Whilst we walk the hill during the day admiring the beautiful flora and views we rarely get see the larger mammals that call Beacon Hill home. The images below were captured by FOBH Committee member Gareth Boothway at night and are further proof of Beacon Hill's ecological importance. We are very lucky that our small town is still host to such wildlife and Beacon Hill's protection is all the more important when we consider that some our shyer neighbours' livelihoods depend on it.

Common Reedbuck:
Medium sized antelope often seen in pairs or family parties. They will occur in larger numbers but this is usually representative of individuals or pairs feeding in one area. They occur across southern Central Africa, extending into Tanzania and then southwards into the extreme northern and eastern reaches of Southern Africa. Although seemingly common, they are now listed as a Threatened or Protected Species (ToPS) under the KZN Conservation Ordinance. Decline in numbers could be the result of poaching, illegal capture (game capture market) and increased loss of habitat. Although they feed a lot on agricultural lands, they need areas with tall grass and reeds in close proximity to water. They feed mostly on grasses but are known to browse. Calves are born shortly after a good spring rain.

Large Grey Mongoose:
Usually spotted on their own but sometimes seen in pairs. Historically they are known to forage in larger groups of up to 10 individuals. Both diurnal and nocturnal, but more commonly seen during the day. Although wide spread they are a fairly uncommon resident in our area. They prefer riverine vegetation and will frequent other water bodies and are sometimes found a long way from these habitats when feeding. They feed on a range of vertebrates with a preference for rodents. They will feed on insects, fledglings and bird eggs.

Please see the events calendar for details of two of our upcoming events Beacon Hill Invasive Alien Plant Work Party 19th October 2013 and the Friends of Beacon Monthly Guided Walk - 27th October.

Small-to-medium-sized businesses can survive a recession if they act early – that is before their customers have committed to other vendors. Securing revenue during a recession is no different from any other time; the company simply needs to increase its marketing effort and scope to reach more customers. Here are some tips to increase your market share:

Create a strategy
If the company hasn't already, develop a marketing plan. If there is a plan, increase its activity by at least 25% to reach more prospects. Clarify the company's target markets and customer profile. Confirm that the company's value proposition solves a critical problem for that market, and that it is competitive in the market.

Publicise
Put the company's name in front of prospects. Ensure press releases are published regularly, letting prospects know about the company's recent successes, events, and activities. Use a separate release to target specific locations. Create a unique angle for the release that captures attention.

Publish articles
This is an easy and inexpensive way to capture attention for the company. We're in the information age and there are literally thousands of media outlets in search of interesting articles. The key is to write what prospects want to hear about, provide value, and include a clear call to action.

Ask for referrals
There is no faster way to find a new prospect than to ask an existing customer. They know you and your company and can easily predict whether any of their business partners would be a viable prospect.

Distribute electronic newsletters
Newsletters are a reliable way to maintain contact with customers and prospects because when prospects opt into the company's mailing list, the sales team can be sure that person is interested. Winning business is often a matter of timing. By keeping the company's name in front of prospects throughout the newsletter, chances improve significantly that the client will seek the company's services when he/she is ready to buy.

Public speaking
Speaking to groups is a proven method for generating new business. Offer expertise to industry trade shows, civic groups, or business organisations. If the company does not have a competent public speaker, send someone for training or join a local toastmasters group.

In short, the way to beat a recession is to creatively grow your market presence, not pull back. While many others diminish, this is your opportunity to move to the front.

Visit: www.actioncoach/patrickgreenaway.com

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

Phone: 033 343 2960

News article supplied by Patrick Greenaway of ActionCOACH Business Coaching.

Mountain bikers and trail runners headed off into the stunning Dargle Valley on Sunday 29 September, traversing farm land with amazing views. Their sights were set on completing the trails in this year's Lawnmower Shop Dargle Trail Festival, powered by Stihl, a fun family event held at the Lions River Club.

"As an event organiser and trail builder, working in the Dargle is always a great experience", says Devlin Fogg from Mi Trail. "Our thanks go to the Lawnmower Shop and Stihl for being such great partners and the local community for all their support and enthusiasm."

The 40km MTB trail was closely contested by Midlands riders Gareth Cook and Travis Hesom. "Travis and I battled it out during the latter part of the race" said Gareth. "We went into a sprint finish and I managed to pull through for the win!"

Pietermaritzburg rider Carla van Huyssteen took the ladies honours. "Not even the lurking rainy weather forecasts could bliss the vibe at Lions River this weekend" says Carla. "I thoroughly enjoyed the challenging route, well marked and fun for all levels of riders. The family friendly environment at the race venue was super."

