21 Jul2021

Hilton Veterinary Hospital step in to help a serval kitten for FreeMe Wildlife

megan hilton vet hospitalRehabilitation work is full of ups and downs. Sadly, we began to experience a down. 

The Serval kitten that came into care from Dargle started to become lethargic. After eating so well, she suddenly had no appetite at all. 

Our staff kept the kitten hydrated and calm and assisted in alleviating any symptoms or causes we could think of. Her temperature was taken throughout the day and each time, it remained normal. 

Blood smears and faecal samples were conducted to try find the source of her sudden illness. No parasites or infection was found! 

Out of ideas, we headed through to Hilton Vet Hospital where we were sure we would find an answer...
The amazing Dr Martin de Scully and Sr Megan Sinclair took up the challenge. After also coming up empty, it was decided that the best course of action would be to hold the Serval at the Hilton Veterinary Hospital overnight. 

She was treated with multi-vitamins and appetite stimulants, and monitored throughout the night in the hopes that a symptom would begin to present itself.

How do you treat when you don't know what's wrong?
We will keep you updated on her progress... ❤
We love what we do, and how we do it...❤

Why not join our Custodianship Program to show your support for the work we do? Anyone from kids to big businesses can join:
https://www.freemewildlife.org/custodian

Otherwise, if a particular story has touched your heart, and you would like to donate directly to our animal care and vet bills, you are welcome to donate directly through these channels:
FreeMe Wildlife
First National Bank
Branch code: 220 725
Account number: 6214 1246 068

PAYPAL ACCOUNT:
 
SWIFT CODE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS:
FIRNZAJJ
 
Contact number: 033 330 3036
 
 
News from FreeMe Wildlife.
20 Jul2021

Preloved Shops gratefully open until 3pm

howick hospice hilton shopHowick Hospice would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to the community that protected BOTH Howick and Hilton.

Because of this both our shops are still standing. Our Preloved Shops generate a large portion of our funds to ensure Howick Hospice can continue to do the work it does.

This week has hit us hard and we know everyone in our community has been effected by the unrest in one way or another.

We have a lot of catching up to do to make up for a week of no trade.

Our donation depot is also empty.

Please can we ask that you drop off any Preloved items.

Clothes and shoes - men's, ladies, children

Linen, curtains, furniture, kitchenware, hardware, Bric a brac

Anything we can resell

Both our Howick and Hilton Shop are open again & trading till 15.00.
 
19 Jul2021

'Eternally grateful' Party 'n Bake

party bake july 2021'We will be eternally grateful to all of you who protected Hilton and were alert and ready from the get go. Our little shop is still in one piece because of you.
 
We really can't thank you enough.
 
We are open and back to normal trading hours. Looking forward to seeing you all.'
 
Find Party 'n Bake at Build It Centre, Unit 8, 5a Quarry Road, Hilton.
16 Jul2021

Message from the Hilton Ratepayers Association - July 2021 - Taking Hilton Forward

HRA coverIn contrast to the destructive chaos and instability which has seized parts of South Africa, we are reminded of how blessed Hilton residents are to live in this community. Led by the example of co-operation provided by SAPS and our local security companies, our residents have rallied to protect property, people and the businesses which serve us. Just as much in evidence is the concern for the welfare of others, including our neighbouring communities.

The actions of the people of Hilton remind us of the infinite possibilities provided by the prospect of continuing to work together to advance Hilton as a wonderful place to live. We can assume an element of control in pursuit of the ongoing improvement of our village.

As you are aware, the HRA is committed to pursuing the option of establishing Hilton as a Special Rating Area (SRA). This is not a breakaway municipality. It merely allows the residents, through a Section 21 company, to work with the municipality in prioritising areas of focus in an agreed budget, funded directly by a small extra rate.

The process of establishing an SRA requires extensive community consultation, and majority support. That process lies ahead. In the meanwhile we are placing pressure on uMngeni to adopt the SRA Policy and By-laws, which the HRA has provided in draft form.

