Petrol is becoming more and more expensive!

My line of work has been in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every litre. Here at the Marian Hill Pipeline where I work in Durban we deliver about 4 million litres in a 24-hour period through the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and petrol, LRP and Unleaded. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 litres.

Only buy or fill up your car or bakkie in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the fuel, when it gets warmer petrol expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening your litre is not exactly a litre. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the petrol, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

A one degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapours that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapour return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapour. Those vapours are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your tank is HALF FULL.

The reason for this is because the more fuel you have in your tank the less air is occupying its empty space. Petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine. Petroleum storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the petrol and the atmosphere, so it minimises the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every litre is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a fuel truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy, DO NOT fill up - most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

Do share these tips with others!

This information kindly shared by Wesbank.

18 Hilton College golfers attended a Golf Tour to Thailand playing on some of the finest courses (Palm Hills GC, Springfield GC and Banyan GC).  The tour included participation at the World Schools' Golf Championships (WSGC).  The A-team of Tyron Searle, Rourke Lauryssen, Jarryd Edy and Matt Lauryssen came 2nd in the WSGC which was played over 3 rounds.  The team ended tied 1st with Whangerei from New Zealand and lost on a count-out.  This is an outstanding achievement and a more detailed report will be posted on their return.

Tyron Searle ended 3rd best player at the tournament with gross scores of 73, 73, 75 and 75 and he had the best nett score of 278, five shots clear of the second player! This in a field of 112 players.

Jarryd Edy ended 6th in gross and 5th in nett scores overall with scores of 78, 72, 71 and 77.

Stewart Hutchison ended 14th in gross with scores of 81, 76, 76 and 75. And Matt Lauryssen 16th with scores of 80, 78, 77 and 73.

Pictured here are Rorke Lauryssen, Tyron Searle, Jarryd Edy and Matt Lauryssen.

News and image supplied by Hilton College.

CAT & PAUL'S QUEEN, I Wanna Ride My Tractor will be fun, fun all the way, with all the fabulous Queen hits!

The Queen show is Cat&Paul's fun and crazy riff on the creative vortex that spawned all the incredible music of QUEEN, one of the greatest rock groups of the 70s/80s.

Cat delivers the electric, magnetic, live Freddie lead, Paul is Jerry, Queen roadie, trying to get the boys out of the dressing room and onto the stage, while fending off the groupies taking over the gig while they wait for the old rockers, Brian, Roger and John, (with Freddie already up with the angels in rock-star heaven).

It's all about rediscovering the idiosyncratic essence of QUEEN and the creative genius and anarchic spark of fabulous Freddie - before the world tours, the stadiums the banks of speakers and the screaming fans.

It's Cat&Paul's Bohemian Rhapsody on the QUEEN phenomenon.

A Kinda Magic party that's gonna raise the AVCC roof!

Date: This Thursday 11th April!
Place: Amber Valley Community Centre
Time: 6:30 for 7:00pm
Tickets: R60pp, cash bar
To Book: Contact Sue Fuller on 033 239 5805 between 8am & 4pm

You will need your car reg for Amber Valley Security.

All public welcome!

Spalicious has kicked off well at eZali!! We as therapists are very excited about this range, excited that we can finally offer you an awesome, luxury experience! This 90 minute Signature "Spalicious Delicous Pedicure' is one exceptional Pedicure treatment that will literally send you to heaven and back!!

eZali Spa has extended this Launch Special for the month of April. The 90minute Spalicious Delicious Pedicure normal price is R300.00. It is now on special this month for R250.00!!

Kindly note our updated treatment menu for Pedicures:
Spalicious Classic Pedicure (60mins) R210.00
Spalicious Delicious Pedicure (90mins) R300.00

eZali Spa had a lucky draw available at the Posh Market that was held on the 21st March at the Protea Hilton Hotel to win an Xpress Day Spa. We're very excited to announce that Beryl Cornell won the prize!

"Crystal Deva – Specimens and Jewellery" is a home based small business situated in the tree lined village of Hilton in KZN, founded on a deep affinity with Crystals and Gemstones and an awareness of them being "Enchanted Gifts from the Earth".