The 20km trail was won by Durban North rider Cayde Muldoon. "It was a very fast wide track which was a great challenge" said Cayde. The first lady was Robyn Howard whose husband Benjamin and sons Dylan (14) and Luke (10) all competed. Robyn was thrilled with her achievement. "It was a lovely ride and an awesome day out with the family" she said.

This year a 14km and 6km trail run were added to the programme. Fresh from his win at the Howick Highlander, Malawian Owen Bengu took the 14km route in his stride. "The course was nice and tough and very well marked. One of the best courses I have ever run," he said enthusiastically. The 6km trail was wrapped up by Dargle all rounder Craig Rees.

Back at the club families enjoyed fun kiddies activities organized by the renowned Midlands Meander Education Project Bugs, the Stihl bouncing castle, pony rides and delicious local produce from the market.

The winners took home prestigious Zulu Lulu Dlaminis and the entire field enjoyed a lucky draw with donated prizes valued at over R20,000.

News kindly supplied by Lions River Club

'LOVE HOWICK' is not just a catchy slogan, but an opportunity for action. As people we seem to have this constant magnetic pull towards all things negative. If we were to be truly honest with ourselves, we can probably all agree that we spend more time being critical as opposed to optimistic, we often give more attention to what is wrong rather than what is right, and we definitely have more defined views of how things should not work rather than how they should work. This is a serious problem and one that we attempt to start reversing through a collective 'LOVE HOWICK' campaign. We think its time that we began to declare what we do have, what we can do and what we have already accomplished in our beautiful town of Howick. It's a time to drink from the well of good news and allow our collective hearts to be stirred to 'LOVE HOWICK' more than we presently are.

To get the ball rolling we are inviting the whole Howick (and surrounding) community to put their pens to paper and enter our 'LOVE HOWICK' Writers Competition, where you can tell us why you LOVE HOWICK. We want to hear all your positive thoughts, views, stories, etc. all centred on the theme of 'LOVE HOWICK'. All entries will be judged by a team of High School Students and English Teachers from Oasis Christian Academy who have a passion for writing and have formed a 'Young Writers Club' for the purpose of developing this passion. There are some great prizes to be won and the top 3 entries in each category will be published in the Village Talk during the month of October/November. Prize Giving will take place at Oasis Christian Academy on Friday 25th October 2013.

This is a great opportunity to raise a positive voice in our community and begin to speak about the good in our beautiful town of Howick. We encourage the whole community to get involved and let us hear YOUR voice!

Competition Rules:

• There are two categories for entries: (1) school-going age and (2) out-of-school age. Participants of all ages are welcome to enter
• Only one entry per participant is allowed
• Entries must be a maximum of 500 words and adhere strictly to the theme 'LOVE HOWICK'. Entries must be clearly marked with: NAME, SURNAME, AGE, CONTACT NUMBER, WORD COUNT
• Participants cannot be published writers
• Deadline for entries: Friday 18th October 2013
• Entries must be emailed to the Village Talk Editor at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Judges decision is final and no deliberation will be entered into after results are announced

Well done to the Howick Prep 1st Cricket team who have just returned from an unbeaten cricket tour of both Mpumalanga and Swaziland.  The team had a wonderful experience and are thrilled with their great start to the season.

Match 1 vs. Summerhill Prep: Howick Prep 154/4 (Cade Kleyn 36, Ruben Jacobs 29, Michael Geldart 28). Summerhill Prep 49 all out (Mathew Shaw 5/16, Craig Pike 2/5). Howick Prep won by 105 runs.

Match 2 vs. Curro Nelspruit: Curro Nelspruit 60 all out (Jason Wing 8/20). Howick Prep 61/2 (Michael Geldart 29, Ruben Jacobs 15). Howick Prep won by 8 wickets.

Match 3 vs. Riverview Prep: Howick Prep 175/4 (Cade Kleyn 63, Nicholas Napier 61, Ruben Jacobs 21). Riverview Prep 55 all out (Jason Wing 7/8). Howick Prep won by 120 runs.

Match 4 vs. Usutu Forest (Swaziland): Howick Prep 170/3 (Michael Geldart 67, Jordan Collocott 36). Usutu Forest 150/4 (Jason Wing 2/28). Howick Prep won by 20 runs.

Match 5 vs. Enjabulweni Prep (Swaziland): Howick Prep 135/5 (Dylan Naidoo 33). Enjabulweni Prep 65 all out. Howick Prep won by 70 runs.

