17 Aug2018

Double dose of Slab for HIlton - Paul Slab performing, Carol Slab exhibiting

slabSuper creative husband and wife team, Paul and Carol Slabolepszy, will both be at the Hilton Arts Festival this year – coming to Hilton from 14 – 16 September.
Paul is presenting his play – Suddenly the Storm - and doing a talk – A Slice of Slab – and his wife Carol is displaying her beautiful artwork - My Hares and Graces.
Suddenly the Storm – is one of the two Grinrod Flagship Productions – and has been billed as a “dangerous comedy! Combative, volatile and constantly on the verge of exploding”
 
Dwayne and Shanell Combrink are two halves of a typical South African working class couple. But beneath Dwayne’s angry violent exterior lies the heartbreak that governs his attitude to life. Dwayne’s a man in mourning. Shanell believes that his current level of despair was sparked by the death of his childhood friend and work partner, Jonas. In fact, the source of his mourning and anger lies far further back and goes far deeper. When the elegant and self-contained Namhle Gumede, born 16 June 1976, arrives on their doorstep, seeking answers to questions that have remained buried for 40 years, Dwayne and Shanell finally discover the truth.
 
What starts as a smouldering, dark comedy turns into a roller-coaster ride of startling revelations, rages and recriminations – suddenly the storm begins … Written by and starring the multiple award winning, prolific playwright, Paul Slabolespszy, Charmaine Weir- Smith and Renate Stuurman, it is directed by Bobby Heaney, and boasts a stunning Greg King set design. It appears with thanks to The Market Theatre Foundation.
It will be staged on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 both at 10am.
 
Paul will also be doing an informal lecture – A Slice of Slab – talking about his amazing person journey on Saturday at 5pm
 
My Hares and Graces is a collection of life-size sculptures of hares, cats and dogs, by Carol
Slabolepszy - portraying the essence of these animals, capturing them in a moment of unguarded stillness. The animals are sculpted in clay and after a mould is made, they are individually cast in a weather-proof resin and metal powder blend, and meticulously hand- finished.
 
There are now 21 unique sculptures that have been making themselves at home all over South Africa and the world - inspiration and energy ensure that the collection continues to grow. Dedicated to protecting South Africa’s wild hare population, My Hares and Graces donate to the EWT Riverine Rabbit Trust.
 
These works have a gentle presence which will enliven your home or garden. Each sculpture has its own individual character, and an embedded pet microchip identifies it as an original work – a quirky combination of technology and fine art.
 
The festival will take place on the beautiful grounds of the Hilton College from Hilton College: 14 – 16 September 2018. For more info visit http://www.hiltonfestival.co.za/ or like the Facebook page, Hilton Arts Festival. Follow us on Twitter @HiltonFest
All enquiries on 033 383 0126 / 7 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Pictured above: Paul Slabolespszy, Charmaine Weir- Smith and Renate Stuurman.
News supplied.
 
16 Aug2018

Honey-Clarifying a sticky situation

Liz and Rob BeachThe recent airing discussing honey adulteration on Carte Blanche has caused both concern and confusion amongst many South African consumers.
 
Husband and wife team, Rob and Liz Beach, Owners of Hilton Honey Farms explain that there has been consumer confusion regarding C3 and C4 sugars found in honey. “Honey consists of C3 and C4 sugars and a variety of minerals, vitamins, pollen and wax. There is a natural blend of C3 and C4 sugars in all honey, especially from KZN where sugar cane is grown. Fynbos honey and the famous Manuka honey from New Zealand contain high levels of C4 sugars. Honey collected from flowers produces C3 sugars and honey collected from grasses like sugar cane and Paspalum produces C4 sugars. There are no laws in South Africa regarding levels of these sugars and this can only be tested overseas,” explains Rob.
 
In the Carte Blanche segment it was alleged that Hilton Honey Farms add sugar to their honey resulting in an elevated C4 sugar reading. “Hilton Honey Farms has supplied a good product to KZN for the past 35 years and would never intentionally do anything to jeopardise our products. We purchase as much locally produced honey as possible from local beekeepers and blend it into our other honeys which we import from reputable suppliers. It maintains a flavour, body, aroma and rich colour to which our local customers are accustomed and enjoy.”
 
“The test results that were given to us by Carte Blanche included several discrepancies. There was no name on the document relating the sample to me or my company and it stated that the sample tested was not sealed. I was not aware of my product ever being tested and in order to look into this, I need to know where the alleged sample came from,” says Rob.
 
To date neither SABIO (the South African Bee Industry Organisation) nor Carte Blanche have been able to supply Hilton Honey Farms with the batch number or sample of the honey allegedly tested.
 
