Christmas is often a very difficult time for many people who have experienced the loss of someone close to them. I am writing this from the perspective of the loss of a child, but it can apply to any loss.

How can we get excited about a special family time, when there is this huge gaping hole where our child used to be?

How can we try and be joyful when we feel like part of us has been physically torn away from our bodies? It feels like you as if you are going away on a holiday, but without your special love...we should be excited to go on holiday, but we can't be because we are doing it without our complete family.

We feel as if every day is grey, without energy to do even the most basic things. Do we feel like putting up a Christmas tree? No. Do we have the energy to shop for gifts? No. Do we want to be surrounded by people who can't understand how we are feeling? No. Do we want to plaster a smile on our face, and pretend we are happy? No. Do we want to go to an emotive Church service? No. Do we want to go through all the same traditional exciting activities that are repeated every Christmas...those things special just to our family? No. They are too painful to bear - because our hearts are too vulnerable, tender and sore. We feel so fragile that we feel as if we could shatter into a million pieces with having to endure one more painful emotion.

So what can we do to make it better for ourselves?

• We can realize that others who have not experienced a loss cannot possibly understand how we are feeling- acknowledge this, and treat them with compassion. But, having said that, accept that they will try to make us feel better and most of the attempts won't work. But let us recognize that they are trying, but they don't know what to do...and before our loss, we may well have done exactly the same things. So try not to be hurt, patronising or judgmental toward them.
What else can we do to "guard our heart" and make sure we "weather" Christmas? You may like some ideas and dislike other suggestions listed below, so just take the ones you like, and discard the rest.
• We can go somewhere totally different for Christmas day/holidays- where we have never been before, so that we are not confronted with memories of previous happier years.
• We love to talk about our child who had died, with laughter and tears, so bring them into the day. The worst thing is for everyone to pretend that our "angel children" never existed. We honour their memories by talking about them.
• We can light a candle next to a photograph of them, so their light is still felt on Christmas day.
• We can change the routine of Christmas day completely, and not do the same things we have always done. It is too heart-breaking to do those same things without our special souls with us.
• We can place a small picture of them somewhere on the Christmas tree, they are angels after all!
• Don't do anything you feel you "should" do, only do those things you "want" to do.
• We must follow our hearts and do only that which we feel capable of doing, don't feel "pushed" into doing what is too painful, especially if others think it "will be so good for you".
• Never be embarrassed of our tears, we miss so deeply, because we loved so deeply. Our tears honour the special love we have for our children.
• Take time at the beginning of the day just to have quiet time to honour our memories, "talk" to our "angel child" and feel that we have spent some quality time with only them. Honour them by connecting with them, quietly, in our own special way, saying what we would like to say if they were still alive.
• Write a letter to your "angel child" to be read out (or not) on Christmas Eve just to the immediate family. This often releases a lot of pent up emotion, and allows a slightly more peaceful Christmas day. Mike, Cath and I found this to be exceptionally healing.
• Visualise how Christmas day will be, and know that it WILL be different, so try and prepare yourself for the different feelings you may have, the way others may treat you differently, don't expect that it will be the same, it will never be the same again.

And finally, a message of hope: the joy of Christmas does eventually return! I know it may not feel like that now. Christmas will never be the same, but as our hearts heal, we learn to let the joy in again. And then we feel the joy even more intensely, because we have felt such devastating pain. On Christmas Day, our thoughts, prayers, love and care are especially with all who have suffered crippling losses.

This "Survival kit" for the first few Christmas's after the loss of a child is written by Life Coach Cherri Forsyth - on behalf of the Angel Mums Support Group

Although we were worried about the rain, twenty-four intrepid bowlers gathered at the club on Tuesday afternoon to play for the monthly prizes sponsored by Lister & Lister. This month we had meal vouchers from La Popote. The winners were Des Morrish, Gill Robertson and Dave Trickett. Runners-up, Chris Purchase and his team won avocados, courtesy of John Fowler. Many thanks to Richard and John for the prizes.

The entry list for the Christmas Cup to be played on 21 December is on the board.

Jaxx Roll will take place on 18th December.

Members are reminded that subs for 2014 must be paid by 15th December.

We intend introducing a new event next year to be played on the first Friday morning of each month. Details to be published next week.

