The next deadline for provisional tax is just around the corner.

How profitable is your business this year?

Preparing your provisional tax return is a good time to assess the profitability of your business. Ask the questions:

Is the business making a profit?

If your business is making a profit at the end of July 2013, this is a good sign for the year end results. Does the profit fall within the targets you have set? Consider the budget you have for the year and whether you are going to be able to maintain or improve your profits. Set new targets.

Is the business making a loss?

A loss in your income statement may be great for saving tax but a loss is not what you want. Rather make profits and save for the tax. One forced saving is paying provisional tax. Turn the loss into a profit by tackling the tough questions. What is causing the loss? Don't look at the obvious indicators e.g. fewer sales. Dig deeper. Why is income not covering your fixed costs? Are the markups on products correct to cover both fixed and variable costs? Is your marketing team performing? What expenses can be cut? What expenses need to increase to bring in more income? Now is a good time to turn the company around and work at making a profit for the year.

What is our strategy?

Use this time of preparing provisional tax as a strategy tool to assess profitability for the year. Correct your budgets and targets.

Your business can make profit.

Kindly shared by Sheldon Conway of Business Soul Accounting in Hilton, KZN.

Hilarity amidst ludicrous costumes and jovial accusations were rampant at last night's HiltonVillage.co.za business network meeting which followed a very social, murder mystery theme. Hosted by Cowan House in their comfortable pavillion with a crackling fire on the go and a hearty meal to enjoy, the evening was barrels of fun.

Taking centre stage was Trish Beaver of WhodunnitSA, or rather the no-nonesense Mrs Ramsbottom, who led us on a riotous pathway as we uncovered character's secrets, plotted motives and scoured for clues. We now know 'whodunnit' and with what!

While the murder mystery unravelled the bossy Mrs Ramsbottom issued detention slips to deviant characters who stewed over her stern order to see her after assembly, they were relieved to be let off Ms Ramsbottoms hook when she invited them to trade their detention slips for prizes. Lovley prizes were supplied by Hilton Village Built It, Curves, eZali Spa, Jewellery by Diana, Pink Heather, Protea Hotel and Rotunda Farm Stall.

At the end of the evening Dee Davis, Cowan House's Marketing Manager, assured everyone that Cowan House was definitely not home to a nasty head like Mr Strickt and that their sportsmaster was quite nice, unlike the fictional one who had committed the awful deed. In fact, the school has a truly lovely heamaster in Rob Odell and a wonderful sports master.

A big round of applause was offered as thanks to Cowan House for providing a great venue and to Trish Beaver who directed the evening and played a most believable Mrs Ramsbottom. Thanks also goes to Catz Ballon Decor who once again did an outstanding job with the decor!

Pictured above are Alex Welgemoed and Cherri Forsyth, respective owners of Curves Hilton and Life Vision.

Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela is a struggle giant and an icon of global proportion that transcends all borders and appeals to everyone across all walks of life. His historical association with uMgungundlovu District Municipality contributed and shaped the democratic, modern day South Africa that we live in today. This has made the District Municipality one of the critical nerve centres of the struggle against apartheid.

On Sunday, 25 August 2013 the marathon will start at the Manayi Hall (formerly known as Arya Samaj Hall) in Imbali, where Nelson Mandela made his last speech on 25 March 1961, and will end at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site outside Howick, where he was arrested, on 05 August 1962. It is against this reason that his historical association with the District has been coined and immortalized through the Mandela Day Marathon. In 2013 the Mandela Day Marathon has major events lined up, that will heighten and bring much deserved attraction to the event, with ambassadors, charities and prizes that will be announced.

The race starts at 07:00am and the route passes through Hilton, details below indicate which roads will be effected.

It is measured that runners will run contra flow to traffic unless stated.