The word Deva comes from the Sanskrit language, meaning "a being of brilliant light" and is used to indicate a non-physical being. The realm of Deva's can include both nature spirits and angelic beings.

"Crystal Deva" refers to each individual Nature Spirit which watches over every single Crystal, Gemstone or Mineral that exists.

I work on an appointment basis so that I can offer personal attention and advice according to your specific needs.

Having lived and worked with Crystals for over twenty years, I Love to share my experiences with the Mineral Kingdom. And hopefully offer helpful advice on how you could use Crystals and Gemstones to improve your sense of well being and harmony with life.

The use of Crystals and Gemstones as Amulets and Good Luck Charms dates back into prehistory.

Myths from the Sumerian Culture, who were settled in Mesopotamia around 4000BC, speak of Crystal shaped ray emitting devices. There is evidence that they used large interconnected Crystal Grids in their places of worship.

The earliest recorded use of Crystals for their positive influence on the human body can be found in a Chinese medicinal book called "The Herbal" which dates back to 3000BC.

References to using Crystals and Gemstones for healing and empowering human conditions can be found throughout the recorded history of man. Appearing in various Religious and Cultural texts from Ancient to Modern times.

The current "revival" of Crystal Therapy probably started in the 1970's when scientists were able to prove and acknowledge the existence of subtle energy bodies or Auras around living matter through the use of Kirlian photography.

I feel that it is the constant, stable molecular structure of each individual crystal and gemstone that sets a subtle example which allows the constantly fluctuating human body and mind to get back into a natural state of balance and harmony or innate health.

Contact Crystal Deva to arrange a visit.

As of the 1st March 2013 Lindsay's has had a new owner. Mary-Ann Prinsloo has fallen in love with the country feel of Hilton and its wonderful people. Making patrons comfortable and meeting their needs is second nature to Mary-Ann.

The Lindsay's menu is well-loved so nothing will be taken away or changed. A kiddies menu is going to be developed and I am bringing in beautiful cakes to fill the new display fridge. We will also have weekly specials and specialize in "ready-made meals" for the busy folk out there that want to enjoy a home cooked meal but do not have the time to make it themselves.

Lindsay's will now also open on the Sundays when the Antiques & Collectibles markets are on.

From the 1st April 2013 a Wi-Fi connection will be available for Lindsay's clients to access.

We wish Mary-Ann much success as she embraces a new exciting chapter in her career.

We were devastated to hear last Thursday morning of the sudden death of Tony Stubbings. Tony was a long-standing member of our club and a fine bowler, a thorough gentleman and a good friend. He will be sorely missed. The Club extends its heartfelt sympathy to Angela and the family.

Skips of the winning teams in last week's Jaxx Roll were Alan Daikers, and Dave Hammond whose teams both won vouchers for Jaxx Restaurant and Brian Ravno and John Pattrick who received prizes from Lindsay's Coffee Shop. Well done to all the winners, and Grateful thanks to Jaxx and Lindsay's for their generous support.

The draw for the Club men's singles is on the board. Please play your games as soon as possible. The first round is to be completed by 5 April.

The entry form for the Ladies' singles has been on the board for about a week. It is filling up very slowly. Please support the Club and enter our competitions.

Duties: 31 Mar – 6 Apr: OOD: Margie Garrard. Tabs: Mike Mylne. Duty team: John Pluke.
Teas on 6th Apr: Pamela & Des Morrish. Biscuits on 2 & 4 Apr: Anton Leisegang & Tony Lenton

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

On Wednesday, 20 March, Peter Ducasse was formally inducted at a ceremony in the Hilton College chapel as the 16th Headmaster of the school. It was an important occasion in the school's history as Yann LeClezio, Chairman of the Board, handed over a bugle which is the symbol of authority of the Headmaster. The Bugle has been at Hilton College since 1872 when it was first used by founder, William Order Newnham, to sound the wake-up call and announce the rest of the day's routine.

