CUTTING IT FINE

Most of us love the idea of a beautiful garden. In reality, life gets busy. One week of rain becomes three. The hedges get a little wild, the shrubs start spilling over, and suddenly the garden feels like something you need to catch up on.

That’s why March matters.

It’s the month to take back control of your garden, and it all starts with pruning. Whether you do it yourself or bring in a professional, what you tackle now can make the months ahead cleaner, easier and far more manageable.

Don’t wait until winter to start pruning. Charles Henderson, Business Development Manager (Tree Professional) at Husqvarna South Africa, says that getting ahead in March can prevent plants from becoming dense, tangled and difficult to manage as the seasons change.

“After a full summer of fast growth, plants can quickly become dense and tangled. If pruning is left too late, airflow and sunlight struggle to reach the inner growth, small jobs become much bigger ones, and overcrowded branches create the ideal conditions for pests and disease as the cooler months approach,” says Henderson.

Where to start
So, if you’re convinced it’s time to act, the next question is where to start. Henderson says these are the pruning tasks worth focusing on this March:

1. Tidy up hedges and boundary plants: Using tools such as a Husqvarna hedge trimmer, you can lightly trim hedges to keep them neat, shaped and easier to manage through winter.

2. Remove dead, damaged or crossing branches: Clearing weak or broken growth improves airflow, light and overall plant health.

3. Cut back overgrown climbers and creepers: A controlled March trim keeps fast growers from taking over walls, fences and nearby plants.

4. Prune lightly after harvest for certain fruit trees: Post-harvest pruning helps maintain shape now and sets trees up for stronger winter pruning later.

5. Clear invasive or unwanted growth: Removing invasive shoots and overgrowth now saves work later and protects healthier plants around them.

Common pruning mistakes to avoid
Even well-intentioned pruning can cause problems if done incorrectly. These are some of the most common mistakes homeowners make:

1. Cutting too aggressively: Taking off too much at once can stress the plant and trigger weak regrowth.

2. Using blunt or inappropriate tools: Blunt or unsuitable tools damage branches and leave plants vulnerable to disease.

3. Pruning the wrong plants at the wrong time: Not every plant should be pruned in March, so mistimed cutting can reduce flowering or weaken growth.

4. Leaving stubs or cutting too close: Poor cuts slow recovery and can leave the plant open to damage or disease.

5. Ignoring safety on larger trees: Bigger pruning jobs can quickly become dangerous without the right tools, skills or support.

Regional tips
South Africa’s climate is varied, so pruning timing can look a little different depending on where you are.

Western Cape
March is a good time to lightly prune deciduous trees and shrubs, after the heat of summer and before the wetter months set in. Just be careful not to prune frost-sensitive plants too late in the month.

Gauteng
Warm weather often lingers into March, so it is best to focus on light pruning, shaping and removing deadwood. This can also be a good time to keep fruit trees tidy and under control.

KwaZulu-Natal
Because growth continues for longer in subtropical conditions, early March is a useful time to cut back overgrowth and improve airflow before humidity and rain create bigger problems.

Pruning in March is not just about tidying up. It is about getting ahead. Done well, it can mean healthier plants, less maintenance and a garden that is easier to manage as the seasons shift. Leave it too late, and small jobs have a way of becoming much bigger ones. March may be brief, but when it comes to your garden, it is a window worth using well.

To view Husqvarna’s range of garden tools and equipment, visit www.husqvarna.com/za

Hilton College is thrilled to bring the magic of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. to life, in a dazzling collaboration with Epworth High School for Girls!

From 27–30 April, the Hilton College Theatre transforms into a world of wonder, packed with music, laughter, colour, and all your favourite Disney Aladdin moments. (Plus, two shows on the 27th: a matinee and evening performance!)

With direction by Mason Campbell, production by Joshua Boudan, and choreography by Fiona Barnes, this high-energy musical promises magic, heart, and fun for the whole family.

What makes this year extra special?

A full live orchestra made up largely of talented pupils from Epworth, Maritzburg College, Pietermaritzburg Girls High School, The Wykeham Collegiate, and Hilton College - performing shoulder to shoulder with experienced professional musicians. The result? A rich, vibrant musical experience you’ll feel from the very first note!

