At the beginning of the year, Howick High School began a partnership with local business, Enviro Timbers, where the school would encourage the collection of plastic milk bottles to be delivered to Enviro Timbers for recycling. Howick High's pupils and parents have rallied together and a grand total of 420 kilograms of plastic has been collected (approximately 11 000 plastic bottles), earning Howick High a new bench for their grounds. Enviro Timbers was formed in 2013 with the vision to help reduce plastic waste in South Africa and create employment. They manufacture recycled plastic timber from locally sourced plastic waste and are located in Merrivale. Any members of the community wishing to support this initiative are most welcome to collect their rinsed plastic milk bottles and add them to Howick High School's collection. 

Pictured: Howick High School's Eco Club were delighted to receive a new bench from Heidi Boyd of Enviro Timbers recently in return for the school's collection of plastic milk bottles. Pictured left to right at the back are Josh van der Linde, Mr Martin Gardner, Nokubongwa Mlambo, Mrs Heidi Boyd, Enrico van Zyl and seated Amy Evans, Chane Manthe and Zinhle Gwala.

News supplied by Howick High School.

Natural Gas development has come to Southern Africa. This project uncovers how the oil and gas industry is quietly invading one of the most pristine places on the planet. Reserves and national wildlife parks are not safe from these developments, which threaten the existence of Africa's last remaining traditional people and wildlife.

In this film we bring the voices of the scientists, experts and people opposing unabated oil and gas development in the USA to Southern Africa so that the region's natural wealth may be protected for generations to come by the best scientific data available.

Deep in the Kalahari desert our team filmed secret hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations across the migration routes of Africa's largest single elephant population. 44,000 elephants pass between Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Chobe National Park in Botswana. The migration route is a tenuous and delicate string of sweet-water pans in the dry desert. We have evidence and undercover interviews of newly fracked gas wells already endangering these ancient elephant routes.

The Karoo Shale Basin extends across the Karoo desert in South Africa - a delicate ecosystem home to a myriad of endemic and endangered plant species. While exploration
has started in Botswana, South Africa still has a narrow window of opportunity to prevent potentially serious harm to its environment.

This report brings the hard science that has emerged over years of experience with the impact gas on America's arid west and presents unseen evidence gathered from the Arctic to the Savannas of Africa.

The High Cost of Cheap Gas
Feature Documentary Film Release
Produced By Mira Dutschke and Jeffrey Barbee, Associate Producer Charles Moore
Link to website: http://allianceearth.org/the-high-cost-of-cheap-gas-fracking-in-the-karoo
An Alliance Earth Production

WHERE and WHEN:
The Lions River Club, Dargle
19 November 2015, 6:30 PM
RSVP to Pam Haynes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 083 456 9202
COST minimum donation per person R50: R25 film, R25 soup & roll
Press and members of the public welcome.
Presented by Jeffrey Barbee, Producer.

As part of Howick Prep's community involvement, the pupils collected R3000 which they donated to Sunfield Home to assist people with disabilities. The money was presented to Richard Hlela of Sunfield Home at the production of one of the School performances of 'Sleeping Beauty'.

The photo attached includes Richard Hlela with some of the cast members of the School production.

Back (L – R): Sinqobile Mbambo, Richard Hlela (Sunfield), Enya Reece
Front (L – R): John Taynton, Kirstie Holtzhausen

News supplied by Howick Preparatory School.

As part of Howick Prep's community involvement, the pupils collected R3000 which they donated to Sunfield Home to assist people with disabilities. The money was presented to Richard Hlela of Sunfield Home at the production of one of the School performances of 'Sleeping Beauty'.

The photo attached includes Richard Hlela with some of the cast members of the School production.