“This is a serious allegation which we are urgently trying to get to the bottom of.”
 
Following the allegations Hilton Honey Farms made a decision, as a precautionary measure and out of respect for their customers, to conduct a voluntary recall of their honey for testing to ensure that it is compliant.
 
“We received the test results back on the 7th August and can confirm that the independent results verify that our honey adheres to the regulations that govern honey in South Africa,” explains Liz.
 
Hilton Honey Farms will continue to conduct ongoing independent testing going forward and are also in the process of becoming HACCAP compliant and accredited.
 
During the Carte Blanche interview, Devi Sankaree Govender pointed out that the Hilton Honey Farms labelling needed to include the origin of all the honeys processed. “We have since updated all our labelling accordingly,” says Rob.
 
“We are firmly against any form of honey adulteration and as a small, family-run business we will endeavor to do everything we can to restore the integrity of the honey industry.”
 
15 Aug2018

The Bare Truth - Exposing Pornography

pornographicOn Saturday 18th August, Break-Free will be hosting a seminar looking at the use of and addiction to pornography.
 
Across four talks local experts will explore how pervasive pornography is, how it effects us, how to effectively counsel someone who is battling with pornography, and how to use technology to help protect ourselves and families.
 
News Supplied.
10 Aug2018

Laddsworth Fisherman in Chad Fishing Competition

Matt Bisset 002Matt Bisset, a Grade 3 pupil at Laddsworth Primary School took part in the Ballies & Boys 2018 Shad Competition at Cape Vidal from 1 to 5 August 2018.

Matt was the champion of the Under 9 and the Under 10 categories and received the floating trophy as well as a Bad Boy sports watch.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

09 Aug2018

The MiTH line-up for Wednesday, 15 August

serrotone mith9pm Serrotone
MiTH once again bids a warm welcome to main act, Serrotone. Peter Guthrie, vocalist and prolific songwriter with Spoonfeedas for 12 years, has teamed up with James Robertson and close friend, superb drummer Billy Kruger. Robertson who sang and wrote material for Spoonfeedas in 2001, also went on to form Cubic Inch. Between Guthrie and Robertson they have been part of writing and performing more than ten charting singles (including 2 no 1 singles and a handful of top 10's) on South African radio.
 
With Spoonfeedas, Guthrie has opened for artists like Muse, Velvet Revolver, SImple Plan Marky Ramone (Ramones), Metallica and Ronan Keating. He has also performed the National anthem in Christchurch NZ before a Tri-Nations rugby test. Robertson has opened for Bryan Adams on his SA tour with his band Cubic Inch, while Billy has played with a variety of established artists at some impressive events like the Youth Day concert in Amsterdam with group MIC where they performed after Delirious at Ajax Football Stadium in front of 140 000 people.
 
A special feature is what has become the regular inclusion of Nick Ames who is possibly one of the finest trumpet players in South Africa. Don't miss this special night out as you hear some new arrangements of old favourites and some brand new material!
 
8pm Many Moore
Comprised of three gifted souls, Many Moore, though reluctant to categorize their genre of music sees “Urban Poetic Soul” as the most fitting summary of their craft.
 
Through harmonies, lyrics, and sound they relate their narratives. They have in their musical arsenal Andile Maestro Sikhakhana who, through strumming his guitar alongside his vocal ability, caresses your ears; Lindani Master Lee Dlalisa, with his flawless vocal aerobics, has a rare-but-exceptional gift, added to his jazzy guitar skills; Thulani Headship Ngcobo the rapper, is a creator, sound pilot and the brains behind a lot of the words you hear - and occasionally he hits a note or two. Together, Many Moore strives to connect audiences with fresh, enlightening music. Above all else, they not only make music so that people feel good, but they strive to make people understand their name and listen to their messages of hope and unity. Take a look here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZqOMHmO_NM
 
7pm Howick High School Rock Band
Under the tutelage of the effervescent Mark Houston, the Howick High School band has a distinguished history of having a lot of fun and making some excellent music. Covering classic pop and rock tunes and a bit of jazz, the band makes a comeback to the MiTH stage before some of its members submerge themselves in the challenges of the examination home stretch for the class of 2018. The band includes Rhiannon Reid who has performed at both MiTH and Xmas in July with her father and brother. Don’t miss what will undoubtedly be a worthwhile musical wander interspersed with Mark’s usual witticisms.
 
ABOUT MiTH:
MiTH is a semi-open mic music club. An opportunity for musicians to share the joy of their music with a friendly audience which includes fellow musicians – who have all “been there” too. (Non-musicians welcome too!) Whether you’re a newbie looking for your first opportunity to perform publicly, or a more experienced / mature musician simply looking for people who are as passionate about music as you are – come along and join us!
 
Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. Musicians who want to play at MiTH, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Charles Webster (082 331 7271), or Doug Borain (072 340 7034).
 
DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:
Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.
 
Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions.
07 Aug2018

Grace College at Maths Fest 2018

maths group 002The Wykeham Collegiate Maths Fest took place on the 24 July 2018. Grace College’s top ten Grade 8 mathematics pupils attended the Maths Fest together with approximately 144 Grade 8 pupils from schools in the Pietermaritzburg area.
 
This is an evening of problem-solving and fun mathematics with participants working in groups and being able to share and learn together.

Our young mathematicians acquitted themselves well with Ethan Pickering and his team taking third place.
 
ethan p 002
 
News supplied by Grace College.
07 Aug2018

HRA Notice - Installation of Fibre Optic infrastructure Part 2

Hilton rate payers new copyFurther to the update we published regarding the meeting held with Dark Fibre Africa, their Main- Contractor,
and other interested and affected parties, please find below a summary of the meeting which took place with
MTN who are similarly responsible for the installing fibre optic infrastructure in and around Hilton.
The meeting was set up following numerous breakages to various services, notably water pipelines, which
resulted in loss of water supply for extended durations on more than one occasion.
Committee member Colin Johnston once again convened the meeting on behalf of the HRA with other
representatives in attendance being: Clinton Potgieter (MTN), and uMngeni Ward 7 Caretaker Councillor Pam
Passmoor.
The following is a summary of what was discussed:
 MTN has carried out the installation of fibre optic cable in parts of Hilton over the last few weeks. The
current work programme is however now complete;
 The system adopted by MTN when a breakage occurs is to report this to the local service provider, in this
case the District Municipality. The arrangement apparently is for the local authority to respond and carry out
the repair.
 It was pointed out that such an arrangement is completely unrealistic. It is unlikely these days that a
municipality would have the resources to respond immediately to a service breakage. Greater efficiency and
effectiveness would be achieved if MTN appointed their own specialists to be on stand-by to deal with such
emergencies. This could be done quite easily by agreement with the local authority and compliance with
their conditions. MTN agreed to adopt a procedure such as this in future;

 MTN advised that their procedure provides for local residents to be informed by means of leaflets delivered
to each household. This does not appear to have happened in this case. It was suggested that a better
approach would be to inform local councillors and residents associations, and to use social media platforms
available to them ;
 MTN carry out the work with information on existing services based on wayleaves obtained from the local
authority. It was suggested that the procedures adopted by MTN to locate and protect existing services and
amenities are inadequate and that more detailed and extensive preliminary investigations should be carried
out;
 It was recorded that on a positive note the contractors appointed by MTN were at all times polite and
cooperative;
 The local opinion is that this is an engineering project and therefore requires the application of conventional
engineering design, construction and contractual procedures;
 It was requested that MTN follow up with information about the whole fibre optic installation in this area
and in particular how and when people could have access to the system.
06 Aug2018

Laddsworth lads receive their Leaping Wolf Badge

Leaping WolfLaddsworth pupils, Thomas Erasmus and Matthew Bishop, who are members of Hilton 1st Cubs and Scouts, completed their Leaping Wolf Badges.
 
The Leaping Wolf is the highest badge a Cub can achieve.
 
They were presented with their badges at the Annual KwaZulu-Natal Cubs awards presentation in Durban on the 29th July 2018.
 
02 Aug2018

Deal Attorneys sharing Labour Law in a Nutshell

DealeDo multiple charges arising from a single act of misconduct make dismissal more likely? Workplace disciplinary enquiries have morphed into processes which mimic criminal trials. It starts with the choice of language. "Alleged Misconduct" has become "Charges". And for extra gravity, Charges add "Counts" as sub-charges flowing from the primary Charge with criminal phrases like" to wit..." thrown in. The Counts are
referred to as the practice of "splitting charges".
 
For example: The employer alleges that a senior executive sent a confidential document to a fellow executive to assist him with his preparations for a disciplinary enquiry. The employer considers this to be an act of misconduct worthy of dismissal because the employee was not authorised to send the document.
 
The Notice of Enquiry attaches a "Charge" describing the act of misconduct. Then it adds "Counts" as sub-species of misconduct arising from this single act of alleged misconduct. The "Charge Sheet" may read thus -
 
Charge 1: Gross Misconduct: Gross Insubordination or alternatively refusal or failure to carry out a lawful and reasonable instruction.
Count 1: Direct challenge to the authority of management;
Count 2: Breach of your contract of employment
Count 3: Failure to act with the due diligence of an executive in your position.
Count 4: Causing prejudice to the organisation

It would have been sufficient to describe the allegation simply as "Gross Misconduct, alternatively, Gross Negligence". The employee could face dismissal on this simplified version if the enquiry found sufficient evidence to make a finding of guilt on the probabilities.
 
