An inside-out cake depicting a woodland scene, complete with fondant creatures, flowers and foliage, nabbed the win for Grace College at the Great Schools’ Bake-Off which took place at The Quarry Centre over the weekend.

The winning “Showstopper” was created by a group of learners in grades 8, 9 and 10 at Grace College, under the guidance of two staff members. Having spent weeks preparing their masterpiece which was anchored in nature and featured many intricate elements, each talking to the idea of happiness, the learners were understandably ecstatic about the win, which nets R8,000 in prize money for their school, courtesy of The Quarry Centre.

Marketing manager of Grace College, Kevin Christie, said: “Our learners were excited that the cake received such a positive response from the judges and the general public. Our learners are already excited about the event next year and working on ideas for their next “Showstopper”.

“The prize money the school receives will be put towards a feature in our new classroom block that will benefit all of our current and future students,” he added.

Ten schools from Hilton, Howick and Pietermaritzburg competed in the first Great Schools’ Bake-Off, each interpreting the theme of “What makes you happy” in different, and equally creative ways. The fundraising event provided local schools with an opportunity to raise funds for their respective school in a fun and family-friendly setting, that saw everyone from the schools, including learners, parents and teachers, get involved.

In addition to an assortment of home-made cakes, brownies, biscuits, cupcakes and other delicious treats, each school presented a “Showstopper” which was judged by a panel of judges including Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine; Kershni Naidoo from Cakes by Kersh and former contestant on the Great South African Bake-Off; Shan Ford, owner of Cake Away cake shop at The Quarry Centre and The Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express.

“The Great Schools’ Bake-Off was such a fantastic morning,” said judge Jackie Cameron. “It was wonderful to see each school’s spirit and competitive flair.”

“Each “Showstopper” was unique and well thought out but Grace College’s cake stood out as it was made by the students themselves and we could see the youthful energy and creativity shining through,” said Cameron.

The public was also included in the judging process and encouraged to cast their vote for their favourite “Showstopper”. The judging was very close with high scores received across the board but it was Grace College, followed in close second by a three-tiered stunner from Seedlings Montessori and a whimsical, butter-cream delight made by the Grade 7’s from Laddsworth, that won the judges over in the end.

“The Quarry Centre was overwhelmed by the incredible effort and quality of baking presented by each school,” said organiser and Quarry Centre marketer, Nikki Downs. “Congratulations to all schools who participated and thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm,” she said.

Pictured above, Judges (L-R): The Little Mermaid from the Fairytale Express, Shan Ford, owner of Cake Away, Jackie Cameron from Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine and Kershni Naidoo, owner of Cakes by Kersh and former contestant on the Great South African Bake-Off (2017) with the winning Showstopper created by learners at Grace College.

Pictured below clockwise from top L; 

One: A three-tiered stunner created by one of the grandparents of a learner at Seedlings Montessori takes second place and is inspired by pictures drawn by the children of things that make them happy.

Two: Taking third place in the close-run "Showstopper" competition was a whimsical buttercream delight, based on friendship, created by the Grade 7's from Laddsworth Primary School.

Three: Judge Jackie Cameron assesses the masterpiece created by Cordwalles Prep, inspired by the school's colours and the Cordwalles rose, created in honour of the school's centenary.

Four: An incredible creation depicts a teddy bears picnic, created for Cowan House by a parent.

More about The Quarry Centre

The South African team added nine more medals to their already-significant haul on day five of the African Swimming Championships in Accra, Ghana.

That total included four golds, four silvers and one bronze medal.

Ross Hartigan was first up, claiming top honours in the 200m butterfly in 2:00.10 – equalling the championship record he set in the preliminaries. Second in that race was compatriot Ruan Ras, who finished in 2:01.67.

Rebecca Meder continued her impressive run, adding another gold to her medal collection. This time it was in the 200m individual medley, which she also won in a championship record time of 2:15.45. It was another South African one-two with Emily Visagie taking the silver in 2:24.45.