Back (L – R): Sinqobile Mbambo, Richard Hlela (Sunfield), Enya Reece

Front (L – R): John Taynton, Kirstie Holtzhausen

The following Howick High School learners were announced as the Senior Representative Learners for 2015/2016 at Assembly on Thursday, 15 October: Wade Peter, Trystin Nel, Thomas Bull, Gary King, Lungile Ngwenya, Evan Nanni, Anele Nzuza, May Mazibuko, Nicole de Klerk, Kristin Fourie, Kate Venter, Zama Gqiba, Zinhle Gwala, Kirsten Mingay, Sarah Mingay and Jenna Pike. The Midmar House leaders are Wade Peter, Nicole de Klerk, Tanaka Vhumbunu, Nonsikelele Msomi, Taytim Ratanji, Maybongwe Mazibuko, Gary King and Ruari Karlsen.

At Speech Night, the following were announced as Head Prefects: Head Boy - May Mazibuko, Head Girl - Jenna Pike, Deputy Head Boy - Thomas Bull, Deputy Head Girl - Kirsten Mingay, Head Boy of Hostel - Wade Peter, Head Girl of Hostel - Nicole de Klerk

Caption: Left to Right: May Mazibuko (Head Boy), Jenna Pike (Head Girl), Kirsten Mingay (Deputy Head Girl) and Thomas Bull (Deputy Head Boy).

News supplied by Howick High School.

The Cuppa for CANSA event held at Amberfield and sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co Inc proved to be a most successful event with in excess of 100 residents and friends attending. The cakes were delicious and the cherry on the top was the arrival of a few members of the cast of Oliver who arrived with Mr John Tungay and sang so beautifully. John paid homage to one of our residents, Mrs Ruth Hall, who composed a song called "There's a Crocodile in the Umfolozi" which has proved to be a favourite with the young folk who attend Thembelihle Primary School. We, at Amberfeild, extend our thanks to J Leslie Smith, to John Tungay and the youngsters from Thembelihle and to everyone who helped raise funds for CANSA.

Thank you to Bernice Burden for sharing this news.

All the fun roads lead to the Presbyterian Church Fete on Saturday 31st October 2015. Preparations are well under way to make this day fun and the programme is nothing short of that.

8.30am to 9.15am - Dont miss the Juggling Demonstration and Workshop with Alex Jenkins.

9.30am to 10.00am - We will be treated to a performance by the Howick Prep School's Dinky Choir.

10.30am to 11.30am - Dog Show, bring your favourite four legged friend and enter on or more of the five fun categories.

1.30pm  - Raffle draw

What a week this was, bowlers, what a successful week this really was, Yes, indeed! (With sincere apologies to the lyricist who wrote 'The night Chicago died') We had good attendance from club members and visitors alike for all sponsored events.

The week began most successfully with a good turnout for the postponed monthly competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop, Giovision and Greendale Spar. The winning team which took home the chickens was Rita Aitken, Dudley Ventress and Mabel Tully. The Lucky Draw was won by John Withers.

On Friday, 23 October the event sponsored by Carrick Wealth was a resounding success. An enjoyable, fun format of three varied sessions tested the skills of the players. This format allowed for individual scores to count. The best individual scores by a lady and a man won Chantal D'Hotman and Ray Bester the top prizes plus a branded shirt each from Carrick Wealth. Second and Third prize winners were Tim Waring and John Withers. There were seven more lucky winners with the sportsman's prize going to Jason Mitchell of Carrick Wealth. It was a pleasure to have the younger members of the Carrick Wealth team join us on the green.

In the fourth round of the NIBA Men's League, the Umgeni Waterfall Second League Team played against Maritzburg West and beat them with a score of 10.5 to 2.5 keeping them at the top of their league. The Third League Team lost to Maritzburg by 1-12.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday, 28 October: Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith & Co Inc. Tabs In by 13H15
Friday, 30 October: Members come along at 15h15 for a ghoulish afternoon of Halloween fun on the green which will be followed by a chilling meal prepared in the witches cauldron at the haunted house. Kindly let Barbara Brook know by Wednesday, 28 October if you will be in attendance at the ghostly meal. Dress to suit the occasion.

Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h15; Fridays at 15H15 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites).

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfall Bowls Club.