The actions of our community over the past week have shown that there are many residents ready to lead and work for the well-being of our community. I appeal to all those interested in helping with the drive towards the SRA to make direct contact with the HRA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We will contact you in the next week or so when there is some progress with uMngeni in passing the necessary By-Law, to enable us to start the process. We would really appreciate and welcome your input and help.

HRA Membership
If you have not done so already, please consider joining the Hilton Ratepayers’ Association, click here. Please encourage others to do the same. The stronger the support we receive, the more effective we can be.
 
Hilton and Winterskloof Security Initiatives
Please consider signing up as a contributing member in your area towards the security initiatives. If you live in Hilton please read more and sign up here. If you live in Winterskloof please read more and sign up here.

Yours Sincerely,

Mike Tarr
Chairman: HRA
15 Jul2021

We do together brilliantly - THANK YOU Hilton, a community of heroes

hilton thank you coverThank you to our incredible community of everyday heroes and heroines, Hilton has revealed it's grit. Through the longest days and scariest nights our men and women have reached out to one another in support. It will not be easy to recover, but we know that we are strongest together and we do together brilliantly!
 
Good to know;
 
Feeding scheemes have been put in place for Sweetwaters by Hope Trust and our popular artist, Jono Hornby who has set up Sweetwaters FOOD Relief.
 
Bank details are published below so that you can assist.
 
Acc No: 10153779541
J Hornby
Standard Bank
 
Contact Hope Trust to contribute to the initiative by Hilton churches who are having a food drive to help the Sweetwaters community with food. Anything you can spare such as;  dried beans, rice, lentils, tinned fish or veg, sugar, flour an be delivered to Hilton Baptist Church between 8 and 12.
12 Jul2021

Have courage, be kind - iThemba Projects

ithemba 12 julyThank you to those who have communicated this morning to check in on how things are going here. We wanted to let you know that we’re OK! Sweetwaters is quiet at this stage, which we are thankful for. But, public transport has shutdown and the city of Pietermaritzburg is experiencing some extreme looting and burning of major centres and the likes. Our main hiway is shut and most shops in the greater Pietermaritzburg area are shut.

But we continue.
Planning.
Meeting.
Planting gardens.
Building a place of hope.
Bringing hope and light in this trying time.

#havecourage #bekind
 
08 Jul2021

Hilton Pharmacy set to Thrive with new makeover

Thrive Pharmacy Kim GermiquetYou’ve seen the stunning re-vamp of Thrive Pharmacy at The Quarry Centre but have you met the new owner, Kim Germiquet?
 
It would be surprising if you answered ‘no’, because Kim has lived in Hilton since 1994, moving here just before Nelson Mandela was voted President of South Africa. Kim even remembers taking water and juice to all the people waiting in the queue to vote at the municipality, a short distance from where she lived. Schooled in Pietermaritzburg, Kim’s two boys now go to Hilton Pre-Primary; you can’t get more local than that!
 
Pharmacy has always been Kim’s calling and, as high school student, she spent her holidays working in different pharmacies in Hilton and Howick. At 15 years old, Kim did her first stint of work experience at the then Hilton Pharmacy with previous owner, Trish. She recalls an argument with her mom on her first day of work about the length of her skirt. Defying her mom with all her teenage spirit, she arrived at work only to be given her marching orders by Trish for indecent skirt length! “It makes me smile to this day,” says Kim, adding: “when I see the teenagers walking around in their little shorts in the middle of winter I have to think to myself, the more things change the more they stay the same.”
 
Kim has had a varied career in pharmacy, being lucky enough to work in range of different fields but did you know that Kim has a very creative side too and has a wedding flower and décor business with her family, called the Flower Shed?
 
For Kim, owning her own pharmacy is a dream come true and buying into the Thrive brand, a no-brainer. It is the ethos, purpose and aesthetic of the Thrive brand that appealed to Kim: “What I love most about Thrive is that in everything that they do, they strive for honest excellence. Thrive focuses on customer loyalty, happy staff, product quality and ethical sourcing of merchandise for all stores. They practice what they preach, and I so appreciate the passion behind the brand,” she says.
 
“I feel like Thrive Hilton has arrived at just the right time to grow with Hilton – focusing on our growing community’s needs, nurturing the young and the golden oldies, as well as providing a holistic health space to enable every friendly face to be ‘Better Than Well’,” she says, quoting the Thrive slogan.
 
