1. Conor McCreedy visits his Alma Mater2. Horsemen riding through Mongolia (I’m telling you!)3. Spar Weekend Witness 10/5 km 4. The Howick Highlander...5. Treehuggers at Corrie-Lynn School...6. SO much of stuff to do...7. Advice about all sorts... Gardening, springclean-ing, ......Just Keep reading.....

50 shades of blue?

Edition - 120 - SEptEmbEr

The most twittered person in South Africa, a patent on his own colour blue, the youngest artist to hold a solo exhibition at the National Arts Club in New York, a Jo-hannesburg born, Hilton College educated 25 year old, AND in the Midlands as Artist

in Residence at his Alma Mater. Why wouldn’t we want to interview Conor McCreedy! GQ Magazine expresses it aptly, in a recent interview: “artist Conor Mccreedy’s story is

straight from the ‘lucky bugger chronicles’: South African boy goes from Hilton College in the Midlands to the University of North Carolina on a golf scholarship. After a trip to New York City, he drops his golf clubs for a paintbrush. A chance meeting with comedian Chris Rock’s uncle gets him an introduction to the president of the National Arts Club, where he later holds a solo exhi-bition – the youngest person ever to do so. And it’s a sell-out.”

An intoxicating interview indeed, where McCreedy shared anecdotes of his life in New York, dropped names that had us enthralled, and often flawed, since his station is NOT our station! Dressed in blue, Ralph Lauren “looks like Mom knitted it” chunky jersey, blue Nikes that are like wearing barefeet, a baseball cap emblazoned with a meaningful B, a glass beaded bracelet handed to him by a Nigerian dude at a William Kentridge party! Anything that touches the Mc-Creedy brand has a cool story attached. This boy is creating an incredible movie, with the help of a brand team second to none, and signs are that it is already a bestseller.

The real reason he was here of course was to share some of his art magic (and unadulterated Conor McCreedy movie star stuff), with the Hilton College Art Students. For a week the art room was blue with walls, canvases, floors spattered in the trademark “Shades of Blue”. As expressed by the boys – they gained way more than a lesson in making fine art.

“Connor is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. His creative and unforgettably buzzing persona blew me away during the few short periods that I had the privilege of sharing with him. It’s as if he’s surrounded by some bubble of energy, and as soon as you enter that space, you’re transfixed and inspired by it, and you yourself just want to create and express and release and share in the joy that he so clearly experi-ences through his own art” Kyle Sinclair, Gr 11 Hilton College.

“ Mr McCreedy is a very talented, amazing person, who has inspired many South Africans. Not only has he proved himself to the world, but he has shown the world what South africans can achieve.”Thatho de Lisle, Gr11 Hilton College.

Conor thanked his teachers for mostly their inspiration (see Art Teacher Debbie Veenstra on the left) and some for their never ending pa-tience...(Mr Werth)!

The boys were en-thralled....

What do you think guys? - needs more work?

Conor Mccreedy, the artist who has patented his own color blue, is not only painting the town blue, but currently “Flying Blue”, sponsored by Air France/ KLM He has already embarked on an international

campaign to paint iconic buildings in New York, Paris and Amsterdam, the Air France/ KLM hubs and will be launching these exclusively in South Africa together with other sought after works of art, at Ernie Els’ Wine Estate in November. The proceeds of which, will be donated to both the Air France and Ernie Els charities. Deborah Curtis-Setchell

Grade 11 Lesson with Conor McCreedy

Mccreedy is a firm believer of giving back to charity. Although he lives between

New York City, Paris and South Africa he is an avid supporter of the South African charity, “Faces Hope.” This NGO provides funding for children and adults suffering from lymphoma and leukemia. Mccreedy supports 3 major charities around the world

Phelophepa – Train of Hope www.trainofhope.org, Ubuntu Fund:www.buntufund.orgFaces of Hope Foundation www.facesofhope.co.za

Every participant was a winner at the 17th edition of the Howick Highlander Mountain Bike Challenge, organised

by the 1st Howick Cub & Scout Group, from the Karkloof Farmer’s Market, over the first weekend of September. Marketed as a family event in line with the Cubs and Scouts mission, funds raised from the Highlander are used for subsidising outdoor activities such as camps, outings and events for the 1st Howick Cubs & Scouts. The Group has over the years provided valuable services to the youth of the area, including those from disadvantaged areas. In today’s frenetic world it is absolutely critical that the youth engage with environmental, conservation and social responsibility programs. Cubs and Scouts endeavour to promote and develop both individual and leadership competencies in the youth.

