Margie Meek, who has had a rough time in hospital over the last month, turned eighty on Friday. We wish her well in her new year.

Attendance was down on Tuesday, but with a number of people coming back from holiday, we had almost 30 players on Thursday. We had a full house on Saturday when in addition to about twenty members playing social games we hosted league teams from Howick and Lynwood on Saturday. Our second league team peeled on one rink and lost on the other, taking 1 point from their encounter with Lynwood. The third team was beaten by Howick on both rinks, yielding the full five points to the opposition.

Thelma Mylne and Jean Pluke played in the NIBA Open Pairs on Sunday, winning one match, peeling one and losing the third.

The club calendar for 2015 will be ready early next week. Copies will be distributed to all members with e-mail. Those without the net should ask a friend to print a copy for them.

The AGM will be held after bowls on Thursday 12 February.

Duties: 25 – 31 Jan: OOD: George Oldham. Tabs: Rina Tainton. Lock-up team: Dave Hammond. Teas 31 Jan: Nina & Mike Guest. Biscuits: 27 & 29 Jan: Gill & Doug Robertson.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club

Accommodation for the Midmar Mile is limited but there is some available at Tracey's B&B!

Tracey's B&B has one room left for Friday the 6th of February 2015, (The Sycamore Room which can accommodate 3-4 people) and one  room left,  (The Butterfly Room which can accommodate 2 people) for Saturday and Sunday the 7th and 8th of February 2015.

It has been a busy week. On Tuesday many of our members went down to Collegians to play in the 2-4-2 tournament which was won by Fred Palmer and Barry Best. Well done Hilton! The normal tabs games were also quite well supported on Tuesday and Thursday.

In brighter weather than we have become used to, twenty-eight players turned up on Friday to contest the Artesan's 2-4-2 at Hilton. Winners were Mike and Janet Fairhurst. In second place were Fred Palmer and Joan Byrom. Visitors Graeme and Lynn Cameron took third place. Tony and Jean Barrington had a terrific win to collect the fourth prize. Tom Hartley and Jill Bannatyne filled the fifth spot. Our congratulations to all the winners, and grateful thanks to Artisan's Restaurant, Zevenwacht Wines, Terbodore Coffees and Wedgewood nougat for their kind donation of the prizes.

A small crowd of only 22 people came to play for chickens on Saturday. The rain closed in again towards the end of the afternoon, but we managed to finish all the games. Winners were Jean Pluke, Taffy O'Neil-Williams and Anton Leisegang. Second were Thelma Mylne, Basil Fann and Etzel Nuss. Thanks to the Quarry Spar for the chickens presented to the winners.

The Christmas Cup will be contested on Saturday 20th. There is still room for extra players.

We hope to have the full calendar for our 2015 activities ready for distribution soon.

Olga Hutt has been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. We wish her a full and speedy recovery.

Duties: 21 – 27 Dec: OOD: Dave Garrard. Tabs: Jill Bannatyne. Lock-up Team: Dave Hammond. Teas on Sat 27 Dec: John Aubrey & Pat Bennet. Biscuits: 23 & Dec: Colin Watson.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

HiltonVillage.co.za clients met up at Nicolson's Restaurant and Bar at Garlington Estate in Hilton to network and celebrate the end of a good year. Nicolson's prepared a delicious array of foods which received compliments and the vegetarian platter specially made for one of our networkers was highly appreciated.

Dr Claudine Lee presented a brief talk on basic first aid, focussing on CPR The useful first aid kits she had available were snapped up. These can be purchased at Dr Lee's rooms at 26 Hilton Avenue.

Promotional gifts were shared out and everybody enjoyed a relaxing time. Watching Hilton mist roll in from the veranda at Nicolson's is always memorable. Thank you to Nicolson's for graciously hosting this event once again.

View advertising options at HiltonVillage.co.za

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Lilla Gopp earned the Trust Cup for Dux of the school for 2014 which was presented at the Laddsworth Primary School Annual Senior Primary Prize Giving Ceremony on Monday, 8th December 2014. In addition to this Lilla received six more trophies for her outstanding academic achievements.

Izabella Little-Gates, a well-known business woman and the author of the Tug-of- Life series was the guest of honour at this prestigious event. Drawing on her experience and passion for guiding parents and children, Izabella shared tips on winning when faced with challenges of modern day life. Izabella led eight pupils through a light yet memorable visual presentation which clearly spelt out how to equip one to remain strong when faced with difficult choices. The message was directed at the Grade 7 leavers.

L-R: Lilla Gopp, Dux of 2014 is congratulated by Gavin Lambooy, Headmaster of Laddsworth Primary School.

News supplied.

The main event at our club this week was the IF Sponsored Trips played on Friday. Once again there was a threat of rain in the air, but we went ahead at 08:30 as planned. The format for this competition is that entered teams draw for opponents. The teams then play three skins of 7 ends. For each skin won two points are scored with an additional 4 points going to the overall winner. The fine mist turned to a light drizzle as the last teams came into the clubhouse.