News and picture kindly supplied by Howick Prep School

Congratulations to Sandra Downward owner of The Plan & Plant Nursery on another successful Garden Show. Sandra will be bringing home to Howick her Silver Gilt certificate. Her garden is a profusion of colour, pink, red, purple, white and vibrant greens. Lavender, Million Bells, Osteosrpernum, Standard Freylina, Foxgloves, Ornamental Cabbage and the clever use of lettuce seedlings for texture and colour.

Sandra created this year's entry in remembrance of her daughter, Melissa, who passed away in June this year. An angel and "The Rose Beyond the Wall" are featured in a cross within the garden. The words "Perseverance, Character, Hope" finish off the display. Each letter hand created in bark with love by Sandra. A special tribute.

Ignore the rain and pop along to the Garden Show this weekend to show your support and view this lovely garden or visit The Plan & Plant Nursery at Fairways on Main. Sandra and her team look forward to meeting you, whether to show the beautiful tribute garden, the quality plants (a large number of indigenous plants in stock) or to offer guidance and advice on your own garden. 

On average our children spend about 1450 hours a year at school! When faced with this statistic, we can only but acknowledge the fact that schools play a huge role in shaping your child, ultimately helping them pave the way for their future. This is why each parent needs to make an informed decision when choosing a school that best fits their family values and that will provide the best opportunities for their child. So, if you are looking at Oasis Christian Academy, this is what we are about...

We are a Christian school from Grade 00 to 12 who provide quality individualised education to learners who desire to live according to the Word of God and develop their God-given talents in a safe and stimulating environment. Our vision and values can be summed up in one statement: 'We believe in each individual child LIVING in God's perfect plan for their life, LOVING God and each other wholeheartedly, LEARNING every step of the way to be LEADERS that shake this world for Jesus'.

Our children have been destined for greatness, and as we work in partnership with parents, we aim to see each student find their unique purpose and learn to live out this purpose to change the world in which we live. Join us in educating the next generation, ensuring they go further than us, dream bigger than us and make an eternal impact in all that they do! Visit www.theoasischurch.co.za for more details or call us on (033) 330 3456 today.

At a recent Roslyn's Ladieswear event Monica Rembold was drawn as the winner of a fresh flower delivery on her birthday. Happy Birthday Monica! Pictured here presenting the flowers is Lorraine from The Antique Rose Florist in Howick.

Monica was delighted with her beautiful basket of flowers. She is a frequent customer at Roslyn's where she has been buying her ladieswear for 15 years. That is loyalty!

The learners at Themelihle Primary School have had a fun filled, action packed third term.

The Thembelilhle Children's Choir had a very successful trip to the Hibiscus Coast to take part in the Spring Floral Festival. The Choir performed to a full house at the Ramsgate Arts Centre to much applause. The Choir led the evensong service at St Margaret's Anglican Church. For all involved it was an experience not to be forgotten – outstanding performances, a swim in the sea, a visit to the River Bend Crocodile Park and a "cuddle" with a baby crocodile!

Grade 1 celebrated the arrive of Spring with a Spring Day. A day filled with colour and flowers and learning about the vibrant nature that surrounds us.

The Grade 1 and 2 learners were visited by the local Fire Station and got to ride in the Fire Engine. They were taught about fire safety, the essential role of the fire service in our community and then were able to clamber into a Fire Engine. What an exciting day.

Learners, teachers and a few parents made 140 "felt angels" which were sent to the school sponsors at Brentwood United Methodist Church in Tennassee, USA as a token of thanks. We look forward to seeing some photographs of our angels at home in America.

Wishing everyone a restful holiday before an exciting fourth term.

Cyrtanthus contractus bursts into flower a few weeks after late winter fires, creating brilliant red splashes in the still-blackened veld. The large bulb produces a scarlet inflorescence with up to 10 tubular, hanging flowers which can be up to 8cm long, curved open at the mouth. The stems are mauve or sometimes red and the leaves only appear after flowering.

They are common on road verges where they are protected from cattle damage. While you may be tempted, don't dig them up on the side of the road. Besides being illegal to do this, they do not grow well in cultivation and seldom survive. Simply admire and enjoy them in their natural habitat.

Cyrtanthus belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae and about 60 different species are found all over South Africa. Commonly known garden varieties are the George Lily and the Ifafa Lily, both very rewarding. Traditionally, bulb infusions are used as sprinkling charms against storms and evil. Children use the hollow stems as whistles.

