Congratulations to Guilo Beltramo who is in Grade8 who has been selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra. Guilo has performed at a number of functions at Hilton this year and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement in being selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Youth Orchestra.

News and image supplied by Hilton College.

Sharing a meal with local author and chiropractor Bernie Preston and his family was a highlight in a busy week. This Hilton College old boy has written 6 books, the first three comprise a collection of mostly comical accounts derived from his consultations and life experience over the years.

Writing under a nom de plume and inspired by James Herriot, Bernie shares entertaining, amusing and occasionally serious anecdotes from the chiropractic coalface which have a wide appeal. His writing is light-hearted, has an easy flow and illustrates his taste for seeing the funny side of life.

Jokes aside, Bernard Preston of High Whytten also has a passion for the environment and in particular sustainable living. When he is not consulting or writing he may be found tending his vegetable garden, enjoying his carpentry hobby or gliding above the midlands of KZN.

With his first three books published, Bernie was compelled to set his hand to a new trilogy 'A Family Affair', this series is about modern life and tackles topics that society still has issues with at varying levels. While the focus of this story hones in on a more serious side of life, I am guessing Bernard will not have been able to resist his bent for humour and thereby succeed in providing an enjoyable balance for the reader. The proof will be in the reading, hopefully on a Kindle which I have now been convinced, by Bernie, who is or at least was a similarly hardened lover of real books, takes all of three minutes to adjust to!

I have tucked into both 'Bats in my Belfry' and 'Frog in my Throat', I recommend them as delightful stocking-fillers for anyone with a fun loving nature. You can buy Bernie's books at www.bernard-preston.com, these collections make for delightful bedtime reading.

House-hunting in KwaZulu-Natal just became a whole lot less stressful with the introduction of a new on-line property directory.

Launched by Harcourts Hilton and covering the whole of the province and beyond, WhatsOnShow? promises to take the hassle out of finding a new home to buy or rent. Melissa Line, manager of the new service said: "Instead of waiting for the property section of the weekend paper to appear, prospective homeowners or renters can go on-line to plan their weekend of house-hunting. When they find a show home that interests them, they can simply follow the link to the home listing on a particular agency's website to find out more."

Estate agents pay a monthly fee to sign up with the website which offers them the ability to update their listings as often as necessary. "We will also update the directory once a week, which means that home buyers are assured of only fresh properties on the site. Individual agents can remove a property at any time ensuring that there are none on-line that have actually been let or sold, thus avoiding disappointment for clients," Line said. The directory carries properties for rent, and for viewing by appointment only, with the main focus on those on show.

The website offers prospective buyers additional services to smooth out what can be a bumpy road to finding a home. These include an e-mail and sms link to the agent selling the property, the facility to download and print a Google map to find the house, a facility to draw up a shortlist of likely properties, and, in case browsers see a home they just know will interest a friend, a link to forward the details to them.

WhatsOnShow? has been in a testing phase for several months and the response from agents and buyers has been positive so far. "With the major shift to on-line sales and advertising in business generally, we felt the time was right for a service like this in the property industry. We have registered the URL nationally and internationally so that we can expand our coverage as the idea catches on and demand for it grows. We look forward to expanding into other provinces and in time across the globe," Line said.

For more information go to www.WhatsOnShow.co.za

Thimbles 'n Threads at the Lower Quarry Centre has a new owner, Alta Gous. The path that led Alta to become the owner was interesting. She first came upon the shop as a customer and fell in love with it, after chatting to her husband about it he said, "Well ask the owner if she will sell to you?"

Alta continued to pop in and shop at Thimbles 'n Threads but never felt bold enough to ask. After about a year the shop was still on her mind and paging through a PEARL magazine she came across an advert for the shop. Alta took this as a sign that she should wait no longer.

The call to Rose (the owner at the time) was made, on meeting the two discovered that they had both been praying over this transaction, Rose for a buyer who would be right for the shop to free her up to spend more time with her husband and Alta to become the owner. A deal was made!

Alta loves her shop and the Hilton community who have been very welcoming and in turn Alta welcomes all crafters who enjoy knitting, sewing, crochet or embroidery to keep in touch and join a morning work group suits them!
When we asked about plans for the future Alta said, "I believe that if something is not broken it does not need to be fixed, so no big changes are planned. I will just add a range of imported yarns like bamboo and banana leaf wool, a few modern patterns and the embroidery thread that I use as clients have been asking for that. We will host a 'Blooming Flowers' crochet course and some holiday knitting for children."

