mkambathini Municipality for their support enabling us to attend this event.”

Mngadi was certain that their meetings with US, UK, German and African travel buyers would result in at least six sales with more to come. “It has put us in a space where the world can recognise us under the flag of South African Tourism, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and government.”

Tour operators Amabanda Tourism, which arranges tours for locals and international visitors across KwaZulu-Natal said they had secured a large tour from Kenya that would take place later this month.

Pictured here: The UK destination marketing company was given a truly authentic African experience in the Hluhluwe area a chicken feast or umleqwa. Left to right: Karin Mawani (UK-DMC) Sphelele Luthuli and Eric Hadebe from Ezemvelo Marketing leave with take-aways from their feast. 

Supplied.

This week was a bittersweet week at UWBC. We’ve had the usual hustle and bustle of activities and fun but have also had to say goodbye to Londiwe Mvelase in her capacity as Greenkeeper’s Assistant. Londiwe has worked tirelessly for UWBC for almost ten years now, however health issues have made it very difficult for her to continue in her role. We have been so grateful to her for the many hours she’s spent looking after our greens and as a member of the club we know we’ll still get to see her playing bowls when she’s able to. As part of our UWBC family, we wish her all the best!

As for all the activities… Wednesday afternoon was our Halfway Toyota Drawn Trips competition and congratulations to the winning team of Alan Willey, Pat Norris and David Mainprize. The runners up were Barry Fairbrother, Mike Cain and Bob Chetty. Thank you to the sponsor and well done to all who played.

Tuesday morning and Saturday afternoon tabs in were lovely sessions; amazingly the weather held and everybody enjoyed themselves. Please note that Tuesday morning tabs has changed from 08h15 to 08h45 as we move into the winter months.

On Saturday evening we hosted our quiz Night and what a great evening it was. Lots of giggling and laughter, some blank looks, a bit of competitiveness and a fair amount of whispering and general schenanigans as the teams decided on answers whilst trying to make sure no opposing teams heard them. There were some interesting questions involved too; did you know that Scotland’s national animal is none other than the unicorn? Absolute fact… the Unicorn! Thank you to all who joined us, and well done to the “Happy Foursome” of Colin & Bernice Burden and David & Clare Langstone who won 1st Prize!

Work is continuing with our new braai area, and it should be ready to inaugurate at Friday Night Lights. Of course, the weather forecast is not looking too great at the moment, so we’ll make a call by tomorrow afternoon as to whether we’ll be bowling and braaing or not. Hold thumbs for some good weather for us!

Another item to keep a lookout for is our Youth Day plans on the 16th of June. We’re inviting any youngsters between the ages of 10 and 18 to join us for a morning of bowls; each child will be paired with an adult for 2 sessions of 8 ends of 2 bowl pairs. We’re hoping to full our greens to capacity as it would be so amazing to see some young faces on the greens and to introduce children and teens to our sport. Anybody who would like to be involved on the day can contact Wendy on 071 353 2866 for more information.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Tuesday, 16 May: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h45
Friday, 19 May : Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15 (Book with Wendy on 071 353 2866)
Friday, 26 May : Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45
Saturday, 3 June : Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs. Tabs in 13h15

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h45
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Pictured here: Club President Kevin Palmer and Londiwe Mvelase

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

Larry Soffer, the leading mentalist in Africa, believes that anyone can turn their hobbies, interests, and side hustles into successful careers, given the right mindset and approach.

Larry's philosophy is simple: what you put out into the world, directly reflects what you get back. He strongly believes that if you do something that brings joy and happiness to others, it will eventually lead to triumphs and fulfilment in your own life.

Whether you enjoy baking cakes on the weekends, helping others with their writing editing, or sewing new clothes, this Cape Town based entertainer is keen to help others take their passions to the next level. Not only will these tips help you earn a decent income from a full-time, successful career, but it will help to positively touch the lives of others.

Here are Larry’s three tips to turn your hobbies and side hustles into a full-time successful career:

1. Firstly, don’t be afraid to take the plunge

Deciding to pack up your existing job and instead make your hobby into a full-time career is not easy, but don’t let fear stand in your way. The first step towards turning your passion into a successful, income generating career is to believe in yourself and your abilities.

