One of Pietermaritzburg's well preserved historically significant buildings, Macrorie House Museum, brought history to life for a class of Grade Three Laddsworth Primary School pupils this week.
Callum Pollard said, "My favourite room is the haunted parlour, even though it is not haunted."
Other favourite sightings were the whale tooth, the 'uncomfortable' bicycle and the plastic dust covers on the beds. Roxanne Thomas, the museum curator was a hit with the girls who were fascinated with her Victorian outfit.

Pictured here L-R back Tori Fuller, Cleo Daly, Roxanne Thomas curator at Macrorie House, Anna Hobden, Ruth Bromley, Megan Brown, Andiswe Ngcobo and Monika Grobbelaar.

Pictured below L-R front Amy Kelman, Cara Upton, Hayley Burgess lying down Rachel Wheeler.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Hilton's Community Police Forum have shared the following safety tips for cyclists:
• Always try and ride in groups, even if commuting to and from work
• Always try and use areas that are well lit and remain away from remote, secluded and known high risk areas
• Be aware of where you are and aware of escape routes and assistance options such as nearby garages, security guards or even residential properties to ask assistance of
• Always let someone know your general route and general times of departure and arrival
• Always make use of headlights and taillights, a wise option even during daylight
• Try not to carry unnecessary cash and other items such as jewellery that may make you a target
• Always carry some identification on you such as a CSA License / Club card, medical aid card or the like
• Ensure that you bicycle is in best condition possible to avoid unnecessary stops

Supplied by Hilton Community Police Forum

The 2014 Howick Highlander event takes place on the 24th August 2014 at the Karkloof Farmers Market.

HERITAGE
The Aim of Cubs & Scouts is to encourage the spiritual, mental, social and physical development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

1st Howick Cubs & Scouts strives to fulfil this using funds generated by hosting the Annual Howick Highlander Adventure weekend. The event has grown from its humble beginnings 19 years ago to a family orientated adventure day with over 800 entrants.

The purpose of the event has always been to promote outdoor activities while also raising funds for the local Cub & Scout Troop.

The success of the event in the past number of years has allowed 1st Howick Cubs & Scouts to make a meaningful contribution to the less privileged youth in their community with financial support for and interaction with the Kazimula orphanage.

ABOUT THE EVENT

MORE THAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE...

THE RACE PHILOSOPHY
MTN bike events have become expensive. As Cubs & Scouts, we believe in family orientated outdoor activities. Our vision is to present a community focused outdoor event that the whole family can enjoy and afford. We have therefore cut out all extra's in a bid to provide you and your family with a fun filled day of cycling without the cost.

TIMING AND CSA LICENCES
This event is not intended to be a race. If you would like to know your finishing time - bring a watch! As this is an untimed event, there will be no CSA licence fees payable.
NOTE: Other than a good day's fun for you and your family, riding this event does not qualify you for anything - CSA or otherwise.

TRAIL RUNS
The trail runs will be run along similar routes this year through Umgeni Valley nature reserve. There will be water tables on all the routes, but it is advisable to carry your own water. The start times are early enough to allow you to participate in both the run and cycle events - if you are that brave. Otherwise bring your loot - there will be pancakes on sale!

• 7:00am 20 km R80
• 7:05am 10 km R70
• 7:10am 5 km R40

CYCLE RIDES
The routes are substantially the same this year. Riders will be able to enjoy a much more sociable ride along dirt roads and jeep track in the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve and Everdon Estate - places that you cannot normally ride with the most stunning views! There will be no road crossings to worry about, and the routes will not be technical in nature (except for the 20km extreme) - no excuses Mom!

For those wanting a tough technical ride, try the 20km extreme which follows the 20km trail run route down into the Umgeni Valley. Beware it's a long hard ride out of there!

• 8:30am 40km R140
• 8:40am 20km & 20km extreme R100
• 8:50am 10km R80
• 9:00am 2km R30

HALFWAY LOUNGE
We have a relaxing halfway lounge for you to rest your weary legs and take in the spectacular view of the Umgeni Valley!