No doubt the purpose of the over-elaboration is to "cover all bases". It could also be to create the impression that the alleged act of misconduct is more damning than meets the eye. This approach could have the reverse effect and back-fire on the overzealous "Prosecutor".
 
There's the risk that the splitting of charges could appear as if the employer is "... throwing the book at the employee" as the Labour Court has described it*. This detracts from the merits of the primary charge. A further problem is that the employer would have to prove each of the elements of the split charges to make them stick.
 
TIP: Employers should confine the description of the misconduct to an act defined in its Code of Conduct - or to an act which is generally accepted as misconduct if the act is not specifically referred to in the Code. Over-elaboration will not make dismissal more likely - it could make it less likely.
 
News supplied by Deale Attorneys.
16 Aug2018

Grace College soccer stars to play for KZN

grace soccerCongratulations to these determined young soccer players who have been selected to play for KZN soccer teams.
 
We wish them all the best when they travel to Johannesburg for the upcoming inter-provincial tournaments. Grace College applauds your achievements!
 
Pictured L-R; Kwanele Mbatha (u14), Sarah Rushworth (u16) and Janet Zondi (u14)
 
News supplied by Grace College.
15 Aug2018

Hilton Food and Wine Fair 2018 is set to be Bigger and Better

Hilton Food Wine Fair copyThe much-anticipated Hilton Food & Wine Fair is coming up on Friday, 7th September. The annual fundraiser in support of Hilton Pre-Primary is proudly hosted by Hilton Quarry Superspar & Tops in association with a wide range of local artisanal food and wine brands.

This year will be bigger and better than before with over 40 vendors taking part in the event. This means that visitors can expect to sample some of the latest products on the market as well as their good old favourites; whilst supporting Hilton Pre-Primary which has been the foundation of education for many Hilton/Howick residents and their children.

There is something for everyone at the Hilton Food & Wine Fair which is always an evening filled with the community spirit and camaraderie that Hilton and the Midlands is so well-known for.

Tickets are on sale for R120pp which includes entry into the lucky draw with some fantastic prizes up for grabs. All proceeds for the event go to Hilton Pre-Primary.
 
News supplied
14 Aug2018

Bookings are open for Hilton Arts Festival 2018

John.Vlismas 003 002The Hilton Arts festival invites the most interesting offerings from the creative industries in South Africa: theatre; dance; comedy; musical theatre; family theatre; classical music; music revue; big band and contemporary music; visual art and crafts, as well as a series of mindscape lectures, events and discussions.
 
This year in honour of Mandela’s centenary commemorations, the three day event has a strong Mandela feel .
Confirmed productions include as always a programme of quality drama.
 
For those in search of a laugh – there is a comedy line up featuring the talents of John Vlismas, Rob van Vuuren Aaron McIlroy, James Cairns, Jem Atkins, and Masood Boomgaard. Mentalist, Brendon Peel makes his first appearance with his show Hocus Pocus at this year’s fest.

There is an extensive musical theatre line up too.

An interesting piece for lovers of dance: Chiffonnade is a dance performance specifically made for toddlers and young children, created by French choreographer Michelle Dhallu of Carré Blanc Cie which has toured extensively internationally. Also Ash and Brad Searle AKA The Big Boys with Vanessa Harris and friends are back with three different dance-themed shows.

There is a particularly strong music programme on offer this year. Other musical concerts include Classic Blast presented by the KZN Youth Orchestra; The Drakensberg Boys Choir in Concert; The KZN All Stars Big Band; A gypsy journey for voice and piano; Last Night of the Hilton Proms; The Durban Symphonic Choir performing Dvorak Mass in D; concerts by Andrew Warburton (solo piano and with a quartet); Myfanwy Price (Oboe) and Liezl-Maret Jacobs (piano); acoustic duos, Digby and the Lullaby; and Guy Buttery and Kanada Narahari.

Recognising one of South Africa’s greatest landscape artists, the Hilton Arts Festival will be hosting a retrospective exhibition of the works of Errol Boyley to honour him - 100 years after he was born. The exhibition travels up from the Ramsgate Art and Books Festival to the walls of the Normand Dunn Art Gallery in the main Grindrod Theatre at the festival.
 
100 artists’ work will be on display all around the festival grounds.