When Newnham left he handed the bugle to his successor, and for many years it continued to be used. Subsequently, it remained in the archives, and more recently was displayed in the Museum.
In 2007 the idea emerged of introducing a ceremonial transfer of authority to the Headmaster. Initially it was a practical instrument of the Headmaster's authority; now a powerful symbol of representing that responsibility.

News and image supplied by Hilton College.

In the foyer of the Campbell Block a display cabinet records the names of all Headmaster and houses the Bugle.

Pictured on the left above are Peter Ducasse and Yann LeClezio.

News and images supplied by Hilton College.

Handmade & Flutterby Fun Creations will be at Hilton's POSH Market tomorrow from 9am to 4pm at Protea Hotel, Hilton.

Born from a love of being home with our kids and passion for creating, Handmade and Flutterby Fun Creations have grown as fast as the kids. Offering an array of beautiful wares that are unique and lovingly made. Fabrics are sources far and wide and new ideas are constantly finding their way to the cutting table.

Handmade creates allsorts, made from felt and fabrics – making use of both new and repurposed fabrics. Books and Bags, Toys and Accessories - all one of a kind and always something new. Great gifts for all ages.

Flutterby Fun Creations offer raincoats and waterproof accessories in fabulous prints. Swim bags and shopping bags, pencil cases and homework bags, aprons and loads more. Bright, colourful, gorgeous and functional too.

There is a love and passion for creating that is poured into these products. You can't help but love them. "Creativity is Contagious. Pass it on!"

Humming chainsaws and power cuts have been standard for many areas of Hilton in the last couple of weeks and we should prepare for more.

As advised by Msunduzi Municipality's Operations and Maintenance Department, Hilton is scheduled to have more power outages next week to facilitate tree clearing from electric lines.

The affected areas will be off in order that the work of tree trimming can be executed are illustrated in the table below.

Contact Persons in the event of any queries is Mr Chris Jerrier on 033 3925122 and Mr Wiseman Mthembu on 0766755045.

This notification has been kindly submitted by Msunduzi Municipality.

The fabulous international spoof comedy hit - The 39 Steps - comes to the Hexagon Theatre for three performances only from Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April, after a sell out season in Durban over the festive season.

Directed by Themi Venturas, The 39 Steps features Clare Mortimer, Loyiso McDonald and Michael Gritten – all playing a cast of thousands - and Clinton Small as the lead character, Richard Hannay.

Patrick Barlow's Olivier Award and Tony Award winning stage adaptation, based on John Buchan's gripping whodunit, memorably filmed by Alfred Hitchcock in 1935, in its sixth year on the West End and its fifth year on Broadway, finally comes to Pietermaritzburg.

The 39 Steps is a delicious stylised melodrama inspired by the 1935 cult film by Alfred Hitchcock and adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan.

The premise of the comedy is for the entire cast of the 1935 adventure film to be performed by a cast of four, with actors sometimes playing multiple characters at once! Nothing has been cut from this hilarious and spectacular version of Britain's most spellbinding thriller – legendary scenes include the chase on the Flying Scotsman, the escape on the Fourth Bridge, the first theatrical bi-plane crash ever staged and the death-defying (or nearly!) finale at the London Palladium!

With four actors playing a minimum of one hundred and thirty-nine roles, it's the most astonishing theatrical tour de force of the year. Under the direction of Themi Venturas, who had to travel to London to learn the show, this Durban production brings together four stalwarts of the Durban scene. The 39 Steps marked the Catalina Theatre's 10 birthday.

The 39 Steps is adapted by Patrick Barlow from the novel by John Buchan from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock. Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited and an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon presented by arrangement with Samuel French Limited.

Shows are at the Hexagon 11 to 13 April 2013, and you can book through Computicket.

Easter Egg Hunting at Cool Winds Pre-Primary last week created much excitement. This Pre-Primary offers meals and separate age-appropriate play areas, setting it in a class of its own. Babies are welcome from 4 months giving mothers peace of mind when they have to return to work. Zelda puts her heart and soul into every project she takes on and her passion for childhood education has driven Cool Winds Pre-Primary to succeed.