Duties: 15 - 21 Dec: OOD: Thelma Mylne. Tabs: Chris Purchase. Duty Team: John Pluke. Teas: 21 Dec: N/A – Christmas Cup. Biscuits: 17 & 19 Dec. Margaret Meek & Des Morrish.

News submitted by Hilton Bowling Club.

Hilton Harriers will be staging their 36th annual 16km Ronnie Davel Memorial Run & Walk and 5km Fun Run/Walk on Sunday 12th January 2014 at Laddsworth Primary School, Hilton.

This is the first road race on KZN Athletics' calendar for 2014.

Most of the 16km route runs through Mondi's Mountain Home forest estate and most of the 5km route runs through St Annes' picturesque grounds.

Sandy Edwards is the November month winner of a Hilton Hamper, she subscribed to the HiltonVillage.co.za newsletter, oblivious of the fact that one new subscriber during November would win a Hilton Hamper. You can guess at her great surprise on receiving an email congratulating her on her win. Not much beats an unexpected win!

Sandy expressed delight on being presented with the hamper filled with tasty Hilton originals!

You can subscribe here before the 16th December 2013 to have a chance to be the December hamper winner.

The Grace College Head Prefects for 2014 were announced at the annual Final Prize Giving on 2 December 2013. We congratulate Jack Perrett (head boy), Brennah Coslett (head girl), Alex Simonovic (deputy head boy) and Gabby Krüger (deputy head girl) on their election and trust that their term as leaders will be one of success, personal growth and fulfilment.

Pictured from the left: Brennah Coslett (head girl), Jack Perret (head boy), Mrs Bronwyn Findlay (Guest of Honour), Alex Simonovic (deputy head boy) and Gabby Krüger (deputy head girl).

News and photograph supplied by Grace College.

The growing trend in South Africa is of school and university leavers not being able to find jobs in the work place. The lack of skills is often a concern to many business owners. One might question the reality of the skills shortage with the amount of education and additional courses these individuals attend, but the perception is there.

Once again the draft Employment Tax Incentive Bill has been tabled. The bill proposes tax relief to the employee. This is expected to pass on to the employer by reducing the effective cost to company, thus enabling companies to employ staff at a lower cost.

The incentive is applicable to all new employees under the age of 25 and employed after the 31 October 2013. The expected date of promulgation is the 1st January 2014 but is likely to be effective 1st March 2014.

The incentive will run until 1st of January 2017.

Government is hoping this incentive will improve the unemployment gap of youth. This is possibly a move to appease the masses of dissatisfied youth in South Africa. There are concerns that the incentive will not work, due to the lack of demand in the local economy. Is there enough growth in the private sector to allow for the expansion of jobs at the school leaving rate? Where the incentive could help, is by reducing the minimum wage as a cost to company, but then these employees are already below the PAYE threshold and so the inventive will not help the masses in lower income brackets.

Private sector business will welcome the incentive to try and save on employee costs. Let us be hopeful that the Employment Tax Incentive will create a positive economic stimulus. One that allows the private sector to see scope to expand their employment base and to improve profitability.

Make use of this time to assess business budgets. Work out whether this incentive will give your business the scope to employ new young staff. Factor in the cost of skills development that will be needed. Will it give you the ability to expand business and increase your customer base?

Article by Sheldon Conway, owner of Business Soul Accounting.

Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton is involved in a community project to upgrade and create awareness of the Doreen Clark Nature Reserve in Winterskloof. Members of the school's Enviro Club and teachers Sally Kelly and Jenny Raubenheimer recently joined staff of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and Wessa (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) and the DA ward councillor, Craig Millar, on a visit to the reserve. During the outing, they planted a White Stinkwood tree, Celtis africana. Laddsworth's involvement in the project will continue in 2014.

News and photograph supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Glorious mountain views provide a country fresh start to your day at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, previously known as Drakensberg Sun Lifestyle Resort. Only 4 ½ hours from Johannesburg and 2 ½ hours from Durban, the Drakensberg Sun Resort offers a host of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the whole family, and even business travellers, entertained.