Start F.J. Sithole Road near Manayi Hall
Mnkayi Road Left into Mnkayi Rd
Mbhelebhele Rd Left into Mbhelebhele Rd
Sikale Road Left into Sikale Rd becomes Mthombothi
Sibhubhu Road Right into Sibhubhu Rd
Sutherland Road Left into Sutherland Rd
M70 Left onto M70
Caluza Road Right into Caluza
Dennis Shepstone Left into Dennis Shepstone running contra flow
Hillary Road Left into Hillary
Ridge Road Right into Ridge Road
Cedara Road R103 Left into Cedara running contra flow. Follow Cedara over N3 and back over N3
District Drive Left into District
Macleroy Road Right into Macleroy
Byrnwood Road Right into Byrnwood
Wilson Road Left into Wilson
Zeederberg Road Left into R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road)
N3 Follow R613 (Bulwer/Boston Road) right under N3
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg Road running with traffic
Starlite Road Left into Starlite
Riverview Road Right into Riverview
Sport Field Right onto sports field and clockwise on gravel road, exiting onto Zeederberg
Zeederberg Road Left into Zeederberg running with traffic
Prospect Road Left into Prospect Running contra flow crossing N3, following Prospect
(R103) right past Midmar Dam wall running contra flow

We wish all the entrants a good run. Hilton residents will be out in force supporting the athletes and driving with caution and patience.

Winter is upon us and with comes an increase in respiratory infection, the vast majority of which are caused by various viruses. Most of these viruses cause head colds, sore throat and coughs. Generally they are not associated with significant fevers. There is usually a stuffy, runny nose, perhaps a sore throat. Generally the treatment is supportive - pain and fever medications, cough mixtures, throat lozenges/spray, nasal sprays etc. The risk of secondary bacterial infections is low (< 5%) in healthy children.

More sinister and worrying are the Influenza viruses (Type A & B) that cause far more significant respiratory illnesses - 'Flu'. The hallmarks of Influenza are the 'FACTS' of flu:
F = Fevers – typically high and associated with chills, shivering and even delirium and hallucinations.
A = Aches and pains- typically the whole body - muscles and joints. In children they often complain of a sore tummy or headache.
C = Cough - typically the illness starts in the chest with a dry cough, raspy, painful. In a cold it starts in the nose and moves down to the chest later.
T = Tiredness - this is usually significant and children are very lethargic.
S = Sudden onset within hours of being happy and well the temperatures appear.

The important differences between the two illnesses are these:
Influenza has a much higher rate of secondary infections (bacteria l - usually pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections) and hospitalisations and may cause death!

Influenza is a viral infection that, unlike cold and other respiratory viruses, CAN BE KILLED! There is a safe and effective antiviral medication that stops the flu virus in its tracks and decreases the complications significantly. It is most effective if used early in the illness, certainly before 48 hours - the earlier the better. It can also be used in close contacts to prevent the spread of the virus to them. The medication is called oseltamivir (Trade name Tamiflu®; there is also a generic available).

If you or your children have the FACTS of flu, seek medical advice as soon as possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis and ask whether Tamiflu is needed.

This information is provided without prejudice by Dr Ralph R Gilbert (MbChB).

St Anne's girls looking gorgeous at their Fifth Form Formal held on 16 August 2013 in the College Dining Hall. From left Xolisa Magwentshu, Tayla Bird, Sarah Thatcher, Annabel Rattray, Julia Church and Siphesihle Sokhela.

Supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton, KZN.

Late yesterday afternoon (Thursday) one of our Grade 9 boys, Chris Loxton, had a seizure, while hiking in the Drakensburg mountains as part of a school Outward Bound excursion. After specialist medical advice had been sought, a decision was made to evacuate him from the mountains. A 4 X 4 ambulance was dispatched from Underberg to collect the boy and to transfer him to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg. He was accompanied in the ambulance by two Paramedics. During the transfer, he suffered repeated seizures and his condition deteriorated to such an extent that the medical team was unable to save him. Tragically he passed away during the early hours of this morning. Chris is survived by his parents and a brother. He was a special, happy and well-integrated member of our school and we are all absolutely devastated at his passing. The entire Hilton College Family will, however, stand together to pray for, comfort and support his family and friends.

Peter Ducasse
Headmaster

Supplied by Hilton College on the 16th August 2013.

A very enthusiastic high school bunch set off for Roselands Adventure Centre on the 22nd of July. Upon arrival, the staff at Roselands introduced themselves and gave a very informative talk. However, if anything was absorbed by over eager minds and bodies, we can but only wonder?

The children were divided into groups and instructed to apply their "war paint". Each group had to blind fold one of their members and then were all tied together.To make things even more challenging, they were given a bucket and map and sent on a scavenger hunt.

