Local CA, Dave Prentice is off on a mission to achieve Polar Bear status by inaugurating the Natal Fly Fishers' Club's newly formed Polar Bear Challenge. Read all about this intrepid adverturer's plan.

My family and I will be going to Rhodes Village, Eastern Cape over the weekend from 5-7 July 2013 to support a friend doing the Rhodes Marathon. Given that I'm a keen Trout Fisherman rather than a marathon runner, I thought I'd give winter fishing on the Bell River a bash now that the rivers are no longer closed in winter. I then took it a wee bit further in that I decided that I'd start the NFFC's Rhodes Polar Bear Club. To give this madness some purpose, I thought I would try and raise some money for a charity I serve as a Board Member as Treasurer, called Children in Distress (CINDI) Network, based in Pietermaritzburg and assists NGO's in KZN area which are involved with children affected by AIDS. CINDI has been in existence since July 1996 and has had a major impact. More information about CINDI can be found at www.cindi.org.za.

In order for me to qualify as the inaugural member of this soon to be esteemed Club, I need to do the following:
1. The attempt can only be carried out in what would ordinarily be considered mid-winter in Rhodes.
2. Only wear underpants (not long johns) and a Natal Fly Fishers' Club Beanie. No other clothing whatsoever!
3. I would be required to wade in the river between knee and waist depth...just up to the whatsits!
4. I would be required to complete a proper cast and fish on an upstream nymphing basis.
5. Proof of this attempt will be in the form of photographic and video evidence which will be publicized after the event and made available to all donors via a suitable electronic medium.

Should you wish to donate to this worthy cause, funds may be deposited into the following banking account:

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 the email address listed in the signature below. 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.

The REAL PR Boot Camp held at Chamber House, Royal Show Grounds on 4 and 11 June was a huge success. Although it was a small group, Desiray Viney, the facilitator, said, "The enthusiastic exchange of information and experiences turned it into a powerhouse of ideas! It was an excellent example of experiential learning, where people absorb information by doing and speaking, not just listening."

The participants came from a range of organisations all wanting to learn more about managing their public relations activities. Shuter and Shooter Publishers' Thobile Mdunge, Shan Cade of The CLIP System, Angie Narayanan from The Community Chest and Maralyn Atkins, Hilton College, worked hard, learnt much and went away with real PR tools to use. Phume Mthembu, of Ifutho Consulting, attended one of the workshops and, as ex Head of Corporate Communication and Branding at Hulamin, added authentic value.

The Boot Camp workshops included corporate identity building, writing for the media and planning a PR programme. All participants gave such positive feedback, another REAL PR Boot Camp is being planned for August or September.

News and images supplied by REAL Communications.

The junior boys from Mashaka School in Sweetwaters have placed first in the Midland's cross-country league. The entire school excitedly received the trophy. They were proud to see their name along side schools like Martizburg College and Alex High. This trophy is not only something the students are excited about, but also their parents. One parent explained, "No one in my family has ever won a medal before—but now our son has, and we are so proud!" The girls also did well. Noluthando from Mashaka came first in several races—and she's only eleven!

These runners are part of iThemba Projects after school running club, a group sponsored in part by the JAG foundation. Thanks to assistance from coaches at Midlands schools, the club was able to enter competitions this term. The running club has around 40 students who train after school, often running barefoot along the steep, rocky Sweetwaters roads. Thulani, their coach, sees running club as a chance to form relationships with kids and teach them self-discipline and self-esteem.

iThemba Projects work with the children of Sweetwaters, one of the aspects of the work is a Running Club which they run at Mashaka School in Sweetwaters. Children from Mashaka took part in the recent Midlands Cross Country Series and the results above have been massively rewarding all around.

Hilton's Round Tablers are pretty smug about this one, confident that their cup is safe. Come along to The Quarry Centre on Saturday, the 6th July 2013 from 09h00. Bring your lucky driver or iron and let's see who can get nearest to the pin or even a hole-in-one!

There will be a hole-in-one prize and hourly main prizes. Have you got what it takes to be the golfer who takes the cup?

Read more about Hilton Round Table 242 here.

On Saturday 13th July, 2013 at 2pm at Eagle Ridge Club House, Curry's Post Road, Howick, the uMgeni SPCA will hold their AGM.

Nominations for Management Committee and any Resolutions must comply with the requirements of our Constitution and be received by Saturday 6th July, 2013.