The resort is well known for the Drakensberg Sun Hotel; however, the Resort also comprises of Self catering chalets and self catering Apartments. The chalets consist of 2 bedrooms and can accommodate 4 adults and 2 small children. The apartments are situated within the hotel complex and consist of 2 bedrooms accommodating 4 adults and 2 small children; 1 bedroom accommodating 2 adults and 2 small children.
There are excellent conferencing venues available for corporate gatherings or even private functions. Each conference is tailored to your specific requirements and can include outdoor events and team building activities. Our chef will be delighted to customise your menus to your chosen theme.

In August 2013 refurbishment and structural upgrades of the timeshare chalets began. The results will be that of a fresh, new, luxurious mountain haven. Drakensberg Sun Resort Chalets will become the most sought after mountain retreat in KZN. The Restaurant, Bar and Hotel rooms are also undergoing refurbishment.

Facilities at the resort include:
• Spoilt Green Eco-Spa, situated at the Drakensberg Sun Resort, this unique Spa focuses on relaxation within a space that is beautiful, calm and serene.
• Try your hand at trout fishing, equipment available for rental and licences available at entertainment centre.

• Horse Riding: Feel the wind through your hair with either a beginners or advanced horse ride through the mountains.

• Hiking Trails: Our 4 on-site hiking trails include the Blue Grotto, Fern Forest, Cleo's Pool and Cascades.

• Canopy Tours: Experience nature like never before as you slide through the forest canopy and enjoy a unique birds-eye view on the world around you. Set within the magnificent Blue Grotto Forest, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour® is guaranteed to take your breath away. The forest is home to over 150 species of birds including the rare Bush Blackcap.

Please do not hesitate to contact the Drakensberg Sun Resort for further information. We look forward to hearing from you! Contact: 036 468 1000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Hilton based Ulanda Kleinhans, a wife and mother of two has bought Lindsay's Coffee Shop at the Lower Quarry Centre in Pin Oak Avenue. This family echoes the frequently aired praise of life in Hilton. Previously from Johannesburg they love living in Hilton village, on the doorstep of wide open country side and also of a big town.

Ulanda says, 'She is excited to begin this new adventure. Lindsay's clientele can look forward to more of the same homely values that Lindsay Rose brought to the cosy venue. There will be frozen and ready-cooked meals available by prior arrangement. Evening functions are welcome, just call for a quote on a menu to suit you.'

Lindsay's will be open from Monday to Friday 7.30am to 4.30pm, Saturdays from 7.30am to 2.00pm and on the last Sunday of each month for the Antiques & Collectables Market.

Take a read through as we share more about some of the 'POSH nosh' that you will be able to shop for at Hilton's POSH Market on Monday, 16th December 2013 at Protea Hotel, Hilton.

L.Y.N. Food will be indoors with their trout, trout pate and delicious bread, Our Daily Bread.

Viking Foods are bringing homemade flavoured sausage – flavours include sage & onion, apple & cheese, lemon & herb, chilli, leek and traditional English banger! Their customers always return because of high quality and taste, so track them down in a gazebo out front.

Paul Eaton's has a huge following of loyal food lovers, if you have not tasted why, this is your chance to bag some of the wonderful flavours that are available from his kitchen. Look out for Eaton's Fine Foods at Hilton's POSH Market in the Tudor room.

In the garden, MiaB Creations will have her famous mince pies for sale and you can get homemade Lemonade from Lemonlicious in their gazebo, no preservatives, organic lemons and just 6% sugar. Lemonlicious sell cordials and Limoncello.

iMbali Blends will have Virgin Coconut Oil, Herbal Salts lower in sodium seasoning and Cook @ Home Blends for easy to prepare meals; these have recipes on the packet. All their products are from natural sources, local where possible and non-irradiated! Find them in the Tudor room.

Bella Jo Pasta will have homemade, egg based gourmet tagliatelle in a variety of flavours (plain egg, herb, sundried tomato, tricolore, olive &squid ink) stashed inside for you to buy. As well as frozen meals (beef, chicken and vegetable lasagne & moussaka), pesto, their well-known 'chilli salsa' and spanakopita (spinach pies with homemade phyllo pastry. All their products are made with pure, natural ingredients with no added colorants or preservatives.

Everybody loves Elbows Up for their pomegranate dressing, balsamic reductions and peri-peri sauces find them indoors.

If you are looking for a leaner and healthier meat, grab some duck from Merriducks who will be in the Tudor room.