Our intrepid explorers set off, having to work out very quickly how to hike through the veld, over boulders, through bushes, under fences and around holes with limited mobility! And if this wasn't enough, their instructors had them doing push ups, caring barrels and finally carrying team members hitched to poles!

Battered and bruised, they made their way to the lake which they paddled across. The water was freezing but this didn't stop them from having a go on the foofy slide, the water slides and enjoying a swim in icy waters!

Thoroughly exhausted, they hiked back to camp and enjoyed a delicious lunch. But Adventure camp wasn't done with them yet: a grueling obstacle course spent the last of their energies. The day ended with supper and a midnight walk and feast. And rumour has it that the boys stayed up all night talking....

Day 2 kicked off at 6 am and included a very long walk to the top of a very high mountain! Again, they braved a "fear factor" session, walked a hundred miles and finished off with "go-cart" racing. Dirty faces, sore bodies and with a new found camaraderie, they left Roselands on Tuesday afternoon.

We would like to thank the staff at Roselands, the parents and teachers and every person that made this trip possible. The memories will live on long after the pictures have faded.

News and photos provided by Capulum College in Hilton, KZN.

This is Hilton Pre-Primary's fundraiser. The Hilton Food & Wine Fair is a fun filled evening of much laughter, fun and friendship, not to mention loads of delicious food and wine to ensure that everyone can find something to tantalize their taste buds.

Tickets will go on sale from Saturday, 31 August at our boerewors roll stand at Quarry Spar, and will then also be available in Spar, and at Hilton Pre-Primary.

Tickets are also available on the evening, at the door, at Protea Hotel Hilton.

For those of you who may still be hungry after the event, Protea Hotel Hilton will be offering a light Pub grub, or a Build a Burger Bar! So don't feel you have to leave early.

"Thank you in advance to everyone for helping to make the evening a success by showing your support.
Quarry Spar and the Protea Hotel Hilton also put so much effort into making this evening a success and we thank them for all the behind the scenes work! They always show so much commitment to our special little school.

See you all on 13 September!" said the organising team at Hilton Pre-Primary.

The following announcement took place from the Headmaster of Hilton College:

Dear Hilton Family

It is with very mixed emotions that I announce that our Director of Marketing, Mr Paul Guthrie, will be leaving us at the end of the year to take up the position of Headmaster of the Kingswood College Senior School (Grahamstown), starting in January 2014. This is a great honour for Paul and we take this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment, and to wish him well as he takes up this new challenge.

Paul started teaching Mathematics at Hilton College in January 1995 and during his time at the college, he has been the Housemaster of McKenzie House, 1st XI cricket coach, a passionate rugby coach, master-in-charge of the Student Exchange Programme and since January 2008, the Director of Marketing.

Paul has been a highly successful and respected Director of Marketing and a most valuable schoolmaster at Hilton College, and he richly deserves this promotion. We will certainly miss Paul but I have no doubt that our loss is Kingswood's gain, and that he will have an equally successful career as the Headmaster of Kingswood (Senior School).

Kind regards

PB Ducasse
Headmaster

Pictured here: Paul Guthrie

News and photograph supplied by Hilton College.

There has recently been an outbreak of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Hilton and surrounds. (Not to be confused with Foot and Mouth Disease which is found in animals). So what is HFMD?

HFMD is a viral infection affecting mainly young children, causing a fever and a rash on the hands, feet, nappy area and in and around the mouth. It is caused by a virus-usually Coxsackie A16- that is spread from child to child by direct touch, contact with mucous or faeces of an infected child or even contact with objects which have been in contact with an infected person. Such objects can include toys, towels, clothes and the like and they are called fomites. The Coxsackie virus will only be infectious for a few minutes on dry surfaces and a little longer on wet surfaces, but not more than an hour. Using a sanitising/ alcohol spray on toys, equipment etc can kill the virus. Hand washing is important, especially after changing a nappy.

Symptoms will appear about 3-6 days after being in contact with the virus. However, your child will be infectious for a day or two before the rash comes out and will be infectious until the rash crusts over, (usually about a week from the first onset of symptoms).

The illness will start with your child being grizzly, irritable and then having a fever. A day or two later the rash appears- small blisters on the feet, hands and mouth (lips and tongue) and possibly the nappy area. The baby will often drool. The lesions appear to be uncomfortable and even painful, but not itchy. The baby may go off their bottle or food. The infection is generally limited to those symptoms but in unusual cases complications of meningitis or lung problems may happen- urgent medical attention should be sought if you suspect this.