Whether you're a theatre lover, a Disney fan, or simply looking for an unforgettable family night out, Aladdin Jr. will take you on a magic carpet ride to a whole new world!

Tickets on sale now from Webtickets

For more about the amazing things happening in our cultural space: https://linktr.ee/cultureathilton

To contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When your vision is too large for a standard printer, we bring it to life in high definition. For architects, DIY renovators, & project managers, we provide professional wide-format printing that captures every fine detail. From crisp technical line work to bold project presentations, we handle it all, right up to A0 size.

Our Wide-Format Options:
Architectural & Engineering Plans: High-precision printing for site plans and blueprints.
Project Timelines: Keep your team on track with large-scale Gantt charts and schedules.
Patterns & Drawings: Perfect for sewing patterns, technical drawings, or art templates.
Custom Posters: High-impact visuals for your next big presentation.

Don't squint at a small screen! See the full picture. Bring your digital files to us, and we’ll ensure your projects are printed on high-quality paper that’s durable and easy to read on-site.

Our professional team also provides the following with wide smiles:
Courier Service | Packaging | Office Supplies | Business Services & more...

Visit PostNet Hilton soon at 39 Hilton Avenue, call 086 006 1004 or save 081 405 0768 - our dedicated WhatsApp line!

Emails are welcome... This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

You spend roughly a third of your life tucked in your bed – that quiet sanctuary of rest. But here's the thing that many people don't even think about when it comes to sleep and wellness - your bedding is quietly building a micro-ecosystem, and you're the host.

Every night your body sweats, secretes body oils and sheds between 30,000 and 40,000 dead skin cells per hour, exactly where you sleep. Enter dust mites - and not just a few – research shows millions! The warmth, the humidity, the endless buffet of skin cells you generously provide basically make your bed a five-star resort for them. You won't feel them. You won't see them. But if you wake up sneezing, congested, or itchy-eyed, their waste particles are a leading suspect, and one of the most common triggers for allergies and asthma.

But the mites are almost secondary. They're just feeding on everything else that's already there. Bacteria from your skin transfer onto your linen every night, and then there's fungi, yeast, saliva, pet dander, pollen hitchhiking in from outside, and - during illness - viruses that can survive on fabric for hours.

And while we know that regular laundering and mattress vacuuming keep your bed hygienic and fresh, the question remains: 'How often is regular, really?'

According to Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional, hygiene experts generally recommend washing household linen once a week in hot water (at least 60°C) to keep allergens and dust mite ecosystems at bay. Mattress protectors and vacuuming your mattress monthly also add another layer of defence.

Surprisingly, he adds that laundry standards are much higher in the hospitality industry.

"For hotels, guesthouses and lodges, hygiene is not simply about appearances. It is about trust. And bedding plays a powerful role in how guests judge a property the moment they walk into a room."

"Fresh, white linen is non-negotiable because it is one of the clearest indications of cleanliness to guests," Madkins continues. "Think about walking into a hotel room - even before you inspect the bathroom or unpack your bags, you notice the bed. Crisp, pristine duvet covers, sheets and pillowcases communicate that an establishment is well-managed and guest-ready."

"That's also why no matter how short the stay, every reputable property replaces and launders all bedding between guests - no exceptions," he emphasises. "Another often-overlooked rule: if a room has sat empty for two weeks or more, linen needs to be refreshed before the next check-in. Even undisturbed sheets go stale - and guests notice."

"Across hotels around the world, white linen has become the visual benchmark for luxury and standards," Madkins notes, "because we all trust what we see, right?" And white linen reveals any stain, mark or discolouration immediately, making it one of the most honest indicators of a well-run establishment.

This means you may need to change the linen mid-stay, too, if there is a visible stain – no waiting for the normal laundry cycle or for the guest to leave. The same rule holds at home: spills, pets, heavy sweating or allergy flare-ups all warrant an early change.

"Keeping whites bright is more straightforward than most people think - especially in hospitality, where professional laundry systems are built to remove stains, protect fabric and maintain that crisp brightness wash after wash,” says Madkins. “Products like OMO Perfect Whites are formulated to keep bedding visibly bright and genuinely clean.