Despite breaking the record, Meder wasn’t entirely satisfied with her swim.

“I’m always excited to swim the 200IM – it’s my favourite race. Like every other race, I gave it my all. I put everything into it,” she said afterwards. “The first 100 was really good – it was just my breaststroke that let me down a little bit but I’m happy. 2:15 is a solid time. I was hoping for a little quicker but after the week of racing that I’ve had so far, I can be really happy with that swim.

“I just love racing no matter how I’m feeling – whether I’m really hurting or feeling amazing,” she added.

Also claiming another gold was Inge Weidemann who topped the podium in the 50m freestyle in 25.95 with Caitlin de Lange taking the silver in 26.15.

Elsewhere, Martin Binedell, who smashed George du Rand’s 13-year-old championship record in the 200m backstroke earlier in the competition had to settle for silver in the hotly contested 100m event. The Pietermaritzburg swimmer finished second in 56.57, behind Egypt’s Mohamed Samy Hassan who took the gold in 56.23.

The Egyptians got the upper hand again in the 1500m freestyle with Marwan Elkamash taking gold in 15:40.65 and Mohamed Moselhy the silver in 15:51.80 while SA’s Roberto Gomes claimed bronze in 16:24.33.

But the South Africans were back on the top step of the podium again in the 4x100m medley relay. Binedell, Bailey Musgrave, Meder and Weidemann powered to victory in a new championship record of 3:56.74 to better the previous mark set in 2016.

Above from left - Emily Visagie & Rebecca Meder & Jayla Pina - 200m individual medley

Below from left - Ruan Ras & Ross Hartigan & Ramzi Chouchar - 200m butterfly

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Rebecca Meder has emerged as the top South African swimmer so far at the 14th CANA African Senior Swimming & Open Water Championships currently under way in Accra Ghana.

 

The 19-year-old has collected four individual victories and three relay golds so far, with the possibility of further adding to her haul with the event wrapping up on 17 October.

 

Meder claimed her individual titles in the 100 and 200m freestyle (56.22 and 2:02.65 respectively) as well as the 100m backstroke (1:02.90) and the 400m individual medley (4:55.36).

 

The Durban swimmer then joined forces with Hannah Robertson, Leigh McMorran and Christin Mundell, powering to gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay in a championship record time of 8:26.35, beating their closest competitors, Egypt by a massive 19 seconds.

 

There were more championship records to come – in the 4x100m freestyle relay (with Inge Weidemann, Caitlin de Lange and Robertson again in a time of 3:49.91 to better the mark set by the South African team 11 years ago) and in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay with Weidemann, Andrew Ross, and Guy Brooks. Their time of 3:34.02 bettered the previous mark set by Egypt in 2018.

 

Emily Visagie was also in record-breaking form in the 100m breaststroke, topping the podium with a championship record of 1:10.81, just one hundredth of a second off the previous mark, while she also claimed gold in the 200m breaststroke in 2:35.35.

 

Christin Mundell also has two individual golds in the bag already, showing her versatility in winning the 50 breaststroke (32.64) and the 400m freestyle (4:40.02).

 

Inge Weidemann (50m butterfly) and Stephanie Houtman (800m freestyle) accounted for the other golds won by the SA women so far – 12 in total.

 

The men’s team have not been quite as prolific, with just four swimmers reaching the top of the podium.

 

Fresh from his medal-winning exploits at the FINA World Cups in Berlin and Budapest, Martin Binedell continued his podium form in Ghana.

 

The 26-year-old claimed gold in the 200m backstroke in a championship record. His time of 2:00.54 beat the previous mark set by compatriot George du Rand in 2008 by almost a second.

 

Also in fine form was Pretoria’s Ruan Ras. He powered to victory in the 400m individual medley in a massive personal best time of 4:24.46.

 

"I’m very happy obviously – it’s exactly the outcome that I wanted. I swam a PB by a second and a half and managed to win the race,” said a thrilled Ras afterwards.