FOOD STALLS
Come and enjoy a cup of coffee from Marley Coffee with a fresh muffin from Miss Muffin to get you going, delicious pancakes made and served by our Cubs and Scouts, or enjoy a burger or egg and bacon roll served by the Lions.

SPONSORSHIP
An event of this nature will not be possible without sponsorships. There will be lucky draw prizes up for grabs after your run or ride including a raffle prize of a 29' Pinnacle Bike, so don't forget your raffle money on the day!

VENUE
The Howick Highlander will be held in Howick at the Karkloof Farmers Market.

The venue, at the Karkloof Farmers Market, 2km outside Howick on the Karkloof Rd, allows ample parking space and place for families to chill. Adding to the traditional hospitality and planning of the Howick Scouts and Cubs, the covered facilities make this a great venue for a great event. In the traditions of previous Highlander races, the routes are just part of the fun, with plenty of refreshments and hunger busters after the ride!

To assist in putting together a ride of this nature; Wessa, Hans Merensky's Everdon Estate and private landowners, have graciously opened their land for the enjoyment of mountain bikers. It is indeed a privilege to be able to mountain bike in the Midlands.

ENTRIES
Entries can made through ROAG: www.roag.co.za

CONTACT
For further information visit our web page: www.howickhighlander.co.za

Alternatively contact Cub Master: Kim Burnie on 082 572 5050

Laddsworth are proud to announce that Tyler Francis has been awarded a Hockey Scholarship to Maritzburg College for 2015. Tyler recently represented the KZN Inland U14 C team at an inter-provincial tournament where he was the highest goal scorer, scoring four goals.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

During their July vacation siblings from Laddsworth Primary School, Demi and Jordan Edwards participated in a Horse Show where they were rewarded for a variety of achievements. Demi earned five rosettes for; 2nd place in Best Rider category, 3rd place in Dressage, 3rd place in Activity, 4th for the Pole on the ground event and 5th for Jumping. Jordan who is in Grade two won six rosettes for coming 1st in Best Rider and Activity, 2nd in Dressage and Pole on the ground, 5th in Jumping and he received the Victor Ludorum.

Pictured L-R: Jordan Edwards and Demi Edwards.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Twins in Grade two at Laddsworth Primary School, Hannah and Calum Mulder enjoyed their Midlands Mud Man experience.

Pictured L-R Hannah Mulder and Calum Mulder.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

SO... what do you get for R100??

On arrival, you will be welcomed with a glass of wine compliments of "Greendale Spar" and delicious snack platters. We then invite you to browse the various food and wine stalls namely: Oscar Deli Meats, Mokador Coffee, Caversham Croft, Tasha's Fantastic Fudge, The Pickle Pot Café, Kishmish, Meridian Wine Merchants, The Wine Cellar, Naturezone, The Foodies Group, Merriducks, Swissland Cheese, The Bunkers, Midlands Speciality Products, The Gourmet Greek, County Blockman, Cape Legends Wine, La Petite France, Dr. Andy's, Vinimark, The Cookhouse, Greendale Kwikspar, Fudart, Indezi River Cheese, Snappy Chef, Chocolates By Dee, Terrier Trading, Chocolate Sensations,Two Phat Ladies and the list goes on...

We also have the very talented "Trevor Browne" playing live music. Futhermore, every ticket purchased is an entry into our lucky draw to win some outstanding prizes!

Tickets are on sale from Mel at Howick Hospice (033 330 5257) or Steph at Fern Hill Hotel (033 330 5071) for R100 per person. Please bring your friends and enjoy an evening of food and wine tasting.