With MTB events becoming an expensive leisure activity, and beyond the reach of many families the organisers (all volunteers) of the Howick Highlander kept entry costs to a bare minimum, leaving it an untimed event, and with a selection of cycle rides and trail runs to suit every age, size and ability. Sponsors really came to the party too with 100 cases of avo’s from Westfalia up for grabs, and a Merida TFS 100 (sponsored by Howick Cycles and Merida bikes) awarded to a lucky ticket holder in the raffle, no-one went away empty handed.

Keep an eye on www.howickhighlander.co.za to diarise the 2013 family event.

BUSINESSMAN CONQUERS PUNISHING MONGOL DERBY AND BOOSTS EYECARE FOR THE POOR

For nine days CEO of Marriott, The Income Specialists Simon

Pearse, rode semi-wild horses across the steppes of Mongolia to join a se-lect group of adventurers from across the globe to take on – and finish – the world’s toughest horse race. The Mongol Derby was irresistible to this easygoing, polo-playing, family man who lives with his wife, two daughters and six thoroughbred horses at picturesque Mid-mar, KZN Midlands

From the 34 men and women of 14 different nationalities who set off on 10 August this year, just 18 people crossed the finish line of the Mon-gol Derby, dubbed “the mother of all horse races”. Among them were Pearse in 11th position and four other South Africans. The rest fell prey to broken limbs or sheer mental and physical exhaustion.

Why would a success-ful businessman take on a quest like this? Because Pearse (51) cannot resist a challenge – his record of past adventures in remote and perilous places is im-pressive – and he is com-mitted to Marriott’s sup-

Craig Springate of South Africa, Sam Wyborn of New Zealand and Simon Pearse of South Africa, mounted and ready to take on the longest, toughest horse race in the world. (supplied)

port of Right to Sight, a charity whose mission is to eradicate cataract blindness amongst South Africans in need.

There were highs and lows along the 1000km route, or “unroute” as they called it because there was no marked course. There was simply a network of horse stations at 40km intervals similar to the empire-busting postal system of the legendary Chinggis Khaan. Overnight stops were either under the stars or in a collection of basic tents used by the Nomads. The weather was unpredictable – cold at night and very hot during the day with sudden rainstorms.

The food took a little getting used to – mainly goat, mutton and mare’s milk – but this was outweighed by the kindness of their hosts, the Nomadic people of Mongolia. “They took us in and offered us their hos-pitality and it was it was a bit like being transported back into an era of 1000 years ago.” said Pearse.

All of the horses belonged to local nomadic herding families. They were descendants of the steeds that carried the all-conquering Mongol warriors across half the world and were typical of their breed - small, sturdy, a little wild and very tough. Pearse fractured several ribs en route but opted to carry on.

Pearse’s wife and two daughters are relieved to have him safely back in the comfort of their Midmar home, none the worse for his remarkable journey.

Whilst he has already raised a significant amount of money for Right to Sight through his ride in the Mongol Derby, Pearse urges anyone with an interest in providing accessible, life-changing eye care to dis-advantaged communities to contribute to the charity online at www.righttosight.co.za. (supplied)

Boredom Buster’s NoticeBoardBUSINESSMAN CONQUERS PUNISHING MONGOL DERBY AND BOOSTS EYECARE FOR THE POOR

Witness Hilton Arts Festival turns 20!