HiltonVillage.co.za extends a warm welcome to this North-West lady who now proudly cheers for the Sharks!

Above is a photo of the team at Thimbles 'n Threads, from left to right Sindi, Alta, Nelly and Dee.

LADDSWORTH Primary School pupils (from left) Tian Buis, Nkosana Khumalo and Sonia Naicker with the artwork that won the school R10 000 in the Liberty Midlands Mall's recent "re*think: Save our Rhino" school art competition.

These pupils represented the classes, which created the prize-winning work.

The Hilton school won the Grade 4-7 category while Athlone Primary won the Grade RR-3 category and Russell Girls' High took the high school section. Laddsworth's Grade 5 classes created artworks from waste materials and scraps mounted on corrugated cardboard. Teachers chose a selection of pieces that were then mounted on a display board with splashes of shweshwe fabric to add a distinctive African look.

Next year Laddsworth will celebrate its 110th anniversary.

News and photograph supplied by Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton.

On Friday 19 October the Grade 11 pupils had their Formal Dance in the school's Memorial Hall which was transformed for the occasion with the theme being the "Roaring 20s". It was a special occasion which was enjoyed by all. The boys looked smart and the young ladies elegant.

Pictured on the left are Devan Chamberlain and Kimberly McCullough.

In the slide below are;Keabetswe Ndlovu and Vivwe Mtoba, Campbell Caley and Kayla Fardella, Lara Lindeque and Baba Adejuyigbe as well as  Christine Lalor, Carlson Masuemara, Caroline Franklin and James Wales.

News and images supplied by Hilton College.

The seed for House of Heart was planted in 2011 when a friend shared the concept and how it ran in Johannesburg. Ronel Du Preez and Nada Kooy planned for the first market to be held in 2013. But, after a number of not- so-coincidental events, they knew that they needed to go forward with the idea immediately. On 13th September 2012, House of Heart was born.

The logo represents a combination of beautiful things that emanate from the heart. The market distinguishes itself by promoting South African made items with the majority of it being handmade.
The market hopes to instill a sense of inspiration in the women of our community by providing them with an environment that is serene and yet filled with creativity.

Two of their very dear friends will be running a lovely tea garden which will offer homemade cakes, quiches, as well as tea, coffee and juice. Children will be able to play in a safe environment whilst Mom's (and Dads) are shopping.

Currently there are 50 displays ranging from vintage swimwear, ceramics, knitted wear, bunting, Christmas décor, jewelry, frames, handmade cards, decorative lights, home décor, designer soaps, treats and many, many more... See more on Facebook.

Venue: 7 Waller Road, Oak Park, PMB

Dates: 8, 9 & 10 November 2012

Times: Daily 8am – 5pm, Friday 'till 9pm

Remember to make a gift list so not to miss out on an opportunity, bring a friend and come and enjoy the House of Heart Market!

Click here for more details.

October the first was a momentous day for the Hilton community; a new vehicle could be seen patrolling our streets and carrying Hilton Bobbies to their places of work. Here the Hilton Bobbies with their bright red uniforms, radios, pepper spray, torches and friendly smiles set to work walking our neighbourhoods making them safer for the residents and more hazardous for the criminals.

These patrols happen throughout the day and night while most of us residents are at work or sleeping in our beds. The patrols are carried out on a pre-arranged but seemingly random nature, this way the criminals are less likely to be able to predict when or where the patrols will take place.

All Hilton experiences a safer environment, not just the residents but schools, shops, clubs, businesses and even visitors to our beautiful village and its surrounds. This project was started and is maintained by Red Alert in cooperation with Hilton residents and in cooperation with the Hilton police and the HCPF.

You can contribute to the upkeep of the Bobbies and learn more about this project here.

There is a requirement for NCT to close the Old Howick Road from Worlds View Road to Ketelfontein between the hours of 09:00 and 13:00 on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th October, in order to fell a number of dangerous trees growing in that area. The road closure will be supervised by the Traffic Department. The only routes from Hilton to Pietermaritzburg open during that period will be the N3 or Dennis Shepstone Drive/Sweetwaters Road.

Notice kindly submitted by Hugh Temple.

eZali Spa have put together an exceptional special for the months of November and December. Their head to toe package they had in August was so popular that they have decided to run a similar package.

The Half Day Mini Spa Retreat:

4.5 hour treatment
60min Full Body massage,
60min Hydrating Dermalogica Facial,
Hydrating Pedicure,
Nicolson's Mushroom onion & Feta tartlet with salad
and ended off with a Wash & Blow Dry with Kirsten at the Hair Salon!