Treatment is generally symptomatic and supportive- controlling the temperature and discomfort with pain and fever medication including paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication. Local treatment with calamine lotion may sooth irritated skin and an antiviral numbing gel can help with the lesions in the mouth. There is no specific anti-viral medication for the virus, but some evidence supports the use of the antiviral agent, acyclovir, as it decreases the duration of the illness in some cases. It is advisable for affected patients to avoid pregnant women who have not previously been exposed to the illness.

In summary, HFMD is a sudden-onset contagious viral infection causing temperatures, and a rash; it is generally a mild illness which is self limiting. It needs to run its course but there are steps that can be taken to ease the symptoms.

Article submitted by Dr Ralph Gilbert, MBChB - 033-3432243 - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

On arrival at Brookfield Farmhouse there will be a whiskey presentation by Brand House accompanied by canapés. Champagne will be served to the ladies not wanting to partake in the whiskey.

Each course of this decadent meal brought to you by Eat in with Eaton's will be served with fine wines from Vinimark Trading.

APPETISER

COCONUT DUSTED TIGER PRAWNS SERVED WITH A MANGO, MINT CORRIANDER AND LIME DIPPING SAUCE
Chenin Blanc / sav blanc
***
BAKED PHYLLO PARCELS FILLED WITH MORROCAN STYLE BEEF, PEPPERDEWS, ROCKET AND ROASTED SEEDS
Pinot Noir / Chardonnay

***
HOME-MADE LEMON SORBET
***
MAIN COURSE
Beef Fillet steak topped with camembert and bacon served with a merlot reduction
Bordeaux Blend

***
DESSERT
WHITE AND DARK CHOCOLATE PAT'E SERVED WITH A PASSION FRUIT SAUCE
Tawny Port
***
CHEESE BOARD WITH AN ASSORTMENT OF DIPS AND PRESERVES
Noble Late Harvest/ Muscadel

Bookings are essential and we look forward to seeing you there.

For Bookings contact Lisa on 072 961 0378 OR Paul on Tel: 082 093 9251.

On Thursday evening the club house reverberated to the happy strains of "They are jolly good fellows" as members sang lustily to Rob Tosen and Jean Ramsay after they had announced that they had married on Wednesday. Heartfelt congratulations and our best wishes for continuing happiness together.

All seven rinks were needed to accommodate the thirty-eight players who turned out on Saturday. The top team of the day under Jean Pluke took home huge grapefruit as prizes. Thanks again to John Fowler for his generous donation.

Jean Pluke hit the jackpot again when Thelma's lotto was drawn.

Early notice is given to members that Bill's Christmas Bash will be held on Saturday 30 November and not 7 December as shown in our calendar.

Coaching is available at our club at times arranged to suit individual needs. Call Thelma Mylne (033 343 2020) or Dave Hammond (033 343 4390)

Duties: 25 - 31 August: OOD: Jean Pluke. Tabs: John Pluke. Duty team: John Pattrick. Teas on 31 Aug: Rina & Neil Tainton. Biscuits: 27 & 29 Aug: Arthur Daugherty & Tony Francis.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

St Anne's Diocesan College hosted the annual STEPP Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament on Sunday 18 August. STEPP (St Anne's Education in Partnership Programme) holds a number of fundraisers throughout the year to fund its projects and the Tennis is fast becoming a firm favourite in the Hilton community. Supported by social and competitive players, the event aims to increase awareness of the many partnerships in the programme as well as raise funds.

Thanks to Harcourts for sponsoring the tennis balls as well as all the other generous sponsors: Richard Knowles, Build It, The Quarry SuperSpar, Umgeni Vet, INsingizi, Victoria Road Pick 'n Pay, Wedgewood and St Anne's Diocesan College.

Pictured on the left are Barbs Paulo and Pete Jubber.

At the end of Cherry Lane, behind the Hilton Hotel, the Hilton Bowling Club welcomes prospective bowlers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

A special day for anyone interested in finding out about the sport will be held on Sunday the 1st of  September. A warm welcome and qualified coaches will be on hand to guide you before and during a social game.