Ultimately, linen may seem like a small detail… it isn’t!

“Because cleanliness isn’t just about hygiene. It’s about how people feel in a space,” Madkins believes. “Something as simple as quality, freshly laundered linen can be the difference between a glowing review and a one-time guest,” he concludes.

Luna Paige: Die Reisigers - The Knoll, Hilton
(Afrikaans Musical Theatre)

Beste Musiekproduksie / Best Musical Production: Momentum Aardklop 2025

80-minute show (with 20-minute break) | Doors / Deure: 18:00 | Show / Vertoning: 19:00 | Early Bird Tickets: R160 | Door tickets / Kaartjies by die deur: R175|  Whatsapp Charles: 082 331 7271 | Bookings strongly advised / Besprekings sterk aanbeveel | The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Luna Paige sing oor die “groot reis” en die immer ontwykende eindbestemming. Sy verken ruimtes waar beweging, stilte van gees, selfliefde en aanvaarding harmonie bring. Sy stel gehore bekend aan die musiek wat sy tydens haar Suid-Afrikaanse én Europese reise, onder meer die Spaanse Camino, geskryf en by die huis getoonset het. As anonieme voyeur het sy soms wel in gesprek getree en saam gewonder oor die groot verskille, maar, belangriker, oor die groot ooreenkomste wat alle reisigers op hierdie wonderbaarlike planeet aan mekaar bind. Aangebied deur Charles Webster Music.

Luna Paige sings about life's great journey and the ever-elusive final destination. She explores spaces where movement, silence of the mind, self-love, and acceptance bring harmony. She introduces audiences to the music she composed and arranged during her South African and European travels, including the Spanish Camino. As an anonymous observer, she occasionally engaged in conversation and reflected on the great differences, but more importantly, on the significant similarities that connect all travellers on this wondrous planet.

Presented by Charles Webster Music.

Being a vet in South Africa can be a little bit wild.

One minute you’re vaccinating puppies, the next you’re trying to scan cows in a makeshift cattle kraal.

The days are long. The cases can be tough. And things don’t always go the way we hope.

But this job also gives us so much to be grateful for. Incredible animals, farmers and families who trust us with the ones they love, and a profession that takes us from consult rooms to dirt roads and places most people never get to see.

At the end of the day, it’s a massive privilege to do what we do.

Visit at 4 Quarry Road in Hilton

Call 033 343 4316

After Hours 082 373 1963

Callan Lötter continued her dominance of women’s open water swimming by successfully defending all three of her national titles at the Bombela Concession Company SA Open Water Championships at Marina Martinique near Jeffreys Bay over the weekend.

The 19-year-old was in a class of her own as she comfortably defended her national 10km, 5km, and 3km knockout titles.

Lötter was the only woman to record a sub two-hour time in the 10km race, winning in 1 hour 59 minutes and 36 seconds, over four minutes in front of the second-placed Hannah Neilson, who finished in 2:03.54. Carli Antonopoulos was third in 2:04.51.

“It feels really good. I’m very proud of myself. Last year I just tried to stay with everyone and then take it out at the end. But this year my training has been much better, so I decided to take it out from the beginning and try and hold on and build a gap,” she explained.

Lötter went on to win the 3km knockout a day later when conditions were far from ideal, using the first 1.5km round simply as a warm-up before speeding things up in the 1km and 500m rounds.

The event is run on a knockout basis. After the first round (1.5km), the top 20 athletes proceed to the second round (1km). The top 10 in that race then proceed to the final (500m), with just 10 minutes between each round.

“The race was really good, the conditions were very tough. The waves were picking up quite a lot at the end, so you had to work much harder to finish the race, but I’m happy with how it went,” said Lötter.

The Pretoria swimmer’s next victory of the weekend came in the 5km event on Sunday, which she won in a time of 1:00.23. Neilson was second in 1:00.37 and Marony Jacobs third in 1:02.02.

“I was aware that Hannah was quite close to me on the first three laps and then I saw the rest of the pack was quite far behind, so I just tried to focus on my own race and see how far I could get ahead,” she said.