A group of Grace College pupils and staff embarked on a 'World Challenge' tour to Vietnam in the July holidays. This tour involved trekking, community service as well as enjoying tourist attractions. Upon arrival, the team spent a few days in Hanoi to acclimatise themselves and enjoy true Vietnamese hospitality and culture. From there, the team went on an overnight train trip to Sapa for a three-day trek through the breath-taking mountainous areas and terraced rice fields. The team went on to stay in a community in Thai Binh to do community service, such as building and gardening projects. They also visited a pre-school and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the children. The team made a big impact on this community that had never seen foreigners before. The last few days were spent in Halong Bay for some well-deserved rest and recuperation. This tour has been described as a life changing adventure and an experience of a lifetime.

Pictured: The Grace College 'World Challenge' team whilst trekking in Sapa.

Rachel Tegg, from Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton, earned accolades at the Mounted Games held in Ashburton during the winter break. Her older sister Jaimie Tegg, a Laddsworth old girl now at Howick High School, also participated and will be travelling overseas to compete internationally.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Midlands braces for biggest field in 8yr history!

Race date: 30th November 2014 - Midmar Dam

The KZN Midlands is bracing itself for the biggest field in the Midlands Ultra Triathlon since its inception in 2009 says race director Damian Bradley from B-Active Sports. "Entries from all over South Africa and internationally have been flooding in since April this year and at this point we have far exceeded our past race entries. The Midlands Ultra, KZN's most popular triathlon which takes place on the 30th of November has an entry cap of 1000 competitors and is known as one of the premier Triathlons in the country"

The Midlands Ultra has gone from strength to strength since its first race at Midmar Dam in 2009. In March this year it was again selected to host to the South African Long Course Triathlon Championships, making it the selection event for ITU World Long Course Triathlon Championships. It is the 3rd time in 7 years that the Midlands Ultra Triathlon has been awarded this prestigious Title. World ITU Long Course Triathlon Championships is being held in Weihai in China in September and Triathlon South Africa is sending a strong team to represent our growing triathlon community in SA. The March Midlands Ultra attracted a strong field of Athletes from the Cape to Cairo, who came to battle it out on the beautiful Midlands course. We have seen that the top athletes are coming to do battle again in November, which lends credibility to the status of the event " Says Damian Bradley. " To ensure that all our competitors have a great event, we have capped entries to 1000 athletes, so that we can give our athletes an amazing ULTRA experience with no chance of overcrowding on the race routes"

On the international stage, our overseas Triathlon field gets stronger each year, with over 32 international athletes attending the March race coming from Dubai, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.

"Past winners of the Ultra include James Cunnama, Kent Horner, Stuart Marias, Donovan Van Gelder, Gerhard De bruin , some of whom have already secured their place on the Ultra starting line. The Event has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 3 years by securing strategic partnerships with Old Mutual, ORCA, Saucony and GU Energy. These partnerships have allowed us to focus on giving our Ultra Athletes what they want, One of the best loved triathlons in South Africa" Says Race Director Damian Bradley.

Anyone looking to try something different should give the Midlands Ultra or Sprint race a go. The Event can be done in Teams and Individually and there is something for everyone. To book you place at one of SA's premier Triathlons, go to www.midlandsultra.com"

Pictured here Stuart Marias.

Diane Aldworth is Hilton's uncontested Queen of Herbs! Her wealth of herbal knowledge is vast and she is most willing to share it through her six month courses, herb club and cosmetic workshops.

'It doesn't matter how much or how little you know about herbs, Di offers a font of knowledge on anything & everything on the topic! We thoroughly enjoy being welcomed into her lovely home and come away having learnt far more than what is just the "subject" of the day. A totally enjoyable and "hands-on" class where we all get involved & learn along the way.' shared Phillipa Baines.

Lynette Labuschagne said, 'I have always enjoyed gardening and am also an avid reader. Books often refer to the use of herbs, throughout the ages, be it the Voortrekkers, San people or during Medieval times.

It's a more specific form of gardening and amazing the various uses herbs have, whether it is for culinary or for medicinal purposes.

It's an interesting subject (herbs) and course, as almost every plant can be used - even weeds . . .