I started performing magic tricks when I was 13 years old, first at children’s birthday parties and then at local restaurants. I always felt I could do much better and carried on perfecting my performances. Very soon my acts caught the attention of local newspapers and I began making a name for myself amongst the who's who of Cape Town.

An entertainment agent then heard about me and hired me to perform at a party, which was attended by Jay-Z and Beyoncé. I was only in my twenties, but I haven’t looked back since, having gone on to perform around the world for other celebrities, presidents and even royalty. The only way I was able to transform my passion into a career was by believing in myself and taking the next step towards big and better things.

2. Find a deeper purpose

It is important to align your work with your purpose, as without it there is no drive to push through and achieve your goals. Purpose not only helps to drive you, but it also acknowledges the help you give to others, making what you do valuable.

My one and only passion of entertaining others and making them laugh was more than just a hobby from the very onset.

There was nothing else I would rather do and nothing else that interested me more. Even better though, was that while doing what I loved, I could spread joy and happiness to others.

Wanting to do things for short lived fame on social media for example, where the only purpose is status, fame or money never lasts long and has little gravity in changing the world for the better. The key to living a fulfilled and purposeful life and maintaining a successful career, is finding a deeper purpose that positively contributes to the lives of others.

I remember a guy once came up to me at an event to tell me he kept the spoon that I had twisted two years before. This spoon reminded him that there is more to life, and anything is possible if you put your mind to it, and this concept kept him rehabilitated from drugs. It is just mind-blowing to see the impact my work has on others.

3. Never strop promoting and networking

It is important to build your personal brand and to create a unique identity that sets you apart from others. Your brand should reflect your values, personality, and style as this will make you stand out and attract your ideal audience.

I always treated my career like a business, and never viewed myself as a struggling artist hoping for occasional gigs. Instead, I continue to actively work on developing my skills and knowledge, taking courses, and studying topics like sales, pitching, marketing, and branding.

By putting in the hard work, you grow and adapt as the times changed. Even when I was performing at local restaurants, I was dishing out my business cards to other diners in the hope someone will contact me later - and it worked.

Remaining committed and resolute is the biggest keys to success, so take time to learn about your chosen field and your competition, as well as the economy, and your customers. Attend industry events, reach out to others in your field, and build relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals.

Larry Soffer’ success as the leading Mentalist in Africa serves as an inspiration to many. He is a true testament to the fact that with the right mindset and approach, combined with hard work and commitment, anyone can transform their side hustle and interests into a successful, long-term career.

For more on how Larry Soffer inspires his audiences to believe in the impossible so that can achieve their dreams, follow @LarrySoffer or visit his website for more information at www.larrysoffer.com.

Supplid.

“Playing cards is a bit like fishing. You never know what is going to come up.”

Living in Howick at Elizabeth Gardens (instead of way out of town on a farm) means that Linda Crooks can indulge her love of card playing many times a week. She acknowledges that few people want to drive all the way out on the dusty roads for a game of cards. The move happened five years ago when her husband, Fred, became very frail and caring for him was exhausting. He has since passed on.

Linda was born in Manchester, England, into a creative family. Linda often played card games like Happy Families during the long dark winters with her siblings, or on the trains to and from boarding school and holiday trips down to Devon. Her father was a journalist and broadcaster for BBC, and her mother, Grace, a painter, and illustrator. “They really shouldn’t have had children, but we all survived.” Aged 15, Linda’s mum whisked her off to Rhodesia and there was never any mention of school after that. Linda found employment in the arty circles her mother moved in, and particularly loved the uniform she wore for her job as an usher, showing people to their seats at the theatre. In Bulawayo, where there was a thriving art scene, she worked as a window dresser, at exhibitions, the opera and in film studios. After the war, young men from all over the world were posted in Rhodesia. Usually, they bought a motorbike with their first pay check and were keen on company for drives out in the country. “In those post-war days, the roads were just two strips of tarmac, if a car came, the bike had to stay on one strip, the car had to have two wheels on sand and two on the strip.” recalls Linda. There were dances to go to, swimming at the Bulawayo pool, “I was young, naïve and free, it was such fun” she remembers.