We are so privileged in the greater Hilton and Howick areas to have such a successful and well run SPCA on our doorstep and they value any contribution you can make. New Committee members would be very welcome as new ideas and approaches are good for forward momentum and continued growth. Please consider putting yourself forward to be available for the committee – all skills required.

Last Year's Minutes and our Constitution are available for perusal at the uMgeni SPCA Fundraising Centre, 39 Main Street, Howick.

All members and interested parties are welcome. If you would like any further information please contact the centre.

Tea will be served after the meeting.

Support you local SPCA shop.

In 2005 accomplished artist and famed gardener Jocelyn Boyley found joy in writing and producing a book to honour a wonderful life, well-lived, that of her husband Erroll Boyley, an acclaimed South African painter. This edition is limited to 2000 copies and with some still available at R900.00, this is well-worth adding to your Christmas wish-list. We have heard, on good authority that this collectible book is selling at double this price elsewhere!

Between the covers of this beautiful work you will begin a journey with a young boy as he faces adventures and challenges, along a road that winds from Pietermaritzburg through the Valley of a Thousand Hills, to Ramsgate, visits Knysna and lingers in Franschhoek to return to Hilton. Meet the child, the man, the fisherman, the musician and of course the artist.

Colour plates of Errol Boyley's works in Celebration of a Life are thematically set out in the following genres; animals, cattle, cape buildings, cape cottages, human figures, harbour and sea, Highveld and KZN Midlands, horses, rivers, still life, trees and Vlei and marshland.

Read more about this book.

On the 11th of June 2013 Julia Gramkow, a Laddsworth Primary School old girl and a Miss Earth South Africa regional finalist visited Ndabezinhle Crèche in Sweetwaters where she planted three Leopard Trees. The trees, compost and oranges were sponsored by HiltonVillage.co.za.

The sponsored Leopard Trees or another name is Brazilian Ironwood (Caesalpinia Ferra) were a great choice as they are fast growing and water wise. They prefer full sun which is abundant on the warmer north facing area of the Ndabezinhle property where they have been planted.

The principal of the crèche, Nelly was over joyed to have these beautiful trees on her property, as they are desperate for shade. In the future shade from these trees will provide the children at Ndabezinhle Crèche with a cooler space for the children to sit at lunchtimes.

Each tree was planted with all of the children being involved; we all put a hand full of soil into each hole, forming a relationship with the trees in promising to take care of it. It was wonderful to see and experience the excitement from the children as they learned that they were not just planting a tree, but a life.

After a successful tree planting, it was teatime and the children thoroughly enjoyed some of the fresh oranges. Everyone sat down in the lovely winter sun and Julia discussed with all of the children, how they could help in making sure the trees grow to their full potential. The children promised to nurture this tree as they do with their own vegetable garden on the property.

After giggles, smiles and sticky orange hugs, it was time to leave after a lovely morning that will not be forgotten.

We extend a big thank you to Julia for inviting HiltonVillage.co.za to share in her journey as a Miss Earth regional finalist and wish her success. Ndabezinhle Crèche is grateful for the shade they will be blessed with in time.

Visit Hilton Cares if you would like to contribute to some of the projects aimed at uplifting Hilton.

The first rugby team of Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton is proud to be one of the 13 primary schools around the country sponsored this season by the Fury Motor Group. The group has provided rugby jerseys and sponsored a Chevrolet Spark for a raffle. All proceeds from the raffle tickets that Laddsworth sells will go to school funds.

Pictured here is Laddsworth's first rugby team in the jerseys sponsored by the Fury Motor Group.

The first and second soccer teams of Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton recently played against the Hope Trust Under 14 side from Sweetwaters.

Hope Trust is a church-based NGO that engages in development and welfare work in Sweetwaters. The Trust's team won 3-2 against the first team and beat the second team 3-0.
Sean Veenstra, sports co-ordinator at Laddsworth said: "We thoroughly enjoyed having Hope Trust over for the fixtures. The boys played the game in good spirit and everyone had fun. We hope this will be an on-going event."

Linda Ambler, welfare programme director, at Hope Trust said: "We are very grateful to the Laddsworth community for their ongoing support of Hope Trust. This first sports fixture was a wonderful idea of Laddsworth's and we hope that it will be the first of many more."

Pictured here are the Laddsworth first team and the Hope Trust U14 team before their match with Hope Trust's two youth workers and the match referee.

News and photo supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

HiltonVillage.co.za recently received an email from someone, interested in relocating to Hilton, who had heard that our misty season in Hilton was something of a monster. We put this question to a group of residents and would like to share some of their responses.