21 - 23 September

Enquiries: 033 383 0126 & 033 383 0127 or

theatre@hiltoncollege.com

In aid of Howick Hospice

Please join us for a

HIGH TEA

at which you will hear International Author

Leo Donaldson

share his encouraging testimony and deeply moving message of

hope and restoration

DATE: 26 SeptemberTIME: 10 for 10:30amCOST: R50VENUE: Howick Hospice

7 Mansfield RdRSVP: Melanie

033 3305257

HERITAGE DAY SEPTEMBER 24TH

North British Tank Steam Locomotive in Steam; Model Trains; Craft stalls.

Sing along with Erin Fourie. If you wish to have a stall, feel free to contact Mia on

0724816693ENTRY FREE: PLEASE MAKE DONATIONS

For further info contact Grant on 0832781490.

You are hereBY iNvited to atteNd the aNNual GeN-

eral meetiNG of Khazimula childreNs ProjectDATE: 2 October 2012

TIME: 15h00VENUE: Khazimula Childrens

Project, Lidgetton Valley Road, Lidgetton

The meeting will be followed by tea at approximately 3.30pm

Please RSVP to: Bradford@bundunet.co.za by 28

September 2012

OFFICE POLITICS – SCENES FROM THE SINkING SHIP: FAYE SPENCER SOLO ExHIBITION - SCH-

REINER GALLERY Opens Thursday 11 October at 18h00 - Closes Sunday 02 December at 17h00Exhibition Walkabout: Wednesday 17 October at 12h00 – 13h00Children’s workshop: Wednesday 17 October at 14h00 – 16h00. Closes Sunday 02 December at 17h00Faye Spencer is currently a lecturer at University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Centre for Visual Art. Office politics-scenes from the sinking ship represent a body of work comprising drawings, prints, and paintings that explore power-plays and idiosyncrasies of the working world. As an artist and lecturer, she believes that given the considerable amount of time most spend at work, the absurd and humorous engagements that occur in the office are worth reflecting and exploring on.Faye’s body of work is highlighted with vivid colour and aggressively worked surfaces in many of the paintings and these contribute the central narrative contained. The paintings are supplemented by drawings and prints which continue the notion of this theme.

As part of the exhibition Faye will conduct a workshop for primary school children on Wednesday 17 October at 14h00 – 16h00. The workshop will provide light and colourful activity such as working with paint and other

drawing media. The cost for the workshop is R60.00, booking essential. For more information contact Pinky at 033 392 2811 or Thulani at 033

392 2823. Safe parking with a car guard will be made available on the Church street side of the Gallery from 10h00.

mACS Quilt ChAllEngE YEStErdAYS nEwS – tomorrow’S promiSE SChrEinEr gAllErY

oPeNs WedNesdaY 12 decemBer at 10h30 for 11h00 closes suNdaY 10 feBruarY 2013 at 17h00- (suBmissioN date WedNesdaY 31 octoBer 09h00-16h00 at macs house)

The quilts can be submitted at MACS House, 23 Haldane Road Pelham Pietermaritzburg. There is no entry fee. For more information contact Kobie Venter at 033 392 2819 or Jutta Faulds at 033 386 6500. The submission form can be requested at macszine@yahoo.com

Forest Fun

Earlier this month, just as the tiny green leaves on the Celtis africana trees were beginning to

emerge, children from Corrie Lynn School in Dargle headed into the Kilgobbin forest on a field trip organised by the Dargle Conservancy. The Zulu name for Celtis is uMvumvu which describes the sound the bare branches make rubbing together in the wind, during winter. The common name, White Stinkwood, describes the unpleasant smell of the wood when freshly cut.

After an explanation of the functions of leaves and the different types, each participant recollected as many different leaf shapes as they could find. There were ferns, quilted Lemonwood leaves, small smooth Carissa bispinosa, asparagus fronds, tiny Pepperonia, sticky grass, heart shaped Plectranthus and star like Senecio.