Marvellous Munchies have cookies that are always a hit with kids and adults too and will be set up in the garden.

Other foods that will on sale indoors include; Big Valley Dried Fruit & Nuts who have a well-priced range of healthy foods, Ballie's Original Thunderbums sauces and relishes are always big sellers, Handcrafted Belgian chocolates and chocolate confectionary, the finest quality chocolate and delicious fillings by Chocolate Sensations is a must buy and With love Leandra will bring bakes and preserves to thrill your taste buds.

Cheese and yoghurt from The Gourmet Greek is a favourite on KZN Midlands tables tables, stock up in the Tudor room!

FreeMe's samosas are sold to assist with funding this wildlife rehabilitation centre, get some on Monday 16th December 2013, in the garden at Protea Hotel, Hilton between 9.00am and 3.00pm.

Come for lunch! Protea Hotel, Hilton will set up a salad bar. Choose from a steak, chicken or crab slad at R50.00, wors rolls with relish at R20.00 or toasted sandwiches. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pipers from the Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Society Pipe Band welcomed visitors to the World's View Conservancy's Carols by Candlelight last week. The weather couldn't have been fouler but those who attended the event were warmed by the lovely music, first from the bagpipes, then from a youthful group of talented musicians led by Lynette & Frank Bell and Bernard Kisbey.

At this time of national mourning when, quite literally, the whole world has stopped to focus and reflect on the life of Nelson Mandela, it seems appropriate to remember the two occasions on which he visited Hilton College.

The first was on 17 July, 1996. Madiba had announced to his team that he wished to mark his 78th birthday by holding a party to be attended by disadvantaged and disabled children from around the country. Hilton College was approached to provide the venue for an event which was outrageous in its scale. With the backing of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, several thousand disabled children, living in disadvantaged circumstances throughout South Africa, were to be identified, and bussed to Hilton for a couple of days. The serious side of the event was that the children would receive some medical examination prior to the party.

Here at Hilton we hosted hundreds of physically disabled children who lived in the Houses for a few nights, together with their carers, who slept on mattresses on the floor beside them. In advance of the 17th, these children were examined and treated by a team of orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists. Many of them were given life-changing wheelchairs. Guests with different disabilities were housed at other schools in the area.

And then came the day. The children were entertained playing games, enjoying party fare, and attending a circus performance in a big top which had miraculously appeared on Weightman-Smith field overnight. The magic, of course, came with the arrival of Mandela. The excitement felt by all who were on the campus that day was extraordinary: grown men and women were running to find vantage points, as I drove him and his young grandson around the circular drive in the golf cart, before being led by the cast of uMabatha, the Zulu Macbeth, to meet his guests. So evident was his irrepressible determination to engage the children, and everyone else, despite the protestations of his security staff. Madiba had a very happy day, as did his special guests, and typically, he insisted on shaking hands and thanking all who had helped to deliver the event before boarding the helicopter to return to matters of state.

The next time Hilton College was honoured by Madiba's presence was in 2001, following his acceptance of an invitation to be the Guest of Honour at the College Speech Day. In anticipation of the possibility of a last minute and unavoidable cancellation, Clem Sunter had agreed to be the back up.

Speech Day day dawned, a miserable, wet, Hilton November day. As the guests started assembling, we received word that Madiba's plane had taken off in Johannesburg, for Oribi Airport in Pietermaritzburg, where a cavalcade was waiting to bring him to Hilton. Clem Sunter started to relax. The relief was short lived, however, as we learnt a little later that the conditions in Maritzburg hadn't allowed landing, and they had overflown to Durban. This caused a major delay since the cavalcade had to race to Durban airport to fetch Madiba.

The ceremony proceeded, and when the Headmaster, Mike Nicholson's speech was over, Clem Sunter took the stage. We then enjoyed a happy intermission while the band played and the audience circulated. And then Madiba arrived for an event which must rank amongst the most memorable in Hilton's history. We have had visits by special dignitaries before, but none who could possibly approach the charisma of Nelson Mandela. People in elegant heels were on their chairs as he strolled down the aisle and the applause was deafening. And the Hilton community, augmented by those who had managed to sneak an invitation, spent an enchanting ninety minutes with this iconic personality. He started his talk with some amusing anecdotes, aimed at countering the praise he had received in his welcome by the Dux, Danny Scher, and then focused on the boys, exhorting them to prepare to serve by acquiring an excellent education, and always to maintain humility. Much more lasting than memories of the content of Madiba's talk, however, are those of the extraordinary warmth of his personality. He lingered in conversation with each prize winner, stopped to engage members of the audience as he left, and all who had been there knew that they had experienced something momentous.