Charles Webster from Undercover shared, 'Hilton's mist is the reason I fell in love with the place. And now I live in Misty Lane, as it happens... But seriously, when the mist rolls in and blankets the village, it feels like we're all under a big duvet. Sound is muted, and lights all get rainbow halos that turn the village into a big ol' mystery garden. Driving in the mist is a little challenging, of course, but other than that, it's far more of a pro than a con, in my humble opinion. I never tire of it.'

Sue Montgomery said, 'I feel the same way, love the mist!'

Candy Sclanders, a local RE/MAX associate said, 'I LOVE the mist, it makes me feel safe!'

Charlene Vos agreed, 'We love the mist and it certainly helps keeping our village green not like in Jhb where it is dry and grey. I do enjoy the odd times when I drive past my driveway cause I cannot see it and have a good chuckle to myself... The only negative is mouldy clothes, but nothing a good de-humidifier can't fix.'

Fiona Margaret Bailey shared, 'Love the mist and you soon learn to 'feel' your way around in it!'

'I love watching it roll in and surrounding the house so that you feel completely isolated in a wonderland for a while... But only for a few days, then I'm happy to see the sun again!' said Shereen da Costa, Living Balance Life Coach.

Vee Puler van Staden said 'Personally I could do without it, not my fav.'

'Love it! It is a little nerve wrecking on those nights when we drive home late, but it is safe enough if you drive carefully. IT is beautiful to watch it roll in, just as mentioned above. Feels like we live in a little village in the English countryside.' said Mandy McInnes.

'LOVE the mist - especially as it rolls in. It's so mystical. I miss it when it's not there.' commented Belinda Henderson.

Evelyn Mazery recalled, 'Loved the mist when I lived there! Miss the mist now that I am further up the hill!!'

Our local STEERS proprietor, Cyndy Forsyth said, 'There are fairies and elves hiding in it - I see them in the misty days - mysterious and wonderful - awakens the child in me!!!'

Gregg Cornell, partner at Taste of Thai says of the mist, 'It's romantic and gives us champagne air.'

Sally Griffiths said, 'I think the mist is the reason we have such beautiful azaleas and hydrangeas.'

The co-owner of Jaxx Restaurant, Kerry Anne Heinrich added, 'The mist is what makes Hilton unique and special. It's otherworldly. And although it used to frighten me to drive in it, you soon realise everyone is careful in the mist and nobody is pushy.'

'love it', says Wendy Allen.

In conclusion we can say that when the mist comes to visit it adds a precious dimension to our Hilton lifestyle and Hilton dwellers have a bent for mystery and romance. Are we not just so lucky that Trish Beaver, local journalist and owner of WhodunnitSA recently moved into Hilton? A murder mystery entertainment business that could not be more perfectly positioned that this misty midlands village.

The results of the Jaxx Roll played on 19 June were omitted from last week's report. Winners were Peter Frere with Dennis and Cathy Larivere. Plate winners were Allen and Colleen Daikers and Lorna Allen.

Well done, and thanks to our sponsors Jaxx Restaurant and Lindsay's Coffee Shop.

On Thursday we played for vouchers sponsored by Lister and Lister. These were won by George Oldham, Richard Lister and Jean Ramsay. Richard sportingly gave his voucher to the winner of a lucky draw. John Pluke received a voucher for winning the cut-throat.

George Oldham was also in a team that did very well in the NIBA men's trips. Together with Chris Purchase and Fred Palmer they reached the semi-finals.

Jean Pluke and Dave Stevenson represented our club at the Champion of Champions tournament. Dave was eliminated in the first round after a close match. Jean won her first game, but lost the second one.
Our next important competition will be for the Club President's Cup. This is a two-bowl trips tournament, played in two sets. The entry list will be on the board by Thursday this week.

Please note that only two rinks will be available for social bowling on Saturday 6 July.

There was no winner in the Club Lotto this week. The prize will be carried over.

Duties: 7 - 13 July: OOD: Margie Garrard. Tabs: Fred Palmer. Duty team: Derick Hull. Teas on 13 July (TBA) Biscuits: 9 & 11 July; Jenny Hammond & Derick Hull.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

The following has been shared by a concerned Hilton resident who fears that he has been taken in by a con man who may approach other Hilton residents.

'I would like to warn members of the Hilton community about a con man operating in the area.