Being a member of the Natal Inland Bowling Association (NIBA) we have one of their best greens and all the members are very ready to welcome interested/prospective bowlers. Costs are nil and tea and bowls (woods) provided. See you there - barefoot or flat shoes, at 9:00am Sunday 1/09/13.

Contact Derick 0829353150 or Chris 0731331999

It is with a very heavy heart that I update you on the extent of Xilombe Tlakula's (Grade 9 Hilton College) injury that I reported yesterday. Unfortunately the nature of the injury to Xilombe's right arm left the doctors with no alternative but to amputate at the elbow. He underwent extensive surgery last night and my latest news is that he is out of theatre and in a stable condition. I am sure that you will all join me in praying for Xilombe and his family at this traumatic time.

We now know that the injury was caused by a large rock which was dislodged and landed on his arm.

I have been in regular contact with the staff who were with Xilombe and they report that the other members of their group are well and in good spirits. I must commend the emergency services as well as the Hilton College staff members who assisted.

Peter Ducasse
Headmaster

News supplied by Hilton College.

At the committee meeting last Saturday, Etzet Nuss was accepted as a member of our club. Welcome Etzel and may you enjoy many happy years bowling with us. On the subject of new members, we will be running a Bowls Awareness Day on Sunday 1 September. Everyone is welcome and we invite those who would like to experience the game to join us. Further details will be published in this column.

Please note that you do not have to wait for this introduction to bowls. Coaching is available at our club at times arranged to suit individual needs. Call Thelma Mylne (033 343 2020) or Dave Hammond (033 343 4390)

The next Jaxx Roll is set for 21 August. As John Pattrick will be away, Chris Purchase is looking after this one.

Contact him on 033 343 2162 for particulars.

Duties: 18 - 24 August: OOD: Ron Buchel. Tabs: Colin Watson. Duty team: Des Morrish. Teas on 24 Aug: Brian Newton & Fred Palmer. Biscuits: 20 & 22 Aug: Jean Pluke & Barry Collier.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

We recently shared a tale about the inaugural polar bear mission a local accountant, namely Dave Prentice, undertook to raise funds for CINDI. He was successful in completing his pioneering challenge and has shared the pictures to prove it. To date Dave's endeavour has brought in donations of R18,000.00 and he is keeping the challenge open until 30th September 2013. If you would like to support CINDI and give Dave a high five for his near nude ice fishing antics, the bank account details are available below;

Account Name SA Prentice
Bank Nedbank
Account No 901 638 2775
Branch Code 720026
Branch Name Nedbank Corporate Saver

The donations to CINDI would qualify for a tax deduction for the donor. Any donor wishing to take advantage of this should request a Section 18A Certificate from me via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In addition any donations to CINDI will qualify as 100% BBBEE spend due to the fact that the beneficiaries of CINDI are 100% Black. Should any donors wish to take advantage of this, please request a letter for your BBBEE records and accreditation purposes. All proceeds deposited into the above account will be fully reconciled and paid over to CINDI. Should anyone require verification that these funds do in fact get transferred to CINDI, you are more than welcome to contact the Director at CINDI in order to obtain any information.

Women's Day was celebrated in style at St Anne's College with a full programme to entertain the girls, their teachers and parents.

The day kicked off with an uplifting performance from award winning South African artist, Daniel Baron. He had the girls on the feet clapping, dancing and singing along to his latest releases.

Although Hilton experienced a misty, wet and cold day, spirits couldn't be dampened and the girls kept busy with activities such as inter-house public speaking, quiz and art in action.

The Michaelhouse Marimba Band performed over lunch and later the houses & staff competed in the annual cooking competition – this year's challenge was to create a potjie dish that warmed around 500 tummies in the early evening.

The day concluded with a fantastic drama production, The List. This masterfully-crafted solo play by Jennifer Tremblay, winner of three prestigious Canadian awards and directed by Leila Henriques stars Susan Danford.

As part of an initiative to honour women for our Cultural Day / Women's Day celebrations on 9th August, Form 5 Art girls from St Anne's College were each given a famous woman to research. Each student had to produce a portrait that included symbolic images highlighting their subject's unique contribution. Collectively these portraits were presented in the form of a circle to represent unity and friendship among women. The women studied included: Amina Cachalia, Fatima Meer, Ela Ghandi, Helen Zille, Nadine Gordimer, Helen Suzman, Lilian Ngoyi, Frene Ginwala and Miriam Makeba.