Hedgehogs and Porcupines, both found in South Africa share but one common feature, quills. Yet with these spikes covering the best part of their bodies they appear similar, until the porcupine outgrows the average hedgehog by almost 30 kilograms! Hedgehogs are small and weigh between 400 to 600 grams while the porcupine can weigh up to 30 kilograms. Hedgehogs are insectivores and porcupines are rodents. A Hedgehog's diet comprises mainly worms and insects on the ground while Porcupines are vegetarians eating plant material including leaves, bark, fruit, bulbs and roots. Porcupines also crave salt and if they find almost anything previously held in a human's sweaty hand they will destructively gnaw away in innocent bliss.

Porcupines may smack other animals in the face with their tails if they feel threatened. Their quills are designed to burrow in and a vet will have a tough time removing the barbs which naturally work their way deeper into the victim. The quills can cause a bad infection and injuries must be professionally treated. Porcupines are not aggressive unless their space is invaded. Shown respect they will tolerate being observed from a safe distance.

Hedgehogs adopt a more defensive behaviour when under attack. They simply roll up into a ball. They use a circular muscle that runs along the sides of their body and across the rump and neck which folds into a bag to encase the body, head and legs. Curled up in this manner with thousands of spikes aiming outwards, the Hedgehog can sleep peacefully.

Hedgehogs are most desirable garden inhabitants since they are skilled in controlling garden pests. A single hedgehog can keep an average garden free of pests as they gobble their way through up to 200 grams of insects nightly. In the United Kingdom environmentally conscious gardeners do their utmost to attract hedgehogs to their plots. They lay out suitable treats and cut hedgehog sized holes into their boundary fences to entice these little creatures in. Many a gardener who is challenged by the vegan appetite and tunneling habits of a Porcupine may understandably repeat the mantra 'may all of our porcupines be hedgehogs' on a daily basis.

Both Hedgehogs and Porcupines can be successfully owned as pets if you are comfortable with removing them from their natural habitat.

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_porcupine.html

http://www.ecotravel.co.za/Guides/Wildlife/Vertebrates/Mammals/Smaller/Cape_Porcupine.htm

http://www.krugerpark.co.za/africa_hedgehog.html

http://www.ecotravel.co.za/Guides/Wildlife/Vertebrates/Mammals/Smaller/Southern_African_Hedgehog.htm

http://www.awf.org/content/wildlife/detail/hedgehog

http://petsblogs.com/2010/10/fable-of-the-porcupine

On Friday 17^th September 2010 Laddsworth teachers, pupils and parents teamed up to collect litter in the Laddsworth vicinity. First thing on the cool morning the troops were divided into supervised groups. Armed with great big bin bags and gloves the entire school forged into the immediate neighbourhood roads to clean-up.

This is a reminder that when a task seems too big for a single individual to make a difference, a team working towards a singular goal can create a big impact very efficiently and have fun while getting the job done.

With municipalities under massive strain and struggling to deliver essential services, we as rate payers often moan and groan without thinking of what can be done to help. Laddsworth took the lead in giving us hope that future generations will learn a new way to handle challenging situations. By doing small daily things, such as taking responsibility for ones own waste, everyone can ease the load on municipal service. This in turn will hopefully free up resources to improve our villages, towns and cities.

Laddsworth have also teamed up with Mondi and Central Waste in a successful recycling effort. Acknowledging that environmental care is everyone's problem and we all have the power to bring about a solution.

To Laddsworth, a big round of applause from everyone in Hilton. The joyful noise which accompanied the little clusters of garage collectors as they meandered through Hilton to carry out this good deed was uplifting. The fresh air and change in routine was exhilarating for teachers and pupils. Perhaps this will become an annual event.

Meetings of interested residents have been held during the past months and a committee recently elected.  A Constitution has been tabled for comment and the way forward is becoming clearer. At this stage efforts are underway to define the area encompassed by the World's View Conservancy (WVC).  This will incorporate the area between World's View Road (including all houses within World's View suburb itself) and Celtis Road including houses on the southern side of Celtis Road and all homes on either side of Old Howick Road  and turn-offs as far as Celtis Road. A conservancy is all about loving your home and surrounds enough to join hands in actively caring for them.  It is an opportunity to get to know your neighbours and share a joint concern for your environment.