News kindly supplied by Midlands Conservancies Forum

This time of the year is always hectic for us, with lots of babies and lots of fund raising events. It is hard to believe it is only two months to Christmas – this year has flown by so fast. Thanks to Judy and Pete for hosting our Tea Garden at the Open Gardens this year, we really enjoyed being able to spend time in one of the most beautiful settings the Midlands has to offer. We also have an Open Garden at Alskeith Farm in Caversham for the next two weekends, so please support us there as well. It is another lovely, big garden full of little gems. The 26th October is our Christmas Fair at FreeMe from 10h00 till 14h00. There will be lots of stalls and eats and a chance to buy some different Christmas gifts, and support us as well. Lets hope that the weather gods are kind to us for a change. On the 20th October, Wakefields will be holding another charity book sale at their new premises. The last one was such fun and we can make it bigger and better, so please come. You can get some really nice books at a fraction of the new price. Please also consider recycling your old ones by dropping them off at FreeMe or at Wakefields. Thanks again to the guys at Wakefields for going the extra mile to help charities in the area. On the animal front, all our babies are growing well and are getting more independent. Our only loss was the dear little Reedbuck with the two broken legs, obviously the trauma was just too much for him. The gang has been joined by seven baby Egyptian geese and three little African Black ducks. The duck eggs were brought to FreeMe from the Howick Golf Course after the nest was disturbed and we were very excited to be able to hatch three of the six. Look forward to seeing you all at the various events. Please remember to sms Donate freeme to 48748 to donate R 10.00.

News  kindly supplied by FreeMe

Happy Birthday to Nightingales Home Based Care Services who are celebrating five years of service to the Hilton and Howick community. The business has grown and now cares for more than 75 clients and employs 35 staff members who provide a wide range of personalised in-home care services for the elderly and infirm.

Mark and Lorraine wish to thank their amazing staff for the loyalty and hard work they have put in to help Nightingales grow the way it has. They also wish to thank their clients for their continued support. To the Howick doctors and specialists, Howick hospital, Oatlands Care Centre, HADCA, the Amber Care Centres and staff, Nightingales offer a HUGE thank you for the encouragement and support you have all provided over the years. This has all contributed to the success of Nightingales. We hope to remain serving the Midlands community for many years to come.

We feel that FreeMe has really come of age during the last few months. With a record number of mammals coming in from all over the Midlands, we realise that all the hard ground work has finally paid off. The Public now know who to contact and, as quickly as possible, each animal is collected or delivered to the Clinic. The Staff deal with each admittance capably and between Roz, Brian and Israel, there is always a trained person on hand to deal with the traumatised patient. The result - a full clinic with 8 jackal pups, five serval, two mongoose, four duiker, one bushbuck, two gennets, one Reedbuck, various owls, one very large Eland and no losses. How awesome is that!!

Perhaps, the story of the little Reedbuck sums it up best. Brought in on Sunday morning, this poor little thing of about three weeks, had been picked up by two ladies at Sakabula with not one, but two, broken legs. Given that the breaks were at least two days old, this baby had not been able to suckle for that long. Add to that a bitterly cold, wet weekend and the chances for success are extremely slim. Roz was at an Open Garden chasing another elusive buck (this time of the Randela type), and arrived to find Israel in charge, a drip up and a heater going. Monday morning, we were truly amazed to find the youngster trying to stand and bleating for a bottle. Now with two heavily bandaged legs, he is tottering around and getting stronger by the day. He was obviously not ready to give up on life and goes down as one of our true survivors. So we are bleating at the moment as well, our non stop plea for milk, milk and more milk of the full cream, long life variety. Come on teachers, get your classes involved and have a milk challenge day.

News and pictures kindly provided by FreeMe

Have you noticed the wonderful display of Crimum bulbispermum in the wetland below the Midmar Dam wall and on the Lion's River flood plain?

Found naturally on river banks, in wetlands and seasonal pans, this large bulb produces big pink and white striped flowers in springtime. Up to 16 trumpet-shaped flowers form one inflorescence on the tall stalk, opening in succession to reveal a dark red throat and long white stamens. The wavy strap-shaped leaves are a wonderful bluish grey green which compliment the pink perfectly.

In traditional Zulu medicine, roasted bulbs are applied to aching joints, used for rheumatism, varicose veins and backache. Poultices are applied to sores. The leaves are used to keep dressings in place and the flowers are placed on sprains to reduce swelling. Sotho folk also use this plant to stimulate breast milk and plant it as a protective charm outside homesteads.

In the garden it will flourish if given plenty of compost and watered well in summer – it can even be submerged at times – rewarding you with masses of lightly scented blooms in spring.