Travel was cheap on the boats and Linda occasionally went back to England to study or visit family. Although there were plenty of people playing bridge on the deck, Linda was not yet interested in cards. “I couldn’t see my way to living in England. It was so boring. It still is. If the bus is not on time, it’s a big deal.”

In the 50s they moved to Hillbrow in Johannesburg where her mother worked at the Art College. By then Linda had trained as a dress designer and pattern cutter and easily found work in the many small business designing clothes in the district. Fred Crooks attended evening classes run by her mother and ‘very conveniently’ offered to drive Grace home after class, in order to bump into lovely Linda.

After they married, Fred left his job as a scientist with CSIR and started designing and building houses on spec. Luckily, Linda loved gardening and with her creative eye made the spaces appealing and easy to sell. It did mean that there was a lot of packing up and moving around. They had four children, and Linda loved being a mother. After a few decades, Fred got bored with building and decided to go farming – first in timber and then in kiwi fruit (in an inappropriate climate). “I never met anyone like Fred. He did not wait around to see what life would do, he just made things happen himself. I am pleased that all my children are the same.” Well known Midlander, Nick Crooks, creator of The Old Mushroom Farm, is her son.

Nowadays, Linda plays bridge two or three times a week, much to her delight. “You have to adjust your idea about the possibilities of winning each round of cards because every deal is different. It makes for a certain brain agility. I find it invigorating, not knowing what your next deal will be. Other players might be strict about not chatting, but we don't have rules of that sort. We have loads of fun. All sorts of people play, but the problem with good card partners at our age is that they sometimes disappear!” she laughs.

When she hasn’t got a game on the go, Linda professes to do as little as possible – a few chores, fiddling around with plants, watching a wide range of news channels to understand what is important in different parts of the world. “It’s a funny thing about getting older. You know you should do all sorts of things, but you don’t.”

Author credit: Nikki Brighton

'How awesome is it when four different organisations come together for one purpose, to catch and sterilise as many feral cats in and around Margate?!

We had a hugely succesful steri clinic in which the Lower South Coast SPCA let us use their premises, #PACT and #TAWI came in to trap cats with the help of a few locals, and we managaed to sterilise 82 cats in two days!' reflected Midmar Vet Clinic.

Mweni Mountain Marathon is a 40km proper mountain adventure suitable ONLY for the experienced trail runner and/or hiker. The route shows off the architectural marvels of Mnweni: the great buttresses, basalt colonnades, and masonry gargoyles and spires.

Daniel Jonck, a Grade 11 student, was the youngest participant in this marathon yesterday. We are proud of his achievement and representation of Treverton's love of the Outdoors.

Supplied.

We are aware of how there are big topics and changes happening in the world around us. Our children, being so perceptive as they are, are coming home with big questions and are needing safe places to talk and ask questions. Sometimes us as parents need some equipping to help answer hard questions that we have never had to address before. Which is why we are hosting a parent equip night on "Parenting through big identity questions" We are priviliged to have Dr Trish Fiandeiro and Proffesor Reitze Rodseth lead us in informative discussions on how to address hard topics, specifically identity questions.

Please join us at the Oasis Campus on the 31 May 2023, at 6pm.

Please join us in welcoming Inspector Kevin Khumalo to the uMngeni SPCA team.

With his passion for all animals and special interest in livestock, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our organisation. As an SPCA inspector, Kevin will play a vital role in investigating and preventing animal cruelty and neglect cases.

The uMngeni SPCA is thrilled to have Kevin on board, and we look forward to working with him to make a positive difference in the lives of animals in our community.

Together with our team of dedicated staff and volunteers, we will continue to work tirelessly to promote animal welfare and to create a more compassionate world for all creatures great and small.

The idiom (cliche) tells us that "we are only as strong as our weakest link". Fortunately, our links are all strong!

We are truly grateful for the amazing team that has grown around us, without whom we could not possibly have endured and grown as we have!