I am thoroughly enjoying the course, from designing a herb garden, to making a recipe book and even a booklet (medicine chest) on the use of herbs for medicinal purposes.'

Des Yeoman added,' I joined the herb course as a complete novice with a slight interest in using herbs for cooking and improving ones overall health. Through Di's knowledge and eagerness to share I was soon drawn into a hobby of growing and using herbs in my everyday life. My slight interest has turned into a hobby that I enjoy immensely and the group of friends I have made have enriched my life.'

Sarah Stott said, 'I have been attending the Herbology @ home course for 3 months and am loving it, every time we come for our classes there is a new excitement amongst the learners. We have a lot of fun.'

'I attend Di's herb club and each and every time I go, she astounds me with her mine of information on herbs!! I always have a pen at the ready as tips, years of accumulated knowledge and guidance constantly rolls off her tongue!! She makes it fun and is such a dynamic lady. She has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of herbs and their uses and benefits. Anyone interested, will not walk away disappointed.' commented Linda Foster.

Pictured here identifying and gathering herbs are from left to right Des Yeoman, Dinae Watson and Di Aldworth.

To buy your herbal remedies from Di or contact her call +27 (0)82 808 1519.

When the Pietermaritzburg Children's Choir visited Riga, Latvia in July there were amongst them three songbirds from Laddsworth Primary School's choir: Anja Dippenaar, Airen de la Mare and Tiana Nzimande. The choir sang in the 2014 World Choir Games which is the equivalent of the Olympics for choirs. 420 choirs from 52 countries competed and South Africa won the event.

These Laddsworth girls earned three Silver diploma's each, a jubilant result in a competition which included adult choirs. The girl's most memorable highlight from their trip was singing with the Kearsney College Choir outside McDonalds in Riga.

Kayleigh Szente, a Laddsworth old girl now in Grade 8 at Howick High also participated in the event.

Pictured below front L-R: Airen de la Mare and Taina Nzimande.
Back L-R: Anja Dippenaar and Gavin Lambooy, Headmaster of Laddsworth Primary School.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Laddsworth Primary Schools 1st XI participated in a festival at Hilton College and Michaelhouse on the 26th and 27th July 2014. They won six and drew two out of 12 games played against Westville Primary, Penryn College, Chelsea Preparatory, Penzance Primary, Winston Park Primary, Umhlanga College, Virginia Preparatory, St Benedict's Junior Preparatory, Lynford and Western Province Primary School.

Pictured front L-R: Tyler Francis, Scott Butler, Tyran Watson, Bryce Baldry and Brandon Merrington.
Back L-R: Liam Wedge, BroganTedder, Menzi Dhlodhlo, William Hodgkinson, James Muggleton, Samkelo Mlaba, Waa Ndlovu and Michael Nielsen.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Brian Jones, CEO of SA CAN Community Action Network and Debbie Preston, a partner in Knight Security Solutions shared some insight to ways of working together for a safer South Africa with Laddsworth Primary School staff. Recognising the vital support role which teachers play in ensuring children are as safe as possible in any emergency situation, SA CAN listed all Laddsworth staff as subscribers at no cost to themselves. The next SA CAN public presentation will take place at Grace College in Hilton.Catch Brian Jones at Grace College on the 6th August at 6.00pm!

Pictured here L-R Gavin Lambooy, Laddsworth Headmaster, Debbie Preston and Brian Jones.

Prianna Maharaj, a Grade 6 pupil at Laddsworth Primary School participated in the South African Inter-regional Table Tennis Tournament from the 6 to 13 July 2014 in Mangaung (formerly Bloemfontein) representing Umgungunglovu District.

She came third in the country for Under 12 girls' singles division receiving a bronze medal. In the team Under 14 Girls event they were awarded a Silver medal for 2nd place.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

After a somewhat protracted period, we have at last decided the Ladies' and Men's singles champions for 2014.