Winners by a large margin were Fred Palmer, Dave Garrard and Mike Fairhurst. Second prize went to Beth Williams and Peter Bailie who were forced to play a pairs match when one of their team did not arrive. Sincere thanks to all the fellows at Investment Facilitators for their generous support over the last year.

Although activities are winding down a bit as we move towards the end of the year, we have a Chicken Run this Saturday, and the Quarry Spar Christmas Cup will take place on 20 December. An entry list has been placed on the notice board.

With the exception of Christmas Day, normal tabs-in games will be played during the holiday season.

Duties: 14 – 20 Dec: OOD: Margie Garrard. Tabs: Derick Hull. Duty Team: Fred Palmer. Teas on Sat 20 Dec: N/A – Quarry Spar Lunch. Biscuits: 16 & 18 Dec: Vince Seale & Gil van der Hoven.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Grace College announced the 2015 Heads of School at the final Prize Giving Ceremony on 2 December. The school congratulates them on their appointment and wishes them all the very best in their tenure as Heads of School.
Pictured: Mark Swanepoel (Deputy Head Boy), Ki-An Kambaran (Deputy Head Girl), Megan Tychsen (Head Girl) and Ross Perrett (Head Boy)

The new sectoral determination of domestic workers starting from 1 December 2014 to 30 November 2015 prescribes the minimum wages for domestic workers who work more than 27 ordinary hours per week.

In major metropolitan areas, domestic workers have an hourly rate of R10.95, the weekly rate is R476.68 and the monthly rate is R2,065.47.

Domestic workers who do not work in major metros have an hourly rate of R9.30, weekly R418.32, and monthly R1,812.57.

Minimum wages for domestic workers from December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2015, working 27 ordinary hours per week or less were also adjusted.

For those in major metropolitan areas the hourly rate is R12.40, weekly R334.74 and monthly R1,450.33.

Those not working in major metros would receive an hourly rate of R10.98, weekly R296.35, and monthly R1,284.09.

Article by Jean Allen HR Consulting.

There was great excitement earlier this week when the bulk of the St Anne's Matric pupils, after having written their final examination, English Paper 2, gathered around Annie in front of the Admin Block. In keeping with a longstanding tradition, they each released a helium-filled, bio-degradable balloon in the colour of their respective Houses, as a sign that their school years have come to an end.

News supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College.

Armed with a pick, a spade, some asphalt and loads of determination, Hilton resident has Gill Bure stepped in to repair potholes along St Michaels Road in Winterskloof. In the face of a 10 day long battle against the ongoing lack of water supply water in the area Gill remains proactive.

The pothole pictured here took one bag of asphalt to fill. Gill plans to fix more potholes and estimates that some of the bigger ones will require six bags of asphalt. Her method is to scratch away all the loose stones and some more, creating and upturned mushroom shape so some of the new fill extends underneath the remaining solid road surface.

Gill also says, 'If any other ladies decide to muck in and mend the potholes they dodge daily, I have three handy tips to share which may make the job easier:
1. Tie back your hair.
2. Wear gloves.
3. Get a stamper.'

Gill is actively informing and encouraging other residents to join in and follow her example and improve road safety.

The last competition of 2014 was the Quarry Spar Christmas Cup which was won by Chris Lake, Ed Sharpe and Mike Guest. Runners-up were Fred Palmer, Peter Bailie and Ingrid Oellermann. The third prize went to John Pattrick, Colin Watson and John Bayley. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to Quarry Spar for their wonderful support throughout the year.

The IF Sponsored Trips was played on 2nd January and the Quarry Spar Chicken Run was held on Saturday 3rd. The winners of the IF were Tom Hartley, Joan Byrom and Olga Hutt. Runners-up were Jean and John Pluke and John Bayley. The chickens were won by George Oldham, Peter Bailie and Andy Hitchcock.

We are delighted that If are prepared to continue their sponsorship for a further twelve months. Quarry Spar are also prepared to keep the Chicken Run going. Without these and other generous supporters the Club would be running on a very tight budget.

Production of the full calendar of events for 2015 has been delayed by conditions beyond our control. It will be distributed by e-mail as soon as possible.

Up-coming events include the Artisan's Pizza Pasta 2-4-2 competitions on 9th January and Jaxx Roll on 21st.
New duty lists and teams have been posted on the noticeboard.

Duties: 4 – 10 Jan: OOD: Derick Hull. Tabs: John Arnott. Lock-up Team: Andy Hitchcock. Teas on Sat 10th: Richard Lister & Graham Appleby. Biscuits Tues 6 & Thurs 8: Peter Bailie & Chris Lake.

Duties: 11 – 17 Jan: OOD: Ron Buchel. Tabs: Colin Watson. Lock-up: John Pattrick.Teas – 17th Jan. Jean & Tony Barrington. Biscuits 13 & 15 Jan Dave Stevenson & Andy Hitchcock.

Pictured here Quarry Spar Christmas Cup winners.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

Hilton's POSH Market 2014 was held at Protea Hotel, Hilton on Tuesday the 16th December 2014. The weather did not play along but our steadfast outdoor stall holders stuck it out regardless with some vendors reporting record sales figures for the day.