So, let's introduce the Hi-Q Howick Team to you!

Heading up the operation is founder and owner of Hi-Q Howick. Gary will mostly be found in the reception area manning the sales desk - although he spends much time in the workshop overseeing the work. Gary is passionate about his business and loves trouble shooting and problem-solving for customers.

Graydon Norris (I should probably introduce him as Chuck as I don't think even he knows himself as Graydon anymore!) Chuck is our multi-talented counter salesperson who always has a story to tell. (Just don't get him started on his band days....)

Aronel Beukes - our behind-the-scenes lady. You may come across her in reception making herself and her colleagues a cup of coffee, but normally Aronel is hidden up in her "office with a view" above the workshop making sure that all our admin is in order.

Shane Rykart (aka Ken) – Shane joined Hi-Q Howick a year ago as our alignment technician. We are truly fortunate to have him in our team as he is a genuine expert in his field.

Sibusiso Ndlovu – (aka Sbu) has been with us from the very outset and is an invaluable part of the Hi-Q Howick team. He is our legendary and dreadlocked star welder.

Sibonelo Sikhakhane (aka Mechanic) – has also been with us from Day One! He is our general all-round workshop and tyre guy, stepping in and stepping up wherever he is needed.

Ceboh Xulu (aka Shifting) – there’s a story behind all the nicknames, all in jest! Shifting is the tallest staff member in the workshop! Shifting is also our general all-rounder, helping wherever he can in the workshop.

Tristian Uys (aka Barbie) – our most recent addition to the team, this sailor boy has made his services available to The Greater Ambers on behalf of Hi-Q Howick and we are grateful for his initiative and positive input!

Zandile Mvubu – Zandile’s smiling face is ever-present around the shop, whether she’s keeping things clean and tidy or making sure that there is a constant supply of coffee, popcorn, and slushy.

The Hi-Q Howick Team 
Back: Gary and Graydon/Chuck
Middle: Tristian, Ceboh/Shifting and Shane
Front: Sbu, Zandile and Sibonelo/Mechanic)

'We were contacted by a 'new to us' organisation from the north coast to come and sterilise 30 dogs. Sables Creatures is another amazing organisation with awesome volunteers who ran such an organised 3 day steri clinc.

We left Merrivale bright and early on Friday morning only to discover there was an accident on the freeway which had completely closed it. After a long diversion, roadworks on the N3 and more roadwords on the N2 we finally arrived in Kwadakuza at about 11.30!! We were working in a municipal building and the 8 dogs were waiting, not so patiently, so with the help of the Sables volunteers we set up quickly and got started. Of course we were also in the middle of loadshedding, thankfully they had taken this into consideration and were using a generator. At the end of the day the dogs that had been booked in for Saturday had all started coughing so they wanted to make sure they were healthy enough for surgery so we headed off to check them out. Dr Lee started them all on antibiotics and gave the go ahead for them to be sterilised.We woke up to an amazing sunrise from our very comfortable accomodation. As we were working in the same venue we had left our tables set up so were able to get started by 8.30. We did 7 dogs and then sent them all home before the 5 coughing dogs came in. We also treated a few bite wounds as well as tick and flea treatment.

We had to move venue for Sunday as there was a church service booked. The new venue also had a church service happening in the main hall, while we worked in a room next door listening to the church singing. One of the dogs also joined in the singing. We sterilsed another 10 dogs which completed the 30 dogs booked. What a succesful clinic! Huge thanks to all at #SablesCreatures as well as Dierk and Rose who arranged our accomodation. There is such a need in the Kwadakuza area and they are doing an amazing job.'  said or Midmar Vet Clinic reporter.

Well done to Dr Lee Pachonick and the whole team!

More about Midmar Vet Clinic

Good morning everyone. HARTS had it’s monthly meeting on Monday. We had a fantastic turnout and welcomed some new members and visitors.

I am so delighted to announce the winners of the Asselberg cup for the May theme under the microscope. In first place we have Peter Croxton.

Second place is Avril Invernizzi.