To this end a public meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 26th at 19:00 in the Girl Guide Hall, World's View Road.  Residents, community members and interested parties are invited to attend and share their views. Membership of the World's View Conservancy is R100 per person per annum.  On the following Sunday, 31^st October, residents are invited to participate in a World's View Clean-up, commencing at 10:00 at the corner of Old Howick and World's View Roads and proceeding along to the picnic area at World's View where a bring and braai will be held. Please call Chairman, Hugh Temple 033 3431286, or Secretary Howard Richardson 033 3432884.

Submitted by Ros Grieve

HiltonVillage.co.za met up with Moira, a local yoga teacher. Moira takes a weekly class for the public and also teaches Yoga for relaxation at St Annes Diocesan College.

Yoga has been a big part of Moira's life since 1983 when, although it was not popular at the time, she and her sister began a yoga class. Through the years Moira has practiced Hatha Yoga under 5 teachers.

 

Initially Moira began teaching in Howick when encouraged by her teacher, later she also taught for a while at the Quarry Health Centre. In total she has taught Yoga in Hilton for 8 years. Moira idoes not follow any of the spiritual teachings of Yoga. Her focus is on the health benefits for body, mind and spirit.  She does however enjoy Eastern Philosophy and will close each class with an uplifting reading, some drawn from the East and others not.

Moira shared that the ancient activity of Yoga first began around 5000 years ago when it was mostly followed by men, then woman began to see the benefits and found it easy to do at home. Nowadays mostly women practice Yoga. Yoga is Sanskrit for yoke, meaning the joining together of things. It brings about a connection of body, mind and spirit.

Hatha Yoga is the most physically demanding of the many arms of Yoga. Initially Moira is careful to suggest alternate positions within the capabilities of her students. As Yoga in non-competitive new students can easily slot into the class. Within 3 months you will begin to appreciate the benefits of increased strength and toned muscles. Yoga also stretches ligaments and tendons, increases suppleness of joints and improves circulation and breathing. Moira Also teaches relaxation techniques.

 

All you need to become involved is grab your yoga mat and a light blanket, pull on some really casual comfortable gear and join in at a very reasonable rate of R30.00 per session. Click here for contact details.

Early September has arrived and those with a whimsical slant may feel the slightest whoosh as garden fairies flutter by lightly waving their magical wands at sleepy buds, gently tempting them to open and present their beauty. There is so much behind the scenes and beneath the soil action going on right now that even a heavyweight like Quentin Tarantino or Steven Spielberg may hesitate to take on the direction of this show we call Springtime!

Soon drab lawns will perk up too. Be sure to keep the grass well watered and drop the mower slightly for your first cut. If you have not yet applied fertiliser contact your nearby nursery for their recommendations and remember to water copiously to prevent burning. Those blossoming fruit trees adorning your recovering lawn will soon need spraying and you can thin out the fruit to leave more room for growth and airflow. There are a wide variety of organic options and although somewhat pricey you can view these purchases as an investment it the wellbeing of future generations. Be cautious when using so-called 'home remedies', some of these date back to a time when eco awareness did not exist and can be extremely harsh. Investigate thoroughly before you choose, you could even ask your local pharmacist for advice.

More and more households are growing their own herbs and veggies since it is health wise and with careful planning more affordable. You can happily plant dill, coriander and rocket now. Perennial herbs like thyme, lemon grass, salvia, lavender and basil can be cut back hard in September. Oreganum, mint, chives and violets divide happily now. All of these will thrive with good watering, compost and a foliar feed. The vegetable seeds of beet, cabbage, carrot, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, leek, lettuce, onion, peppers, pumpkin, radish, spinach, squash, tomato and turnip can be sown.

Colour bags are on special at Ronnoco Nursery this months. Bulbs for Summer should be in the ground soon. Roses will respond to a regular feeding programme and water as the temperatures increase. Those browned off shrubs who were frosted can be trimmed back as the threat of more frost has hopefully gone. Enthusaistic hydrangeas may need to be kept in shape with the removal of insubstantial weak growth, then water and mulch. Enjoy more colour in your garden by planting seeds of alyssum, antirrhinum, aster, begonia, candytuft, coleus, cosmos, dahlia, dianthus, gaillardia, gloriosa daisy, godetia, gypsophila, helichrysum,  lavatera, lobelia, marigold, nasturtium, nicotiana, penstemon, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, torenia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.