Meanwhile, in the men’s events, it was Henré Louw who took top honours in the 10km marathon swim, after a thrilling sprint finish. He claimed the title in 1 hour 54 minutes and 46 seconds, just one second ahead of Byron Kimber, with Connor Albertyn third in 1:54.55.

“It was definitely a tough race. The strategy was just to sit back a bit this year and try and let the other guys do a little bit of work and then just try my best at the back end of the race,” said Louw afterwards.

“On the last lap I missed the buoy, I got pushed out a bit, so I had to turn back and I was probably about 30m behind those guys. I had to dig deep just trying to catch them on the last lap. And then when I got to the top buoy, I just tried to push as hard as possible to the finish.”

Louw had to settle for fourth place in the 5km event, which proved to be another massive battle between the leading bunch. This time it was Albertyn who came out on top in 57:26 with Matthew Caldwell finishing second two seconds later and Kimber third, in 57:30.

“It was a very tough race. From the start to the finish, it was just go from everyone. I don’t think there was a moment in that race when we were all fully relaxed,” said Albertyn.

“We were all constantly watching each other, especially Matt, Byron, Henré – we were all trying to get to the front and win but I got lucky on that last lap. I saw a bit of a gap and I took it. I just kept my head down and kept pushing. I didn’t want to look back, I just focused on the finish and doing everything I could to secure the win, and I managed to do so at least.”

Earlier in the weekend, Caldwell had come out on top in the 3km knockout as well as the 3km event (34:31), while the women’s 3km title was won in 37:25 by Leah Markgraaff, who also took the 7.5km title in 1:33.49. Wian Bartleman claimed the men’s 7.5km title for junior athletes in 1:25.47.

For full results: SA National Open Water Swimming Championships

Below:

LHS - Men's 10km - From left Connor Albertyn (3rd), Henre Louw (1st), Byron Kimber (2nd)

RHS - Women's 10km from left Carli Antonopoulos (3rd), Callan Lotter (1st), Hannah Neilson (2nd)

South Africa’s leading marathon swimmers will converge on Marina Martinique in Jeffreys Bay from 6–8 March for the Bombela Concession Company SA National Open Water Championships, where national titles and junior international qualification opportunities will be on the line.

Among those on the start line this weekend will be defending champion in the 1.5km, 5km, 10km and 3km knockout and recent winner of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Callan Lotter, who heads in as strong favourite.

“My training has been going well, I have done the mileage needed for the racing,” said the Pretoria-based swimmer, who turns 20 next Monday.

Lotter will compete in the 10km, 5km and 3km knockout, but says the focus is on execution rather than the fact that she’s heading in as defending champion.

“It definitely gives me confidence. Last year proved I can do it, but this year is a new race and I have to earn it again. I rather take confidence from the work I’ve done more than the title itself,” she explained.

That work has been done under the watchful eye of new coach Troy Prinsloo, whom Lotter credits with sparking a renewed love of the sport.

“Training with him has made a significant impact, being part of a positive environment and where you’re in a space where there’s belief, structure, and support, you’re able to push yourself properly and improve,” she said.

Lotter believes success in open water racing requires far more than just endurance.

“It takes endurance, but more than that it takes patience, tactical awareness, and mental resilience. You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable.”

Western Cape swimmer Hannah Neilson will be one of the swimmers looking to challenge Lotter in the 10km, 5km and 3km knockout, although her build-up has been tricky.

“Training has been a bit of a rollercoaster this time round, with just trying to get back to my old times and trying to recover after being sick just a few days ago,” she explained.

Neilson, who finished third in both the 10km and 5km last year, says the unpredictability of open water racing is part of what she enjoys most.

“I love the long training sessions and just the open opportunity that anything could happen in a race.”

Meanwhile, newly crowned men’s Midmar Mile champion Matthew Caldwell is another swimmer looking forward to testing himself against the national field, having claimed victory in the 1.5km, and 3km events last year and finishing second to Connor Buck in the 5km and 3km knockout.

“My prep is going well, really looking forward to this competition. There in J-Bay, it’s always a great swim that side. The prep's been quite hard work I've put in, so looking really fierce in the water, ready for the race… I just want to race fast, see where my body goes,” he said.