Living and working in the same place can be challenging for some but for Kim, she wouldn’t have it any other way. “I have lived in many places across the world but I still find Hilton one of the most beautiful,” she says. “I love the community spirit in this place, and how neighbours help each other. It is a beautiful, safe space to raise my children - and raise resilient human beings.”
 
It is the “beauty and convenience” of The Quarry Centre itself that Kim loves: “My family have been shopping at the Quarry for 20 years and it has always been so beautiful and homely. The views are stunning, the local produce available delicious and there is almost everything one could need under one roof.”
 
Kim concludes: “It is hard to say what I love most about Hilton - but I would have to say I love it most because it is home.”
 
Supplied.
07 Jul2021

Hilton celebrates 20 years of Hilton Quarry Superspar

HQ Superspar 20 years Downs family photo coverMost Hilton locals will recognise the unmistakeable cheery whistle of Rodney Downs when doing their grocery shopping at Hilton Quarry Superspar; a whistle that has been making Hiltonians smile, at a supermarket that has been proudly serving the Hilton community for the past twenty years.
 
This year, Rodney and Di Downs are celebrating two decades at the helm of a supermarket that goes far beyond selling milk and bread.
 
For Rodney and Di, it has always been about “family spirit” which includes their entire team and loyal customers; placing the local community at the heart of what they do. Having taken over ownership of the store in 2001, in partnership with Di’s father, Albert Emslie, 20 years on, it is their son Greg who is set to carry on that legacy by continuing to serve the local community.
 
Through various revamps and upgrades, Hilton Quarry Superspar has continually adapted to the changing times, embracing the challenges along the way and never forsaking the community that they have called home for over 20 years.
 
For Rodney it has been his “greatest blessing” to pour his heart and soul into growing Hilton Quarry Superspar with a focus on affordable quality and excellent customer service. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years,” he exclaims, “It feels like yesterday that we were handed the keys to Hilton Quarry Spar - as it was then known, and we have never looked back.”
 
“We can’t thank the people of Hilton enough for supporting us over the years and helping us grow with the community. Your loyalty has allowed us to help various local charities, churches, schools and organisations over the years and we are incredibly proud to be part of such a caring, close-knit community.”
 
Behind the scenes, Di and her team run a tight ship, making sure the books balance and the business side of things are taken care of. She credits the entire staff component – some 140 employees – for helping her and Rodney steer the course of Hilton Quarry Superspar for the past twenty years. “It’s been an unbelievable journey,” says Di. “We have so many happy memories from the last couple of decades. Yes, it’s been hard work but without the dedicated, hard-working team we are fortunate to have, we wouldn’t be standing tall and proud today.”
 
With such strong business role-models for parents, Greg has huge respect and admiration for the formidable team of his mom and dad and has learnt from their experience over the 12 years he’s been at Hilton Quarry Superspar. “It is an honour and privilege for me to work alongside my parents and be trusted to look after what they have worked so tirelessly to accomplish,” says Greg.
 
“I look forward to continuing to serve the Hilton community as they have done for many more years to come.”
 
Hilton Quarry Superspar invites you to celebrate their 20th birthday over the next six months. From July to December 2021, you could win a R20,000 shopping voucher every month, 2-minute trolley dashes, thousands of rands worth of appliances, weekend getaways and so much more!
 
To enter, simply spend R20 or more in-store and write your name, number and email address on the back of your till slip and drop it into the competition box in-store. T&C’s apply.
 
News and images of press articles published 20 years ago - supplied.
 
press 20 years
 
HQ Superspar press 2
 
 
 
05 Jul2021

Dr Gilbert sets up Covid-19 testing station in Hilton Health car park

dr gilbertDr Gilbert has opened a Covid-19 Testing Station in the Hilton Health Centre car park. We will be conducting Covid Rapid Antigen Tests and Rapid Antibody Tests.
 
Regretfully PCR tests are no longer available, please go to Lancet for this test.
 
Either Walk-ins or by appointment on 066 397 6650. Hours are 08:00 to 16:00 on weeekdays, 8.30am to 1pm on Sundays.
 
