It’s the last ever Pecanwood Oktoberfest Lifestyle Festival, and we want to celebrate it with you! We are going out with a bang this year, not only are we bringing you all the usual fun and festivities that the past Pecanwood Oktoberfests have brought, but we are also introducing the world’s longest Slip & Slide ride as we’ll attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records together, with a 650 metre Slip & Slide.

Come Saturday, October 20th from 10am, escape to the KZN Midlands’ Pecanwood Farm where Pecanwood Oktoberfest will be your perfect ‘get out of the city’ event, offering over 24 hours of entertainment.

Whether you are a sporting enthusiast, beer connoisseur, thrill seeker, foodie, or just want to enjoy some of South Africa’s top music acts live on stage – there is something for everyone, of all ages- this is the place to be.

The Last ever Pecanwood Oktoberfest Trail run is set to be one of the most exciting unexpected trail runs in the country. With a new and exciting 7km fun, easier run for the more relaxed runner to the more experienced seasoned “mountain goat” runner looking for a bit of a challenge, we have the 14km route as well. Both set to be sliding into history as the finish is down the Guinness book of world records slip & slide (optional). Tickets @ ROAG includes entry into the festival and camping.

In addition to the sporting experiences, there is also the exciting 4x4 show, where drivers will be putting on a unique showcase of ‘zuped’ up vehicles with top of the range Land Rover’s, courtesy of the PMB Land Rovers owners club.

This epic last edition of the Pecanwood Oktoberfest will also have a vast selection of beers from around the country, along with a Wine and Coffee Tasting tent featuring coffees from around the world.

Jack Daniels will be treating you to his famous Old No 7 whiskey as well the G&T Garden courtesy of Fitch and Leedes and Hendricks Gin.

For those not wanting to let the day end, festival goers have the option of bringing their own tent and camp for free.

Tickets, available at Webtickets at are just only R200 per person, and include your camping spot!

Visit www.pecanwoodoktoberfest.com for more information.

The event is open to persons of all ages - so bring your families and come and enjoy a weekend of non-stop fun. T’s & C’s apply. #worldrecordslip&slide.

“FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND, WE HAVE CCTV AND A SECURITY GUARD”. To avoid the taxi rank, please use Bell Street. Drive past the “Former Shoprite Building”, take the first left, and first left again and you will find us on the complex on the left.

News supplied by Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

MY FATHER’S COAT is the realisation of Michael Charton’s decade-long ambition to make the incredible story, that is South African history, more accessible to our people. To open the hearts of South Africans to our past, so that we may use our story no longer as a tool to inspire hatred and fear and division, but rather as a source of unity and healing.
Accordingly, his idea was to condense the epic narrative of our country into a bite-size story which is both compelling and accurate. A monumental and time-consuming challenge, but one which has given rise to a very unique product, providing new order and meaning to a notoriously complex subject.
But importantly, this is no history lecture. Instead, this is a story. A human story told by climbing into the boots of five prominent, interwoven, protagonists spanning two hundred turbulent years: Mzilikazi, Kruger, Rhodes, Smuts and Mandela. Never before has our past been
explored in this manner.
Michael’s passion saw him leave behind the life of
a Chartered Accountant in order to make this
project happen. This passion shines through in
his delivery. For this is a unique life experience:
An opportunity to reflect on our past and to
celebrate the fascinating peoples with whom
we share this beautiful country.

News supplied by Howick High School.

Imagine being able to make a difference to the life of a child with every step you take? That is exactly what Pietermaritzburg-based NPC, the Southern Lodestar Foundation, is hoping to achieve with their ‘One Run. One Life’ initiative.

Set to be piloted at the 2018 Karkloof 100-miler, KZN’s premier 100-mile ultra-marathon, taking place on the 21-23 September, the initiative will enable runners taking on the ultra-distance to make a positive impact on the life of primary school children at the same time. Just by entering the 100-mile event, each participant will indirectly feed a child at Khipinkunzi Primary School in St Lucia (Dukuduku District), Northern KZN, for seven years – the duration of their primary school journey and the most important phase of growth and development in a young child’s life.

So, for every runner, that’s an average of 1820 meals for one child over the course of seven years. With over a hundred runners set to take part in the 100-miler, the projected reach of ‘One Run. One Life’ project is vast.