Sean from DJ WORX provided background music for vendors in the Tudor Room and Summer Du Preez enjoyed sharing her singing talent. Father Christmas was joined this year by Laney from Maxtrax Music School who added an interactive musical dimension to the little childrens' experience. Ian Sinclair, a skilled magician wowed audiences with his tricks.

Protea Hotel, Hilton staff showed concern for the weather challenges and mopped up puddles in an effort to make the day more comfortable, their efforts are valued. The chef's POSH menu for the day went down well and vendors praised the venue.

Shoppers appreciated the spacious layout indoors and all in all a fun day's shopping was had.

We have had a great year with over 20 new members joining us. Unfortunately they haven't all stuck around. Perhaps New Year resolutions will bring them back??! We have taken part in many events including the Ronnie Davel in January and the Spar Ladies In June as well as many of the trail runs and walks that have been popping up all over the place! We celebrated our achievements both serious (top members for the year) and not-so-serious (swimming, dancing, talking...!) in the Hilton Run/Walk for Life Athletics awards evening at Taste of Thai in November. Thanks for donations of lucky draw prizes, especially to Moira Naude of Naude Eyecare Inc and Ronocco Nursery.

We are supporting Archie Roberts on his journey to Comrades as he raises funds for Orientation and Mobility training for the blind. Look out for Archie in his Run/Walk for Life colours, 'like' his Face Book page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Archies-Comrades-Journey/1568619476684654) and sponsor his races. Archie is a very courageous young man who was blinded when he deployed a landline in the '80s and was inspired to do this work to fill a great need.

We are having our last session for the year on 19 December at Laddsworth. This will take the form of a short walk on the road followed by a social get together. We will be celebrating the life of our stalwart founder member Prof Rose Bamford who sadly passed away on 12 December after a long illness. She was an honorary life member and an example to us all. We will resume again with renewed vim and vigour on Monday 5 January 2015. Come for a free session to see what we are about!

Don't forget our gift vouchers for that last minute gift.

Pictured on the left is Archie Roberts and his guide at the Capital Climb and below is Prof Rose Bamford.

News from Run Walk for Life Hilton

This year Laddsworth Primary School Grade One and Two pupils performed 'The Grinch who stole Christmas'. Their light hearted, song and dance interpretation of the well-known Dr Seuss story was received with much applause.

A production of this nature requires a huge amount of effort and congratulations are due to all the children, staff, parents and friends of Laddsworth who help behind the scenes and supported this show.

L-R: Taking part as 'Christmas Stockings' are Brynn Morgan and Alexis Jennings.

News supplied.

Thank you for all your support this year, we have had a wonderful year at Sue Tarr's.

For those of you who have not bought your Xmas presents yet - our shop is still bulging with presents for everyone. La Popote closes on Sunday the 21st but we will be open until 1pm on Wednesday the 24th for any last minute shoppers.

We will open again on the 13th January when La Popote opens and look forward to seeing you all.

Kind regards
Sue, Lindy and Sylvia

Grade 6 pupils from Laddsworth Primary School visited the Nelson Mandela Capture Site as part of their Social Science theme on Democracy. Learners walked through the museum and answered questions in their booklets which would aid their understanding of the time period and of the life story of Nelson Mandela.

A walk down the 'Long Walk to Freedom' pathway to appreciate the sculpture of Madiba's head by Marco Cianfanelli, ended their outing.

L-R: Luke Pellew-Jarman, Callum Ross, Luke Pieterse and Donovan Bornman.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

The Jaxx Roll on Wednesday was won by Ken Hooper, Rodney Braithewaite and Pam Spring. Vouchers from Dulcѐ's were won by Fred Palmer, Barry Best and Vernon Hickinbotham. The Sportsman's Prize went to Olga Hutt, Margaret Meek and John Aubrey. Thanks to our sponsors and to all the visitors who support our club. Well done to the victors.

On Saturday we played for the Surelink Trophy. This is a mounted genuine Lignum vitae wood. Winners were Thelma Mylne, Bill McQuade and Ingrid Oellermann. Shelly Brooks from Surelink graced us with her presence to present the prize. We truly appreciate the generous donation that Surelink gives us each year.

Those who have not yet enlisted for Bill's Bash this coming Saturday have missed the boat. All available places have been booked. Proceedings will kick off soon after 08:00 when teams will be drawn. Bowls will be followed by a super lunch provided by Bill Lambert. If the weather precludes play, the lunch will still go ahead.

Club events planned for December include IF Trips on 5th, Chicken Run on 13th, Jaxx Roll 17th and the Quarry Spar Christmas Cup on the 20th. Lindsay's vouchers and Lister prizes will played for on weekday tabs-in sessions.

Many of our neighbouring clubs will also be holding special Festive events. Check your calendars and go visiting during December.

Duties: 30 Nov – 6 Dec OOD: Jean Pluke. Tabs: John Pluke. Duty Team: Des Morrish. Teas on Sat. 6 Dec: Tom Hartley & Tony Francis. Biscuits: 2 & 4 Dec: Basil Fann & Dave Hammond.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.