What to expect...

When you arrive, you enter the dimly let treatment room where you'll have your 60min full body aromatherapy massage. The ultimate way to begin your journey of relaxation with us!

Your second treatment will then be followed with the 60min Dermalogica Hydrating Facial, an opportunity to correct and treat stressed out skin.

Your third treatment will then be followed with the hydrating pedicure that includes a foot mask to nourish dry skin.
At the end of your treatments with us, you'll be served with Nicolson's Mushroom, onion & Feta Tartlet accompanied by Fresh greens tossed in a Tangy Tomato Tarragon Vinaigrette and a choice of fruit juice! We'll have a table beautifully arranged especially for you outside in our garden.

Your experience will end with a Hair Wash & Blow Dry with Kirsten of The Salon at Garlington!

Now isn't this just the ultimate and deserving Mini Half Day Spa retreat to indulge in?

The cost?

Everything, this entire Half Day Mini Spa Retreat at eZali Spa, exactly as described – at a special and unbeatable price of just R850, with a massive saving of R500! Take a friend along with if you wish and indulge in this amazing treat with them!

Book early to avoid any disappointments! This special ends on the 31 December 2012 and is also available as a Gift Voucher which will only be valid for 3 months from date of purchase.

Kindly note that the meal from Nicolson's may be subject to change.

Jean Allen HR Consulting celebrates one year of being based in Hilton. This established consultancy moved to Winterskloof in October 2011 and to celebrate this first anniversary, Jean is offering a FREE HR Health Check to the first 10 local businesses who sign-up for their newsletter on the Jean Allen HR Consulting website's Home Page. 

• Do your employees have contracts?
• Are these employment contracts compliant?
• Does your team have Job descriptions?
• Are your HR related policies up to date and relevant?
• Are you registered for UIF and CIODA?
• Are your employee records current?

The areas mentioned above and more will be considered within the FREE HR Health Check after which you will receive a written recommendation.

'All of this may seem mundane, yet all of these criteria are essential for effectively managing your staff and many are legal requirements. Make sure you sign up for your FREE HR Health Check and ensure compliance!' says Jean Allen.

At a recent meeting, a Committee member who travels extensively in the Worlds View Conservancy came across a concrete plinth with an old map of trails that used to exist in the 60's and 70's.

Due to the extensive use of the area for plantation – tree farming – these trails fell into neglect and the maps were destroyed by vandals. However, with fresh enthusiasm Committee members decided to resurrect these trails so more people will enjoy the Conservancy.

The Parks and Recreation Department of the Msunduzi Municipality was contacted and told of our plan and they searched the storerooms and found 6 complete maps – we are now on our way!!! Plans have been made to get 6 more printed and local businesses will be contacted with a view of sponsoring the cost of these signs.

The actual signs are very dated, with HUGE cars and transistor radio's (I'm sure the youth of today have never seen one) which add to their charm. There are no plans to upgrade them at all.

This project has been held up somewhat with the continual rain we seem to have been having here at Worlds View. The track is very muddy making it difficult to get around. Also the logging at the bottom of Dunstan Place hasn't helped. We have started though, at the Look Out. Plinths have been painted with new maps placed on top and a map will be posted in the Notice Board. If you prefer you own map, please contact me and I will email you one. Hopefully, this project will be completed within a couple of months.

We also wish to establish some picnic spots along the way so, if you have an old concrete set or wooden bench set you would like to "donate" to the Conservancy, please let us know. We will come and collect.

These revived trails will be a welcome addition to attractions in Hilton.

News and images submitted by Pat Wilkinson of Maypers Bed and Breakfast for Worlds View Conservancy.

The Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business (PCB) is renowned for giving company owners and employees the opportunity to take time out for a bit of fun. And if you don't have the time to play, ActionCOACH will show you the way! Here Vanessa of Foxtrot and Olivia of ActionCOACH get into the spirit of Halloween at a PCB networking lunch last Tuesday.

Barbara Antrobus the facilitator of Abundance Consciousness, a workshop that begins this Sunday, the 28th October 2012, at Hydrangea House in Hilton shares a little about herself with us.

'My background is LIFE, what I've experienced and what I've learned. My main focus is on gaining a deeper understanding about life through studying various spiritual teachings. I've attended many courses, workshops, talks etc. over the years, all on subjects that teach various spiritual concepts - in other words life enhancing tools. And of course, I've read hundreds of books.

