Imagine business as a Formula 1 pit team. How successful do you think you would be? Would you be the team manager, calmly orchestrating the events from the safety of the pit wall; or the type running around, doing every job to ensure it's done well, getting in everybody's way but feeling good because you are busy helping out - the end result being the car going out late and with only three wheels?

A big problem for business owners is we convince ourselves that being busy is what business is about and as long as we are giving our all, then there is nothing else we can do. While we know we need to work smarter rather than harder, the reality is life throws curved balls and we end up reacting to the environment in and going back to our old ways.

We become addicted to the buzz, and the last person to realise this is the one with the problem. Like an alcoholic, it is those around us who suffer most. Family is neglected, friends become acquaintances, and worse still the people employed to provide support are driven away if they refuse to behave similarly.

If you are a workaholic the first step is recognising it. The signs are clear. If you need help to see them ask somebody close to you to be honest.

The more obvious symptoms include:
• struggling to sleep at night because your mind won't stop;
• stressing and losing your temper over relatively minor issues;
• starting things and not finishing them;
• working late or over weekends when those around you are enjoying themselves;
• being accused of not listening to other people

Once aware there is a problem, take ownership of it. The only problem is will you continue doing what you've always done, so get what you've always got - or will you change?

Decide how many hours per week / days per year you want to work and what your team should do for you. What you'd rather do instead of working all the time is important because if you don't have something you like better, you will end up doing what you are doing now, even if you hate it.

The longer you have been a workaholic, the longer it will take to change your habit. Be honest and admit when you need help. Others will see you fall back into your old busyness habits far sooner than you do.

So, rev up your business and get out of the pits!

Article submitted by Patrick Greenaway, ActionCOACH Business Coaching in KZN.

The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) is holding its second National Awareness Day for threatened amphibians on the 28th of February 2014 – a date now designated as Leap Day for Frogs! The day will comprise a number of events, activities and opportunities for learners, homeowners and employees to take a leap of action to save our frogs.

There are 160 frog species in South Africa, of which 30% are threatened due to habitat destruction, increasing levels of pollution in freshwater systems, disease and changes in climate.

The good news is that unlike a number of other endangered species, which require global support and intervention, the protection and conservation of frogs is something in which ordinary South Africans can play a meaningful and impactful role.

Said Dr. Jeanne Tarrant, Manager of the EWT's Threatened Amphibian Programme (EWT-TAP), "The conservation of frogs is so closely related to existing environmental management and conservation policies and practices, that it's really just a matter of paying more attention to them."

The awareness campaign aims to put frogs on South Africa's conservation map by providing information on what people, businesses and government can do towards reducing their negative impact on amphibian habitats, as well as how they can create environments that are conducive to the survival of frogs.

Various events will be held throughout the country focusing on threatened species including the Critically Endangered Pickersgill's Reed Frog from KwaZulu-Natal. Jeanne will be involved in two events during the course of the day: she will be addressing local residents of Mtunzini on the afternoon of the 28th about their area being a hotspot for Pickersgill's Reed Frog and how they can help. That evening she will be in her local town of Kloof for a family outing including kids activities, an illustrated presentation and a guided walk in Glenholme Nature Reserve.

Individuals are asked to organise their own events at home, school or the office to bring attention to and celebrate these important creatures in general. The website dedicated to the day will have plenty of information on ideas, tips on how you can help and events in your area.

For further information about the EWT-TAP and Leap Day for Frogs visit www.leapdayforfrogs.org.za

Dearest souls of Howick,

What a delight I found here when re-locating mid-2013! As author and Artist with creative juices flowing 24/7, I find Howick to be an ideal location for creativity! Not only are the citizens most friendly and accommodating, they are also compassionate and understanding! Howick is a true example of a healthy, functional social structure, something to be exceedingly proud of!

Admittedly, there are no 'perfect' places in our world today, but this I can testify to, Howick comes closest! The seasonal patterns are aesthetically breath taking with night skies perfect for star gazing! The air is pure, where birds flit about at peace. Splendid natural beauty abound, bursting with colour around every corner!