The US-based Buck is the defending champion in the 10km, 5km and 3km knockout events but won’t be at this weekend’s championships. But with the unpredictable nature of open water racing, Caldwell says the entire field poses a threat.

“I would say everyone. Open water is very unpredictable… if you're swimming the race, you've got a chance,” said the 20-year-old, who will be competing in the 3km, 3km knockout and 5km events.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Troy McWilliam will be chasing qualification for the South African team World Aquatics Junior Open Water Swimming Championships in Argentina later this year.

“My training has been going well. In the beginning of February, I moved to Pretoria and joined the TUKS swimming squad. I have found the training to be a lot more than what I am used to,” he explained

McWilliam, who has enjoyed plenty of success at junior level including a national title over 7.5km in 2024, will contest the 10km, 3km knockout and 5km, with the longer distance a particular focus.

“This is the first time that I will be swimming the 10km at a national event… I am hoping to qualify for the SA Junior Worlds team this year for the 10km. I need to be in the top 2 in the 2007 & 2008 age group,” said the first-year chartered accounting student.

“I love how challenging the sport is and how it pushes me to the absolute limit. The feeling of finishing with a good time is unmatched.”

Racing gets underway at 9am on Friday, 6 March with the men’s 10km.

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

If you’re in Hilton and even thinking about padel, there’s only one place that should be on your radar – LivPadel Hilton. Whether you’re a first-timer picking up a racquet for the very first time or a seasoned competitor chasing that golden point, LivPadel is the home of good vibes, great competition and serious value for money.

Our courts are buzzing week in and week out, and one of the highlights of the season has been our incredible Ladies Morning League. The ladies have absolutely been killing it – competitive rallies, big smiles, strong coffee energy and even stronger backhands. It’s been a perfect blend of fun, fitness and fierce match play, and the level just keeps climbing. If you’ve driven past in the mornings and heard the cheering, now you know why! The league has built an amazing community of women who are showing that mornings belong on court.

March is also bringing serious value your way with our Wallet Top-Up Promo. If you’re playing regularly (and let’s be honest, once you start it’s hard to stop), this is a no-brainer. When you top up your LivPadel wallet this month, you get way more bang for your buck. More credit. More court time. More matches. It’s our way of rewarding the players who keep the courts alive and the rallies flowing. Instead of paying per booking, load up your wallet and stretch your spend further every single time you book.

And if you’re a true padel fan, there’s something you absolutely need to be part of – our LivPadel Loyalty Program. This isn’t just a once-off special; it’s your long-term game plan for playing more and paying less. Our tiered system (Bronze, Silver and Gold) means the more you play, the more you earn back into your club wallet. On top of that, you unlock massive discounts in our pro shop. That’s right – play more, save more, and kit yourself out for less.

Being part of our player group and loyalty program also means you stay in the loop with upcoming leagues, tournaments, promos and social events. If padel is your thing (or you want it to be), this is how you maximise every rand and every rally.

So whether you’re booking a casual hit with friends, joining a league, or chasing loyalty rewards, LivPadel Hilton is the spot for all your padel needs. Courts. Community. Competition. Value.

The Midlands chess community reached an exciting milestone this past weekend as the Hilton Chess Club hosted the Midlands Open Tournament, the first event of the 2026 Midlands Chess League, at the Cowan House campus in Hilton. With 50 players competing across three divisions, the event showcased the growing passion for strategic thinking and competitive play in the heart of the Midlands.

A lively social zone featuring a giant outdoor chess set kept families, spectators and young grandmasters-in-the-making entertained throughout the day. The club extends sincere thanks to the KZN Chess Academy for lending the giant chess set and for their guidance and support in helping bring the event to life. We would also like to thank Chief Arbiter Erick Takawira and Deputy Chief Arbiter Jason Rose-innes whose expertise ensured the games were conducted with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

The Midlands Open featured players from 12 schools and clubs across the region. Competition across all divisions was both fierce and friendly, highlighting the depth of emerging chess talent.
Hilton Kids Chess Club players impressed in the Under-12 category, securing 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place in a competitive field, with the 7-year-old 4th-place finisher also earning Top Girl and Youngest Participant honours.