There are two mini festivals embedded in the main programme: The Jongosi Festival embedded in the main festival, takes place on Friday 14 September, and has a specifically, carefully-selected age-appropriate programme aimed at Grades 6 – 10 and Assetej hosts a programme of theatre and creative projects for young audiences.
 
Pictured here: Crazy Funny features comedy icon John Vlismas
 
News supplied.
10 Aug2018

Silver at Golf Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics for Laddsworth pupil

gymnasticsCrystal Viljoen, a Grade 5 pupil at Laddsworth Primary School took part in the Golf Reef Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational in Guateng on Saturday 4 August 2018.
 
Crystal competed in the Level 9 Under 13 category: clubs; ball and hoop, she received 2 Silver Medals, and 1 Bronze Medal and an overall Silver Medal.
 
Crystal Viljoen (Photo credit: Chillipix)
 
07 Aug2018

Winterskloof Trail Run Walk 2018

wtr2018 newNEXT UP AT 7.30AM ON SUNDAY 18 AUGUST 2019. ENTER NOW
 
Entries are open to for the Winterskloof Trail Run/Walk. The run/walk will take place on Sunday, 2 September 2018 and the start will be at the Eagles Nest, Valley Road, Winterskloof.
 
Thank you to Brokoop for their sponsorship of this fundraiser for the Winterskloof Conservancy and our neighbourhood security initiative, the WTSU.

Click here to enter.
 
 
07 Aug2018

HRA Notice - Installation of Fibre Optic infrastructure Part 1

Hilton rate payers new copy copyFollowing numerous breakages to various services, notably water pipelines in and around Hilton,
committee member Colin Johnston convened a meeting with ONE of the various contractors
working in the area.
Representatives in attendance were: the Contractor (MCT) his Client (Dark Fibre Africa) who will
ultimately ‘light’ a portion of the installed fibre infrastructure on behalf of Cell C , uMgungundlovu
Water Services Department, Department of Transport, Naidu Consulting (Hilton AC Replacement
Project), UMngeni Ward 6 Councillor Craig Millar, and the Committee.
The meeting lasted just over an hour and was beneficial in that:
- we got clarity on who is implementing these projects and how they go about doing it.
- we now understand that there are up to three different Client/ Contractor entities working
on similar projects in Hilton.
- we made headway in terms of addressing issues specifically concerning DFA/ MCT as far as
breakages they have caused and the manner in which they will be addressed/ averted in the
future.
- we put measures in place to mitigate damage to beautification activities that residents and
the HBi have done whilst rehabilitation areas affected by the AC Replacement project
recently completed.
- we got contact details for the other Client/ Contractor entities working in Hilton and will
follow up in a similar fashion for the same reasons, aiming for the same results.
A similar meeting is taking place with MTN today- further details and the outcomes of that meeting
will be provided.
In the meantime please report any issues related to the installation of fibre optic cables in and
around Hilton to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . PLEASE TRY AND ASCERTAIN WHICH CONTRACTOR/
CLIENT ENTITY IS PERFORMING THE WORK WHICH HAS LEAD TO THE COMPLAINT.
On a positive note it would seem that Hilton will soon be on a fibre
network with more than one choice in terms of service provider. Dark
Fibre Africa have offered to have one of their subsidiary companies,
South African Digital Village, give residents a presentation on what
services will be offered and when. We will ask similar of Cell C/ MTN
and revert with further details in due course.
 
02 Aug2018

Laddsworth Grade 7 Market Day

Micha and Natan copy copyOn Friday, 27 July 2018 Laddsworth Primary School hosted a Grade 7 Market Day. The Market Day forms part of the Economic Management Sciences Curriculum, where the students learn about Entrepreneurship and the opportunities it provides.
 
Market Day involved creating an ‘Open Market’ atmosphere, where the entire school had an opportunity to purchase goods on sale from our budding Grade 7 Entrepreneurs.
 
Items on sale included: food and drinks, crafts, toys and novelty items, along with some fun activities.
 
02 Aug2018

Laddsworth pupils in Pietermaritzburg Pony Show

Emma RawsonLaddsworth Pupils; Emma Rawson and Emily Wedge took part in the Pietermaritzburg Pony Show from 12 to 15 July 2018 at the Royal Show Grounds in Pietermaritzburg.
 
Emma rode her horse Goldie and won three rosettes:
1st for Fancy Dress and Best Rider
3rd for First Pony
Placed in Farm Pony
Emily Rode her horse Coldré Macgyver and won 5 rosettes:
3rd for Showing
2nd for Best Rider
2nd for Farm Pony
Clear round on Stork and Stakes for Jumping
3rd for Fancy Dress

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