All this serves as constant inspiration for my work as artist and author, under my brand Chique Afrique. My aim is to inspire others with all that I do, be it creative writing, fine art or the performing arts as actress and dancer. My work is a reflection of my love for people and nature. My fine art themes are expressions of gratitude and I often paint my prayers.

Ballet Mystique, my personal form of dancing, under development since age 16, is spiritually inspired with the aim to cultivate and maintain a healthy fusion of body and soul.

I look forward to forming collaborations with like-minded people in all my work and am presently preparing several manuscripts for publication, screenplays for film and fine art for exhibition.

Thank you, citizens of Howick for being the beautiful souls that you are!

LOVE & PEACE
Amy Leo

The Hattings are selling their beautiful home, "St Clements" in Merrivale Heights on the Birnamwood Road.  "St Clements," Broadacres Country Estate available on the market for R3 750 000.00 

Linda Hatting sums it up with her "Ode to Oranges".  "St Clements" is a magnificent property set within the peaceful Broadacres Country Estate on the Birnamwood road. Surrounded by a thriving orange orchard, this beautiful home has breathtaking pastoral views towards Cedara.

The spacious open-plan Main living area leads onto a huge, enclosed verandah and conservatory with aluminium stack doors to the south.  A sunny pool and sophisticated braai area facing north, make for easy entertaining. The Gourmet kitchen and Potager are a foodie's delight.

There are three spacious bedrooms en suite in the Main house as well as a separate study. A private self-contained 54 m sq flatlet in the Loft over the double garage and workshop is perfect for extra guests or can be used as independent office space.

The prized show-garden has been professionally landscaped and the entire property is walled for extra privacy and security within the Estate.  A Victorian Gazebo with Jacuzzi complete the picture.

The owners are building another home within this unique Estate.

By appointment only:
Cell: 0832975722 or 0826776011

Total sq m of property: 2850 sq metres
Sq metre total of dwelling: 520 sq m
Rates and refuse collection: R1750 pm
Levy: R700 pm

Valentine's Day was celebrated at Amberfield with pleasant music, tea and scones in the shade of the garden. This fun event was organised by our Frail Care Diversional Therapist with the members of the Social Committee serving tea and cream scones. The event was sponsored by J Leslie Smith.

Residents of Frail Care and the Amberfield cottages were entertained by Marc, of the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters, on the violin and his mother on the piano accordion.

All Howick High School Cricket teams enjoyed a very successful week on the cricket fields being victorious in all their matches against Voortrekker and Thomas Moore as well as exciting wins for the 1st team at the Sunfoil 20/20 Tournament.

The 1st Team won their match against Voortrekker on Thursday, 6 February by 24 runs. Chris Koning made 39 runs, Wade Peters 25 runs and Sam Karlsen 18 not out. Howick reached 106 runs for 3 wickets in 15 overs. Against some good tight bowling, Voortrekker managed to score 82 runs. Duen Jansen van Rensburg took 2 wickets for 5 and James Webb 2 for 4.

The 1st team played Thomas Moore at the Kloof Country Club on Friday, 7th February and won their match by 18 runs. Sam Karlsen scored 43 off 28 balls and Gareth Coetzer made 17 runs, setting a target of 90. An unbelievable bowling spell by captain Gareth Coetzer of 5 wickets for 7 runs enabled Howick to restrict and bowl Thomas Moore out for 72 runs.

Howick's first Cricket team participated in the Sunfoil 20/20 cricket tournament on Saturday, 8 February. In the morning session they played against Raisethorpe at the PMB Oval. Howick won the toss and chose to bat. With contributions from Lishen Reddy and May Mazibuko, Howick managed 126 in 20 overs. In response Raisethorpe kept within touching distance of the required run rate. With disciplined bowling and Lishen Reddy taking 3 wickets, Howick won an exciting game by 4 runs.

In the afternoon, Howick played Voortrekker at the KZN Varsity Oval. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Howick stuttered to 28/6. May Mazibuko batted well with the lower order, taking the team to 89/9 in 20 overs. An exciting innings followed with Voortrekker losing wickets regularly. Jordan Barnsley grabbed 5 of the top order. With Voortrekker needing 2 runs to win with 8 wickets down, May Mazibuko was given the ball to bowl. Claiming 2 wickets in 2 balls, Howick bowled Voortrekker for 88. Howick won by 1 run.