At this time, as we focus on Mandela's death, and reflect on all he stood for, his relentless pursuit of truth and justice, and his example to the world, it is poignantly apposite to note the conclusion to his talk at that Hilton Speech Day. Challenging the audience to "defend truth at all times, even if it is going to cost you your life", he quoted, from memory, from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar:

Cowards die many times before their deaths:
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,
It seems to me most strange that men should fear,
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.

It has come for Nelson Mandela, and we at Hilton rejoice with the world in celebrating all that he stood for universally, acknowledging the example he set for South Africans in particular, and grateful that he allowed us the opportunity to welcome him to our school.

Author: Iain McMillan

Life Talk & Tug-of-Life are life-changing books for teens & parents which will be available from Crossways Health Centre at Hilton's POSH Market, Protea Hotel, Hilton on Monday 16th December 2013 from 9.00am until 3.00pm. Find their gazebo in the garden in front of the hotel and enquire about meeting the author.

THE TUG-OF-LIFE:
The Tug-of-Life book and initiative is about galvanising the youth (and society) into 'tugging' for what truly counts in their lives. It's about identifying the 'tug-of-war' that each of us face in life (between challenges and solutions), and drawing up a 'game plan' that helps us to be proactive. The approach is simple, life-changing, provides a new way of thinking – and takes effect straight away. The Tug-of-Life equips children and adults to make life-enriching choices. Its approach can be applied to any situation in life.

LIFE TALK FOR A DAUGHTER
Advice on 70 issues from love and success to peer pressure, binge drinking and tough choices
Life Talk for a Daughter is the best-selling, internationally published toolkit of tips and guidelines for life. Practical and non-judgemental, this guide offers invaluable insight and advice for all girls from the age of 13 to 30. It explores choices and consequences, has a mix of light and serious topics, and now includes 15 new topics:
Hubbly-bubblies; Binge-drinking; Cyberbullying; Dagga/weed-smoking culture; Cocktail drugs; Staying safe on the Internet; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Choking games; Huffing; Drink-spiking; Child-headed households; Gangs; Peer pressure; and more.

Izabella has received thousands of emails from teen girls and from parents from around the world, and many of them attribute life-changing experiences to specific chapters in the book.

LIFE TALK FOR A SON (with Patrick Wilson)
70 issues & how to deal with them: from girls, success & leadership to peer pressure, drugs & porn
Life Talk for a Son now also has many new topics:
Hubbly-bubblies; Binge-drinking; Choking games; Huffing; Dagga and MDMA; Internet; Values; Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); Drink-spiking; Child-headed households; Gangs; and more...
This toolkit of lessons for life empowers boys (of all ages) to achieve the most out of life.

LIFE TALK FOR PARENTS
An essential guide to the issues and challenges faced by teens and parents
Co-authored with psychologist Thomas Burkhalter, Life Talk for Parents provides a comprehensive look at the challenges faced by today's adolescents and parents. Key new topics include:
Hubbly-bubblies; Choking games; Huffing; Drink-spiking; Cocktail drugs; Binge-drinking; Cyberbullying; Technology challenges and tips; and more...

Our youth face a very different world to the one that most adults grew up in. Life's fast pace and its related stresses bring challenges that many youngsters struggle with. Tough as many of the challenges are, the majority are totally avoidable. The Life Talk and Tug-of-Life books empower young people to make life-enriching choices, and they equip parents for proactive parenting.

AUTHOR/FOUNDER
Izabella Little-Gates is the author of the best-selling and internationally translated Life Talk series of books. She is an accomplished businesswoman, inspiring motivational speaker and founder of the Life Talk Forum. The Life Talk books are available internationally in Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish. Izabella works extensively on youth issues and frequently appears on TV and radio.