Thank you to Midlands Conservancies Forum for the news and pictures.

STOP YOUR POOL TURNING GREEN!
DOSE ONLY ONCE A MONTH

activatorD The easier, safer, more economical and effective way to treat and maintain pools.

activatorD was not developed in a laboratory, but in normal conditions at the poolside.

Being disappointed in the action of pool chemicals, he was using in his pool maintenance business, Dudley Magill sought the help of two Chemical Engineer friends and started experimenting with various chemicals.

Dudley wanted something that was safe, economical, eco-friendly and super-effective – particularly in preventing pools from turning green. He also wanted something which would not stain the pool walls!

He came up with the chemical components, a powder mix and a liquid, and over the ensuing months perfected the formula for swimming pools. He has been using the product now for almost three years in many school, hotel and private pools and can say with candour that he has no dissatisfied clients.

The product comes in 2 bottles – a powder and a liquid – totaling 850 grams. This is enough for a 50,000 litre pool for one month. It is safe, environmentally friendly, economical and very effective.

A neglected pool will need a double-dose to start off, but this will effectively kill the algae and clear the water in a few days. Black algae will disappear over a few weeks, and should be brushed off the walls. (Chlorine does not kill algae, only bleaches it; this is why during a storm the chlorine is drawn from the water and the algae is once again visible, turning the water green).

activatorD does not hurt eyes or skin, and swimming costumes last longer. It is environmentally friendly, non-toxic, non-corrosive and chlorine-free - so the run-off water from the pool should not damage your plants.

For further information, please contact:

Midlands Agent
Rob Folker 082 376 8668

Kitty Cabanas has been owned and run by Jane and Gill for the last 11 years.

Jane worked in the veterinary industry for a number of years before having her first baby when she decided not to go back to work and run the cattery instead.

The cattery is now based 9km up the Curries Post Road outside Howick. There are 30 runs for your cat to have a nice spacious area when they visit. Each run has a cabana in which there is a mattress and nice warm bedding. There is also a shelf and ladder from which the cats can watch the passing Oribi and Wattled Cranes.

The cats are fed twice a day. Clients are welcome to bring their own food or they are fed Hills Science Diet food which the cattery supplies. The runs are cleaned out once a day, fresh litter put into the trays and clean bedding if necessary. Some of the runs have cat jungle gyms which the long term boarders enjoy immensely.

Jane now also works at a veterinary clinic in the mornings and so enjoys having cats that need a bit of extra care. She has looked after numerous diabetic cats, ones that need daily medication, bandage changes etc.

The opening times for the cattery are as follows Monday - Friday 7.30am - 9am then 4 - 5pm. Saturday is closed and Sunday 4 - 5pm.

Please feel free to give us a ring and come and visit.

Nicci Smith, a Zumba instructor from Howick has teamed up with Kerry Heinrich from Hilton for the upcoming Zumbathon®. The Zumbathon® is held to raise money for breast cancer research.

This charity event is hosted by thousands of Zumba® Instructors during the month of October every year all around the world and huge amounts of money have been raised.

Cowan House is sponsoring the use of their indoor centre and all money raised will go directly to Zumba® and into the research programs they are sponsoring.

The event, to be held on the 5th October,  is open to EVERYONE of any fitness level (men included). Children and husbands are welcome and the participants may do as little or as much of the 3 hour event as they would like.

In addition to Nicci and Kerry, there will be a host of instructors traveling in from Durban and the South Coast to add to the fun.

See our events page for more information.

While we have been enjoying our jackal pups, they are not everyone's favourite creature. A concerned farmer asked that they not be released anywhere near his property as they kill calves in a very unpleasant way. This is a very legitimate request and our answer is below for all those farming types who are concerned about our decision to rehabilitate them:-

As a rule we do not rehabilitate jackals at all, because of the problem of finding a suitable release site. At the moment though we have had a request from a new reserve up near Phinda in Northern Zululand. They were previously surrounded by squatter camps and their jackal population was wiped out by distemper picked up from the local dogs. They are finding it very difficult to balance their reserve without jackals and the distemper virus stays in the soil for up to four years. Because we can inoculate for distemper with a 100% success rate, our jackals will be able to survive, breed and build up a viable population. All our releases are approved by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and they would certainly never approve jackal releases in a farming area. Similarly, we have to be very careful about mongoose, genet, serval and all other predator sites. We will occasionally release antelope or birds in this area, but nothing else. We do not release into Umgeni because of the poaching problem.

News article submitted by FreeMe Wildlife Rehabilitation KZN.