Howick qualified to play in the final vs Treverton at the PMB Oval on Thursday, 13 February at 3pm.

Pictured Left to right standing:
Lishen Reddy; Gareth Coetzer (Captain); Mr Richard Randelhof (Coach); James Webb; Duen Jansen van Rensburg; Timothy Gordon; Sam Karlsen; May Mazibuko; Chris Koning; Jordon Barnsley

Left to right kneeling: Philip Geldart; Wade Peters

Have you heard of - or experienced - a business partnership ending badly?

Generally, only two of 10 work - one very well, and one is just okay.

Often the failures are a result of each partner's expectations of the business. Everybody has differing visions, targets and what they hope to achieve in the business. Conflict can arise in the partnership when one partner wants to go faster than the other, one partner wants to take it easy, or one partner has a higher appetite for risk than the other.

This can mean that a couple of years on, one partner is working a bit harder than the other and resentment builds.

Or, the business needs a cash injection and one partner has the money and the other doesn't. Or, one wants to invest time and money in going after a new contract or market share, while the other is happy with a steady, reliable business. That's when problems start.

The trouble is there is so much emotion and excitement in starting a new business that the partners often didn't talk about these kinds of issues before they got started. Successful partnerships needs clear communication and a lot of what-if planning.

What if:
• one of the partners wants to leave the business? How will you manage buy out?
• you suddenly need capital suddenly? Whose personal assets will and will not be available?
• each defines business 'success' differently? Is there a particular milestone you each want to reach?
• you disagree on the lifespan of the business? Do you intend to sell it? Run it forever and keep it in the family?
• you disagree on 'comfortable' working hours? Will this change after the first few years of intense work are over?
• you have different expectations regarding financial return - now, and ultimately? If you each have different skills, do you value your time equally?
• you have differing coping levels regarding losing sleep over personal or business debt?

These are the kinds of questions you need to discuss - and put in writing, to form the basis of a successful partnership. When you're working together, you need to know what to expect from one another. If you can see from this exercise that your expectations are not aligning on a lot of points, then you may need to consider other options rather than going into partnership.

Submitted by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH KZN.

Sally Cummings of Birdlife KZN reminds us to make a note of the date of the bird club's 25th AGM. The meeting is on Saturday 22nd February at Fernhill Hotel, with tea at 10am, followed by the meeting at 11am.

The guest speaker after the meeting is Professor Peter Ryan on the topic: Going Inaccessible - birds and other strange beasts of Tristan da Cunha and Gough Island.

If you would like copies of the agenda, the minutes of last year's meeting, and the nomination form for the election of committee members please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Nominations should be submitted to the Chairman, Drummond Densham, by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All nomination forms must be submitted before or by 10H00 on the 22 February 2014.

The cost of tea + lunch is R175pp. Tea/coffee without lunch is R20pp. Please respond to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or phone 072 119 4253 or 033 330 7175.

Photograph: Inaccessible Island Rail, the world's smallest flightless bird

Information kindly provided by Sally Cumming
BLKZN Midlands secretary

The  Dargle Local Market has a new venue this weekend.  You will find us at the Lion's River Club.  The market is held on the first Sunday of every month from 9:00am to 11:30 come rain or shine.  Its just the place for al you favourite local food!

Yoghurt, cheese, ice cream and free-range chicken and duck eggs. Artisan bread, biltong, tea and coffee, cakes, muffins, pies. Hand-pounded basil and almond pesto, mint cordial, mozzarella, feta. Fresh produce including salad packs, giant garlic, brinjals, spinach, green beans, raspberries, gem squash and pumpkins.  Fresh and smoked trout fillets, jam and jelly.

You will also find tea towels and shopping bags.

For decades a household name across Southern Africa, this born and raised Durbanite needs no introduction. Often called "South Africa's favourite gardener", Keith Kirsten has informed, entertained and inspired gardening enthusiasts for more than 30 years through radio; television shows ,the publishing of more than 7 books, articles and lectures.

