The newest Pieter-Dirk Uys show – When in Doubt, Say Darling - will have two seasons in KZN: at the Hexagon Theatre in Pietermaritzburg on 30 and 31 October and again on 6 and 7 November, and at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on Durban’s UKZN Campus, on 1,2,3,4 and again 8,9,10, 11 November 2018.

When in Doubt, Say Darling has just enjoyed a sold-out season at Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Studio and the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town.
Sometimes politics repeats itself, not only taking history and turning it into farce, but taking farce and turning into the fake news which is now called entertainment. Pieter-Dirk Uys is sorting out 40 years of distress, disguise and disgust: from apartheid to tripartite, from amandla to Nkandla - and happily back to amandla. In the boxes are wigs, glasses, wagging fingers, toyi-toyis, red berets, trump cards of madness, icons and aikonas, from Bezuidenhouts, Raubenheimers and Ramaphosas to Altzheimers. See PW Botha impersonate Jacob Zuma! Witness Dr Piet Koornhof solve the Brexit stand-off! Celebrate the appearances of Angela Merkel, Theresa May, Nowell Fine and Evita Bezuidenhout!
At a time when a casual greeting or embrace can be seen as racist or harassment, the advice is simple: when in doubt say darling. If you can't remember their names, just say darling. If you get lost along the road to somewhere, simply ask for Darling. He did it, and now Pieter-Dirk Uys also lives in Darling. Join him and many darlings on an exciting walk through this new minefield of hashtags and hate speech to the edge of the next cliff of crisis, when the end of the world seems nigh. It also used to be called a sunset, but here's a secret: the sun will also rise tomorrow, darling.
Booking is open for the Durban season through Computicket outlets; telephonic bookings on 0861 915 8000, and online bookings at www.computicket.com.

Booking is open for the Pietermaritzburg season through Webtickets.

FROM MEDIA REVIEWS:
‘You laugh gently with this figure, who slips chameleonically through eras and identities, but you also sober up and acknowledge that the turning over of decades had rendered Uys an important elder of the theatre community. A unique and irreplaceable one. And this reason, as well as all the others, makes it unequivocally a work to cherish.’ – Robyn Sassen / My View / 24.4.2018
‘When in Doubt Say Darling helps you to smile at what is happening in our country and realizing: it is your state of mind, your own sense of having fun, and finding the dark comedy and satire in many real-life situations that keeps us going. Strongly recommended. And when in doubt, just buy a ticket.’ -

Leon van Nierop / What’s on in Joburg / 24.2.2018
‘Pieter-Dirk Uys can be described as the gift that keeps on giving. A one-man artist who has perfected his craft, Uys has a wonderful rapport with his audience, punctuating his stories with some naughty asides and infectious laughter. There is still plenty of life in this ‘old’ man and may he remain the satirical genius he had proven to be.’ - Peter Feldman / Artslink / 5.4.2018

‘Pieter-Dirk Uys and the satire that kept a country laughing. Watching him on stage is always an experience. All the more reason to see it live.’ - Masego Panyane / Star Tonight / 17.4. 2018
‘

Charming, chilling and confrontational Mr Uys. He understands he has a broader horizon behind him than ahead and he dusts off old targets to remind audiences that bad politics easily reinvents itself as a democratic solution. He offers audiences an opportunity to laugh at their fears, to confront fear, to understand it and prevent it from winning. Courage, honesty, compassion, healthy anger, information, respect and maybe a talent to amuse, are his keys to success.’ - Diane de Beer / Business Day / 27. 3. 2018

‘Once again Uys inspires because he is in familiar territory with rolled up sleeves. He is not yet done with his beloved country and its people. Uys always works with humour, a deep insight and compassion without mincing words.’ - Laetitia Pople / Die Burger (translated) / 31.3 2018
‘Providing both commentary of the past 24 years of us being a democracy, as well as observing South Africans in all our wackiness, don’t be surprised if Uys eventually outlives us all.’ - Steyn du Toit / Business Day / 30 3.2018
‘Magical moments in a life well-lived. Good stuff, Mr Uys!’ - Lesley Stones / Daily Maverick / 2.4.2018

Internationally recognized South African musician Guy Buttery, will join Dr Kanada Narahari, a prominent music therapist who specialises in creating passionate sitar-based compositions, on the Schlesinger Theatre, Michaelhouse stage on Friday, 9 November 2018 for an evening of dynamic and unique music as the cultures of these two diverse artists collide.