SOME BACKGROUND ABOUT LIFE TALK

The Life Talk Forum (a non-profit organization) was started by Izabella Gates in 2005 in response to thousands of emails received from readers of her best-selling Life Talk series. Input comes from teens, parents, educators, churches and a network of experts comprising psychologists, experts in drug and alcohol abuse, and other specialists. Started in South Africa, Life Talk's messages and subscriber base rapidly spread across the globe and we now reach tens of thousands of young people and parents throughout the spectrum of society. Our team is passionate about ensuring the wellbeing of all young people and we:

• Reach the youth and parents through our school-based and community-focused interventions, talks, programmes, books, online content, videos and newsletters, features on radio and TV, and many specific initiatives.
• Empower young people to take control of their lives through proactive thinking, wise choices, applying sound values and defining an effective 'game plan for life'.
• Run workshops focusing on peer pressure, alcohol abuse, drugs, bullying, communication, discipline, self-esteem, success, and many more key topics.
• Run programmes that equip adolescents with key life skills; and parents with parenting skills.
• Provide schools with a comprehensive offering to assist students, parents and teachers in addressing challenges.
• Offer a fun and interactive 14-part Teen Life Skills programme for grades 5-10.
• Have a "bird's-eye-view" of the adolescent and parenting world throughout all sectors of society, and we have become a "go to place" for tips and advice for parents, youth, church leaders, educators and the media.

WHAT DOES THE TUG-OF-LIFE ACHIEVE?

1. Raises awareness about challenges and choices, and empowers young people with resolve and solutions.
2. Makes the process thought-provoking and fun for children and teens.
3. Helps to make values 'cool' among the youth.
4. Addresses topics of specific relevance to children, teens, young adults, parents and married couples.
5. Triggers behaviour change in some key areas, among children, adolescents and young adults.

Positive spinoffs for communities include:

• Providing youth with effective tools and skills to address challenges without feeling overwhelmed.
• Inspiring young people and their families to identify and harness all the possible Galvanizers, thereby creating the future they strive for.
• Helping families to tackle challenges that might otherwise have wide-ranging consequences on their lives.
• The Tug-of-Life is a call to participate in transforming lives and communities. By joining in, the communities take charge of their own futures.

COMMENTS & REVIEWS: THE TUG-OF-LIFE
• 'We need Tug-of-Life to be implemented for all our youth, in parishes and schools.' Cardinal Wilfrid Napier
• 'An easy and fun way of mapping out the challenges we face in life. A return to values approach which is so desperately needed in our fast-paced lives.' Angelique Serrao, Journalist, The Star
• 'An amazing book, it is my wish that every young and old person reads it!' N. Ngcobo, reporter, Daily Sun
• 'When the stakes are high, as they are in each of the areas identified, how you 'tug', and which Galvanizers you invite onto your team is often literally a matter of life and death.' Celene Hunter, narrative therapist
• Other comments include: 'Powerful, thought-provoking, life-changing' and 'should be applied by everyone from the age of 10 to 100'.

Article supplied by Izabella Little-Gates.
www.lifetalk.co.za
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TugOfLife Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tugoflife
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Address – PO BOX 754, HILLCREST 3650, SOUTH AFRICA

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013). This South African anti-apartheid revolutionary was imprisoned and then became a politician and philanthropist. Nelson Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the first black South African to hold this leadership position after being elected in a fully representative election. He focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid, tackling institutionalised racism, poverty and inequality while building racial reconciliation.

From humble beginnings as a cattle-boy, this legend with many names turned the course of a nation and became a global icon, a legend of our time. He was first called Rolihlahla, and then at 16 he was given the name Dalibunga, he is also known by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba and as Tata which means Father.

We say farewell to the father of our nation, rest in peace Tata Madiba.

The banner below was designed by Nkululeko Hlela, Graphic Designer at Pelican Print, as a tribute to a great man.

The 2013 Dux of Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton is Danielle Confait, pictured here with headmaster, Gavin Lambooy.

Confait received the Trust Cup for Dux of the school and two other awards at Laddsworth's recent annual prizegiving. The guest speaker at the function was a well-known local public speaker, educational consultant and former headmaster of Treverton Prep school: Les Stanley.

Addressing the departing Grade 7 class of 2013, Stanley encouraged them to remember their "A,B,C,D" in high school: have a good attitude, be the best you can be, care and be committed; and don't be afraid to dream.