Gardening is a healthy and highly rewarding pursuit that the entire family can get involved in. We know Hilton is full of avid garden gnomes and if you are one of them we'd love to hear about your special successes. You are also most welcome to share your photographs in the Gallery.

Submitted by: Lili Umrosanut

Just once each year Hilton Pre-Primary treats us to their fabulous Hilton Wine and Food Festival. This fundraiser is booked for Friday the 17th September 2010 and coincides with the opening of the new Protea Hotel, Hilton as well as the Witness Hilton Arts Festival.

The Protea Hotel, Hilton has a new wing with 60 suites which have been appointed in a manner that echoes the history of its original Tudor theme. The function space that will be used for the Hilton Food & Wine Festival is in the original section of the hotel. While the upper floor of the old part of the hotel is still being gently restored, retaining as much as is possible, the ground floor which will be open in September contains a stylish pub and well thought out dining area. This event is the perfect opportunity to catch your first glimpses of the tremendous result months of effort have produced. Protea Hotel, Hilton is a classy venue we can all be proud of.

Do not miss out on this opportunity to sample delicious food products, largely from local manufacturers and a wide spread of wine, about 30 wine farms will attend to share their best vintages. In between mouthfuls and sips you will enjoy the chance to catch up with friends and familiar faces in a relaxed atmosphere. It is a lovely evening to mix and mingle. The auction creates a lot of excitement, with all the proceeds go to Hilton Pre-Primary School., so be generous.

You can purchase tickets from Gail at Hilton Pre-primary, kindly call 033 343 4090 to secure yours now. Remember Hilton can be quite chilly at night so bring along your coat. We look forward to seeing you there.

Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton Village is very proud of the following children who have made provincial teams in their respective sporting codes.

Boys left to right are: Sam Olivier (KZN Cross Country Team), James Bilbrough (KZN Cross Country Team), Jared Kriel (KZN Cross Country Team), Thuba Nzimande and Michael Forrest (Both selected for KZN under 13 Inland Cricket Squad). In front is Lauren Knobel who made the (KZN Cross Country Team).

Well done, it is wonderful to see sport thriving in our province.

Tony Tractor is currently undertaking a journey around the world on his 1948 Ferguson Tractor towing a Harley Davidson and his roof tent. Some have cited his efforts amongst the most bizarre feats undertaken to gather support for a worthy cause. This tractor trek honors people whose lives have been altered by violence and rape.

He has previously journeyed across South Africa from Beitbridge to Cape Agulhas  raising R100 000 for the Midlands Crisis & Trauma Centre in Howick and also promoted awareness for the South African National Blood Services need for donations.

Tony was born in Canada, grew up on a farm outside Melbourne and migrated to South Africa in 2001. He can't remember a time when tractors were not part of his life. While messing about with engines as a child he figured out that tractors are pretty amazing machines, clearly able to handle almost anything.

This trip is expected to take seven years, cost R1,3 million and collect $1million for victims of violence and rape. It has been primarily self-funded with some sponsorship added. The planned route on this vintage Ferguson tractor will start in Howick and continue to Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America, the US, Canada, Russia, Mongolia and Western Europe.

Tractor Tony is motivated by the memory of injuries and trauma he personally suffered in an armed robbery, shortly after emigrating to SA nine years ago to set up his company, Spirit of Africa Taxidermy.  A meeting with Jes Foord, the well known rape survivor and vigorous warrior against violence and rape, further incited Tony to embark on this tour.

Encouraged by the public support, the man nicknamed Tony Tractor enlisted help to restore his tractor and had it fitted with a tent in preparation for this challenge. The Harley-Davidson is accompanying him to get him around stopping points with ease and he also anticipate that it will appeal to the millions of Harley fans around the world. 

Tony believes passionately that his journey will achieve international awareness for victims of violence. He points out that Virgin founder Richard Branson achieved a lot without a great deal of education, and so trusts that can he achieve his goal, despite having dropped out of school at 15. He quotes his main inspiration as these words from American anthropologist Margaret Mead : Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Authored by: Faye Featherpen

References: secure.financialmail.co.za ; www.encyclopedia.com

Laddsworth Primary School's Hall was filled last week with the beautiful products of the pupils creative activities. Each child had a piece of art proudly displayed. Parents were invited to view these  works of art and were delighted at colourful results the they found on show. You can enjoy a taste of the art below.