The school at 2 Hilton Avenue is conveniently accessible from the high way and children are secure within the garden setting positioned well off the road. To enquire about placing your child in this professional environment call Zelda on +27 (0)33 343 4659.

WIN with your sporty outdoor photograph of Hilton! Hilton is renowned for some great mountain bike tracks and single route trails. Early evenings and mornings see cyclists, runners and walkers out enjoying our village. Can you capture the essence of a fun outdoor activity being enjoyed in Hilton?

If you have a photo of people enjoying an outdoor activity taken in Hilton, email it right away to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Entries have been extended to 31st May 2013, get your entry in and stand a chance of winning R1000.00 if your image is selected for publishing on the cover. Terms & Conditions apply as stated below.

Terms & Conditions
1. HiltonVillage.co.za reserves the right to publish all entries online at HiltonVillage.co.za, on Facebook and in print.

2. Entries at must be supplied according to the following specifications; Minimum Size 99(H) x 210(W) mm in a .jpg or .png file and should be 300dpi. You must supply details of when and where the photo was taken.

3. The judge's decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

4. A maximum of three entries per person will be allowed.

5. Only photographs emailed in the abovementioned digital format will be considered.

6. The closing date for entries is midnight on the 31st May 2013.

Easter is almost upon us and we are surrounded by Public Holidays. This is our second of three short weeks in a row! Lovely for family time but not so good for the economy.

Many of you have been asking about Public Holiday Pay - do you need to pay the employee for the day if they work or don't work and what do you need to pay them. Let me clarify for you:

If the public holiday happens to be the employee's normal working day:
• The employee is entitled to be paid a minimum of double his normal wage for the day if he does work on that Public Holiday.
• He is entitled to be paid his normal wage rate for the day if he does not work on that public holiday

If the public holiday happens to be on a day that is NOT the employee's normal working day:
• The employer must pay that employee a minimum of his ordinary daily wage rate, plus the amount earned by the employee for the work done on that day.

Let's use Good Friday as an example and assume your team normally work a 40 hour week (Monday to Friday 8 hours per day)

If your employee does not work on this Good Friday he will still get paid for 40 hours for that week.

If your employee does work on this Good Friday he will get paid 40 hours for the week plus an additional 8 hours for working on the Public Holiday. A total of 48 hours pay for the week.

If Friday is NOT a normal working day for an employee and he is required for some reason to work on Good Friday then he would be paid his normal weekly wage plus 8 hours for the day (ie his ordinary daily wage) plus 8 hours (for the work done on the day). A total of 56 hours for the week.

With night shift workers, part of the work may be done on an ordinary day and part on a public holiday (after midnight). The day on which the majority of the shift is on is the day you use when determining whether public holiday pay is applicable. For example if the shift worked by the employee falls on a public holiday and another day (such as night shift on Easter Monday - the shift is partly Easter Monday, and partly Tuesday which is not a public holiday) then if the greater part of the shift was worked on the public holiday, the whole shift is deemed to have been worked on the public holiday. If the greater part of the shift falls on the Tuesday, then the whole shift is deemed to have been worked on the Tuesday.

Any payment for work done on public holidays must be paid to the employee on his usual payday. You may also consider an exchange of a public holiday for time off in lieu another day, by agreement with the employee.

News submitted by Jean Allen HR Consulting.

Hilton Veterinary Hospital shared the following amusing article;