Along the path there were signs of animal activity – bush pigs and duiker too. On a couple of trees the lower bark was rubbed smooth, obviously by animals using the tree as a scratching post. This provided an opportunity for everyone to do some

bark rubbings. Some tree stems were very rough while others were quite smooth. A Knysna loerie (igwalagwala) calling stopped everyone in their tracks as they peered to see it perched on

the branch of a tall Cape Chestnut. We discussed the National Tree of South Africa - Podocarpus latifolius. The first guess at the name of our national tree was Wattle! The yellowwood family is ancient, having grown in this part of Africa for over 100-million years. In forests, the trees can grow up to 40m in height with the base of the trunk sometimes up to 3m in diameter.

A small forest stream, was a welcome stop as everyone quenched their thirst in the sweet, cold water. Sitting on fallen logs provided an opportunity to discuss decomposition – the work that fungi, bacteria, worms and insects do to break down the dead trees.

After a picnic lunch, it was time for a little ‘solitaire’. Sitting quietly on their own in the forest allowed everyone time to really listen to the sounds around them. They heard Samango monkeys, birds, rustling leaves, and described the sounds like shwee shweee and kroo kroo kroo. Being alone was a bit frightening at first, but after a few minutes they settled down, got comfortable and felt peaceful and happy. A bush buck was spotted in the undergrowth.

Too soon, the African Insight bus arrived to take everyone back to school. The Dargle Conservancy believes that interesting fieldtrips which support curriculum learning, help to inspire the children to value our special biodiversity. www.dargleconsercavany.org.za

The Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg has recognized a long-standing Rotarian, Ian Canham, for his many contri-butions to both the movement as well as the community it serves. In a private ceremony Club President Brian Bassett thanked Ian for the 45 years of service he has willingly and enthusiastically given. Ian was presented with a framed certificate which reads ‘Presented to Ian Canham in appreciation of a lifetime of exemplary and consistent commitment to the Object of Rotary. We, his fellow members of the Rotary Club of Pietermaritzburg have great pleasure in recognizing his exceptional ex-ample of Service Above Self by presentation of this Club Service Award’. Ian joined Rotary in 1967 and served as President of the club in addition to serving on many vari-ous committees. He was awarded Rotary’s highest honour by being admitted to what is known as the Paul Harris Fellowship. Ian’s wife, Sue, has always been a great support and for many years helped Ian to host the Children’s Carnival held at Falklands Farm. Rotary salutes you both. PHOTO: Rotary Club of PMB President Brian Bassett congratulates Ian Canham (centre) while the outgoing president of the Rotary PMB Club, Sabitha Maharaj, looks on. (Supplied)

the rotarY cluB of PietermaritzBurG recoGNizes loNG-staNdiNG rotariaN, iaN caNham

(Left to right) Eddy Molekoa (SAMREC), Dr Richard Lewis (WESSA Chairman of the Board), Noel Coe-tzee and Janet Snow (Treverton Schools), Carolyn Ah-Shene Verdoorn - Birdlife SA, and Anique Ros-souw - EWT (for Save Mapungubwe Coalition)

The remarkable achievements of three excep-tional groups were celebrated at WESSA’s 2012 National Awards event that was held on

Saturday 8 September at a formal dinner at the House of Pharaohs in Bryanston, Johannesburg.

Presented since 1978, the awards enable WESSA to recognise and honour individuals, corporations and organisations, community groups, educational groups, and volunteer groups in the conservation or environmental field who have made a significant contribution to the environmental conservation or environmental education sector in South Africa over a sustained period of time.

Numerous deserving nominations were received this year, and after extensive review by the WESSA Board, the WESSA’s 2012 National Awards were presented to the Save Mapungubwe Coalition, Treverton Schools and SAMREC (SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre).

The programme for the evening included an address by recently appointed WESSA CEO, Dr Thommie Burger, who acknowledged WESSA’s achievements over the past 86 years and mapped out his vision for the future direction of the organisation. Chairman of the WESSA Board, Dr Richard Lewis, thanked WESSA’s major funders for their excellent support and spoke about the need for a universal commitment to champion conservation of the environment.

Representatives from the award winners were joined at the event by WESSA patrons Keith Kirsten and Kevin Duncan, some of WESSA’s key project funders including ABB, Mondi, PetroSA, Xstrata, and Mazda Wildlife Fund, and WESSA Board members.