Hilton is a gorgeous haven where we are blessed with some of the most beautiful gardens in South Africa. With a fair number of the Open Gardens right on our doorsteps we hope you have all been out to support, enjoy and find inspiration.

This unusually dry October is a time to remove young weeds before they have time to flower and set seed, mulch around and in between shrubs wherever possible as this creates a cushion from hard rain and will keep moisture in if the expected rains do not arrive. Until the heavens bless us with more rain you may wish to water fuschias three times a week. Also keep soil around hydrangeas moist as they start to come into flower and perhaps mulch with pine needles. For beautiful lawns raise the height of the blades on your lawnmower to avoid exposing roots to hot sun. A periodic change the direction in which you mow the lawn prevents ridges and uneven growth.

Winters hectic pruning is over but the following may require thinning out after flowering, the Rosa 'Albertine' and 'Dorothy Perkins', Banksia roses, Viburnum (snowball bush), Ornamental fruit trees e.g. apples, cherries, peach and Spirea (Cape May).

With around 8 weeks till Christmas you may want to plant up some red flowering petunias, strawberries or even chillies. These add festive colour and can make super gifts for friends. A bunch of herbs for stuffing the festive bird are another grand idea for planting now to give away in December to your favourite cook.

With hot summer months to look forward to you may want to set up a pond or water feature now, these can be relaxing and give the illusion of cool even if temperatures soar. Water, even in a still pond will add a new dimension to your private sanctuary.

You're in time to sow ageratum, alyssum, aster, Canterbury bells, cleome, cornflower, cosmos, dahlia (bedding), dianthus, gypsophila, impatiens, lavatera, lobelia, marigold, nasturtium, nigella, petunia, portulaca, salvia, sunflower, verbena, and zinnia flower seeds. For a great veggie patch plant bean, beet, cabbage, carrot, celery, corn, cucumber, eggplant, leek, lettuce, onion, peppers, pumpkin, radish, spinach, squash, tomato and turnip seeds.

Hilton College a leading private boys' school in South Africa is famous for many reasons including excellent education, the annual arts festival, gorgeous grounds and unforgettably beautiful buildings. This year Hilton College has earned another fine accolade for their trophy case, the prestigious NCT Tree Farmer of the Year Award for 2010.

This award is presented to acknowledge excellence in sustainable forestry practice. Three hundred and forty five hectares of the 1762 hectare estate is planted with wattle. Other usage computes to 150 ha for annual cropping, 30 ha to kikuyu, 620 ha for natural grazing with occasional indigenous bush, 550 ha for conservation and 67 ha for other infrastructure including the school.

The wattle was originally planted on the school grounds to supply the school with fuel for heating but since the arrival of electricity the focus has changed. The forestry operation is managed by Sax Solomon, a Hilton Old Boy and Cedara Agricultural College graduate. The entire estate is owned by The Hiltonian Society, a Section 21 company, not for gain.

The estate is home to a wildlife centre and nature reserve run by a dedicated conservation team and boosted by pupil involvement. The school ensures pupils are afforded many opportunities to spend time outdoors involved in activities which support conservation.

The forestry operation attributes success to good planning, a simple system, environmental consideration, the great team headed by Senzo Mwelase, the participation of the Estate General manager Rowan Welsford, the Conservation team's efforts and the priceless input from NCT advisors. The activities which have been recognized by this presentation of the NCT Tree Farmer of the Year Award echo Hilton College's hallmark focus on teamwork.

Resource: SA Forestry August 2010

Congratulations to Hilton College Old Boys Paul Galatis ('94-'98) and Andrew Smith ('95-'98), and College Old Boy Shane Dryden, who won a Gold Loerie Award in the Digital Viral category for their Woolies Lovebirds campaign. The Loeries are South Africa's top design and communication advertising awards and have been running for 32 years.  This is a great honour and we are delighted for them.  Well done! Pictured below from left are Shane Dryden, Paul Galatis and Andrew Smith.

Healing is what many will seek at Roses Rainbows and that can be found along with the unexpected bonus of being hugely inspired. Rose is a wonderful soul who oozes creativity combined with industry, making for a highly effective combination. She has a zest for life which many people would last have enjoyed in their twenties. Yet at 75, Rose can truly say "Just Google me!".