Official Results & Podium Finishers:

Under-12 Category
● 1st Place: Joelle Naidoo
● 2nd Place: Troas Burt
● 3rd Place: Sam Churu

Under-16 Category
● 1st Place: Shrivaan Sewram
● 2nd Place: Nhlokomo Zondo
● 3rd Place: Matthew Perez
● Top Girl: Charlotte Stevens

Open Category (16+)
● 1st Place: Ethan Koen
● 2nd Place: Senzokuhle Dladla
● 3rd Place: Hannes Welman
● Top Girl: Ntobeko Ngcobo

Special recognition was also awarded to our senior player, Hamilton Clarke, who delivered a brilliant performance to secure 4th place in the Open category, showing that chess truly is a game for all ages.

An event of this scale is only possible through the generous support of our local partners. Our season long sponsors, Debonairs Pizza and Steers, ensured that winners walked away with more than just bragging rights. The Top Girl in each category received a special experience thanks to Cakeaway, who created stunning edible cupcake bouquets, while Craik Speirs Hilton gifted each a professional wash and blow-wave. The club also extends sincere thanks to Pam Golding Properties for their ongoing support.

The Hilton Chess Club further extends heartfelt appreciation to Cowan House for hosting the event on its world-class grounds and to the dedicated volunteers who ensured the tournament ran smoothly.

Together, we are building something truly special. If you or your business would like to be part of the Midlands Chess League journey, whether through event sponsorship, supporting our prize pool, or funding entries for players, we would love to connect.

Missed the first tournament? Don't worry! The hunt for the Master is just beginning! Because our league is points-based, there is still plenty of time to catch up and claim the top spot on the leaderboard. Join us for the Midlands Masters on May 9th and see if you have what it takes to be the 2026 Champion.

Up Next: The Midlands Masters! Registration is now open for our next tournament on the 9th of May. To secure your spot or learn more about the league, simply WhatsApp “League” to 078 688 3985.

Thank you, Hilton, for an extraordinary evening! The Drakies brought their world-class sound to the Hilton College Memorial Hall, opening with heavenly harmonies and closing with vibrant African rhythms.

The second half began with Hilton locals, the talented Laddsworth Primary School Choir under the baton of Cecile Jansen. These young choristers did their school proud, and we look forward to collaborating with them again soon.

A special thank you to the DBCS Old Boys currently completing their schooling at Hilton College for supporting your Drakie brothers, it was wonderful to see you back on stage with the choir, with many of your parents in the audience.

Another highlight of the evening was when DBC Conductor and Head of Choral Activities, Jacques Linde, reconnected with fellow former Drakie Tazlo Jacobs (Class of 2013), now Cambridge Subject Lead and Choral Director at St Charles College in Pietermaritzburg.

Our sincere thanks to Hilton College Headmaster Mr George Harris and the Hilton team for the use of the Memorial Hall and for going above and beyond to support the logistics of this special event.

Congratulations to the two Laddsworth teams on their outstanding performance at the 2026 Regional Kids’ Lit Quiz, held at Athlone Primary last week.

A special mention to the Grade 7 team for once again winning the regional quiz, showcasing exceptional teamwork and an impressive depth of literary knowledge.

More about Laddsworth Primary School.

90% of Lost Children Are Found Within 30 Minutes.

That statistic should both comfort you and wake you up.

Most lost children are found quickly. But the ones who aren’t? They usually made one mistake.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth:
It’s often the exact thing most parents teach them.

We tell our kids:
“If you get lost, come find me.”

It sounds logical. It sounds empowering.
It’s WRONG!

The Mistake Most Lost Children Make:
When children realize they’re separated, they do three things almost automatically:
They panic.
They wander.
They try to find you.
Every step makes them harder to locate.
From a search standpoint, movement creates chaos.
Parents retrace their steps.
Security scans zones.
Staff lock down areas.
Search works best when movement stops.

When a child keeps walking, they move outside the original search radius. Helpers are looking where they were last seen — not where they’ve wandered.

Stillness increases probability.
Movement expands the problem.

The first lesson is not “go find me.”

It’s this:
Stop. Stay. Yell.

Why Stillness Wins:
Think like a search team.
If a child stays put:
Parents can retrace steps.
Security can scan systematically.
Helpers converge to one fixed location.
The search radius remains small.