Amber Valley Retirement Village will proudly host Keith Kirsten as he addresses Howick residents) on Sustainable Gardening on 27 March 2014 in the new Amber Valley Auditorium.

The event is to be held in aid of Howick Hospice, a non-profit organisation relying on donations to provide quality care and support to patients suffering from life threatening illnesses in the area, as well as their family members.

Marriott – the Income Specialists has kindly agreed to sponsor the refreshments for this worthwhile event.

Visit Marriott at their client centre at the Greendale Acres Centre in Lawton Road Howick.

For bookings kindly contact Melanie on 033 330 5257, tickets are R80 per person.

The Lawn Mower Shop is continuing to sponsor the monthly PowerDrive Tabs-In Competition. The next competition will take place on Wednesday, 26th February. Tabs in before 1.45pm for play at 2.00pm. Visitors are most welcome to participate.

March sees us undertaking a new venture. Commencing on Friday, 7th March we will be playing twilight bowls with a starting time of 4pm, followed by a light supper and the Friday Draw. See notices in the clubhouse for full details. Visitors welcome to play bowls and join us in the clubhouse afterwards. The Draw is for members only who must be present to win.

Please will members check the boards for NIBA competitions (Men/Women Senior Pairs, Mixed Pairs) and for the entry sheets for club competitions. Also check the notice board for Refreshment and Tab Duties.

Greg Perrett first completed LEAP Challenge over 9 days, solo and unsupported, in May 2012. He attempted the Comrades Marathon the following day, but only managed to do 45km of the 89km event. He then decided to open the event to the public, as a mountain bike ride from Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg over 11 days.

LEAP Challenge exists to raise money for LEAP, which is the Learner Enhancement and Advancement Programme. This is a part of Grace College's broader outreach initiative, Masihambisane (let's walk together). LEAP successfully educates kids who are talented but don't have the means to afford good education. If you'd like to know more, you can read up on Masihambisane and LEAP, on http://www.grace-college.co.za/about-us/outreach/masihambisane

LEAP Challenge is a superb physical and mental challenge; it will take you to parts of your mind and physical ability which you have not examined before, and will distract you along the way with some of the most beautiful, deserted scenery which our country has to offer.

Approximately 60% of your entry fee goes to funding for LEAP. The exact amount is clearly disclosed on the 'details' page of the website.

This year's Valentine's Day celebrations at Howick High School ended with the Inter-House Gala. The spirit at the event was fantastic and spectators were treated to some excellent swimming. Including the pre-gala events, a total of 19 records were broken.

In the Under 14 age group, Savanna Buchanan and Bryce Mitchell were the runners up with Lisa Munro and Tyrone Gibbs the Champions. In the Under 15 age group, Kirsten Mingay and Orin Rubidge were runners up with Sarah Mingay and Nicholas Goudemond the Champions. The Under 16 runners up were Kate Venter and Ruari Karlsen with Jenna Pike and Duen Janesen van Rensburg as the Champions. The overall Victrix and Victor Ludorum awards were presented to Kelsey Ebersohn and Adam Friedel, with Grace Crooks and Ian Bray being the runners up.

The winning House was Oatlands (Green) with Allemans (Yellow) in 2nd Place. The Spirit Cup went to Allemans.

Pictured: Kelsey Ebersohn and Adam Friedel the Victrix & Victor Ludorum award recipients (left) and Captains of Allemans House which won the Spirit Cup (Roland Pienaar and Bronwyn Wishart) (right)

A busy but successful week has drawn to a close.

The Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision with chickens sponsored by Greendale Spar was played on Wednesday, 12th February. The winners were Barbara Brook, Brian Ellison and Helen Emberton. Ray Bester was the lucky winner of the Lucky Dip.

A most successful Fun Valentine's Competition took place on Saturday, 15th February. The players with the highest individual scores were Mike Cain, Pat Ciro, Alan Wells and Peter Burton. The players with the most touchers were Lyn Durant and Hilary Williams and they were the lucky recipients of a bottle of champagne each.