As the first non-classical artist to receive the Standard Bank Young Artist Award this year, Guy is deemed as somewhat of a global ambassador of SA music, leading the way with his homegrown style at the heart of his music.

Kanada is a passionate and renowned Sitar player and vocalist. He pursued an early interest in Hindustani Classical music that lead him to a career as an Ayurvedic Doctor, allowing him to incorporate his love for music into his therapeutic practice. He currently performs his Indian-inspired therapeutic rhythms for audiences through-out India, Nepal and SA.

Together Guy and Kanada bring the diversity of two very different musical worlds together presenting an evening of rich and unique music. The duo have performed together on a number of occasions, including at the 2018 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the 2018 Hilton Arts Festival and most recently at The Elizabeth Sneddon theatre in Durban.

Drawing on Guy’s well-known local talent, and Kanada’s Indian inspiration, the Schlesinger Theatre, Michaelhouse welcomes a fusion of African and Indian culture in a musical experience you can't afford to miss, taking place on Friday, 9 November 2018. Tickets are R120 per person. For more information or to book your spot contact Angela on (033) 234 1314 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tickets are also available online at www.tickethut.co.za.

News supplied.

Howick High School announced the Head Prefects for 2019 at their Prizegiving and Speech Nights held on Friday, 12 October.

Pictured from(L-R): Nathaniel Napier – Deputy Head Boy; Robert Pike – Head Boy, Jessica Meyer – Head Girl, Kelly Kendall – Deputy Head Girl.

News supplied by Howick High School.

Thinking of end-of-year corporate Gifts?  The are the perfect gift to remind the receiver of Africa and its wildlife.

We deliver anywhere in SA.

We are based at 44 Main Street, Howick, KZN, 3290 

Open 8am-4pm .

www.maridadidesigns.co.za 

033 330 5658 .

A classic Pewter cheese knife accompanied by a cheese board is the perfect gift for enjoying gorgeous meals with families and friends.

We deliver anywhere in SA.

News supplied by Maridadi Design.

Deryck Davies who lives in North Wales, UK is trying to find Tim Ward, an ex-employer of 40 years ago whom he knows lives somewhere in Howick.

Tim Ward and Deryck Davies worked at Buckingham Palace between 1976 and 1978, he as ADC to Prince Charles and I as his Valet.

Pictured here above is  Tim Ward and below is Deryck Davies.

Find Deryck on Facebook or email him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please help us make a difference
to this beautiful cause, if you have old teddies
that are in need of new homes....

Do you remember the safety & comfort your teddy bear
brought to you as a child?

Daily, in South Africa, children are being badly injured and/or highly traumatised in road accidents.

In 1998 Frank Saltmarsh, who works for ER24, through sheer passion, carried on an idea of a colleague's & turned it into an extremely important cause.
Frank stocks his ambulances with teddies & when he comes across a child involved in an accident, the child is gifted a teddy bear, right there & then.
This simple act of kindness has proven to be a lifeline for so many little humans, who are finding hope, support & security in their cuddly friends... Frank is trying to get his initiative adopted by other ambulance companies & also for children who have been raped or who have witnessed traumatic events.

We, at The Cookhouse, would really like to help Frank continue his efforts. Apparently the more the better, so please drop off your teddies at any of
The Cookhouse stores, next time you're close-by. Remember the teddies do not even need to be in great condition.

Please take the time to do this if you have teddies at home - Frank says these children hold on to their new friends for dear life, so your teddy will certainly be needed & truly loved.