In joint third we have Gail Peckham and Robyn Koopman.

Well done everyone. Watch this space for the other members who submitted art into the Asselberg Cup. We are so excited for the next meeting.

More information available on 076 981 7458 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Stan is the man sitting in the wheelchair in the bright and breezy Greendale House entrance area.

This has been his favourite spot since he lost his leg a few years ago. “It is an interesting place to spend a few hours, I like the view and there are always nice people passing to chat to,” he says.

Stan was born at number 44 Berg Street in Pietermaritzburg (an only child), but grew up in Durban where he attended Glenwood Boys High. Stan has always been a keen sportsman - playing soccer, rugby, tennis, enjoying athletics and surfing. In Durban he played right fullback for numerous clubs including for Queenspark, Railways and Stella. After he married his wife Pam, he took up a post with the Colonial Service in Basotholand (now Lesotho). Here he played rugby for Basotholand on Saturdays and on Sunday played soccer for the Maseru team.

In 1995, Stan and Pam moved to Howick where several friends had retired. “I always said I wouldn’t mind living here, there are all sorts of people. We were very happy living opposite the Catholic Church.” Fortunately, friends advised them to put their names down on the HADCA list, so they were able to move to no 51 Elizabeth Gardens after a few years.

Sadly, despite her general good health, Pam discovered she had cancer in 2017 and died just 6 weeks after the diagnosis. Stan stayed at Elizabeth Gardens for a while, but increasingly had problems with his leg. “If I sat too long, I couldn’t feel my toes,” he remembers, “it was a blood clot that wouldn’t dissolve, so my leg was amputated.” Now Stan lives in B Wing at Greendale House, where he doesn’t have to worry about cooking or shopping or sorting out the garden. “One would go a long way to beat the care I receive here. I miss my wife’s company – we could sit quietly together for hours, or discuss what we read in the paper. But I am not complaining, I have had a good, satisfying life.”

Nowadays, Stan enjoys watching the Sharks on TV, and cricket and soccer. “I don’t miss being part of the games. Everything has changed so much, and sport is so commercial now.” Stan does still have old sports injuries plaguing his missing leg. “I know it is not there, but right now I can feel my ankle is sore.” This phenomenon is known as Phantom Limb Syndrome. It is common for amputees to feel sensations in a limb that has been removed.

Next time you wander down the passage to lunch, or bingo or the sing-a-long on Thursdays, say hello to Stan, the 91-year-old man catching up on the sports news in The Witness newspaper on his lap.

Author credit: Nikki Brighton

Remember to love where you live. Love local and tell everyone about the small businesses in Howick that delight you. This newsletter highlights more ways you can do business in your neighbourhood with awesome locals.

'In a world where you can buy anything from anywhere, shop where you live.'

If you have some stories to share about the local businesses you rely on day after day, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Meanwhile please subscribe to grow this local loving tribe in the centre of uMngeni.

Read the newsletter online.

And this is your last change to BOOK your annual Howick Covered print advert for Edition 9, coming out mid-winter in 2023.

#LoveLocalRealHard

We’ve had a little bit of a quieter week at UWBC for a change.

Wednesday’s tabs in and Hillbillies were a bit rained out. Of course, that didn’t put too much of a damper on things as there was lots of socializing and fun inside the clubhouse instead. On Saturday we played our monthly Greendale Drawn Trips/Pairs. Whilst we had a small field, there was no shortage of banter and laughter on the greens and it was a great afternoon of bowls. Thanks to our sponsor Greendale Spar and well done to:-

1st Place:- Neil Wright, Shane Lines & Jo Boonzaier
2nd Place:- Ed Sharpe, Koos Marais & Catherine Rennie

We also need to take a minute to congratulate Colin Burden and Steve Smith who represented our club in the pairs section at the BSA Nationals Competition over the weekend. The standard of bowls was amazing! They played five games over 2 days of which they won two, but bear in mind two of the teams they played against were Springbok bowlers. What a great experience for them to pit their skills against the best of the best and they certainly managed to make an impression on the teams they played against. Not only was it fantastic to see our club represented at this competition, but our Natal Inland District was well represented with some excellent results for the district. Good Luck to Colin who will be playing in the singles section later in the week!