 

“Going into the race I was a bit nervous because obviously there are a lot of senior ‘okes’ with really good PBs but I managed to pull it off so I’m very happy.”

 

The other gold medal winners so far have been Clayton Jimmie, who won the 50m butterfly in 24.13 and Bailey Musgrave, who took the 200m freestyle title in 2:14.47.

 

The men’s 4x100m freestyle relay team of Andrew Ross, Jimmie, Binedell and Guy Brooks dipped under the championship record, finishing in 3:21.04, but were beaten by Egypt who took gold in a new record of 3:20.04.

 

South Africa currently top the medal table with 17 golds, 16 silvers and nine bronze medals.

 

Pictured here: Above Meder and below Martin Binedell.

 

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Hilton Health is a dynamic and convenient healthcare centre, housing a wide spectrum of high-quality primary healthcare and health-related services. Under one roof, you can find the solution to all your health and wellness needs.

Careful consideration has been given to each investor and tenant, ensuring we have the right balance of services while maintaining high-quality service and care to all who visit our healthcare centre.

Not sure where to find us? Hilton Health shares an entrance with Life Hilton Private Hospital on Monzali Drive.

Hilton Health invite you to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer this October and you could WIN one of 5 prizes worth up to R1,200 each! Find out more on Facebook.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the moving Irish film The Bright Side, about a stand-up comedian diagnosed with breast cancer, will be screened online and free at the European Film Festival from 14 to 24 October.  In partnership with CANSA, the festival will also host a free online discussion event on 19 October.  

In The Bright Side we see how the main character’s friendships are challenged, softened and open her shut-down heart.  Director of the film Ruth Meehan says ´This film is inspired by a combination of Anne Gildea’s honest and irreverent account of her journey through cancer and my own personal experience of the surprisingly life-enhancing cathartic power of loss and grief. It is dedicated to warrior women everywhere!’

Ruth will feature in a special discussion with local warrior woman Anthea-Lynn Lewis entitled The Bright Side – surviving the journey.  Anthea is a three time breast cancer survivor and Global Hero of Hope now working with children and teenagers as a CANSA TLC (Tough Living with Cancer) coordinator.  Anthea notes: ‘I am all about celebrating life, and living each day to the fullest. I am all about spreading Hope’.

Focusing on personal journeys and survival strategies, the discussion will be moderated by South African actress, author, film producer and activist Rosie Motene. This special Live Zoom event takes place at 18.00 on Tuesday 19 October. To watch the discussion, click on the link on the Online Discussions page, and to watch the film click on Films on the website  www.eurofilmfest.co.za .

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Sand in a polystyrene tray is a wonderful medium to use to develop writing and drawing skills. Not only are the children able to experiment with the movements and control of their finger and hand muscles, but they are also able to keep wiping clean any errors and trying again, without the frustration that often comes when children make marks on a page. We use this activity many times during the year, and it is incredible to see the development in the children's writing and drawing.

More about Singakwenza

Tomorrow (October 9) is World Hospice & Palliative Care Day and this year’s theme is ‘Leave no one behind – equity in access to palliative care’. With the world still in the grips of COVID-19, palliative care is more vital than ever. The day highlights the importance of palliative care and why we must make sure everyone has access, no matter what their background is. Fundraising has been limited during the pandemic and we need support from our community to ensure we are able to care for everyone.

If you would like to make a monetary donation please see our banking details below, using the reference Palliative Care.

We are able to provide a Section 18A to donors.

 

Three more gold medals were added to the South African tally as pool action came to an end at the African Swimming Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Once again it was the SA women who were in dominant form, responsible for all three.

Rebecca Meder claimed her sixth individual gold of the championships with victory in the 200m backstroke. The 19-year-old took the title in 2:16.74 with compatriot Samantha Randle earning the silver in 2:17.21.