The treatments offered at Roses Rainbows are based on Crystal Healing combined with Reflexology, Aromatherapy and Colour Therapy. Rose will welcome you into a special space designated for this purpose. Her crystal collection is impressive and her attentions will allow you to focus on giving your body permission to quiet and simply heal in a sanctuary of colour and sound.

Colour is clearly valued in Roses home, work and most of all in her paintings. Some are reflections evoked by poems from Rumi and Hafiz. Others hint at an interest in spiritual subjects and are also inspired by her many trips India where Rose has often visited an ashram.

This very interesting lady thrives in a busy space surrounded with her vast collection of well thumbed books on a wide spread of topics, musical instruments and ongoing creative pursuits, all mirroring Rose's many passions. Another skill Roses has honed is knitting. Not just ordinary knitting but Wild Knitting which produces wearable art. These brightly hued garments have been handspun by Rose at her wooden spindle, then dyed, knitted with creative abandon and finally stitched into warm and delightful cardigans or shrugs.

In essence Rose loves life, humanity and all that it encompasses especially children and nature. The home she has lived in for 26 years is lovingly surrounded with many flowering plants and is green even before Spring rains have arrived. Bringing to mind the power of natural healing available to all. The healing Rose facilitates is well priced. Even if you are not bothered with aches or other grumbles a visit to Rose will uplift and motivate you. You are invited to discover more about Roses Rainbows in our Directory.

Congratulations to Michael Ryan, a Grade 11 pupil at Hilton College, who has been selected for the South African Schools' Golf Team.  Michael competed in the recently held inter-provincial schools' golf championships held in Parys.  He shot rounds of 71 and 74 at the Parys Country Club and rounds of 75, 71 at the Vaal de Grace Country Club.  This resulted in him ending in joint 4^th place and being selected for the SA Schools' Golf Team which was selected of the top 8 golfers at the tournament.

 

The residents at Shepstone Place in Hilton have been getting their gardens spruced up for the Open Gardens and you will be in for more than a visual treat when you visit. The concept was suggested by Jocelyn Boyley, talented artist and gardener, in mid-winter and despite short notice the residents pooled their resources and energy together to get the garden areas looking gorgeous. Those who volunteered to participate have checked off each item on their 'to do' lists and their success is clearly evident.

With a high standard required to be accepted as an Open Garden venue this was not a small challenge. Intense hours of hard work and community co-operation have resulted in a pretty picture indeed. The complex gardens as a whole are still very much a work in progress which is all the more reason to visit now. Next year you could to see an even more magnificent result, which I am confident this team will achieve.

Besides delightful garden areas you will be able to enjoy delicious scones, biscuits, quiche, boerewors rolls, tea, coffee and cool refreshments in the tea garden. So diarise to visit either this weekend being 24^th and 25^th September or next weekend the 2^nd and 3^rd of October to enjoy the garden and teas. There will even be picnic blankets for your use if you feel the need to linger for a while.

Art lovers will enjoy the opportunity to visit the Jocelyn Boyley Gallery where they may be fortunate enough to meet this accomplished artist and even buy one of her delightful paintings, many of which are inspired by nearby scenes.

Shepstone Place is just next door to Sue Tarr's, so you will find it easily by following the Natal Witness Open Garden signs along Dennis Shepstone drive. The proceeds of this venture will go to a Hilton based charity namely The Hope Trust which has been nominated by Jocelyn Boyley.  If  you have any enquiries about the Open Gardens at Shepstone Place you are welcome to contact Debbie or Lex Saunders on 033 343 2214. Opening times are 09h00 till 16h00.

Hilton Pre-primary recently hosted their annual Grandparents Day where great fun was had by young and old. The excited little ones presented their best 'show time' efforts and succeeded in warming their grand-parent's hearts while making their teachers feel hugely proud.

 

Events such as this create divine bonding moments and Hilton Pre-Primary work hard to photograph lots of images for the memory box. We have compiled just a brief selection from these to share the joy of the morning with you.

 

You are welcome to submit your own happy snaps to our Gallery or share them with your tags on Facebook if you prefer. Join the growing HiltonVillage.co.za community online to keep up to date.