More about Dr Ralph Gilbert's parctice.
21 Jul2021

Knight Security Newsletter in July 2021

kssDear KSS Clients and community
 
This Newsletter comes from a place of HUGE gratitude to our staff, our community and all security services who have worked together tirelessly over the past 9 days.
 
Also, thank you for the prayers and kind messages of support for Gary while he has been incapacitated with his broken leg and recovering in hospital with covid.
 
KSS has amazing Management Team who are all able to deal with any community requests – such as additional Security Guards, CCTV camera installations, CCTV camera repairs, alarm installations, quotes, risk assessments etc... Please may we request that you contact Renee, Sashen and Pat for anything that you may need. Here are their contact details:
 
Renee: 063 292 1240
Sashen: 083 612 0603
Pat: 082 613 2995
 
As a KSS Management Team we would also like to acknowledge our staff – our entire staff – who have all pulled together. We are so grateful to each and every single one of them. We would also like to highlight the commitment made to our clients and community by some of our staff.
 
Our KSS staff commitment – a brief insight into some of the stories.
• Dan, a Response Officer, who pulled a double shift with sore ankle – which we later found out was broken and he just never gave up. He is currently having it surgically repaired at Life Hilton Hospital. We pray for a speedy recovery.
• Percy, Wonderboy, Abraham and Lance who helped curb the looting in the CBD and helped some of our clients retrieve and save their stock from their businesses.
• All the KSS Controllers who worked through the chaos and were calm and held it together. They were proactive, caring, purpose driven and professional.
• Robert and Warren who manned the main Control Room on that shift – we have no words. WOW!
• To Ezra and Elton who manned the satellite Control Rooms that we set up to ensure we had 24hour contact and support with our clients and community. These proactive, satellite Control Rooms ensure that no matter what (physical threat or covid) KSS will ALWAYS deliver.
• Richard, a Response Officer, who walked to work from Mpophomeni because the road was blocked.
• Vincent, who was hurt physically fighting off looters in the CBD and just persisted. He is recovering well.
• Gugu from KSS Operations Admin for helping sort out and co-ordinate food parcels for our staff.
• Isaiah for ensuring that our Security Officers were able to be transported to and from sites.
• The Operations staff, Security Guards and Response Officers who work double shifts.
• Our Technical Teams for being ready to assist, repair and install to ensure peace of mind.
 
KSS is also grateful in return to our community. Thank you to:
• Those members of the community who ensured that we had enough food so that we could feed our staff.
• Those of you that made sure that we had enough dog food for our K9 unit.
• Shan Cade for her undying dedication to ensuring that we deliver the best customer care to our people.
• The community groups for assisting with operations and patrolling.
• To Magma, SSS and Sompisi Protection Services in Mpophomeni for working shoulder to shoulder with our KSS Teams.
• To Howick and Hilton SAPS, POP, Flying Squad, uMngeni Traffic Department and the SANDF for stepping up and working alongside security services and the community.
• To those who called KSS for help and assistance, and in turn reciprocated with support, appreciation and kindness.
 
KSS moving forward – Just a quick snippet:
We have purchased 3 new Isuzu 1 ton bakkies that will be arriving next week. These will facilitate better durability on our dirt and potholed roads. Keep an eye open for them.
 
KSS Incidents 12 – 20 July 2021
11 - 12 July 2021   KSS Response Teams responded to clients and businesses in the Howick CBD, Howick West and Merrivale areas, while also assisting in Hilton. KSS Controllers managed the situation and communicated with clients and business owners accordingly. Numerous CBD shops and businesses were affected and KSS continues to work with them in ensuring that security measures are repaired and installed. Several arrests were made by SAPS, POP and various security service providers. Many shops and businesses were spared thanks to the valiant efforts on the ground. We extend our thoughts and prayers to those affected and will endeavour to support and help rebuild our community shops and businesses.
16 July 2021   05:01   Monzali Drive (Hilton) The KSS Control Room received a fence activation. A KSS Response Team was dispatched. The KSS Officers reported that a vehicle had driven into the fence. The driver and passenger were taken to Life Hilton Hospital. SAPS were formally advised.
19 July 2021   08:15   Saligna Road (Merrivale) The KSS Control Room was advised about a break-in. KSS Response units were dispatched. KSS Officers reported that a gas bottle and speaker had been stolen. SAPS were formally advised. A case was opened.
 