Lizanne Viljoen was the other South African to top the podium on the final day of pool action, claiming gold in the 200m butterfly in 2:19.35.

Elsewhere, 18-year-old Guy Brooks, who has impressed in the junior section of the competition, claimed silver in the senior 50m freestyle, finishing in 22.60. Egypt’s Ali Khalfalla took the gold in 22.48.

Meanwhile, Meder was later in action with the women’s 4x100m medley relay team alongside Emily Visagie, Inge Weidemann and Hannah Robertson. The quartet claimed gold in 4:16.22, over three seconds ahead of Egypt to complete the South African women’s clean sweep of the relay events. That meant Meder left Ghana with an impressive total of 11 gold medals.

The men’s medley relay team of Martin Binedell, Bailey Musgrave, Guy Brooks and Clayton Jimmie wrapped things up for the SA team with another silver. They finished in 3:45.80 as the Egyptian quartet powered to victory in a championship record time of 3:41.70.

As the pool events came to an end, the South African women completely dominated on the team rankings table, finishing with a total of 377 points to second-placed Egypt’s 212. The SA men fell just short of the Egyptians’ total. But the combined team scores saw South Africa finishing on top with 685 points while Egypt were second on 537 and Angola some way back in third with 143 points.

Pictured: Rebecca Meder

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We are appealing to the St Anne’s and wider community to help St Anne’s Old Girl, Sarah-Faye O'Mullane (nee Johnson, Macrorie 2001), who recently received heart breaking news.

Sarah-Faye's 4 year old son Harry has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Please read about his story below.

You can help support Harry, in various ways:
• Donate blood at the St Anne’s blood drive on Monday, 18th October.
• Donate blood at the Merchiston blood drive on Wednesday 20th October.
• Contribute to raising funds for Harry's treatment via BackABuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/harry-omullane

We know we are stronger as a community and our hope is that we will come together to help this energetic and fun loving little farm boy.

Harry O’Mullane’s Leukemia Journey

On Sunday, 19th September 2021, 4 year old Harry was quickly rushed from their farm in Maclear, Eastern Cape, to Hilton Life Hospital in KZN. At this stage, his parents, John and Sarah-Faye O'Mullane were very concerned, as all they could tell was that he was in a lot of pain and his body was limp. Due to this, Harry could not even travel in his car seat. Tests were done that Sunday night. After the specialists had seen the results. It was confirmed the following day that Harry had cancer (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia).

Harry has had his second round of intense chemo treatment this week.

Unfortunately, he has not responded as well as the initial treatment, as the doctors hoped he would. Harry is going to be requiring a number of blood transfusions over the next few months.

Unfortunately, South Africa has huge shortage of blood and we are appealing to anyone to please come in and donate! Harry is O Negative. This enables him to donate to all other blood groups. However, he can only receive O Negative.

SANBR will be at St Annes Diocesan College on Monday, 18th October 2021.

The appeal is not just for Harry, but for all those children lying in hospital fighting this dreaded disease.

What about a relaxing outdoors setting to finish off the year? Make use of our year end function special. Call Maryna 076 191 8974 to book your private gourmet picnic. 

 

Where the Crows Nest is situated on the edge of Hilton in the KZN Midlands.

The Ellenbird Festive Season launches on 04 November!

Get first dibs on amazing Christmas decorations and gift options... With over 90 suppliers... You are bound to tick off almost everything on your shopping list.

Bring a friend, or your family and come and enjoy the evening out.

Prebooking is essential due to covid restrictions so please book your tickets at The Ellenbird reception, or on 064 659 7077.

Take a tea break while you catch up our second newsy for October... and subscribe so you never miss these updates! This newsletter is focused on Hilton, in the beautiful KZN Midlands and our goal is to help you to love local first.

SES Hilton is tapping into more natural resources to power your homes and save you money!

An abundance of rain falls in the midlands this time of the year, providing you with a free resource, with many valuable benefits.