THE GARDEN OF JOHN AND ADRI SMITHERS "ENDEBENI FOREST", Lidgetton Valley OPEN: DAILY FROM 14TH SEPTEMBER UNTIL 30TH NOVEMBER, FROM 9AM TO 4.30PM

NOT TO BE MISSED! Magnificent English park-like garden in an idyllic midlands setting with spectacular views of beautiful waterfalls and indigenous forest. Massive sweeps of azalea, rhododendron, Acer, bluebell, cherry and dogwood provide spectacular seasonal colour. Bring a picnic basket and good walking shoes and enjoy a day soaking up the splendour of this extraordinary, second generation garden. Endebeni Forest is a spectacular 60 acre garden park and has been featured in many top gardening publications. A must visit for anyone who is interested in gardening, you have never seen a better mass display of spring colours. R50.00 pp entrance fee – (third person in the car admission free) Proceeds to a charity of the gardeners choice.

HIGHLIGHT: The owners have started a nursery which only features 'babies' of plants and trees that have propagated themselves on the farm. There are good specimens of white and pink Dogwood trees, Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Camellias , Acers, Azaleas, Berberis and a very sought after Snowdrop cultivar-Trym.

DIRECTIONS: Take the Howick North/ Tweedie turn off (exit 107) from the N3 and go towards Tweedie. Turn right onto the R103. 11km to Lidgetton Village turn left and go under the railway line. Follow the Lythwood lodge and Endebeni Forest signs to Endebeni Forest. 7km on dirt road. Admission fee R50 per person.

Visit www.stihl.co.za for more information.

Top Tips for staying safe
• Always set your alarm when you go out.
• Be observant and report anything suspicious.
• Keep personal possessions out of sight.
• Be alert at the ATM.
• Keep emergency numbers handy or on speed dial.
• Know your neighbours.

Check your alarm systems
With the festive season approaching it is important to ensure that your alarm system is fully functional. Many people leave this to the last minute before they go away and it puts our KSS technical teams under immense pressure. Please do not hesitate to contact KSS should you need a service done or upgrades to be made. You can contact Keshen on 0833935265 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wind and false alarms
Please note that many UNNECESSARY alarm activations occur when it is windy. Please ensure that windows and doors are closed if you are going out. Banging windows and doors as well as curtains blowing in the wind can trigger the internal beams. Another factor that may cause an internal beam to trigger is the wind blowing into a room through an open window, causing the internal temperature in the room to decease or increase. Beams are temperature sensitive and as soon as there is a sudden change in temperature in a room, they can activated.

Also, excess foliage blowing across the line of an external beam can cause it to trigger – please cut back plants and bushes and ensure that the external beams on your property will not be affected by foliage.

False alarms take time away from the Armed Response responding to actual alarm activations. It is critical that you assist us with this matter and take responsibility for ensuring that false alarms activations are minimised in the interest of the entire community.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

We have had a relatively quiet week where turnout for regular tabs in games was very good. This relaxed week is followed by a busy week.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS :
Wednesday, 11 November – Tabs In Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota Howick. Visitors welcome
Friday 13 November – A 2-4-2 Competition for members only is to take place. This is sponsored by Warwick Wealth. The competition commences at 13h00 and will culminate with snacks and prize giving. Members pease ensure that your name is on the list in the clubhouse by Wednesday, 11 November. The draw for temas will be done after that.
Saturday, 14 November - Tabs In Competition sponsored by The Lawnmower Shop, Giovision and Greendale Spar. Visitors welcome
Wednesday, 25 November - Tabs In Competition sponsored by J Leslie Smith and The Health Nut. Visitors welcome.
Sunday, 15 November: Niba Fours – two men's sections will be played at Umgeni Waterfall. Our men will be at home while the ladies will be playing at Lynwood. We wish all teams from Umgeni Waterfall good bowling on Sunday. We also thank the ladies who have volunteered to help with catering.

Regular tabs in times are as follows: Tuesday at 08h15; Fridays at 15H15 (dress is casual); Wednesday and Saturday at 13h15 (whites/club colours).
New members are welcome. Coaching is available. Contact John Withers on 033 239 5376
Visitors are most welcome to come along and join us for a game or for tae.