WESSA patron, singer, songwriter and environmental campaigner Jason Hartman provided some unexpected entertainment for the guests with an impromptu musical performance.

The full 2012 WESSA National Award citations follow below:

Save Mapungubwe Coalition: WESSA applauds the action taken by the members of the Save

Wessa Celebrates Outstanding COnservatiOn aChievements at 2012 natiOnal aWards event

(Left to right) Henry Mushonga (CSR Manager at XStrata), Garth Barnes (WESSA Director of Conservation), Jason Hart-man,

Mapungubwe Coalition in their efforts to halt the proposed mining on the border of the Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site. The efforts of the coalition members, the Endangered Wildlife Trust; the Wilderness Foundation SA; WWF SA; Birdlife SA; Peace Parks Foundation; Mapungubwe Action Group; and the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists, generously assisted by the Centre for Environmental Rights and the Centre for Applied Legal Studies – are testimony to the power of partnerships.

Treverton Schools: Treverton Schools are recognized for their outstanding contribution to Environmental Education over more than four decades. In addition to their own schools, Treverton have promoted environmental education in neighbouring schools and communities and, by hosting South Africa’s first International Environmental Education Conference in 1982, helped to spread the message of conservation both nationally and internationally – a process which it continues to champion to this day.

SAMREC (SA Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre): WESSA recognises the efforts of SAMREC over the past twelve years to save and rehabilitate marine animals, and to educate the public about marine life in general and the threats they face along our coastline. In particular, we applaud the work done to save the African Penguin by their small staff compliment of two persons and their many volunteers.

twC - CAnoES, tlC, And dAughtErS with dAdS!

The Official School Page

Seen enjoying themselves at The Wykeham Collegiate Grade 7 Dads and Daughters morning were:lEFT: Ayanda and Seo Mtetwa , right: Haydn and Amy-Lea Harris (supplied)

The Wykeham Collegiate Junior School has had a close relationship with Mbubu Creche for the past 15 years. Seen playing with some children during a recent visit to the Creche is Shaunagh Lesur.

The Wykeham Collegiate entered two teams into the Inter-Schools Canoe Polo Tournament held at the UKZN pool last weekend. For many of the girls it was their first time competing in a canoe polo match and all the girls were enthusiastic and excited despite the cold. The TWC 2nd team did very well, showing great improvement with each match they played. The TWC 1st team played extremely well and won all their matches, resulting in the team be-ing the winners of the tournament. Nicole Grindlay was the top goal scorer with 4 goals and Sarah Harries scored 3 goals

ruSSEll iS FlYing high!

Russell High principal, Jean Rose (left), deputy princi-pal, Nicky Skea (right) and teacher Mayusha Maharaj all skydived at Eston on Sunday to highlight the plight of the rhino. Russell high learners as well as friends of the school raised funds for this worthy cause.

Former Russell High learner, Thembela Phini recently visited the school to let them know that not only did she complete her advanced pastry course with a well know Chef’s School, but graduated with four distinctions. She will be leaving shortly for Australia to work as a pas-try chef in a top Australian hotel. Seen congratulating Thembela and wishing her well is Russell principal, Jean Rose.

The Official School Page

Seen enjoying themselves at The Wykeham Collegiate Grade 7 Dads and Daughters morning were:lEFT: Ayanda and Seo Mtetwa , right: Haydn and Amy-Lea Harris (supplied)

lAddSworth bY thE light oF thE moon!Grace College Matric pupil, Siphiwumusa Radebe, took part in an International Kick-boxing Tournament in Serbia over the July holidays. She fought in 25 fights, winning all of them, which placed her first in the world in the U18 age group. Siphiwumusa is a mem-ber of the South African Ama-teur Kickboxing Association (SAAKA) and has progressed from Provincial, National to International Champion. She is also an outstanding sports-woman here at Grace Col-lege who carries herself in an exemplary manner both on the sports field and at school. “Well done, Siphiwumusa, we

are so proud of you!”

grACE - Ful ChAmpionS

Treverton College’s Noelle Stakes has made it through to the final round of the 2012 Maths Olympiad. Noelle’s achievement places her in the top 100 “Mathematics Olympians” in the coun-try having competed with over approx-imately 40 000 initial entrants. She was awarded Academic Honours by the College for this outstanding achieve-ment. She is in Grade 12 and a Day Scholar Prefect.