Thanking you in advance,
Tanya Nicolson
& The Cookhouse Family

3A Mare Street, Howick &

Shop 101, Oxford Village, Hillcrest &
Shop 6, 39 Hilton Ave. Hilton
Central Contact: 079 144 6982
thecookhouse.co.za
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

Another beautiful collection of 5 gardens that will be open this weekend 3,4 November in Dargle as part of the Open Midlands Gardens.

STIHL Harcourts Real Estate (SA) Harcourts Hilton Open Gardens of South Africa

News supplied.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 10th of October, I found myself sitting in a garden amongst beautiful trees and flowers, indulging in a scrumptious slice of cheesecake accompanied by a cup of coffee made by the hands of the most joyful women I have perhaps ever come across. Amber Avenue Guesthouse hosted their first tea garden for the community on this lovely sunny afternoon, all for just a penny of R25. The atmosphere was one of pure joy and tranquility, secluded from the disturbance of the outside world. Here it was only us and nature, all one in the same. Hushed conversations lingered in the air as to not break the sacred vow of silence and peace. I was welcomed by the friendliest staff and seated at a small coffee table in a lovely shaded spot. Away from their responsibilities and concerns, people gathered around to enjoy an escape; an hour or two dedicated to sit amongst the trees and the flowers, and to enjoy good company from their fellow neighbor. I questioned myself on whether I was ever going to leave, for I felt at home. It was a successful and loving afternoon, one that was definitely well spent. I can only hope that we’d be so lucky to be welcomed back into Amber Avenue Guesthouse’s garden of tranquility and internal abundance; a sacred place where our Community can get together and indulge in sweet treats, sweet company, and an even sweeter garden.

Supplied by Nikita Lollita.

Self-defence Course with Don Gold
There have been numerous requests to hold a self-defence course and we are fortunate to have one of the best self-defence instructors in South Africa living in our community. Don Gold, the Umngeni Community Safety Initiative (UCSI) NPC and Knight Security Solutions will be partnering to bring you another top class, 4-hour self-defence course.

Date: Saturday 27 October 2018
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Venue: TBC (this will be detailed in subsequent newsletters)
Cost: R200 per person (payable by Monday 23 October to secure your place)

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

Payment details for the self-defence course:
Account Name: Knight Security Solutions
Bank: Nedbank 198765
Account Number: 1136954953
Reference: Your Surname and “Self-defence”
Email proof of payment to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Numbers will be limited to 30 people max.

Tim Plewman, by public demand, once again dons the Caveman’s skins and steps onto stage to add to his record breaking slew of sold out performances of the longest-running and most successful solo comedy in South African theatre history. The Broadway production still holds the record of the longest running non-musical solo comedy of all time. This iconic production humorously exposes the hunter and gatherer in us all and has played to over a million people.

Penned by Rob Becker, Plewman adapted the script for Southern Africa and went on to win the Vita Award for Best Actor in a Comedy. Updated, upgraded and totally up-loadable to today’s world of tweets, selfies and six million Facebook friends, this production is still an hilarious, affectionate and insightful comedy that explains why men and women see the world so differently, and will have you looking at your partner with new eyes. After years of hearing that all men are assholes, the Caveman once again stands up to be counted. And being a troglodyte, standing upright is not an easy thing to do!!

Tim has become one of the most sought after actors in SA, equally at home in drama or comedy. He is an actor, dancer, writer, humourist, director and producer. Since his first leading role in 1978, Tim his remained at the very top of the acting world for over 30 years starring in plays, musicals and TV shows. He has won five Best Actor/ Best Director Awards, has written two books and a half dozen plays and TV specials. His book, “Fitness For Old Farts”, reached No 10 on the best sellers list in SA, and he does motivational speaking countrywide inspiring the over 50’s to regain fitness, flexibility and fun. Tim is delighted to be performing again his favourite role, “Caveman”.

Tim's legendary show, Defending the Caveman, crossed the divides of race, gender, age, culture and religion to become a South African icon, the only show to become one of the things you have to see if visiting the country, along with the Big Five, Cape Town and a gold mine.