The first of its kind in South Africa, the project hopes to kick-start a movement within the country’s running community, affording ordinary people the opportunity to make a difference just by doing what they love, running.

Founded in 2017 with the objective of improving health awareness with an emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and sport, along with striving to eradicate malnutrition, the Southern Lodestar Foundation, powered by Millhouse – a leading supplier of customised quality vitamin and mineral blends for the food industries in Africa - believes that a solid nutritional foundation from a young age is key to a healthy and successful future. All three founders of the Foundation, Andre Redinger (47), Matt Dove (34) and Robert Graham (47) are passionate ultra-marathon runners, having competed in some of the world’s toughest events. Through running, their aim is to inspire a generation of young South Africans to understand the importance of proper nutrition and to see running as a tool to change their lives for the better.

“The ‘One Run. One Life’ project is a means to deliver this objective,” explains Matt Dove.

“In the same way a child needs the correct nutrition as they grow in order to keep going and do the best they can do, to flourish and be the best they can be; so too does a runner attempting an extreme distance like 100-miles, need determination, motivation and a purpose to keep going and do the best they can do. We’re hoping ‘One Run. One Life’ becomes their purpose and inspires each runner to dig deeper and go one step further by giving them an opportunity to change someone else’s life,” says Dove.    

With the roll-out of ‘One Run. One Life’ at the Karkloof100 just days away, Karkloof 100 co-race director, Andrew Booth of KZN Trail Running says: “Karkloof 100 is incredibly proud to be a part of this initiative. Running in our country is driven by people with big hearts and we know they’re going to get behind ‘One Run. One Life’ with the same amount of energy and enthusiasm they put into running.”

“Our partnership with the Southern Lodestar Foundation is still in its infancy but we see huge potential to assist them with the incredible work they already do and their future plans to inspire change throughout Southern Africa,” added Booth.

Spectators are welcome to show their support for runners taking on the 100-mile challenge this weekend as the route has many great viewing points such as Benvie Gardens, Yard 41 in Howick and 11 Karkloof. For more information about the race visit www.karkloof100.co.za.

Grade 9 Epworth School music pupil, Alida Esterhuizen, will be giving a free 40-minute piano recital at St Luke’s Anglican Church in Howick on Wednesday 19 June at midday. She will perform works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, Grieg, Ginestera and Hans Roosenschoen.

Alida started piano lessons with her mother, who is a piano tutor, at the age of four. When she was six, she started piano lessons under the tuition of Mrs Bea van der Sandt and from the age of 11, she attended various masterclasses with Dr Liezl-Maret Jacobs. She has done musical examinations every year since she was nine, achieving distinctions for piano, recorder, violin and for several ensemble performances. She has also competed in several eisteddfods, winning her age category every year. In 2016, she performed as a recorder soloist with the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra at the Young Performers’ Concert.

Alida is currently a piano pupil of David Orr who is Head of Music at Epworth School. She also plays recorder, violin, and flute and is a member of the school’s string ensemble. Some of her most noteworthy achievements this year include being the winner of the under 14 age group for piano at the Queensburgh Eisteddfod and runner-up in the Senior Piano Category in the Pretoria Eisteddfod. Most recently, she has been selected to take part in the Atterbury National Piano Competition which will take place in Pretoria in October.

Hear Alida in concert at St Luke's Anglican Church in Howick on Wednesday, 19 September 2018 at 12.00pm.

News supplied

Howick Pre-Primary School has reached the wonderful milestone of 40 years of service to our community. In order to celebrate this fabulous achievement we are inviting our local community to join us for an amazing event.

Howick Pre-Primary School will be hosting Cat Simoni at Cranford Country Lodge for an evening of fantastic entertainment and food.

The event will take place on Thursday 11 October 2018 with pre-drinks being served from 17h30.

The ticket price for the event is R320 pp and will include a fabulous 3 course meal, complementary wine on the tables as well as top class entertainment by Cat Simoni.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your staff, friends, co-workers and family along to the event of the year. Table bookings are available and each table will seat 10 people.

If you would like more information or to book your table please contact us on 033 330 3605 or pop us an email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you there.

News supplied by Howick Pre Primary School.