Rain harvesting systems allow us to meet up to 85% of our household needs and increase our property values. Rain water is PH balanced and chemical free.

Use your harvested rain water for flushing, washing your car, watering your garden, washing machine and other household cleaning.

Let’s be self-sufficient and fill up those tanks for a life time’s supply of free water!

Talk to our friendly Team about how to become a Rain Water Harvester!

Tarryn, Tammy and Clive
073 966 0651

More about SES Hilton

 

Matt Sates continued his storming form at the second leg of the FINA World Cup series in Budapest over the weekend. His haul of five gold medals guided the South African team to third place on the medal table behind the USA and Australia.

The Pietermaritzburg teenager claimed another clean sweep of the individual medley events – the 100, 200 and 400m, also adding golds in the 200 and 400m freestyle to his collection.

Sates swam a phenomenal final 25m to reel in Lithuania’s short course world champion Danas Rapšys in the 400m freestyle to finish in 3:37.92 – his third short course world junior record in the space of a week.

Two days later, having swum to victory in the 400m IM earlier in the evening on Saturday, Sates also had to dig deep for his gold in the 200m freestyle. He outgunned two Olympic champions – Australia’s Rio 100 freestyle gold medallist Kyle Chalmers and Hungary’s Tokyo 200m butterfly gold medallist Kristof Milak – to take the gold in 1:41.51.

His five gold medals meant Sates earned 57.5 ranking points in Budapest to top the current standings after two legs of the series, just ahead of American Tom Shields.

“It felt great to get the 400 free junior world record in Budapest in front of the crowd. It was an amazing atmosphere,” said the 18-year-old from the Hungarian capital.

“It was very nice to get all five gold medals and be leading in the points scoring. This experience has definitely been life changing. I can’t wait for the rest to follow and see how far I can go. Thank you FINA and Budapest for putting on a good show,” he added.

Meanwhile, fellow Seals swimmer Martin Binedell returned to the podium with a silver medal in the 200m backstroke. He finished second behind Hungarian Hubert Kos in 1:53.12.

Emily Visagie took bronze in the 200m breaststroke, finishing third behind winner Viktoria Gunes of Turkey in 2:23.96.

Binedell and Visagie then teamed up with Tayla Lovemore and Brad Tandy to take silver behind the USA in the 4x50m medley relay in 1:43.68.

Coach Wayne Riddin was thrilled with the swimmers’ performances over the two legs of the World Cup, first in Berlin and then Budapest.

“It was great having the six Seals swimmers with me, having Brad and Tayla join us, and the way everyone swam was a highlight in my 43 years of coaching,” he said.

“For Matt to jump to new levels as we prepare for the World Short Course Championships in December, it all just came together. Breaking the first two junior world records in the same pool Darian Townsend set his world record was amazing.

“This is halfway through the World Cup series with just over a week for some training before aiming at the Doha and Kazan legs. It will be interesting as the competition heats up, especially with an experienced swimmer like Tom Shields who broke the USA 50m butterfly record at 30 years old,” added Riddin.

The next leg of the series takes place in Doha, Qatar from 21-23 October before the final leg in Kazan, Russia from 28-30 October.

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Films are of course the heart of any film festival. But an important allied component are the side-events which allow enriched engagement with the films, the topics raised in the films, and connection to the filmmakers themselves. Alongside the screening of 18 new films showing online and without cost at the 8th European Film Festival (14 – 18 October) are a series of insightful Live Zoom panel discussions, Filmmaker Q&As, Community Events and Schools Programmes. Visit www.eurofilmfest.co.za for links to the Live Zoom discussions and Q&A’s.