Tim Plewman’s fabulous one man show: Defending the Caveman – returns to KZN playing at the Hex in Pietermaritzburg on Friday 2 Nov and at the Black Rock Tsogo Sun in Newcastle on Sat Nov 3. Booking is now open through Computicket.

Portrait photos by Val Adamson.

News supplied.

Howick High School was honoured to welcome past pupil Ann Ashworth, nee Boniwell, class of 2001 and winner of the 2018 Comrades Marathon, as the Guest Speaker at their Annual Speech Night and Prizegiving which took place on Friday, 12 October.

Ann highlighted the importance of community spirit - caring about fellow community members and taking an interest in, and supporting, their success. She urged us not to sit on the sidelines but to make good things happen - in other words "Just do it"!

Pictured From L to R:  Mrs Ann Ashworth; Mrs Lauren Farquharson.

News supplied by Howick High School.

Ins and outs of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in every cell in the body, where it helps to produce cell membranes, hormones (such as estrogen, cortisol and testosterone), vitamin D, and bile acids which are the final break-down products of cholesterol. Cholesterol also plays a vital role in brain structure and function, as 25% of the body’s total cholesterol is found in the human brain. We cannot live without cholesterol and thus it is a friend not a foe!

When a doctor sends off a blood sample for a “lipogram”, the two lipoproteins that are routinely reported are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein), but what are the implications when these levels are deemed to be too high or too low? And how does it affect blood vessel walls? Are the statin drugs that are prescribed by doctors to lower cholesterol levels the best solution? What is the relationship between chronic inflammation in the body and cholesterol? Is there a link between cholesterol levels and depression, violence and aggression? How safe is the use of statin drugs described by doctors to lower cholesterol levels?
These are just a few examples of the topics that Nola will cover in her in depth talk about the role and importance of cholesterol.

Gut Health

In this talk Prof Nola Dippenaar will explain - in easy to understand layman’s terms – the vital role played by the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) in health – in effect the “petrol tank” of the body.
The 8 meter long GIT plays a vital role in general health. An integral part of its functioning is the presence of 2 kg of friendly bacteria, also known as the microbiome. Many pathologies (medical conditions) arise from disturbances in gut function. During this talk Nola will highlight the complex interaction between the GIT and the rest of the body - including the amazing continuous communication between our first brain and our second brain, which surrounds the GIT.
Healthy balanced nutrition, fuel for the body, will also be discussed.

Prof. Nola Dippenaar has a PhD in the field of essential fatty acids and cancer. She also has Masters degrees in Biochemistry and Physiology. She was appointed as a Professor at the University of Pretoria with the Department of Physiology and is presently running her own company, Health Insight.

Her main area of research lies in the field of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. She believes passionately that through understanding and insight into the functioning of the human body one is empowered to take responsibility for one’s precious health.

Pictured above: Prof. Nola Dippenaar.

When: Wednesday, 31 October 2018

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Presbyterian Church,

67 Main Road, Howick

NOTE: Entrance only from Fraser Street side!

Attendance Fee: R 100,00.

News supplied.

Let's be honest, who doesn't love crispy roast potatoes! Our duck fat is definitely the best ingredient to use - here is a recipe to get you feeling inspired: http://www.merriducks.com/recipes/new-potatoes-roasted-in-duck-fat

We currently sell three different styles:
500ml Jar
500ml Refill Bag
500ml Pouring Bottle

News supplied by Merriducks.

A browser in the UK, Deryck Davies, has made contact after reading two articles which we published; one of the articles (4 Sept. 2018) mentioned a little girl, Janique that sadly has Neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer. The second article (17 July 2018) 'Reach for a Dream' was of a group that helps children who suffer from life-threatening illnesses and inspires hope by helping them 'believe in the power of dreams'.

His true story below may give hope to those going through some bad times and may be of interest to other readers who may themselves be inspired to 'get involved'.