Treverton’s mathematician

Just some of the approximately 300 people who partici-pated in the first Laddsworth Night Relay and Walk on Friday evening. Runners, walkers, toddlers in prams and even a grandmother being pushed in a wheelchair took to the lanes of Hilton with torches, head lamps and glow sticks to enjoy exercising by the light of the full moon. It was also a blue moon, the second full moon in a calen-dar month. The success of the fund-raising event means it is set to become an annual event, a Laddsworth Pri-mary spokesman said. Photo: Alistair Cotton

SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR FOR TREVERTONAt the recent Treverton College Interhouse Athlet-ics meeting the guest of honour was eighteen-year old South African athlete Justine Palframan from Eshowe KZN. Justine brought an air of athletic magic to the event. She recently returned from Junior Olympics in the United States, where she was placed fifth in the world in 400 m event, in a time of 51.87 s, breaking the South African record. There were outstanding performances at the meet-ing, and seven records were broken. Junior ath-lete and all-round sportsman Eugh Nyakabau U15 Boys’ was the Boy’s Victor Ludorum. U14 athlete, Tanaka Chivaviro, broke the U14 discus and shot-

put records, was the best discus performer and the girls’ U14 Victrix Ludorum, Ayanda Tshuma shared the girls’ U16 Victrix Ludorum with Jeanne Botha. The boys’ U14 Victor Ludorum was Motadi Magongoa and the U16 Victor Ludorum was Khalipha Ngwenya.The Victrix Ludorum award and coveted Athlete of the Year trophy went to Kylee McCloughlin, who broke the Girls’ Long Jump Open record and set the record for the new Triple Jump event. She shared the Girls’ Individual Tabloid Trophy with Christi Ferreira.The 2012 Victor Ludorum was all round sportsman and Rugby Captain Ri-kus van der Westhuyzen.

Adam Findlay from Grace College had been rock climbing since the begin-ning of the year. He loves climbing with a passion that few young people has these days. Josh Picker-ing from the High Altitude climbing gym took over as coach around May this year and Adam grew from strength to strength. Training three times a week and climbing outside whenever he got the opportunity, has really helped Adam grow as a climber. His skill, strength and endurance improved immensely. Adam climbed very well in all 3 the climbing competitions leading up to the KZN school lead finals, which was 9 Septem-ber, where he came second in his age group. We wish Adam the best of luck for the South African school lead finals, which is at the end of September.

The Official School PageghS mAtriCS 50 YEArS on!

57 old girls from America, England and different provinces in South Africa attended a Pietermaritzburg Girls High 50th matric year reunion on the 3rd of August 2012. Jenny Harley sent in the photograph, and described how en-joyable the day was, with the morning spent at the school, followed by lunch at Rockafellas. GHS Old girls’ GROUP photoBACK ROW: Elspeth Graves, Julie Porrill, Penny Adcock, Margaret Darby, Frances Maritz, Rose Francis, Liz Bizley, Pat Waddy, Rita Evans, Val McLeod-Henderson, Dawn Knight, Lindsay Root, Twan Wiggill, Lynn Holmes, Ginty Pat-terson, Olga Comins, Gwen Moll, Lyn Nel, Margie Nicholson, Wendy Evans, Jenny Brittain.MIDDLE ROW: Judy Armitage, Marna Chisholm, Elaine Kirkby, Gwyneth Treharne, Jean Bangay, Pie Reed, Heath-er Young, Carol Rich, Christine Bogucka, Sue Sullivan , Chris Shaw, Jen Harris, Sally Gibson, Barbara Paul, Lorraine Schoeman, Myra Morreira, Barbara Sayer, Anne Bonsall, Rae Smith, Barbara Davies, Val Ryder, Carole Buttemer, Jen Hattingh, Denise Bromley.BOTTOM ROW: Marilyn Larkan, Jen Marwick, Sue Muller, Helen Bateson, Paddy Trauseld, Cynthia Bassett, Sheila Nicolson, Renee Rossler and Jacqui Lascelles.