From Gary and myself, we are eternally grateful to our amazing families, friends, staff and the community for everything you have done to support us. THANK YOU.
 
Stay safe. Stay alert. Be kind and let’s rebuild our community together.
 
KSS – you are safer with us!
 
Kind regards
Debbie Preston - on behalf of Gary and the outstanding KSS Team
20 Jul2021

Win a car with your choiceCARD and The Local Choice Pharmacy

win car local choiceIt can be very rewarding to use your choiceCARD when shopping at The Local Choice Pharmacy, especially while our ???????????? ???? ???????????? competition is running! Purchase any participating products, use your choiceCARD and stand a chance to win a ???????????????? ???????????????? ????.???? ???????????????????????????????????? valued at R210 000.
 
???????????? ???????????? ?????????????????????
????Participants must be 18 years or older, have a valid identity document or passport during the period of the competition and have a valid driver’s licence.
????Participants need to present their choiceCARD at the pay point to be entered automatically.
????One individual will be randomly selected from all choiceCARD entries from the relevant date and awarded to participants with eligible entries and correct information on their choiceCARD membership profile.
????Competition runs until ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? ????????????????.
 
???????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????????????????????????: https://qoo.ly/3cktks
 
19 Jul2021

'Thank you' from The Ellenbird, open again from today

ellenbird julyThe Ellenbird is open again from today, Monday, 19 July 2021.

Thank you to everyone in Hilton for taking care of our business, and all the families in our village.
 
We will definitely be "paying it forward".
 
ellen bird prayer
16 Jul2021

"I am - because you are" - South Africa has done it before and will do it again

ubuntu sa july 2021Hear them ROAR !

They are not just cleaning up and rebuilding, they are taking back their country in the true sense of UBUNTU - "I am - because you are".

Ubuntu is the heartbeat of the South African people, of common humanity, oneness: community, you and me both - TOGETHER.

And here we are reaching out, lending a hand, sticking together, coming together, protecting each other irrespective of color and all those other labels which were created to divide.

Tears, fear, hope, grief ........ is simply HUMAN and we are all in it and experiencing these surreal times TOGETHER.

Standing in our humaness and recognising others within that.

Something that was supposed to tear apart this country - tore political structures and corruption wide open - but brought people together in a million ways.

Not something we might have chosen but something we are rising to, for the spirit of The South African People (born here or by choice) is something that is much stronger than anything that can possibly happen to them.

South Africa has done it before and will do it again.

Hear it ROAR
See it RISE
Feel its PULSE
for it will be built WITH each other FOR each other in the TRUE spirit of UBUNTU !
communality, respect, dignity, value, acceptance, sharing, co-responsibility, humaneness, social justice, fairness, personhood, kindness, love, morality, group solidarity, compassion, joy, hope, fulfilment, conciliation .... THATS what the South African People are truly about !!!
12 Jul2021

N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd close N3 from Cedara to Harrismith

n3 12 julyA total closure, of both the south- and northbound carriageways of the N3 Toll Route, remains in place from Harrismith in the Free State to Cedara in KwaZulu- Natal.

This strategic transport route to the Port of Durban will most likely remain closed for most of the day as a result of the spate of violent and uncontrollable attacks on infrastructure, heavy motor vehicles and businesses along the route.

Under these conditions, the security and safety of the N3 Toll Route, it’s operations and road users cannot be placed at further risk.

Numerous reports of protests continue to be received from communities along the majority of the N3, including Heidelberg and Pietermaritzburg.

#DelayTravel
In light of the ongoing spate of violent attacks, road users are strongly recommended to delay their trips until further notice to avoid these volatile areas.

It is as yet unclear when clean-up operations and recovery would commence, or what the current damage to infrastructure is.

#EmergencyAssistance
Please immediately report any emergencies or problems to the 24-hour N3 helpline:
*0800 63 43 57* or via *@N3Route* on Twitter.
 