Aside from the bowls excitement we’ve also been busy with a new “mini project”. On Thursday we started the brick work for a new braai area… well, to say the gents are excited would be an understatement. There has been a lot of discussion around the new braai discussing design and airflow, number of people who will be able to braai at once, whether we can incorporate a spit braai too. I suspect that we’ll have to change the term “braai master” to “braai engineer” soon! It will certainly be a festive event when we inaugurate it!

As for what’s coming up, on the 13th of May we have a fun quiz night planned. Entry is R50 per person including vetkoek and mince for dinner, starting at 5.30pm. This event is open to members and visitors and teams are limited to 4 people. If you do not have a team of four we’ll happily include you in one of ours. Please contact Wendy on 071 353 2866 for more information or to book.

That’s all for this week… see you on the greens!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 10 May: Halfway Toyota Drawn Pairs 4-3-2-1. Tabs In 13h15
Saturday, 13 May: Quiz Night starting at 17h30
Tuesday, 16 May: J Leslie Smith & Co Nominated Pairs 2-4-2. Tabs In 08h15
Friday, 19 May: Friday Night Lights. Tabs In 17h15 (Book with Wendy on 071 353 2866)
Friday, 26 May: Dormehl Nominated 2 Bowl Trips. Tabs In 08h45

Regular tabs in times are:-
Tuesdays at 08h15
Wednesdays at 13h15
Saturdays at 13h15.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact Wendy on 071 353 2866

Coaching by registered coaches is available: Contact Colin or Bernice on 071 164 3162 for further information.

Pictured here: Winners of the Greendale Spar Drawn Trips/Pairs, Neil Wright, Shane Lines & Jo Boonzaier

More about Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club

'We congratulate Callum Moran (U18) and Logan Reece (U16) who have been selected to represent Country Districts Rugby teams!' Howick High announced this fine achievement.

Well done boys!

Second and third degree burns on day five of a Drakensberg Grand Traverse did not mar an amazing experience for Howick teenager, Daniel Jonck, a Grade 11 student at Treverton College.

Dan spilt a cup of hot water, burning the top of his foot. That night he endured significant pain, at this point many people would have conceded victory to the mighty mountains, but Dan remained committed to the rest of the planned 15-day journey. By loosening the dressing, he found he could manage the discomfort and with his group of ten, continued to clock almost twenty kilometres daily. They finished the entire 250 km journey in 13 days, in good weather broken briefly by a hailstorm and subsequent 50 to 60 knot winds.

‘When he arrived home, he had to soak his foot to get it out of his sock.’ said Dan’s mom Claire Perrett.

Happily, the burns healed well, and Dan looks forward to a 40km run this coming weekend in the Mweni Mountain Marathon.

‘The sheer magnitude of the Drakensberg mountains, compared to the massive drops between them and walking over them day after day reminded me of how small I am.’ said Dan of his traverse experience.

Along with his school mates Kai Broom and Jarred van Alphen, Dan is planning a coastal hiking adventure soon.

Born for adventure to a family who love hiking and sailing, Dan chose sailing lessons over an eighth birthday party. Since then, he has completed the instructor’s course and makes time for training and racing. This passion for sailing may in part have inspired Daniel’s aspiration of studying Marine Technology in the Netherlands after school.

Lotus FM listeners will hear from Daniel today (Tuesday, 2 May 2023 at 16h30) when he will be interviewed live on radio.

You can learn more about this epic Drakensberg Grand Traverse when the documentary flights around mid-May. With footage recorded by one of the hikers, Ethan Lundy, Barry Smit is compiling this film. View the trailer here; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri23cQ3YFVk

Read Shaun Robertson's account of this 250 km Drakensberg hike; https://howickvillage.co.za/news/3628-treverton-college-kids-complete-the-250-km-drakensberg-grand-traverse

Pictured above: Daniel Jonck (Image credit Jen Townsend)

Pictured below: Drakensberg landscape (Image credit Kean Broom)