Hilton Pre-Primary’s Gr RR’s spent the day at Cedara College recently riding on a tractor, learning about dairy farming, pig farming and other agricultural activities. What fun!

hilton prE-primArY viSitS CEdArA

Come To your senses in spring.BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR HOME

THIS SPRING!

The sun is shining beautiful yellow hues, our surroundings are transforming into their lush

luminous green tones, the horizon welcomes invigorating blue skies and our gardens are showing glimpses of colourful buds – yet our homes are still tucked up with winter layers and colours. It’s time to shake the winter blues off and out of our homes and welcome in the fresh, clean and energetic Spring home trends!

This Spring we see neutral tones as your base splashed with bright colours – lots of greys and creams with tangerine, lemon or lime green. Grey is versatile and works as a good backdrop for artwork, whilst splashes of the vibrant colours energise any interior (and exterior) with subtle doses in throw pillows or accessories. Bold prints invite a warm, energetic feel in simple contrasts.

Simply moving pieces of furniture around and scaling down to simpler pieces, your living areas will feel transformed. The best advice is always to start with good classic, core pieces of furniture you love and build from there. Adding accent pieces throughout your home in some of the latest trends will add that spring feel, and moving pieces that you love to another room or in another way will give it new life. Recovering cushions and throws or livening up tablescapes and floral displays will bring Spring indoors.

Easy and practical changes to lift your home are refreshing paint colours, recovering or painting lampshades, installing light dimmers to change the mood of your rooms and even adding wall coverings to add character to a room – depending on the size of the room, covering a focal wall may be all you need.

The most important point is having your home designed with your style and things you love, creating a space that is comfortable, user-friendly and invigorating for you!

Birnam Interiors is all about simple and practical interior solutions, whether it’s inspiring ideas through consulting you require, couch reupholstering to freshen up your lounge or simply a bright new set of blinds you’re dying to have made for your kitchen. We do what we say on the box – Refresh, Repurpose and Renovate.

Spring is in the air, we have a few days of dreary rain, but appreciate the downpour when the sun does grace

us with its presence – we notice the blossoms on the tree;s and are get a new found energy. As an Accountant we often need to recalculate our budgets after a season this is an ideal opportunity to revisit your finances and remember that time is your greatest investment – spend it wisely……

A few tips for this majestic Spring Season and a little inspiration to……………………. Rework I Revive I Rethink

Your daily schedule reflects your deepest values. The things that are hardest to do are often the things that

are the best to do. And remember it’s not what you know, but what you DO

with what you know.

Yours in Business. Yvonne Reece

reWorK revive rethiNK

To double your net worth, double your self-worthA strong foundation at home sets you up for a strong foundation at work. Give away what you most wish to receive. The antidote to stagnation is innovation. The conversations you are most resisting are the conversations you most need to be having. Success is no longer about position it’s all about people. The bigger the dream, the more important to the team. Visionaries see the “impossible” as the inevitable. To double your net worth, double your self-worth. The best leaders lift people up versus tear people down. Be so good at what you do that no one else in the world can do what you do. You’ll never go wrong in doing what is right. A strong foundation at home sets you up for a strong foundation at work. Never miss a moment to encourage someone you work with. The secret of passion is purpose. Go where no one’s gone and leave a trail of excellence behind you. Accept your teammates for what they are and inspire them to become all they can be. Investing in your self-development is the best investment you will ever make. Other people’s opinions of you are none of your business. Understand the acute difference between the cost of something and the value of something. The thoughts you think today determine the results you’ll see tomorrow. Stand for something. Or else you’ll fall for anything. Say “thank you” when you’re grateful and “sorry” when you’re wrong. Make the work you are doing today better than the work you did yesterday.