The highlight of the week was the Tournament on Sunday which was sponsored by Moffatt Optical. Twenty-two teams keenly competed for the top prizes of meat packs. Session prizes went to the following skips and their teams: Tony Ward of Howick Bowling Club, Jack Nel of Umgeni Waterfall and Tom Hartley of Hilton. The winner of the Tournament was Gavin Stokes and team from Creighton, Mike Andrew and team from Howick came second and Gordon Phipps and team from Mooi River came third.

The spider was won by Des from Howick and Sharon from Mooi River. The beneficiary of the spider is Howick Hospice.

The Tournament was largely successful due to the efforts of members of Umgeni Waterfall Bowling Club and all the sponsors. Thank you Moffatt Optical, Greendale Spar and Merrivale Spar, Pick n Pay, Merrivale Butchery, Howick Pharmacy, Ivanhoe Farm, Creighton Cheese for your generosity.

Club Duties 22 to 28 Feb:

Tabs – Barbara Brook and Trevor James.

Refreshments – Trevor James

A quiet week has gone by only to be followed by a busy week culminating in the Moffatt Optical Open Fours Tournament.

Events taking place this week are as follows:
Tuesday, 11th February: Tabs In by 8.15am. Dress casual.

Wednesday, 12 February: Tabs-In Chicken Competition sponsored by Halfway Toyota and Giovision. Chickens donated by Greendale Spar. Dress: Club colours. Tabs In by 1.45pm. Visitors welcome.

Saturday, 15 February:Fun Format Valentine's Competition. Dress: Casual but must include RED or PINK. Individual scores to count. Tabs In by 1.45pm. Visitors welcome.

Sunday, 16 February: All Day Tournament sponsored by Moffatt Optical. Will members kindly bring along a plate of eats for morning tea.

Club Duties:
Refreshments
John Withers.

Tabs
Jack Nel, Roger Freshman

We always welcome new members. Coaching is available. Why not pop along on one of the club days and introduce yourself to a member.

"If I could do anything I'd work with Cranes in Africa" these were the words of Ann Burke before leaving the post of Director of Public Relations at the prestigious International Crane Foundation (ICF). Before leaving her home town of Baraboo Wisconsin to accept a volunteer post at the KZN Crane Foundation in 2010.

The KZN Crane Foundation was extremely fortunate to gain Ann's services she was able to assist an organisation whose membership had declined to a point where it was in the lower twenties. Thanks to her hard work this organisation is now close to releasing our Critically Endangered Wattled Cranes back into the wild. A project that with the potential to inspire South Africans to protect our wetlands and grasslands. Good news – in a country with too little good news.

Ann is supremely well qualified for the work she has done for the KZN Crane Foundation having undertaken the first successful release of captive reared Wattled Cranes into the wild in 1999, in South Africa. Ann was also the lead author on the Chapter on Wattled Cranes in the bible for cranes and crane conservation: "The Cranes; Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan", International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 1996.

Children are one of Ann's other great passions and she has done superb work with underprivileged children in Bruntville and overseen a growing and active environmental education programme for schools.

Ann has been diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of Breast Cancer. This is a devastating blow to anyone, but with Ann it is particularly demoralising as she is over in S.A. on a work permit and working as a volunteer with the KZN Crane Foundation which as you will have guessed means no medical aid.

Cancer can be beaten and with the right medication the fight is brought to a more equal level. Ann has given willingly of her time, efforts and talents for both the environment and people of the KZN Midlands. For those of us who consider ourselves friends of Ann or who have benefited from her work now is the time to pay our dues, as she begins her fight to overcome cancer.

Why help Ann, what about the thousands of others? Well I cannot answer that for you but I do know that she has given over her life to help saving a critically endangered species, to helping empower our local children. To help the residents of several townships understand and benefit through good environmental management of their gardens, schools etc. To enable young adults to find places to study, the list goes on.

All of this without pay. She is using any dollars she has saved, converting them to Rands and relying on the good nature of others.

Ann has no family to turn to other than her 83 year old Mother who lives in America, let us be her family. Please do not let us fail her. Let us show just what South Africans are made of.

Donations may be made to the following account
Bank: ABSA
Account Name: Ann Burke
Account Number: 9291220193
Branch Code: 632005
Swift Code: ABSAZAJJ

God bless
Arlene Arnold

Janet Viedge, a resident of Howick, has once again decided to be a part of the 8 mile club and swim all 8 events at the Midmar mile this year.