SPRING has definitely SPRUNG  …. By Thursday the cold front made its appearance, Friday was a Misty morning, a Sunny early afternoon and looked like we were getting ready for a mammoth thunder storm by 4pm. On Saturday it virtually rained for most of the day and by Sunday morning the surrounding mountain ranges had snow on it. Despite this, we managed to get in some social tabs games on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon, with some of the Novice Singles and Mixed pairs teams playing their next round of games.

Competitions

Due to the rain on Saturday, the SUPERSPAR Greendale Competition had to be cancelled. An announcement will be made at the club in due course if and when this competition will be played. Our Halfway Toyota Howick competition is scheduled for Wednesday 12 September with tabs in at 1.15pm. Members are also reminded that the 2018/2019 League team sheets are up on the Club’s Notice board. Please avail yourself to represent the club in the league by filling in your name where you are available.

Reminder

Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club will be hosting the Oasis Prep School Bowls Fundraiser on Friday 14 September with registration at 11.30am and play starting at 12 noon. Club members are hereby requested to support this fundraiser and also to make their bowls available for guests to play with. Especially members who own small bowls (size 00 – size 2)

The President and committee would like to remind all members that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club will be held on Saturday 22 September directly after social bowls and that committee nomination forms are posted on the clubs notice board.

Regular Times Are:

Tuesday mornings Tabs in by 8.45am (Civvies)

Wednesday and Saturday afternoons Tabs in by 1.15pm. (Club Colours)

Visiting bowlers are welcome to join us at these tabs in times.

The official dates for Benvie Open Garden were set earlier in the year to accommodate the supplement in the Gardener Magazine covering open gardens country wide.

Our official dates are opening 22nd September running through to the 7^th October and we are open every day of the week from 9am to 4pm. We have had some nice rain in August and the Clivias are opening now and should be in full bloom by the end of this week. The early Azaleas are also out and should you wish to visit anytime from this weekend (8^th September) you are welcome to do so.

As per usual you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and to bring friends and family.

The entry fee remains the same at R50 for adults and children are free, for pensioners a reduced entry fee of R30 will apply on all Thursdays.

Hope to see you over open garden.

John and Jenny Robinson.

John Geekie established the garden on Benvie Farm in 1882. It is a historic 70 acre garden situated in the Karkloof mistbelt. John & Jenny Robinson are the custodians of Benvie on behalf of the Geekie family.

033 502 9090 / 082 4433 805

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

News supplied.

This is baby Janique, she is 9 months old and has Neuroblastoma Cancer, she has had it since she was 6 months old. Neuroblastoma is cancer often found in the small glands on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands). It can develop in the stomach, chest, neck, pelvis, and bones.

Children aged five or younger are most commonly affected.

Symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite and fever. There may be a lump or compression of tissues in the affected area.

Neuroblastoma may require surgery and chemotherapy.

When The Peach Blossom Howick first approached us, EzyGroup Consulting, about advertising on their Facebook page to get assistance for this beautiful child we knew we had to do more. We approached all our other clients and had an amazing response. The Peach Blossom Howick is joined by The Tavern Howick, DTI Security, Midlands Services and Installations, EzyGroup Consulting as well as Ragland PMB in a bid to make a real difference to this child and her family. We are receiving the most amazing outpour from Howick residence and businesses all lining up to help with this cause, Hillside Auto will donate 20% of their labour costs to help this little one when people bring their car in for a service or repair until end of October using the name Janique, The Tavern Howick is holding their annual #PinkParty on the 07th September in honour of Janique where a portion of the nights sales will be donated as well as all funds raised from raffles, games etc., DTI Security is making a sizable donation, Midlands Sevices and Installations is donating 10% of all sales made in September, The Peach Blossom Howick is selling bracelets, the profits of which will be donated, EzyGroup Consulting is doing all marketing for this charity free of charge and assisting with event planning and sourcing sponsors and donations and Ragland PMB will also be selling bracelets from their store.

If anyone wants to get on board and assist with this charity they can contact Chantel on 082 873 5338 or EzyGroup Consulting on 083 291 2753.