ULWAZI GROUP BRINGS ExPERTISE TO ESTCOURT

Ulwazi Group is a multidisciplinary group of entities, comprising of different resources

and skills facets…..provides engineering, project management, housing & property developments, catering and events management, transport & logistics, mining operations, cleaning and protection services to a broad range of public and private sector clients.

Ulwazi Group is a wholly black owned entity, with its head office based in Midrand. It prides itself on being a true corporate citizen of South Africa and the rest of Africa. The 7th of September saw the launch of the Ulwazi Groups’ presence in Estcourt, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration, hosted by Executive Chairman Bongani Mabizela and Deputy Chairperson Cindy Mabizela. Dignitaries who attended the party included Councillor and Honourable Mayor of uMtshezi Municipality, D.B. Dlamini, and landlord Jan Pascoe of Waterford Farm, where the new premises of Ulwazi Protection Services are located,

Ulwazi Groups impressive list of clients highlights the company pursuit of excellence, and includes Transnet, the ANC, UNISA, KZN Province, FIFA, the SANBS, Home Affairs, the Gautrain, SAFA, the Miss World Pageant organisers amongst others.

In his address Mr Mabizela highlighted how pleased the company is to have a presence in Estcourt, expanding on its KZN offices in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Newcastle. Honourable Mayor Dlamini expressed gratitude, on behalf of the uMtshezi Municipality and it’s community, for this economic injection into the area, and expressed the belief and hope that it would be a beneficial relationship for all the role players.

comPaNY oBjectives

• To honour God in all we do

•To pursue excellence•To grow profitably •To help people

develop

Bongani Mabizela with the combat response team.

Bongani Mabizela, Honourable Mayor D.B. Dlamini, and Cindy Mabizela declare the premises open.

Bongani Mabizela, Honourable Mayor D.B. Dlamini, and Cindy Mabizela cutting the cake

Jan Pascoe. and Eddie Veenstra

L-R: Anthea George (HR manager), Cindy Mabizela (Dep-uty Chairperson), Bongani Mabizela (Exec. Chairman), Isaac Choma (KZN Regional Manager), Nhlanhla Jwara (National Ops Manager), Charles Tewitz (Finance Manag-er) Leoni Black (Marketing and Events Manager.

Honourable Mayor D.B. Dlamini,

Hirsch keeps Teachers Warm In Cold Wet Weather

thE SpAr wEEkEnd witnESS womEn’S 10/5 km

Poppy Mlambo (Bidvest Running Club) cruised through the finish line in top position in Sunday, September 9th’s SPAR Weekend

Witness Women’s 10/5km in a time of 35.38 in a record entry field of 3,321.

This is the third time that Mlambo has won the SPAR Weekend Witness 10km race in the last four years, having had a break due to injury last year. Both Mlambo and Maxwell didn’t compete in the 2011 race and made a welcome return dominating proceedings.

The totally revamped route was challenging with a number of hills that tested stamina on a beautiful spring morning.

In the 5km, 13 year old Natascha Hartmann from St Mary’s DSG in Kloof claimed her second victory in the SPAR race, having won the title last year.

“We were really pleased with the record number of entries this year. With the great spring weather, it appeared that everyone was eager to be outdoors enjoying the sunshine, and camaraderie this race has to offer.” Said Rob Philipson, MD SPAR KZN. “Our thanks to all those involved in making this event yet another great successs.”

Last week Hirsch staff surprised the teach-ers of Northern Park Primary School with some freshly ground cappuccino muffins. Headmas-ter, Kevin Marais thanked PRO, Victoria Laub-scher and her team for spoiling them and said that he looked forward to future ventures with Hirsch’s. “The Coffee & Muffin Mornings is a campaign that Hirsch’s is running to say thank you to PMB residents for their loyal support.” Victoria Laubscher, PRO for the branch told us. Should anyone be interested in hosting a Coffee & Muffin Morning for their staff please contact Victoria Laubscher on 033 3453221 or victoria@hirschs.co.za.

Northern Park Headmaster, Kevin Marais & Hirsch Sales Lady Rachel Seboko (supplied)