News supplied by Umgeni Waterfalls Bowls Club.

Everything you want to know about the wilderness. Learn all bush skills while having a truly great adventure. Fully-inclusive 6 Day courses at Somkhanda Game Reserve, Zululand.

Dates: 4 – 9 December – High School Learners. 10 – 15 December – Grade 6 & 7 Learners. For more information contact African Insight on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 033 330 2269.

News supplied by African Insight - Experiences that make a difference.

Peter White Photography has expanded. Seasoned Photographer, Peter White, has included in his team, a permanent Videographer who is a wonder behind the camera. He has also teamed up with an experienced Pilot who has been doing aerial photography for many years. To complete the team is his fiancé Leanne, who puts together photobooks and excellently so. Arrangements can be made to view Leanne's work.

Peter White Photography caters for all occasions and not only offers more but quality and professional photography as well.

Knight Security Solutions offer an escort service for our clients to ensure that they get home and into their premises safely. This value added benefit has always been in place but I felt it would be a good opportunity to remind our clients. Please take note that the Control Centre will need to be contacted 30 minutes prior to your arrival at home.

News supplied by Knight Security Solutions.

At Howick High School's Prizegiving ceremony on the 16th of October, Shaylin Kalipersad was presented with the Dux award, having achieved an aggregate of 90%. Shaylin also received his Academic Honours, the Mathematics, Life Science, Accounting and Physical Science subject prizes as well as the Dr Marshal Science award.

Caption: Left to Right – Kiash Kalipersad (Grade 9) and Shaylin Kalipersad (Dux 2015) with their parents, Mrs Rosey Kalipersad and Mr Herman Kalipersad at the annual Howick High School Prize Giving.

News supplied Howick High School.

Keaton Hills, owner of Reloved Furniture, had been in the second hand market prior to opening his first Reloved Furniture store in Howick in November 2014. He enjoys dealing in second hand furniture and found it a natural process to start dealing in second hand furniture.

Reloved Furniture buys selected second-hand furniture from the public. The selection process goes about meticulously and with care to select quality hand-made furniture.

Reloved Furniture also offer paint techniques and restoration to your 'old' furniture and apply a range of paintwork techniques to furniture. Keaton and his team find it rewarding to take something that could be completely worthless to someone then paint it to look completely different, transforming it into a treasure for someone else. They find every bit of hard work worthwhile, especially when seeing the look on their customers faces as they collect the finished product.

Reloved Furniture is situated at 1 Power Lane, Power Park, Howick.

Serendipity Wrought Iron and Gift shop is a delightful shop in Howick. There is so much to choose from, from Morris chairs to jewelery boxes including customised metal work and wooden decor.

The innovotive and creative team at Serendipity have lovely new designs in store. Some of their products can be viewed in the gallery on this website. You can visit Serendipity Wrought Iron and Gift Shop to browse through all they have on display and for sale.

During the October school holidays, Howick High School's First XI participated in Weston Agricultural College's Cricket Festival.

The results of Howick's matches were:

vs Ferrum College - Howick won by 8 wickets
vs Vryheid - Howick lost by 4 runs
vs Heronsbridge - Howick won by 12 runs
vs Hansmoore - Howick lost this fixture
vs Treverton - Howick won by 6 runs
vs Ladysmith – the match was called off due to rain and lightning
vs Maritzburg College - Howick lost this fixture

At the final prize giving, the trophy for the 'Best Batsman of the Festival' was awarded to Philip Geldart from Howick High School and Coach, Mr Gardner's objective was reached when the team were again unanimously awarded the 'Fair Play & Sportsmanship' Trophy.

Pictured right: "Philip Geldart (Grade 11) won the 'Best Batsman of the Festival' award at the recent Weston Cricket Festival"
Pictured left: "Howick High School's First XI Cricket Captain, Gareth Coetzer, with the trophy the team were unanimously awarded for 'Fair Play and Sportsmanship' at the recent Weston Cricket Festival.

News supplied and photos taken by Howick High School.