If a child keeps moving:
The search area expands.
Adults pass each other.
Missed connections multiply.
Minutes stretch into hours.
Stillness keeps the math on your side.

Teach Them Who to Approach:
The second mistake we make as parents?
We say, “Find an adult.”
Not any adult. Not the nearest stranger. Children need a filter.

Teach them to look for, if at all possible:
A mother with children.

Caregivers who already have kids with them are statistically among the safest people to approach in public settings. They are visible, stationary, and more likely to engage quickly.

It’s a clear, concrete instruction.

Children don’t process vague categories like “safe adult.”

They process visuals.
“Find a mom with kids” is visual.

A Phone Only Helps If the Number Is Known:
We often assume phones solve everything.
They don’t — unless your child can use one. Even young children can memorize a 10-digit phone number with repetition.

But you must train it.
Practice it like a song.
Sing it in the car.
Chant it at bedtime.
Turn it into rhythm.
Repetition becomes recall.

In an emergency, recall matters more than theory.

The Code Word Rule:
One more layer of protection.
Choose a private family code word.
Something only your household knows.
If someone approaches and says:
“Your mom sent me.”
Your child asks:
“What’s the code word?”
No word.
No go.

This simple rule eliminates manipulation attempts instantly.
It gives your child agency without requiring them to evaluate character.

Real Safety Is Training — Not Luck!

We don’t get safer by hoping.

We get safer by practicing.

Teach:
• Phone number
• Code word
• Stop, stay, yell ("Help! I am lost!")
• Find a mom with kids

Multiple skills.

Simple instructions.

Clear visuals.

Five minutes of training can replace hours of panic. This isn’t about fear. It’s about preparation.

Because when a child gets separated, the clock starts.

And what they do in the first minute determines what the next thirty look like.

That’s real protection.

Credit: Compiled advice from child safety experts including CJ Scarlet (Badass Parenting), Gavin de Becker (The Gift of Fear), and Search and Rescue (SAR) protocols.

Train Through Winter with Velocity Gym

Stay motivated this winter with Velocity Gym’s 6-month membership special for R3,200 paid upfront. Members enjoy full gym access and unlimited classes, making it easier to maintain training momentum during the colder months.

This limited winter offer is designed to help you stay consistent, strong, and connected to a supportive fitness community.

📍 Velocity Gym Hilton
🌐 www.velocitygymhilton.co.za

Need to do your Tyres, but have the kids with you???

We have got you covered!!!

We have a small kids corner in our customer waiting room. Let the kids play, while you enjoy a complimentary cuppa tea/coffee.

Our customers can also enjoy Free WIFI and catch up with some work at our work station, over looking the workshop.

What more could you possibly ask for?

We can't wait to welcome you, and the family too!

We are conveniently located at: 3 Quarry Road
Call 033 343 1357
Whatsapp 082 539 7716
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Where else can you meet with friends and enjoy top South African music in a beautiful setting, with roaring fires, hearty food and a cash bar – all for just R50?

MiTH LINEUP – 11 March 2026

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (cash or Zapper at the door)

Info: 082 331 7271

*20h40 – PAINTING SO SEVERE*
Painting so Severe is a psychedelic fusion of blues and alt rock. The band began in 2019 with Joshua White, the lead guitarist, and Seth Hutton, lead vocalist and trombone player, joined by Jamie Cunningham as bassist and Stuart Hancocks on drums. Together these four individuals come up with trippy jams and whimsical lyrics. Painting so Severe brings the energy.

It's hard to express a good comparison in terms of sound, so instead let’s paint a picture: They sound like an epic sunset on a cloudy day. They sound like someone else's toast toasting in the morning. They sound like the smell of freshly cut grass. They have drawn inspiration from seventies rock, cabaret, blues, and a little bit of jazz. It's fun.

*19h40 – ILAN LAX AND FRIENDS*
For this MiTH set, Ilan Lax is joined by a vibrant bunch of younger, extremely talented collaborators to present a sampling of songs drawn from Ilan’s broad collection of original material. This performance brings the talents of Skippy Khubeka (guitars and harmonies), Jes Bedingfield (bass and harmonies), and Paddy Austin (drums), all well-known at MiTH and around the Midlands music scene, to augment Ilan’s offerings (vocals, guitar and flute).

