A Call to enter - The official philanthropic provincial pageant, Mr, Miss and Mrs KZN, for the very first time is happening in Pietermaritzburg, Hilton for the first time.

 

The glamorous event takes place on the 28th of March 2020 at Anew Hotel in Hilton. This is a call to enter all age categories, young and old, male or female.

 

If you are interested and would just like to know more information, you need to register online first with this link, https://goo.gl/forms/8qxvsKcgr1lXOpYG3.

 

The pageant is a part of The Rolemodels Foundation which is a registered NPO that gives back to those who are destitute in society and has a number of projects on the go.

 

The reigning Mrs KZN, Melissa Vurovecz is a local to Hilton, Pietermaritzburg and is urging all married and divorced ladies to enter.

 

Melissa believes that as women get older and especially when they become mothers, they tend to neglect themselves.

 

She believes that this is an opportunity to do something that will push you out of your comfort zone, and will be a great growing experience. Melissa says, 'It doesn't matter about the size of your hips but that you have a heart willing to serve as a titleholder.

 

 

Melissa is a busy Mom of two and runs her own business and manages to find time to serve the title, so says you can too. She says, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Pluck up the courage and enter, you won't regret it!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experienced, slow, social, unfit or non-rider. We want you!

 

This is a fun and easy way to help fundraise for cycle safety and safer roads.

 

The less experienced you are, the easier it is, with headstarts being given to you depending on your age, fitnesslevel and experience.

Teams of 4 cycle fr 1h30m only (only 10 minutes twice per person - easy).

 

Prizes for the most and least kilometre's done, for the most enthusiastic team and spot prizes in between.

 

All donations are tax deductable.

 

News supplied by SADD.

First day of school for the new Grade 1's at Cowan House.

 

There was great excitement along the corridors. The day finally arrived, there were smart uniforms and shiny shoes.

 

So much stationery to unpack and become familiar with.

 

By 8h30 they had already learnt their first three words and so begins the journey of learning to read.

 

Their first meal together in the dining room was a huge success as there were many hungry little people.

 

Definately an early bedtime is in order for the Grade 1 teachers and happy children.

 

News supplied by Cowan House.

We are super excited to announce that the updated UP.Ed app will be released on the 20 January 2020. We love our new features and we are sure you will too!

What can you expect?

A new look and feel which makes user interaction even more appealing and effective.
We have a new classwork section on the Teacher's dashboard where teachers can access all information needed to teach their lessons.
Users can now read and listen to Begripstoetse (Comprehensions).

There's a whole new section for Asem, which includes summaries, questions, theme trackers and vocabulary.
Last but not least, a fabulous price special to welcome in our new features!

Individuals:

R50 per month per learner

R400 per year per learner

Schools:

R300 per year per learner

Please kindly note that our email addresses have changed. Please use the following details for all future correspondence:
Ilse Dippenaar: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kim Reed: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inky Daly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, please Call Inky on 076 832 9907 .

News supplied by UP.Ed

Garry from Finely Fixed is a specialist at in-home maintenance, repairing and perfecting all the things in a home that never get fixed. But he has other talents as well.

 

This is a Chalet he designed for a customer, who is renting it out as a holiday chalet.

-It's approx. 60m2
-It has one bedroom, full bathroom and a complete kitchen.
-It has insulated ceilings and walls.
-Full electrics
-Fully plumbed with geyser.
-Cromadeck roofing (pre-painted)
-Half-round outside timber CCA treated.
-All other timbers are CCA treated.

 

Total cost at the time of construction and completion was R300 000.

 

For free quotes and assistance in design and advice contact Finely Fixed.

 

News supplied by Grace College.

Thank you for making 2019 a success in our community fight against crime. This festive season has been a fairly quiet one, with crime right down and the UCSI staying on top of any suspicious vehicles coming into the area.

It was a successful 2019 year for the UCSI, with well over 40 arrests being made and vehicles impounded. The UCSI also saw 16 SNIPR enabled gantries erected and numerous other gantries linked to the UCSI network of cameras. This was all made possible through community funding and support.

The network of gantries and SNIPR information becomes more powerful as it grows and is effectively managed and responded to. This is what makes the UCSI so unique and successful. Partnerships with SNIPR and TrackBox Technologies SA CAN are incredibly important and play a HUGE role in the success of the UCSI.

The best part of 2019 was the tangible excitement and support from our local SAPS. It has been a pleasure to empower them with valid SNIPR information and in return have unquestionable support and action. This is how we make a difference in our Community, Province and Country.

The UCSI plans to strengthen relations with the uMngeni Municipality and in 2020 and aims to have more gantries and CCTV cameras erected in the community. Safety and security is how we ensure socio-economic growth and investment in our community.