Deryck says, 'I understand of course, that not all stories have a happy ending and for those families that do not, you are in my thoughts.

My daughter has wanted to be a doctor, a particular type of doctor since she was five years old. Her dream is to qualify as a Paediatric Oncologist.

When 18 months old she was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and had a 'grapefruit-sized tumor' (surgeon's words) in her chest. Chemotherapy did no good so surgery was the only route left. After nine hours in surgery, the tumor (and two ribs) were removed and ten days later she was home. Two further operations at six and ten years old, both around nine hours again and involving three teams of surgeons (Oncology, Neuro, and Orthopedic) removed tumor residue from within her spinal column and she had two 30cm rods put in her back.

We were helped after the first operation by a group in the UK called 'Wish upon a Star' who paid for a holiday for our family (4-year-old twin boys) to get back to some normality.

My daughter, who did her week's 'work experience' during her final year at school in surgery watching operations performed by the same Neurosurgeon that operated on her, is now nineteen years old and started her medical training in September this year.

Never lose hope. Follow your dreams.

As an aside; Deryck's daughter is a fully qualified Flautist, this allows her to teach music if she so wishes, she has performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London and is a completely self-taught Portrait Artist since Nov. 2013, commented on by none other than your own (late) Winnie Mandela.'

Pictured here is her Nelson Mandela portrait completed in June 2014.

News supplied.

 A new study has begun that will examine the health of humpback dolphins to better assess the threats this species faces and prescribe an effective conservation plan.

Researchers from along South Africa’s east and south coasts gathered together at the Nelson Mandela University’s Ocean Sciences Campus in August 2018. They met to discuss how to conduct a country-wide assessment of skin diseases and other injuries observed in these dolphins.

Guided by Ocean Health Researcher, Dr Stephanie Plön, they developed a strategy to assess the diseases, ailments and injuries visible on the skin of the dolphins, and how these vary through time and space. One particularly intriguing skin disease, tattoo skin disease, presents as an intricate stippled pattern in an oval shape (see photographs).

Humpback dolphins are endangered because they only occur in a narrow band of very shallow coastal waters, close to shore, and are exposed to the negative impacts of human activities occurring both on land and the marine environment. Worrying threats include overfishing which leads to a reduction in dolphin prey, pollution from the land such as pesticides, noisy boat traffic, and shark nets. There may be as few as 500 adults left and they are slow to reproduce.

Few people have even heard of humpback dolphins, they are quite rare and shyer than their better-known cousins, the bottlenose dolphins.

Local researchers sharing concern for this species decided to join forces and formed the SouSA Consortium (the humpback dolphin’s scientific name is Sousa plumbea) in 2016. “We needed to draw the local research groups together to create a systematic, national research agenda so that we could answer questions at a more appropriate scale for conservation”, said Dr Simon Elwen from the Mammal Research Institute, University of Pretoria and SeaSearch Research and Conservation. Sixteen researchers from 12 institutions share their data and work together to improve the Dolphins’ situation.

This is a unique initiative, admired by international researcher Dr. Gill Braulik from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Cetacean Specialist Group who says “This collaborative effort is truly inspiring and our South African colleagues are leading the way.”

The dolphin researchers have been out on boats collecting photographs of humpback dolphins at 13 sites within the dolphins’ range from KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape. These photographs have already been used to determine how far and how frequently dolphins move along our coast and now the researchers have new plans.

“We are going to scrutinise the photographs for signs of skin disease as indicators of the health of the animals as well as signs of injury, either from human or natural causes,” says Nelson Mandela University’s Dr. Stephanie Plön (AEON- Earth Stewardship Science Research Institute). World leader on dolphin skin diseases, Dr. Marie-Francoise van Bressem from the Peruvian Centre for Cetacean Research, will contribute her veterinary expertise. Eyes will be peeled for gruesome sounding diseases such as Lobomycosis (caused by a fungus) and the less innocuous sounding Tattoo Skin Disease (caused by a poxvirus), and for external parasites. Other things they will be on the lookout for include evidence of shark bites, propeller injuries and amputated fins.