Ilan is a regular at MiTH and has been involved in the Pietermaritzburg live music scene since the early eighties, when he was a founding member of the MMC (Folk Club), MiTH’s predecessor.

The songs performed for this set are drawn from and inspired by Ilan’s lived experience as a husband, father, active citizen, and human in the world, and offer some insight into Ilan’s many interests. These songs also reflect Ilan’s eclectic and varied musical influences, from trad folk through blues, jazz, rock, reggae, classical, and world music.

*19h00 – THE CHICKPEAS*
The Chickpeas didn’t appear out of nowhere — they sprouted from the wonderfully musical soil of the Hairy-Legged Lentil Eaters. Having grown up around legendary local bands, toe-tapping setlists, and a community that thrives on music, their philosophy remains simple: honour the music, surprise the audience, and never miss an opportunity for a well-timed musical detour.

The Chickpeas have all been influenced by bands such as Incubus, Crowded House, and The Cranberries, and build their repertoire around rich, tightly woven vocal harmonies and rhythm, reimagining well-loved favourites alongside original material.

The Chickpeas blend polished musicianship and spontaneous creativity, with a firm belief that every instrument deserves a solo. The result is a performance that feels warm and heartfelt, with just the right amount of silly.

And yes, there may be bongos.

ABOUT MiTH
Food and soft drinks are available for sale. Cash bar on site. The KZN Midlands’ favourite live music venue, MiTH is a platform for beginners, professionals and music lovers to celebrate the joy of live performance. Hosted every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH
Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2 km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Info: 082 331 7271, www.mith.co.za or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Hilton Chess Club has officially announced the launch of the 2026 Midlands Chess League,a tournament series designed to bring social yet competitive chess to the heart of the Midlands.

The League consists of four major “Grand Prix”-style events held throughout the year. The series offers a unique environment where rising junior stars and adult players compete inseparate sections simultaneously. Both divisions follow a five-round rapid-play format, with every game across the four events contributing to a season-long leaderboard. The seasonculminates in the crowning of the Midlands Champions in November.

“Our goal is to grow chess in the Midlands by creating a platform for young players to compete regularly and a welcoming space for adults to stay active in the game, while building a stronger local chess community,” said the Hilton Chess Club.

The League is designed to provide a social yet competitive arena for everyone — from young beginners and experienced teens to adults and young professionals.

2026 Season Schedule:
● March 14 – The Midlands Open (Season Opener)
● May 9 – The Midlands Masters
● August 15 – The Midlands Classic
● November 7 – The Midlands Championship

The season opener, The Midlands Open, takes place at Cowan House on Saturday, March 14,from 09:00 to 12:30, with registration beginning at 08:30. Players of all skill levels are encouraged to participate. Whether you are a casual hobbyist or a seasoned strategist, the Midlands Chess League offers the perfect environment to enjoy the “Game of Kings.”

For more information or to register for the Season Opener:
WhatsApp “LEAGUE” to 078 688 3985

A massive congratulations to the Laddsworth Girls’ A Swimming Team on once again winning the PMB & Districts A Gala!

This remarkable achievement marks five consecutive years of claiming this prestigious trophy, an incredible testament to the teams hard work throughout the season.

The girls displayed outstanding character and unity throughout the competition, reflecting the leadership of the captains, and the coaching team behind the scenes.

Thank you to Howick Prep for hosting this years Gala, and well done to all the competing Schools for their hard work and healthy competition.

Well done to the Laddsworth Boys’ A Swimming Team on finishing runners-up at the PMB & Districts A Gala

After lifting the trophy for the very first time last year, the boys returned to the pool with courage and true LADDS spirit. Their determination and teamwork once again made the entire Laddsworth community incredibly proud, finishing in 2nd place overall.

Congratulations to Merchiston on securing first place, and to all the participating schools for making the afternoon so competitive and exciting. Once again a sincere thank you to Howick Prep for hosting this year’s gala.

The Laddsworth swimming programme continues grow, and Aim High.