The UCSI goes into 2020 with Frans Labuschagne joining the team as the Operations Manager. Frans comes with an exceptional track-record and relationships in the Law Enforcement and security industries sectors.

The UCSI Board of Directors would like to thank Debbie Preston for investing the last 15 months into the establishment of the UCSI and ensuring its success. Debbie will be taking up a full-time teaching post at Epworth School in January 2020 and we wish her all the very best. Debbie will remain on the UCSI Board of Directors, and will continue to guide and advise the UCSI team on-the-ground.

UCSI SNIPR positive alerts 9 – 31 December 2019
12th December 2019
The UCSI received an alert about a silver BMW using cloned plates. SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. The vehicle could not be located after a 2-hour search and possibly left the area via a road or N3 where no UCSI gantry has been erected as yet. SAPS Radio Control were advised.

20th December 2019
The UCSI received an alert about a white Subaru using cloned plates. SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. The vehicle could not be located after a search was conducted and possibly left the area via a road or N3 where no UCSI gantry has been erected as yet. SAPS Radio Control were advised.

20th December 2019
The UCSI received an alert about a VW Polo listed as stolen in Middelburg (Mpumalanga). SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. The vehicle was seen heading towards Mpophomeni but unfortunately, there are no UCSI gantries erected in that locality as yet. SAPS and KSS searched for the vehicle but it could not be located. On 30 December 2019, the vehicle was located in Mpophomeni and SAPS took over the matter.

24th December 2019
The UCSI received an alert about a blue VW Polo listed as stolen in Pietermaritzburg. SAPS were advised and the vehicle was recovered. The driver was arrested and the vehicle impounded by SAPS.

UCSI SNIPR positive alerts 1 – 7 January 2020
2nd January 2020
The UCSI received and alert about a Toyota sedan listed as stolen. SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. UCSI and KSS located the vehicle and SAPS took over the matter. The vehicle was verified as stolen with the SAPS vehicle theft unit and the vehicle was taken to Mkondeni pound to be processed.

3rd January 2020
The UCSI received an alert about a white Toyota Hilux listed as stolen. SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. The vehicle could not be located after a search was conducted and possibly left the area via a road or N3 where no UCSI gantry has been erected as yet. SAPS Radio Control were advised.

4th January 2020
The UCSI received an alert about a white Hyundai sedan listed as stolen. SAPS and affiliated Security Companies were advised. The vehicle could not be located after a search was conducted and possibly left the area via a road or N3 where no UCSI gantry has been erected as yet. SAPS Radio Control were advised.

Thank you to those affiliated Security Companies (Knight Security Solutions, Ballid Security and PMB Security) who have also worked alongside the UCSI, SAPS and Law Enforcement Officials in securing our uMngeni Community.

We still need to “plug some holes” – especially in Merrivale, Merrivale Rural, Cedara, Howick West and Mpophomeni, and we need to grow our monthly contributions towards the UCSI from the community.

How can you get involved?
Please join the UCSI as a contributing member. The UCSI will not be sustainable without monthly community support from business entities and private individuals. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on how to join and make a contribution. Private individuals from R50pm and business entities from R300pm.

 

Supplied.

Variously described as a “collective multiple personality disorder” and “the most eclectic folk band this side of the Limpopo”, the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters are closing the book on 28 years of fun, comradeship and musical mayhem.

The band’s nexus was probably the small stage at the Polo Tavern in Pietermaritzburg, at the beginning of the 1980’s - a stage that supported budding musicians, including guitarist, Brian Bedingfield, who met singer, Huyton Watts, triggering an enduring musical partnership. Chris Bester remembers those early days as a young student, describing how liberating it was to his strict classical roots, that the Polo Tavern stage could be so forgiving of such unpolished musicians who were clearly enjoying themselves. Durban-born rocker, Barry Meintjes, had also become a Polo’s regular with his mate, Gerry Haughey.

Fast forward to 1991. Brian and Huyton were re-connecting after being away for a while, and starting to make music together again, as the good Lord intended. Remembering them from those early Polo’s days, Chris joined them on violin, but was quickly usurped by violinist extraordinaire, Mark Schönau, who brought along his friend, bassist Sidwell Snyers - setting Chris on a lifelong quest to find another instrument to call his own. To this day, he continues to pick his way through a smorgasbord of guitar, keyboards, mandolin, double bass, recorder, trombone, pedal steel and dobro. Thus was born the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters. “The hairy what?” I hear you ask. Well, dear reader, read on.

Unconstrained by convention, these five very different individuals (accountant, environmental activist, soil scientist, history teacher, missionary) found each other at a time of great change. It was the early 90’s and things were never going to be the same again, including the making of music. But talk came first, music second - grist to the mill of Brian’s wife, Dee, who presided over smoky, wine-soaked dinner tables with a keen nose for a good debate. Heated discussions led on to many a late night musical spree which had, as their staple, a thumbing of collective noses at all things holy: cows and catholics; sacred and profane. A certain Hairies signature was developing - satirical, comedic and downright crazy at times.