At one time I was in a spiritual/esoteric healing group. I've studied astrology, runes and tarot (I do tarot readings - not predictive). Some years back I produced a magazine "CentrePoint" which focused on wholeness. I've also done and taught Circle and Peace Dances. I've been a Life Line counsellor. The Buddhist Retreat Centre at Ixopo is somewhere I love to retreat to from time to time and also to attend the various workshops that are presented there. I've also had a small business selling crystals and related items.

The course is about getting into an ABUNDANCE CONSCIOUSNESS and is not about manifesting money. Abundance consciousness is being aware of the SOURCE-OF-ALL-THAT-IS; it's about being happy in the moment no matter what your outer circumstances are. Outer circumstances and material things may make you happy for a time, they are transitory. ABUNDANCE CONSCIOUSNESS is eternal. So this course is much, much deeper than manifesting.

I'm 69 years old, a widow, have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.'

To book for the workshop you can call Barbara on +27 (0)31 462 1719 or +27 (0)73 589 7611 and to learn more about the course, click here.

"PULLING THE PLUG ON e-WASTE"

Join US for the FIRST EVER NATIONWIDE e-Waste Collection Drive

As part of this national e-waste collection campaign, Jeffares & Green Consulting Engineers, in partnership with the "LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL", the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) KZN Branch , and PMB based e-waste recycler "re-", will be hosting its first public e-waste collection event:

When: Thursday, 01 November 2012 (from 10 AM-2 PM)
Where: Liberty Midlands Mall midway between Entrance gate 2 & 3 (just inside the perimeter fence)

Encouraged by last year's success which saw the collection of more than 3.5 tons of e-waste from Cape Town based households and businesses, the 2012 annual collection drive will be run nationwide with participating Jeffares & Green Offices and selected shopping centres, providing collection solutions in Johannesburg, Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Susanne Dittke, e-Waste Alliance coordinator said, "any e-Waste that is collected will be re-furbished, repaired, re-used or recycled where possible, and ONLY safely disposed of if no other treatment options are available. All materials will be handled according to integrated waste management principles and in the most environmentally safe manner."

What exactly is e-Waste ?

E-waste constitutes any unwanted electrical or electronic equipment (either running on batteries or electricity) such as computers, TVs, VCRs & DVDs, consumer electronics, kettles, printers, fax machines, cell phones, toasters, microwaves or direct parts thereof. We will also offer the collection of any equipment "consumables" such as cartridges or batteries. If in doubt: bring it ALL to US on the 1st of November.

What is the problem with e-Waste ?

E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in South Africa as old/redundant items are generated due to the rapid advance of new technology.

Due to the numerous chemical elements and heavy metals (such as lead, mercury and cadmium) contained in most electric and electronic goods, any resulting e-waste can be hazardous and toxic, causing serious health and environmental pollution problems if not handled responsibly. Hazardous components from mismanaged e-waste can contaminate soil and water (if unsafely disposed of) and pollute the air with toxic fumes (if burnt), all of which can have dire consequences to the planet and people alike.

How many of us upgrade our cellphones every two years believing that our phone is out-dated? Where is our broken fax machine or printer stored? Somewhere stock-piled in your home waiting for better times that never come? Now is the time to empty out that garage full of e-waste and bring it to US to the LIBERTY MIDLANDS MALL on 01 November 2012 between 10 AM and 2 PM.

With a bit of luck you might even win a shopping voucher to the value of R 500.00 - courtesy of the Liberty Midlands Mall - if you drop off your e-waste with US on the day and enter the lucky draw.

Other nationwide e-waste collection events:

The Liberty Midlands Mall "re*think" Initiative

In the past the Liberty Midlands Mall has spearheaded many environmental programmes and activities such as this year's first public e-waste collection drive in PMB. The latter forms part of the mall's larger "re*think campaign" which comprises of a number of different green initiatives, all focused on informing and educating the community about the effects of the human footprint on the environment, as well as encouraging action and mobilising support for the future, by re-ducing, re-using and re-cycling waste. This year's re*think theme is "re*think: Save OUR Rhino" (For more information about the re*think project email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

For more information please contact the e-waste collection event coordinator Susanne Dittke: at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 021-5320940 or 0718590829.

News supplied by Jeffares & Green

Congratulations to Keaton Bottriell (Hilton College) who has been selected for the South African Schools' Golf Team. This is an outstanding achievement particularly since Keaton is still in Form II. Keaton has had an excellent year and was also a member of the Hilton team which won the KZN Schools' Golf Championships.