Members of the 8 mile club swim 4 races on the Saturday and 4 miles on the Sunday, all in the name of raising money for various charities. Each swimmer has to raise a minimum of R10 000 for their respective charities.

This year there are 5 main charities with a portion of the money raised going to 17 other charities. Janet, and 6 of her fellow Swimchix, have chosen to swim in PINK and raise funds for the PINK DRIVE – a charity that fights cancer. Last year, Janet and 2 of her friends, took part in the event and between them managed to raise over R72 000. A total of over R325 000.00 was raised by the 8 milers swimming for the Pink drive.

To train for the event they swim at the GC Jolliffe pool in PMB once or twice a week with Kath Boast, who does adult squad training and also do various dam swims. For open water swimming it is very important to not only train in a nice clean pool! This year they took part in the SA open water champs and swam the 5km race. Janet says "In the time it took us to do one of the 2.5km laps, it took the winner to complete the whole race – a total of 57 minutes!! So as you can see we are not top swimmers, just ordinary ladies who are trying to make a difference by doing something that we all love ..... swimming!!

It is wonderful to see what a fantastic response we have had from the public as well as the schools who have supported us so incredibly."

The Swimchix held a very successful swimathon at the GC Jolliffe swimming pool in November 2013. Swimmers either swam as individuals or in teams of up to 4 members swimming as many lengths as they could in 30 minutes and getting sponsorship either per length completed or as a donation. This event was extremely well supported and the team would like to thank the swimmers, sponsors and spectators for making it such a wonderful occasion.

Swimathons have also been held at St Charles and Howick High school – both of which have been extremely successful. Thank you to St John's and to St Anne's for holding a civvies day the proceeds of which have been donated to the pink drive. It is wonderful to see so many children getting involved and supporting these events – thank you to all of you - you are all making a difference. What is especially heartwarming is even those children who can't swim very well, have wanted to take part and raise money even if it means walking a few lengths!

Remember -someone may not be able to make a difference in everyone's lives but everyone can make a difference in someone's life!!!

Janet says "I feel privileged to be able to swim in pink and to know that we are trying to make a difference. "

You too can be involved in this wonderful cause by making a donation. Please contact Janet on 082 3212304.

The 7 "Pink swimchix" Jen Van Rooyen, Vanessa Gurney, Kath Macfarlen, Gina Clowes, Janet Viedge, Kath Boast and Julie Hay.

A “sea of Pink Howick High swimmers “ – having conquered the water!

FreeMe started the New Year with a bang literally when our much loved Isuzu bakkie blew an engine. Very sad as we are really not in the position to afford to fix it, so please bear with us as we now only have one vehicle for emergencies and it may take a bit longer to respond then we would like. If anyone has a cheap bakkie or small car that they want to get rid of, or better still a good Isuzu diesel 280 or 250 engine that needs a new home, please contact us. The Isuzu had done over 500 000 kms, so it had really done us proud, and we miss it terribly.

On a lighter note, we received a very unusual guest two weeks ago in the form of a baby Stanley's Bustard (also known as a Denham Bustard). They are listed as endangered, and our baby has generated a lot of interest and concern. He looks very like a small juvenile ostrich and has to be walked every day, so trots around the centre behind everyone like a very well behaved dog. We have two volunteers from England with us at the moment and they are quite happy to have him and the two baby blesbok in tow.

Please note that we will be having the Wino's 100 Club wine tasting at 18h00 on the 15th February (Saturday) at FreeMe and will be serving a light supper afterwards. The Wine Cellar will be discussing the new trend in wine enjoyment, so it should be a good evening all round. Entrance for Wino Club Members is for free and for anyone else who would like to come there will be a R50 entrance fee. Please book early, so we know how many to cater for.

We are also appealing to anyone who has old pots, bags or seedling trays for plants to drop them off with us rather than just leave them to get damaged or thrown away.

Please continue to donate by sms to FreeMe at 48748, it is a great help.

News and photograph kindly supplied by FreeMe