More than two weeks ago (13th June), this individual said that he would remove the garden refuse that I was clearing from my property. I paid him and his labourer an initial amount of R200 to move the refuse out of my garden and onto the verge, which he did. He then said that he needed R600 to pay for the truck to come and collect the garden refuse. I paid him the money and ever since he has been promising that he will come to remove the refuse, but each time, on the day when he is supposed to come, he has a new excuse. He was supposed to come on Saturday last week, then he changed that to Sunday, and then Monday (yesterday). He didn't arrive and I tried to contact him numerous times on his cell phone yesterday and today, but his phone goes straight to voicemail.

This individual is an Indian male who is about 5.5 ft tall, with a stocky build and usually wears a cap. He claims to have a number of customers that he does garden work for in Hilton, removing garden refuse and supplying compost and instant lawn. He is well spoken and polite and is approximately 50-60 years old.'

Alternate local garden service and product providers may be found here.

Two teams from Hilton played in the Halfway Toyota Tournament at Umgeni last week, but came away empty-handed. On Monday 17th however, Thelma Mylne skipped a team at the Time Freight mixed fours at Maritzburg West and won a handsome pack of meats.

The main event this week was the Quarry SuperSpar Harry Cooper Floating Trophy competition. After some delay due to entered players not pitching up on time, we revised the terms of play and reduced the field to five rinks of trips. Winners of the trophy as well as very generous vouchers from Quarry SuperSpar were Chris Purchase, Dave Stevenson and Vince Seale. Other winners of vouchers were Olga Hutt, Margie Meek, Bill McQuade, John Arnott, Mike Mylne and John Bennie. The prize-giving was followed by a very enjoyable and sociable lunch, once again provided by Quarry SuperSpar. Our sincere thanks to the management and staff of the Quarry SuperSpar for their on-going support for our club. Thanks too to Una Watson and Jenny Stevenson for their work in collecting the food and attending to its presentation.

Hilton will be hosting a match between Lynwood and Umgeni in the Lambert Brothers Trophy on Saturday 6th July. This will mean that only two rinks will be available for social bowling. Details will be announced at the club.

The Club Lotto this week was won by Jenny Hammond.

Duties: 30 June- 6 July: OOD: To be advised by e-mail.

Pictured above are the Quarry SuperSpar voucher winners.

News and image supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Are you slogging towards the end of this relentlessly demanding term, dreading the end-of-term report or the parent-teacher meetings? Are you desperately hoping for a marks miracle but preparing for a plummeting average? The very last thing you want to think about is revising for the next set of exams in a few months' time. In fact, parents, you don't want to think about exams ever again, you never want to see piles of books teetering next to the laptop or have to be a patient, supportive prop to your exhausted, demoralised offspring.

And if you're the offspring reading this, the lure of holiday freedom is magnetic. In just a few short days, farewell school, swotting, tests, scripts and red pen all over everything you wrote so diligently. Hello friends, fun, movies, lazing about in front of the TV and sleeping as late as you want!

But the holidays will end, sadly. Before we know it, it'll be mid-July and the year will be racing down to October - year-end exams and Matric Trials and Finals. And if your performance in these mid-year exams and assessments fell short of your goals or perhaps the entrance requirements for university, maybe it's time to put a plan in place?

Structured revision, instead of a panicky plunge into notes and files, will make all the difference. The short September holidays are a time traditionally used by (sensible) students to embark upon a programme of revision to maximise end-of-year exam results. Chat to your parents about enrolling in Revision School 2013 (click on the tab on the Home page). Because as Teddy Roosevelt said, "It's hard to fail but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." Achieve success with Revision School 2013.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT LINDI ON CELL: 083 501 2506 OR EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OR VISIT  www.tutorlessons.co.za

Article supplied by ASP TUTORING

We received the following feedback from Christine Barker, KZN's groundbreaking Argilla Pottery representative.

'Thought you may like to know how our previous networking function at Lindsay's assisted me in securing a courier company for Argilla Pottery.

You will recall that we moved around a lot as we networked with various people and I sat opposite Juanita from Hilton Travel. I mentioned to her that I was looking for a courier for my stand at the ECR House & Garden Show and also for Argilla Pottery. She confidently recommended Door To Door and said that their rates were very competitive and that since Hilton Travel had used them they have never had a problem and would highly recommend them.

I contacted Door To Door and now that I have completed the application form am proud to say that I can boast that Argilla Pottery have a courier company to assist with deliveries.

Thanks so much to HiltonVillage.co.za and to Desiree for the networking evenings that you always arrange for us and also to Hilton Travel for coming to my aid.

This confirms once again the value in networking!!'

Thank you for sharing Christine!