Jean Pluke had a good close match against Janice Shipway before taking the title for the fourth time in a row. On Thursday. last year's winner of the Men's competition, Dave Stevenson played John Bayley, a relatively new bowler. Dave won by a large margin, his second win in as many years. Congratulations to Jean and Dave, who will represent Hilton in the Champion of Champions competition and well done to Janice and John for having reached the finals.

The Jaxx Roll on Wednesday was won by Peter Freer, Denis La Riviere and Trish Elliott. Winner of the Losers were Des Morrish, Jean Tosen and Tony Barrington. Well done to all the winners and thanks to Jaxx and Dulcѐ for their sponsorship.

Our club marked its 58th birthday on Saturday with the playing of the Club President's Cup. A disappointing small field of only 24 players put their tabs in. Winners of the Cup were Chris Lake, Jean Pluke and Richard Lister. Best wishes on your success.

The nominated mixed pairs competition is not moving as quickly as we would like, and entrants are urged to complete the preliminary rounds soon, or to face elimination.
Up-coming events: IF Sponsored Trips 1st August, Chicken Run 2nd.

Duties: 27 July - 2 Aug: Dave Garrard. Tabs: Chris Lake. Duty Team: Gil v.d. Hoven. Teas on 2nd Aug: Peter Bailie & Margaret Meek. Biscuits 29 & 31 Aug: N & R Tainton.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

The Hexagon Theatre's next production celebrates Women's Day with a dynamic show which pays tribute to the influence of jazz and blues on American music and the women who made the unforgettable songs their own.

After World War 1 musical trends in America took a huge upswing as Tin Pan Alley became the focus of the music publishing business. The old spirituals sung by slaves became the basis for blues, jazz and gospel, which, in turn, later on influenced Rock 'n Roll, R&B, Soul and eventually Hip-Hop. Composers such as George Gershwin and Irving Berlin brought these styles to the forefront of popular music, and black singers were allowed into whites-only clubs – as long as they stayed on stage! From these uneasy beginnings a huge industry developed, leaving an indelible legacy of remarkable performers and memorable music.

This show looks at the music which swept the world and gave us some of the top female singers of the last century, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Etta James, taking in Nina Simone, Roberta Flack and Diana Ross, right up to Tracy Chapman, Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Beyoncè. And of course, the inimitable girl groups such as the Supremes, the Chordettes, the Shirelles and the Dixie Cups, just to name a few. Songs include Georgia on My Mind, My baby Just Cares for Me, Mr Sandman, Chapel of Love, Proud Mary, Killing Me Softly, Hero and Single Ladies, amongst numerous others. Not wanting to be entirely one-sided, there is a small nod to male singers such as Louis Armstrong, Ben E King and the Jackson Five.

Directors Peter Mitchell and Helen Vermaak have assembled a talented cast of up-and-coming young singers, led by local star Erin Fourie, who bring the old and new songs to vibrant life. Mitchell and Vermaak have been responsible for most of the big musicals produced in Pietermaritzburg over the last thirty years, including Grease, West Side Story, Godspell, Cabaret and Magical Mystery Tour. Choreography is by Paul Datlen, with musical arrangements by bandleader Jeff Judge. Costumes are designed by Sandra Styles, with lighting and sound by Marcus Henning.

Young, Gifted and Gorgeous promises to bring you exactly that: the young, the gifted and the gorgeous!

Pictured here: Sthe Nyanda, Qiniso Zungu, Thobeka Bhengu and Erin Fourie

As part of her duties as a Mrs SA Finalist, Melissa Vurovecz teamed up with Elaine Kooiman, owner of Skinworx, at Amber valley. Elaine, the key speaker, gave the ladies a detailed presentation on how and why a woman should apply make-up, which the ladies really enjoyed. It was R100 per person and 17 ladies attended, totalling in R1700.00 for CANSA.

Melissa had a chance to share with the ladies a bit about her journey so far in the pageant.

Delicious sweet and savory eats with coffee and tea were served. Overall it was a successful, informative and inspiring morning.