News and image supplied by Hilton College, KZN.

Lovers of choral music are in for a treat in late October when Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton will host a choir festival featuring the internationally-renowned Drakensberg Boys Chamber Choir at Grace College Hall.

Laddsworth will not only host "Drakies" as the famous choir is affectionately known, but its Senior Choir will also participate. The Laddsworth Senior Choir is known for its excellent tone, strong harmonies and exciting repertoire. Several of its members have gone on to the Drakensberg Boys Choir over the years and it has strong representation in the Pietermaritzburg Childrens Choir (PCC) which will also perform in the festival.

The PCC is a regional choir that was founded in 1988. It features children between the ages of eight and 14 from the greater Pietermaritzburg area, thus reflecting the diversity of the city and country. The choir's repertoire represents a variety of western, traditional and contemporary songs.

The final choir taking part in the exciting evening is a visiting choir from northern Johannesburg: Dainfern College Senior Prep Choir. This choir was last in KwaZulu-Natal in 2009 when it completed a very successful tour. Dainfern is school of over 1 000 pupils with a very strong musical tradition that includes two marimba bands, a djembe ensemble, school orchestra, two prep school choirs and a high school a capella group. The Senior Prep Choir is known for its "fresh and innovative repertoire, delivered with verve and enthusiasm".

The Laddsworth Choir Festival takes place at the Grace College Hall in Hilton on Friday October 26 at 6.30pm. Tickets cost R60 for adults and R30 for children and booking is at the school office contact: 033 343 3256.

For further information contact: Gill Olivier 033 343 3256

Pictured above is the Drakensberg Boys Chamber Choir and below is the Dainfern College Prep Choir, one of choirs that will perform in the Laddsworth Choir Festival at the end of October.

What did our Spar do for us....?

"My Spar" - Hilton Quarry Spar helped Hilton Pre-Primary school to raise almost R25000 at the Annual Hilton Food and Wine Fair, held on 21 September 2012!

Starting from scratch – from the organizing of the wine vendors, food vendors, phone calls back and forth, the wonderful Standing Wine Fridge, that was graciously donated by Honeydew Dairies, and won by John Freeguard, food platters on the evening, a bit of tweaking here and there, and all round support in whatever we needed – OUR Spar is Awesome! And to make things even better – most of what you sampled at the Fair is available from Hilton Quarry Spar!

From the moment you entered the foyer of the Protea Hotel Hilton, where you were met by parents from the school and ushered through the doors into a world of Wine, Food and gastronomic taste sensations you knew your evening had begun – With good friends, great wine and delicious food samples, as well as a little bit extra this year... there was a little bit of something for everyone - the evening was earmarked to be a success from the beginning, and that it was!

This year Hilton Pre-Primary is going to put the money towards upgrading some of our technology, incorporating interactive whiteboards, and more, into the classrooms. We are so excited at the prospect of being able to offer our children this advantage, into gaining an insight as to what their future holds for them in this day and age where technology plays such a huge role in all of our lives.

Thank you to all those who helped to make it such a success –without all the background support the evening would not be possible.
- All our Vendors: without all of you we wouldn't have this evening. (Most products are available at Hilton Quarry Spar, or in the surrounding area of Hilton)
- Hilton Quarry Spar: Rodney and Di Downes, Greg Downes, and especially Mark Strang and Alan Niddrie for their tireless efforts.
- Protea Hotel Hilton: For our beautiful setting, and your very efficient, and courteous staff, as well as all the beforehand organizing. And the breakfast Vouchers
- Sheridan's Tarp and Net: For the marquee, lighting, draping and so much more! Thank you for the professional service you provided.
- Knight Force Security: For the security, and parking assistance, your guards offered us on the evening
- Hilton Arts Festival: For providing complimentary tickets to the Ventriloquist show
- For all our Printing Requirements – CPW Printers, Kudu Printing, Cartridge Smart and Print & Graphics: You all went out of your way to assist!
- To the Committee and parents at the school: Thank you for your support. Hilton Pre-Primary is "our" school, and I am sure you all proud to be a part of it!

Thank you to EVERYONE who joined us, and was a part of our evening! We look forward to seeing you all again next year. Get your tickets early – you never know what will be a part of next year's event... watch this space!

Pictured above are L-R: Claire Owen, Genevieve Chubb, Mandy McInnes, Clive McInnes, Ginette Chubb.

Pictured below are L-R: Alan Niddrie, Mark Strang, Suzie Hillier, and Hilton pre-primary children.

.