News and photograph supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

On Saturday we gathered in the morning to enjoy a busy day of bowls and companionship. Twelve teams of trips did battle for super-generous prizes in Bill's Christmas Bash.

Bill Lambert, an enthusiastic member of our club donated and collected dozens of substantial presents to distribute among the players. Overall winners were Doug Robertson, Joan Byrom, Margie Meek and Olga Hutt who won most impressive Christmas hampers. Every other team took home gifts of some description. In addition, Bill also provided a lunch for all who played.

Many, many thanks, Bill we value your generosity, but more importantly we love to have you playing with us.

We have reached the last month of a year that has been filled with fun, friendship and challenging bowls. It is not over yet, and we look forward to the Jaxx Roll on 18th and the Quarry Spar Christmas Cup on 21st December.

The Hilton Bowling Club calendar for 2014 is nearing completion and we are busy finalising arrangements for some new events. As soon as the finished product is available it will be e-mailed to all members.

Good bowling to all who travel to our neighbouring clubs to join in any of the exciting year end events on offer.

Duties: 8 - 14 Dec: OOD: John Pluke. Tabs: Mike Mylne. Duty Team: Bill McQuade. Teas: 14 Dec: Margie Seale & Dave Trickett. Biscuits: 10 & 12 Dec. Bill & Deirdre McQuade.

Pictured here from left are Joan Byrom, Doug Robertson, Bill Lambert, Olga Hutt and Margaret Meek.

News and image supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

By the end of this week or next, many children (and their parents) in schools across Kwazulu-Natal will be breathing a sigh of grateful relief: exams will be over, assessments all wrapped up and schools will be closed for the lovely, long, sunny, Christmas holidays.

Even if you and your child have been worried about school performance, try to embrace the holidays and their value to you and your family. School is tiring. It's tiring for teachers, who need to be inspiring every lesson. It's tiring for parents, who have to micro-manage their children's activities, regardless of their age. And it's especially exhausting for students because it's a pressure cooker of socialising, learning, stimulation and social conditioning. Tired teachers struggle to teach well and tired students simply can't learn. School holidays give everyone some emotional space to reboot.

But if you're worried about what UK parents call "summer slide", why not plan to prevent it? "Summer slide" means when students, particularly those of primary school age and those who have experienced learning challenges, lose skills, knowledge and motivation because of the long period away from school. Essentially, it's an access to reading problem. Try some of these ideas to include fun but meaningful activities in your kids' Christmas break:

• Reading is the key, at any age. Your older children will appreciate trips to the local library, or the chance to choose books to buy (and don't forget there are many bargain book stores out there). If your high school kids are stumped for choice, log onto www.goodreads.com. Sign them up (it's free) and have them do the simple reading preference test. Good Reads will then suggest titles that match their tastes. If there are film versions of the books your young adults and teens are reading, hire or download the DVDs – viewing can make for meaningful discussions.

• Younger children will love to read with you. Plan some fun activities once the book is done. How about them making a collage of significant scenes in the plot? (And it'll save you carting magazines to the recycling depot...) What about acting out scenes from the book? If you have a dress-up box, that can add to their enjoyment. Drawing pictures and making puzzles are all good ways to make reading a learning experience.

• Introduce your teens to journaling and diary-keeping. The former is an opportunity for more reflective, thoughtful writing and needn't be every day. The latter is usually daily and is a record of a particular time. Both can be very satisfying – but neither should be read without the author's permission! If your teens are keen to write for an audience, set up a blog for family and friends to enjoy, especially if you're going away on a holiday. Encourage them to illustrate it with photos; so easy with smart phones or digital cameras. (And have the conversation about digital boundaries and privacy at the same time.)

• Google local activities for children of all ages. Lots of art galleries, museums and places of local interest – including shopping malls – go all out to attract visitors at this time of year. And some of those activities add real value.

Article submitted by ASP Tutoring.

Cowan House Co-Educational Preparatory School celebrated a remarkable year at their final Assembly. We are proud of all our girls and boys. Our Headmaster, Mr Robin Odell celebrates with this year's joint Head Boy for 2013 (James Kiln and William Norton) and Head Girl (Priya Moodley).

Image and news supplied by Cowan House.