On one such evening, the debate turned to a name for the band. Memories vary as to its origin, but wine-fuelled hilarity finally threw a particularly barmy name into the mix: The Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters. Needing sleep, they decided for a lark to adopt that name for one performance only, but it stuck. The name got into the newspapers, Huyton designed a logo, and the rest is history.

By 1994, Sidwell had left for the UK, to be replaced by Barry Meintjes (Mr Fix-It) on bass, who quickly assumed the father role in the band. Barry brought along his drummer friend, Gordon Deeves, who was followed later by Robbie Marais, and then most recently, Maritzburg’s Mr Solid, Chris Palframan. Mark left the band some years back on a long sabbatical.

From its very beginnings, the band has performed regularly at KZN’s premier music festival, Splashy Fen, as well as other smaller festivals: Hilton Arts, Southern Cross, White Mountain and Baynesfield’s Poets Porch. And the weirdest gig of them all - entertaining a Saudi sheikh in the Seychelles.

The Hairies are far more than a band - they are a movement. A movement which has influenced, and been influenced by, a new South African musical culture. They have moved on from their “Folk” beginnings but have not lost any of the soul. They are funny, quirky and reliably irreverent - but what shone most brightly for audiences through all their 28 years was the sheer joy evident in the way they make music together. Along their journey, the Hairies have been privileged to have some of the country’s finest musicians perform with them, and the final concert will feature three of the best of them: guitarist Angus Burns, violinist Anton Cawthorn-Blazeby, and guitarist Rusty Red.

 

Source MiTH facebook.

 

Please note the new cover charge.

9pm - The Lion & The Bear & the Panther

Formerly known as AVADE, the three members - Ross Meintjies, Brendon Meintjies and Ruben Thomas, now perform under the moniker The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. With the popularity and reasonable success of Ross and Ruben’s acoustic duo The Lion & The Bear, it made sense to add Brendon (aka The Panther) to the fray for certain shows. AVADE is just a name, as is The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. The energy, the passion, the music, the three humans involved... is the same. Energy, passion, power and joy. That was AVADE, and THIS is The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. Join us at the incredible MiTH on 22nd Jan for a very special night!

8pm - The Zambucks (formerly known as Kodiak Music)

This reformed four-piece band still features David Adrian Rossouw on lead vocals and Rudi Engelbrecht on drums, now with Gareth Barry on lead guitar and Richard Pratt on bass - playing a variety of memorable music from the sixties to the nineties. They'll get you going for sure!

7pm - Lulu Lund

Lulu Lund is a singer-song writer from Hilton village. With a folky acoustic style she grew up surrounded by the sounds of Clapton, Fleetwood Mac & Dylan. Having grown up singing, she picked up the guitar in her early twenties and then moved to London playing in pubs and performing at weddings & events. She has recently moved back to South Africa after six 6 years abroad and will continue with her passion of music.

ABOUT MiTH:
Arguably the KZN Midlands' best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:
Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

 

Pictured above: The Lion, The Bear and The Panther.

 

News supplied by MiTH.

The Hilton Station was first built n the late 1800’s and now Station Stop has revived the building to it’s original authentic self.

 

The coffee shop and museum house a myriad of wonderful relics from time past as well as serving truly delicious coffee, muffins and toasted sarmies on ciabatta and sourdough.

Tons of old trains for children to play and imagine on, as well as lots of comfy seating in a peaceful and safe environment for parents and grandparents to relax and enjoy.

The revival of the train station is adding exceptional value to Hilton, as well as keeping it neat and tidy and discouraging a bad element.

Those in the know at the Hilton Station are looking at developing a sustainable income and putting ideas into action that appeal to the community.

 

There are plans for a play area for little people and perhaps a putt-putt course which would be wonderful entertainment for Hilton children and visitors alike.

As with any community project, there are always costs involved and a need for plenty of maintenance, restoration, and maintenance equipment (eg lawn mowers and parts etc).

If any community members would like to get involved in helping to restore the trains and surrounding buildings, pop into Station Stop Coffee Shop, order a coffee, become lost in a moment and chat about how you can help.

 

Photo credit to Kevin Trench.

 

News supplied.

Alma Flamenca Dance Company offers Spanish and Flamenco dance classes in Hilton at the Quarry Health and Fitness Club.

 

This is a great class for children to learn the foundations of flamenco dance and music while promoting confidence and focus.

Beginners to professionals welcome.

Exams, Cabarets, Corporate events and Shows.