Photograph: Dolphin tattoos. Endangered humpback dolphins have tattoos that are caused by a poxvirus.

Photo Credit: Brett Atkins.

News supplied by Pat Fletcher, Howick resident and a member of the Humpback Dolphin research group based in Richards Bay.

Our  Funda Nenja social worker, Thandeka, does regular home visits and offers counselling for anyone who requires it. 

She also assists families to apply for various grants that they may qualify for and in some cases, she refers them to the Dept of Social Development for further assistance. 

 She has recently identified several homes who are struggling financially and are in need of clothing. In particular, boy's aged 10 - 15. If anyone can assist with secondhand boy's clothing, please contact us.

Fundanenja +27 (0)83 636 0891

News supplied by Funda Nenja.

It's promo time! Buy any one of our famously delicious sauces & receive a 300g tub of plain cooked macaroni tubes on the house.

I have always said the most useful items on our menu are the sauces. They are so versatile as they're packed full of flavour, so all the work in flavouring another dish with them, is done already...

Here's a super easy idea using the "Pizzaiola Sauce with Olives".

Pizzaiola Sauce Pizza

Using your favourite store-bought pizza bases for convenience, layer them with a generous topping of Pizzaiola Sauce. Then cover with a good sprinkling of grated mozzarella (I love using a bit of feta too).

Then bake in a 200C oven until crust is crispy & cheese is deliciously gooey! This sauce is packed full of reduced tomato, herbs, cream, garlic, sweet peppers, olives so you really don't need to add anything else. 

3A Mare Street, Howick & Shop 101, Oxford Village, Hillcrest &Shop 6, 39 Hilton Ave, Hilton Central Contact: 079 144 6982

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

This week marked another highly successful edition of WESSA uMngeni Valley’s Bush Day Care holiday programme. Situated in Howick, uMngeni Valley Nature Reserve offers guests a chance to visit both the scenic views on the 900 Hectare reserve as well as the thriving education centre which creates curriculum based education programmes for school groups of all ages, university students and non-school groups alike.

Bush Day Care is one such quarterly programme that has been a favourite of young kids, between the ages of five and ten years, in and around the greater Howick, Hilton and Pietermaritzburg areas since 2011. This theme-based programme runs for two days over shorter school holiday periods (April and September) or five days over the longer holidays (July and December) and gives parents a chance to relax at the start of the holidays safe in the knowledge that their kids will be having a fun, educational and activity filled day under the care of uMngeni Valley’s trained Education Officers.

The themes for these programmes always include a pop culture reference that kids can relate to as well as an environmental message which is why, for the two days this month (1-2 October 2018); the theme was the Dr Seuss classic, The Lorax, which deals with the issues of human impacts on the environment, specifically deforestation and pollution.

This theme allowed the 62 kids that joined the programme this month to have a fulfilling and very orange, educational programme where they enjoyed Lorax themed crafts such as face-painting, mask making and the creation of pencil holders out of recycled materials. Other highlights of the programme included activities such as a miniature obstacle course, a scenic interpretative trail and scavenger hunt through parts of the reserve, a reading of The Lorax with questions about the environmental message in the story, a cinematic movie experience of the Lorax (which included Lorax themed popcorn boxes lovingly made by the uMngeni Valley staff) and a party lunch on the last day. Those involved with the programme, both the staff and the learners, are left often heartbroken when the two days of non-stop fun come to an end.

Those looking forward to the next instalment of the programme will not have to wait too long as the next Bush Day Care programme will be conducted during the December holidays (10-14 December 2018) as well as a holiday camp for the older kids, Camp X-treme, which allows learners between the ages of eleven and sixteen years to rough it in the reserve over three days (11-13 October 2018) with activities such as orienteering and survival skills on offer. Bookings and further information for these camps can be found on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/umngenivalley) in the near future or through the uMngeni Valley bookings administrators (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 033 330 3941).

News supplied by Wessa Umgeni Valley.