A National Lilizela Tourism Award for the best 3-star, self-catering accommodation - exclusive use, in South Africa, is a testament to the service excellence, attention to detail and country hospitality you can expect from the team at Beverley Country Cottages

Set in the beautiful Dargle Valley of the Natal Midlands, on the farm Beverley, where the early Irish settlers set up home in the late 1800’s, Beverley Country Cottages is part of the Midlands Meander, a haven for world-class artists and craftsmen and where one can experience a gentler pace of life, while enjoying our friendly hospitality and comfortable accommodations.

All 4 of our cottages, The Hayloft, Dairy, Stables and The Thatched House are superbly set up for self-catering, although breakfast and dinners are available on request and served in the comfort of your cottage. All bedrooms are en suite, with a shower and a bath. The comfortable lounges have log fire places, which are lit for your arrival, bringing much warmth to those chilly wintry days outside!

The cottages are ideal for romantic, peaceful getaways to fun filled family holidays where children can run free in a safe environment. Children can play with the guinea pigs, touch the cows and the take the pigs for a walk! The cottages can comfortably sleep 2, 4, 6 and 8 persons respectively with sleeper couches in some of the rooms for extra children.

All our cottages & Rooms are fitted with:
• Tea & Coffee facilities
• Fresh milk on arrival
• Flat screen TV’s with DSTV
• Fridges & freezes
• Electric Blankets
• Chopped wood
• Complimentary WIFI

A tennis court is available for use. Walks, bike rides and fishing can be arranged locally.

Nguni cattle, noble horses as well as friendly pigs, dogs and fowls add to the ambience of this place you’d like to call home. From picturesque landscapes and prolific birdlife to country cuisine and arty crafts, the Midlands has activities to suit all persuasions - and it’s right here that guests choose to lay their heads after an exhilarating day of exploration.

For those who appreciate history; value uninterrupted serenity; and enjoy the freedom of country living, then this is the place to be. While the original, stone farmstead dates to 1913, it was here, in 1847, that the Irish settler Thomas Fannin bought land. Today the Kelly’s open their tranquil, pet-friendly lifestyle to those who prefer to journey along roads less travelled.

No minimum night stays. We are Pet friendly.

Contact: Kate on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cell: +27 (0)82 895 4002
Website: www.beverleycountrycottages.co.za

The Howick Fire Department came to visit Polliwiggle Pre School.

They gave a talk on Fire & Safety.

Thank you to our fire fighters.

News supplied by Polliwiggle Pre School.

Bush Day care at Wessa uMngeni Valley Education Centre.

A light Snack, fun crafts, games, field guides and environmental activities.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

News supplied by Wessa Umgeni Valley.

Wow! 

We had so many close guesses to our
"Guess the New Dish" competition...
from "Chop Suey" to "Sweet & Sour" to "Stir-fry" to
to "Chow Mein Noodles" to simply "Chinese"...

Thank you to all who sent in answers
& for all of your lovely compliments at the same time, they meant a great deal to us :)

The closest guess to the name of the dish
& winner of the R500 gift voucher is...

- Floss Morrison -

Congratulations Floss, you were almost spot on!

"Tender chicken fillet strips tossed in a Chinese style
sweet & tangy sauce, with sweetcorn, pineapple,
carrots & spring onions"

Sold in single portions for R46

“Humor keeps us alive. Humor and food. Don't forget food.
You can go a week without laughing.” ― Joss Whedon

Yours in convenient cuisine,
The Cookhouse Family

3A Mare Street, Howick

Shop 101, Oxford Village, Hillcrest &

Shop 6, 39 Hilton Ave. Hilton

News supplied by The Cookhouse.

SPRING has definitely SPRUNG  …. By Thursday the cold front made its appearance, Friday was a Misty morning, a Sunny early afternoon and looked like we were getting ready for a mammoth thunder storm by 4pm. On Saturday it virtually rained for most of the day and by Sunday morning the surrounding mountain ranges had snow on it. Despite this, we managed to get in some social tabs games on Tuesday morning and Wednesday afternoon, with some of the Novice Singles and Mixed pairs teams playing their next round of games.

Competitions

Due to the rain on Saturday, the SUPERSPAR Greendale Competition had to be cancelled. An announcement will be made at the club in due course if and when this competition will be played. Our Halfway Toyota Howick competition is scheduled for Wednesday 12 September with tabs in at 1.15pm. Members are also reminded that the 2018/2019 League team sheets are up on the Club’s Notice board. Please avail yourself to represent the club in the league by filling in your name where you are available.