Attendance has been down a bit this week. Many of our members played at Collegians on Tuesday, and several people are out of action due to colds, flu and other medical conditions.

With games often finishing after sunset many are reluctant to drive home in the dark. Hang in there, the solstice is only a few days away.

On Saturday, the men's fourth league team travelled to Umgeni for the last game of the season.

We ended up winning on one rink and losing on the other. We came away feeling we had been with friends, not opponents.

The fourth league team have won their league for 2013. Well done, men.

A small field of just twenty-one tabs-in players did battle on Saturday at home for chickens. As an experiment, the prize was offered to the team winning by the smallest margin. Incredibly, all three rinks of trips finished with gaps of two points. The chickens were presented to Jean Pluke, John Bayley and Mike Mylne who had the greatest number of shots.

The Quarry Spar Harry Cooper Cup will be contested this Saturday. The draw takes place at 08:15.
Thelma's Lotto this week was won by Colin Watson. The new list, started on Saturday is filling up quickly.

Duties: 23 – 29 June: OOD: Chris Purchase. Tabs: Mike Mylne. Duty team: John Pattrick.

Teas on 22 June: Gill & Doug Robertson. Biscuits: On 25 & 27 June: Daphne Franges & Dave Hammond.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Late yesterday afternoon a child escaped abduction from the grounds of a church in Hilton where she was waiting for her mother to collect her from a regular extramural activity. Thank goodness she did not buy the line, 'Hi I am Samuel and your mother sent me to collect you.' Stepping back abruptly from the car, her reaction surprised the driver of a golf and he sped away. She is safe but this could have been a tragedy. Please empower your children with knowledge so they too know how to respond if confronted with this situation. The code system is simple and works very well.

Simply choose a code word your family only know, such as Dad's nickname or the favourite family dinner. If you have to ask someone else to collect your child you can tell them the code word and teach your children to only accept a lift from someone you know who also supplies the code word. This code word must be changed each time it has been divulged.

Let's be sure the only hands our children hold onto are safe ones!

Our Hilton Community Police Forum and Hilton Bobbies constantly work at keeping Hilton under surveillance. Join up today to ensure the benefit of their efforts is sustained.

Holy Family Convent classmates, Maureen Jardim (nee Cunningham) and Olivia Schaffer (nee Getaz), who last saw each other when they were together in standard three - some 54 years ago - began a walk down memory lane together at a HiltonVillage.co.za Business Network meeting in May.

Recognition sparked slowly as Maureen remembered being at school with an Olivia, a name she had not often come across. By the end of the evening they were remembering friends and agreed to meet for coffee with me and share some of their common history.

In the sunshine outside Jaxx recollections of their old school days included acrobatic dance concerts in the hall that is now part of Rosewood Retirement Village, climbing huge trees, playing in the bamboo at the bottom of the school yard, lunch in the big dining room, hockey games on the fields by the Dusi, swim lessons at Buchanan Street baths and the smart black and red striped uniforms they wore with pride in winter. The 'Marie-biscuit brown' summer dresses were remembered somewhat less fondly.

Olivia lived in Hilton and would travel to school in Pietermaritzburg daily by train, she recalled waiting at the station on her suitcase for her father to finish work so they could return home together and arriving at Leonard's station asleep on her dad's shoulder, at the end of a very long day. Once they got a car they drove, unless it rained. In the rain Cedara Road became impassable as it was just a gravel road and in a heavy downpour became a mud track.

Olivia befriended a girl called Lynette who had a bicycle which was the envy of many of the girls who could not afford such a luxury. Olivia would happily push Lynette's bicycle all the way up West Street just so people passing would think it was her own!

Maureen lived in West Street and walked to school. Her biggest passion at school was diving, she trained at Alexandra Baths and recalled how it was with a heart beating fast enough to leave her chest that she began to learn this exciting skill after much time spent watching the professionals diving off the high board.

They both agreed that if the Jacaranda flowers in West Street were falling and you had not studied for end of year exams, it was too late to start!

Another fond memory was of their hockey and tennis coach Ruth Stevens who currently lives in Pietermaritzburg. She is the mother of retired South African professional tennis player, Greer.

The most fascinating thread that unravelled over coffee was that both Maureen and Olivia had lived in Cape Town in the eighties and been part of the same Jazz Art dance studio but not met face to face.

Isn't it amazing what you can discover at a business network meeting!

Maureen is the owner of ZEST Massage and Olivia is the PA to Patrick Greenaway at ActionCOACH.