From N3TC - N3 Toll Concession Pty Ltd
08 Jul2021

The Local Choice Pharmacy is here to help with family fun

activity bookWith schools closing earlier due to the third wave of COVID-19 infections, along comes yet another challenge - keeping the little ones entertained in a productive manner. But don't worry, The Local Choice Pharmacy is here to help with fun for the entire family!
 
Download the
????????????????????-???????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????
here ????https://qoo.ly/3c26uc, print it out and have fun!
 
This resource is just another way in which The Local Choice Pharmacy aims to assist our customers during these trying times.
 
We are #HereForYou
 
07 Jul2021

The 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge supports shame-free education for all young women

Suga hilton sparSouth African women continue to demonstrate their courage despite the challenges thrown up by the global pandemic and the limitations imposed on them during this time.

The 2021 SPAR Virtual Challenge will pay homage to the strength of every woman that refuses to be limited by their circumstances. This year’s virtual race encourages women to put on their running shoes and take to the streets in defiance of the physical or mental restraints that may exist in their lives.

While they can participate in the race at their own pace and from any location, they can do it knowing that they are joining a larger community of women that take on the challenge to #LiveLimitless.

The SPAR Women’s Challenge continues to bring women from all walks of life together, albeit in a virtual format, whether they run, walk or jog.
The virtual challenge has attracted some of the country’s biggest personalities and will see the likes of SUGA, Philicity Reeken, and Lucille Slade take part.

Actress, radio host and presenter Reeken said the race promoted a sense of camaraderie among women and allowed them to take the steering wheel when they may not feel in control.

“SPAR has always been about the support and the passion behind supporting women, young girls, their health and fitness,” said the SPAR Women’s Challenge ambassador.

“This is an opportunity for you to take back a bit of control. The last two years have been a mess, and everything has been out of our hands. By entering, you can say, ‘I will do something for me, every young woman and every woman in my community. I am going to walk, run, crawl, skip or jump, and I am going to feel good at the end.”

Rising music star Lucille Slade, a fervent support of the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, highlights how the race promotes good health and fitness, which has been thrown into sharp relief during the pandemic.

“During the pandemic, it’s extremely important for us to exercise, to get our heart rate up, the more exercise we do we are placed in a better position to fight off not just illness but also get ourselves in a better mood,” said Slade.

“Being part of this virtual race is one of the ways you can add a bit of exercise to your life. Another reason for me is the sense of community where you are doing the same thing as other people, and you get motivation.”

Each 2021 SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge participant will receive a virtual race pack that includes an official virtual challenge t-shirt, access to the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine, a face buff, and a medal.

By entering this year’s race, women can empower themselves and make a real difference in the lives of young girls. For every entry, a pack of sanitary pads will be donated to help keep a girl in school through the SPAR Petals Project. The Petals Projects advocates for a shame-free education for all young women.

Popular radio DJ and SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge ambassador, SUGA, said the initiative was another good reason for women to enter the race this year.

“The event bursts with good energy and togetherness, and now you can recreate that good energy, with the people that mean the most to you, at your own pace in a space familiar to you,” she said.

“You should enter the Spar Virtual Challenge because every girl deserves an education. This statement is so powerful and knowing that you have contributed to keeping a girl in school will fill your life with countless blessings.”

For more information on the SPAR Women’s Virtual Challenge, please see our FAQ section here: https://sparvirtualchallenge.co.za/faq/

Announcement video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I691zBf1Mag
 
For more inspirational stories, you can access the My Virtual Challenge digital magazine here:
02 Jul2021

The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health delivers

delivery local choicePresident Cyril Ramaphosa has announced adjusted level 4 lockdown regulations for South Africa. These include limiting our visits to the shops.

The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health is #HereForYou with our ???????? ???????. We URGE you to make use of this service if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or are living with someone who has tested positive.

Simply all us on 033 343 0884 to place your order and have your package delivered to your door! Please help us to protect our staff and other customers.
 
More about The Local Choice Pharmacy Hilton Health on Monzali Drive in Hilton Gardens.

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