Classes are also held at The Wykeham Collegiate.

 

News supplied by Alma Flamenca.

Going back to school should be an exciting time for all families .This year, we want to make it even more fun for one lucky family who will win R6,000 towards their school fees.

To enter, simply write your name and contact number on the back of your till slip (from any of the stores at The Quarry Centre) and drop it into one of the five voting boxes located around the centre.

Entries close 31 January 2020. T&C's apply.

 

News supplied by The Quarry Centre.

Student Specials - valid till 25th January. 

 

Terms and conditions apply.

 

Nova Spa is an established Beauty, health and Wellness Salon on Hilton Avenue.

Our services are for ladies and gents and include advanced waxing and threading, manicures (acrylic and gel), pedicures professional make up, spray tans, IPL skin rejuvenation and hair removal, skin care, massage and lash extensions.

We offer customised packages, bridal packages and vouchers.

 

News supplied by Nova Spa.

Grace College 2019 pupil, Joshua Benadie, was among the top pupils in the Country for the 2019 IEB Matric Examinations.

Ronnie Davel time is here! You need to know that the16km Run / Walk R120 Starts at 7.00am and the 6km Fun Run R60 Starts at 7:20am. There will be a free breakfast roll for all finishers!

Registration - Saturday 11:00am to 12:00pm OR Sunday from 05:30am.

The main race takes you on an undulating and scenic route through Hilton Village and surrounding plantations while the fun run loops through St Annes' wetlands.

 

Supplied by Hilton Harriers.

 

Crime Tips
• Make sure your alarm is activated before you go to bed.
• It is wise to have outside beams to alert you of any intrusion on your property.
• Make sure your items are kept locked away and not left lying around for opportunist theft.
• Alert Police and Security companies of suspicious behavior.
• Make a note of serial numbers of electrical appliances.
• Make sure your car is properly locked at parking lots. Beware of remote jamming.
• Do not accept help from strangers at Atm’s.
• Be alert and vigilant at all times.
• Make sure your car doors are locked at intersections.
• Make sure your cars are securely locked at your residence and gates locked as well.
• SAPS cannot respond to crime reported on social media, they can only respond to reports of crime if a call is made to the Charge Office [Community Service Centre] or Radio Control.
• If a person is being harassed or threatened by anyone, the victim must call the police to the scene so that the police can check out the identity of the person, and take steps to correct the problem. The victim can also call his/her security company to stand-by, or ask the centre security to assist.
• Security companies note that residents are not always setting their alarms.
• Be vigilant when shopping not to leave handbags unattended in the trolley whilst taking goods off shelves.
• Prior to going away, check your alarm systems, advise your security company and make sure your house sitter has all the important contact numbers.
• When you are shopping be more vigilant and do not leave handbags in shopping trollies and do not leave visible valuables in the car.
• Parents to advise children to always let them know where they are going and parents to always be aware of childrens whereabouts and even supervise their outings.

HILTON SAPS TELEPHONE NUMBERS
• Community Service Centre: 033 845 6520 (24 HRS) or 033 845 6521 (24 HRS)
• 10111 Emergency Call Centre: 10111 (24 HRS) from a Telkom line or 112 from a Cell phone
• Station Commander (Captain HN Sikhakhane ): 033 845 6522 (OFFICE HRS 07:30 – 16:00)
• Station Commander Cell: 082 418 8441
• Vispol Commander (W/O Van der Merwe): 033 845 6549 (OFFICE HRS 07:30 – 16:00)
• Vispol Commander Cell : 079 696 3736
• Detective Branch Commander (W/O Sindane): 033 845 6526 (OFFICE HRS 07:30 – 16:00)
• Detective Branch Commander Cell: 082 459 7454

 

News supplied by Hilton Community Police Forum.

In response to the Chairman’s Challenge, members of the Midlands Woodworkers’ Guild make wooden toys and toy boxes through the year to donate to two deserving organizations in December of every year.

 

The aim is to provide toys to registered crèches and organizations catering for a number of children so that each toy can be enjoyed by many children. This year over 200 beautiful wooden toys including a large variety of push and pull toys, ‘play’ stoves (complete with pots!) and ironing boards (each with an iron!), various puzzles, blocks, carts (from small to LARGE!), trains, tractors, trucks, aeroplanes, articulated trucks carrying ‘new’ cars and even a rocking horse.

 

There were also material balls stitched by a ladies’ sewing group in Howick.

 

The skill and number of ‘man and woman’ hours involved was most impressive!

 

These toys, as well as stools and toy boxes, were distributed to two charities, namely LETCEE in Greytown represented by Mary James and Sthokozize Creche in Mpendle represented by Sheila Carr and Barbara Bullock at the Chairman’s Challenge function held on Tuesday 10th December.

 

News supplied