With 13 of the festival’s 18 films having women directors the stage is set at 18.00 on 15 October with the discussion Breaking glass ceilings for women in film – the challenges, the accomplishments, the journey. Exploring how far have we come, and how far there still is to go in respect of acknowledging and empowering women in the industry will be veteran Polish filmmaker Agnieszka Holland (Charlatan). Agnieszka has made over 40 films in her illustrious career, including Oscar nominations and numerous award-winners. Joining the discussion is the highly experienced Dutch filmmaker and writer Antoinette Beumer (My Father is an Airplane) who has a string of film and television successes to her credit. Providing a South African perspective on this crucial topic is Zanele Mthembu of Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), with moderation by Bongiwe Selane, producer of Happiness is a Four-Letter Word.

This is followed by four discussions emerging directly from the topics of the films.

On Monday 18 October at 18.00 Dieter Bachmann, the teacher at the centre of the extraordinary documentary Mr Bachmann and His Class, will be in conversation with former MEC for Education and current Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg, Prof Mary Metcalfe, and Andisiwe Hlungwane of Teachers CAN. Dr Rene Smith (Media and Culture Studies Academic, Durban University of Technology) will facilitate this discussion on new approaches to teaching and inspiring our youth.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in partnership with CANSA the festival will present a focus on personal journeys and survival strategies on Tuesday 19 October. Moderated by South African actress, author, film producer and activist Rosie Motene, this session will feature Ruth Meehan, director of The Bright Side, and Anthea Lewis, Global Hero of Hope and CANSA coordinator.

On Wednesday 20 October at 18.00, in the session A film about life, death and money, the directors of Save Sandra, Jan Verheyen and Lien Willaert, are in a highly topical discussion with health and education activist Mark Heywood (editor, Daily Maverick Citizen), about a family’s struggles against the pharmaceutical industry to gain access to medicine for their daughter.

Thursday 21 October at 17.00 sees popular South African comedian Riaad Moosa lead the Humour, Healing and Messaging – thinking while smiling discussion featuring Michela Andreozzi (Parents versus Influencers), Uje Brandelius (Run Uje Run), Michael Kreihsl (Risks and Side Effects) as they unpack the use of humour as a form of messaging, and humour as healing.


Q&A’s

Film-lovers are encouraged to enrich their viewing experience by tuning in to pre-recorded Q&A’s with the filmmakers - preferably after the screening so as to avoid spoilers!

Films with Q&A’s include: Charlatan, My Father is an Airplane, My Little Sister, Never Gonna Snow Again, Parents vs Influencers, Risks and Side Effects, Robust, Run Uje Run, Save Sandra, Stop Zemlia, The Bright Side, The Jump, The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis. These Q&A’s will be available on the website at the start of the festival.

Filmmaker Engagements at Film Schools

Two Live Zoom sessions exploring the filmmaker journey will feature: Constance Meyer (director of Robust which Opened the Cannes Film Festival Critics’ Week) and Antoinette Beumer (director of My Father is an Airplane which two weeks ago Opened the Netherlands Film Festival). Participating film schools in these closed sessions include AFDA, Wits, Nelson Mandela University and UCT. Interested film students should enquire with their respective film schools.


Community Events and Schools

A limited number of physical screenings are offered in communities where access to cinema is constrained. Screenings are followed by post-screening discussion about issues raised in the films. Community partners include Isivivana Centre and Bertha Movie House in Khayalitsha, Windybrow Arts Centre in Hillbrow, and Sibikwa Arts Centre in Benoni. The festival also continues to service a number of secondary schools with screenings and post-screening discussions. All physical events adhere to strict COVID protocols.

The festival runs from 14 to 24 October. See www.eurofilmfest.co.za for details about these and other events, and the films of course.

Bringing the best of film from Europe to South Africa’s home screens, the European Film Festival 2021 is a partnership project of the Delegation of the European Union to South Africa and 17 European embassies and cultural agencies in South Africa: the Embassies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the British Council, Camoes Institute of Portugal, Diplomatic Representation of Flanders, French Institute in South Africa, Goethe-Institut, and Italian Cultural Institut. The festival is organised in cooperation with Cineuropa and coordinated by Creative WorkZone.

 

Pictured here: Riaad Moosa

 

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