Reminder

Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club will be hosting the Oasis Prep School Bowls Fundraiser on Friday 14 September with registration at 11.30am and play starting at 12 noon. Club members are hereby requested to support this fundraiser and also to make their bowls available for guests to play with. Especially members who own small bowls (size 00 – size 2)

The President and committee would like to remind all members that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the club will be held on Saturday 22 September directly after social bowls and that committee nomination forms are posted on the clubs notice board.

Regular Times Are:

Tuesday mornings Tabs in by 8.45am (Civvies)

Wednesday and Saturday afternoons Tabs in by 1.15pm. (Club Colours)

Visiting bowlers are welcome to join us at these tabs in times.

Super Specials this September from Harvard Electrical.

“FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND, WE HAVE CCTV AND A SECURITY GUARD”. To avoid the taxi rank, please use Bell Street. Drive past the “Former Shoprite Building” , take the first left, and first left again and you will find us on the complex on the left.

News supplied by Harvard Electrical Wholesalers.

Happy Spring!

It's been a while since we've held a competition.
At the start of Spring, what better way to celebrate than with a new dish & a chance to win!

 Looking forward to hearing from you!

Yours in convenient cuisine,
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.

In the picturesque KZN Midlands, a group of people is determined to take a step towards breaking the cycle of poverty and improving life for all in the area. The members of the Rotary Club of Hilton and Howick have embarked on an early childhood development education project that will see 25 of the most deserving teachers receive bursaries over the next few years.

Research has proved that when children begin their education earlier, they grow up more intelligent, capable and successful. While pre-school, and more specifically Grade R, in South Africa is not compulsory, the government has taken these findings seriously and plans to make Grade R compulsory.

For some time now, Rotary clubs across South Africa have worked to improve the situation at poorer pre-schools. Many found that once the teachers were properly trained, the support networks and participation from the parents developed.

Statistically, a better-educated population is more peaceful and has a lower incident of crime and other socio-economic problems. Sadly, education has not received the attention it needs and the members of the Rotary Club of Hilton and Howick feel that “the sooner we start implementing these long-term solutions to improve education, the sooner we will see the results in our communities,” explains President Maurice Wilkinson.

“Our conscience won’t let us stand by and watch the suffering continue. When you go to the poorer schools we support, you see how desperately the parents want their children to receive the best – but sadly, that is not what they can afford.”

However, says Wilkinson, “The teachers at these schools are an inspiration in themselves. What they can’t buy, they make. What they don’t know, they try their best to learn. We all know that tertiary education is expensive and sadly, that makes it an impossible dream for many of these teachers.”

Thankfully, the Rotary Club of Hilton and Howick’s members view the impossible as merely something that will need a little extra elbow grease! They have embarked on a project to train Early Childhood Development teachers over the next few years.

The course the club chose, in partnership with Caversham Institute, will not only equip the teachers but will ensure that their qualifications are recognised. Courses offered by Caversham Institute are recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority and the teachers trained in this project will receive an NQF5** qualification in Early Childhood Development after two years of study.

The project will begin early next year when the first five teachers start their studies at Caversham Institute. It will be staggered over the next few years with a cumulative minimum total of 25 teachers being trained at a projected cost of around R700 000.

Fundraising began at the beginning of the year, but sponsorship and contributions are still needed towards funding these bursaries. “We still need to raise just under R50 000 in order to let the first five start their first year of study in January. However, the more we raise, the more we educate,” explains Wilkinson.

Organisations or individuals who would like to contribute and help the club reach its target can request the club’s banking details from Maurice Wilkinson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Howard Richardson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Rotary Club of Hilton and Howick is one of more than 35 000 Rotary Clubs in the world. Rotarians are community spirited people and leaders who join to exchange ideas and take action! Find us on Facebook, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or see rotary.org

**The NQF is a comprehensive system for the classification, registration and publication of articulated and quality-assured national qualifications and part-qualifications. It is a single integrated system comprising three co-ordinated qualifications Sub-Frameworks for General and further Education and Training, Higher Education and Trades and Occupations. An NQF5 falls into the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework.

News supplied.