HOW TO FEED A CAT A TABLET

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of cat's mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens mouth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat to close mouth and swallow.
2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.
3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.
4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm, holding rear-paws tightly with left hand. Force jaws open and push pill to back of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for a count of ten.
5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.
6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, hold front and rear paws. Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse to hold head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cat's throat vigorously.
7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill from foil wrap. Make note to buy new ruler and repair curtains. Carefully sweep shattered figurines and vases from hearth and set to one side for gluing later.
8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with head just visible from below armpit. Put pill inside end of drinking straw, force mouth open with pencil and blow down drinking straw.
9. Check label to make sure pill not harmful to humans, drink 1 beer to take taste away. Apply Band-Aid to spouse's forearm and remove blood from carpet with cold water and soap.
10. Retrieve cat from neighbour's shed. Get another pill. Open another beer. Place cat in cupboard, and close door onto neck, to leave head showing. Force mouth open with dessert sp
. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put cupboard door back on hinges. Drink beer. Fetch bottle of scotch. Pour shot, drink. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot. Apply whiskey compress to cheek to disinfect. Toss back another shot. Throw T- shirt away and fetch new one from bedroom.
12. Call fire brigade to retrieve the **** cat from tree across the road. Apologise to neighbour who crashed into fence while swerving to avoid cat. Take last pill from foil-wrap.
13. Tie the front paws to rear paws with garden twine and bind tightly to leg of dining table, find heavy duty pruning gloves from shed. Push pill into mouth followed by large piece of steak fillet. Be rough about it. Hold head vertically and pour 2 pints of water down throat to wash pill down.
14. Consume remainder of Scotch. Get spouse to drive you to the emergency room, sit quietly while doctor stitches fingers and forearm and remove pill remnants from right eye. Call furniture shop on way home to order new table.
15. Arrange for SPCA to collect "mutant cat "and call local pet shop to see if they have any hamsters.

HOW TO FEED A DOG A TABLET

1. Wrap it in cheese.

Article submitted by Hilton Veterinary Hospital.

Hilton's POSH Market at Protea Hotel, Hilton was blessed with beautiful autumn sunshine and an excellent turnout. Visitors have commented on the lovely products available and that there was a wide choice of shopping including many new items, not seen in Hilton before.

The Caledonian Pipers brought an amazing ambience to the day with their goose-bump inducing music. Local business coach Patrick Greenaway was the man behind this wonderful delivery.

Sean of Sound Mechanix worked diligently all day long to ensure the entertainment from Charles Webster, Richie Pratt, Erin Fourie and Di Veness was perfectly transmitted. Sean get's it right every time so if you are looking for sound support at your next event do not hesitate to call him.

To all the stall holders, well done your presentation was great, thank you for adding a vibrant and colourful dimension to the day.

To Grace College, especially Brendan Botha and Troy Bishop, thank you for the parking assistance.

Thank you to everyone involved as an entertainer, taxi driver, vendor, shopper, barman, furniture remover or browser. You made it a great day!

For enquiries please call Desiree on 072 620 2853 or 072 654 9779, alternatively email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In a moving service on Friday 15 March 2013, the St Anne's College Science Centre was officially opened by Chairman of the Board, Mr Pierre Berrange and blessed by our Chaplain, Rev Dr Susan van Niekerk.
The blessing of the Science Centre was a special time when we were able to offer to God the girls, staff and new facilities we are privileged to have. So we pray that God will grow our girls into positions of leadership where these attributes are combined so that they may become women of influence.

News and image supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton.

Simply Sam Trading – Antiques.Brocante.Gifts opened in 2006 in the centre of Nottingham Road, sourcing gorgeous French & English Antiques, shabby chic furniture , salvage and objeobjetd'artt d'art. In an attempt to balance business & family life, we made the decision in 2012 to showcase select items at my long time favourite place, 'Blueberry Hill Gallery Cafe' on the R103 Nottingham Road. Blueberry Gallery Cafe is a stunning venue with views to die for and Blueberry Cheese cake worth getting fat for! Open daily from 8-4pm. All other items from Simply Sam Trading are sold directly over our Web Store, www.simplysam.co.za, and a secure card facility has been integrated for your convenience and peace of mind.

Besides Antique and Vintage items we also source beautiful and unusual South African Gift items, many from local 'job creation' projects. Look out for French style Linen, hand-made ceramics, wacky sculptures and beautifully wrapped toffees. Our 'life style' books are pure escapism. See you at the 'Posh Market' - For those loving all things Vintage and Beautiful ... view select items soon at VinLee Gallery, on the Hilton College Road.

Find Simply Sam Trading at Hilton's POSH Market, Protea Hotel, Hilton on 21 March 2013.