The new Grace College Grade 8's have been very busy.

 

Orientation is an excellent opportunity for  new pupils to get to know the prefects and each other a little better before the academic year begins.

 

A great deal of fun was had this last weekend!

 

News supplied by Grace College.

Laddsworth Primary School welcomed the new Grade Ones for 2020 on Wednesday 15 January 2020.

 

There were many happy smiles from our new Grade Ones, with proud brothers and sisters welcoming their siblings to the Laddsworth family.

 

Mr Gavin Lambooy (Headmaster) drawing a picture about the school holidays with the new Grade Ones.

 

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

KwaZulu-Natal Swimmer Chad Ho will be chasing an elusive eighth title when he takes on a strong international field at the famous aQuellé Midmar Mile, taking place near Howick from 8-9 February.

The two-time Olympian last won the race in 2016, when he also set the record for the fastest time of 17 minutes flat. But he’s determined to add title number eight to his impressive haul of accolades which includes a 5km open water world title.

“Winning is always the main priority and I am confident in my ability to win my eighth title,” said the race’s most successful swimmer. “However, it will come down to race day and if it is my day.”

Ho’s first taste of victory came in the 13 years and under category, which he won back in 2004, and since 2008 he’s finished in the top 10 in the main race every year, including his run of seven titles from 2010 to 2016.

“I don’t think there are any secrets to success in open water swimming. It is all about who performs on the day, who is in their best condition, who has picked the best line and the water conditions during the race. It's anyone's race, which is what I love about it.”

The 29-year-old added: “The international swimmers definitely add a competitive edge, they push you harder and it makes for great viewing for the spectators. In saying that, it is also not something I allow to cloud my focus. I can only control my swim and how I do on the day, so I choose to remain focused on that.”

While the mile distance isn’t contested at the Olympics, Ho explained that the aQuellé Midmar Mile still forms an important part of his preparation as he looks to qualify for his third Games.

“Midmar allows me to assess my current progress. It is not the distance I need to qualify for but it is an opportunity to race. Every opportunity to push yourself before the Olympics is a good one,” he explained.

The first step in achieving that qualification for Tokyo 2020 will be finishing in the top two at the national championships in Jeffrey’s Bay in March.

“It is every professional athlete's dream to compete at the highest level of competition. To say I have not only been to one, not two, but three Olympics is an indescribable feeling. This is what I spend every day working towards, and knowing my efforts paid off in the end will make it all worth it.”

But first he’ll be looking for another Midmar win and training has been ramped up to give him the best possible shot at that.

“Training has been going well. We are currently in a period of doing high mileage and have been for about two weeks now. Some days are really tough and I am finished at the end of the day, but it is what is required to compete at the level I am aiming for.”

Ho has been lining up on the banks of the KZN dam since the age of six, so the event is of particular significance to him. “Midmar is an event whereby family, co-workers and friends can come together and take part in an event as a team or even as support for any individuals taking part,” he explained.

“For me personally it is a family-orientated weekend. I don’t get to have my family by my side at races very often and this is the one event that allows for that. I have been doing Midmar since the age of six and it has always been a significant event for myself and my family.”

Dubbed the world’s largest open water race, the aQuellé Midmar Mile sees over 12,000 swimmers covering the 1.6km distance over two days of racing. Entries close on 26 January. For more information, head to: https://www.midmarmile.co.za/how-to-enter/

Photo credit to Jetline Action Photo.

News supplied.

Grade one is a big deal, especially on the first ever day of 'big school'.

Cowan House grade one's tell us about their first day at school.

Georgia Armour – I was SO happy.
Sienna Riley – I loved playing with all my friends.
Gavin Roe-Scott – I was a little scared of the Grade Threes at first.
Liam Seele – I loved playing
Sara Jugadoe – I loved going up into the ‘Reading Nest’.
Hlela Sitonga – I liked going to the ‘Big Field’ and loved playing soccer there.

 

Standing, L to R: Georgia Armour, Hlela Sitonga, Sienna Riley and Gavin Roe-Scott
Kneeling, L to R: Liam Seele and Sara Jugadoe

 

News supplied by Cowan House.

A Call to enter - The official philanthropic provincial pageant, Mr, Miss and Mrs KZN, for the very first time is happening in Pietermaritzburg, Hilton for the first time.

 

The glamorous event takes place on the 28th of March 2020 at Anew Hotel in Hilton. This is a call to enter all age categories, young and old, male or female.

 

If you are interested and would just like to know more information, you need to register online first with this link, https://goo.gl/forms/8qxvsKcgr1lXOpYG3.

 

The pageant is a part of The Rolemodels Foundation which is a registered NPO that gives back to those who are destitute in society and has a number of projects on the go.

 

The reigning Mrs KZN, Melissa Vurovecz is a local to Hilton, Pietermaritzburg and is urging all married and divorced ladies to enter.

 

Melissa believes that as women get older and especially when they become mothers, they tend to neglect themselves.

 

She believes that this is an opportunity to do something that will push you out of your comfort zone, and will be a great growing experience. Melissa says, 'It doesn't matter about the size of your hips but that you have a heart willing to serve as a titleholder.

 

 

Melissa is a busy Mom of two and runs her own business and manages to find time to serve the title, so says you can too. She says, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Pluck up the courage and enter, you won't regret it!'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Experienced, slow, social, unfit or non-rider. We want you!

 

This is a fun and easy way to help fundraise for cycle safety and safer roads.

 

The less experienced you are, the easier it is, with headstarts being given to you depending on your age, fitnesslevel and experience.

Teams of 4 cycle fr 1h30m only (only 10 minutes twice per person - easy).

 

Prizes for the most and least kilometre's done, for the most enthusiastic team and spot prizes in between.

 

All donations are tax deductable.

 

News supplied by SADD.

First day of school for the new Grade 1's at Cowan House.

 

There was great excitement along the corridors. The day finally arrived, there were smart uniforms and shiny shoes.

 

So much stationery to unpack and become familiar with.

 

By 8h30 they had already learnt their first three words and so begins the journey of learning to read.

 

Their first meal together in the dining room was a huge success as there were many hungry little people.

 

Definately an early bedtime is in order for the Grade 1 teachers and happy children.

 

News supplied by Cowan House.

We are super excited to announce that the updated UP.Ed app will be released on the 20 January 2020. We love our new features and we are sure you will too!

What can you expect?

A new look and feel which makes user interaction even more appealing and effective.
We have a new classwork section on the Teacher's dashboard where teachers can access all information needed to teach their lessons.
Users can now read and listen to Begripstoetse (Comprehensions).

There's a whole new section for Asem, which includes summaries, questions, theme trackers and vocabulary.
Last but not least, a fabulous price special to welcome in our new features!

Individuals:

R50 per month per learner

R400 per year per learner

Schools:

R300 per year per learner

Please kindly note that our email addresses have changed. Please use the following details for all future correspondence:
Ilse Dippenaar: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kim Reed: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inky Daly: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For more information, please Call Inky on 076 832 9907 .

News supplied by UP.Ed

Looking for a one-of-a-kind venue for your 2020 wedding? Choose Mendola Luxury Events Venue and Accomodation.

 

Situated in the picturesque village of Hilton at the gateway to the KZN Midlands, this stunning venue has been lovingly transformed into the perfect setting for your special day.

 

Get in touch on 0333435406 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. would love to make it magical.

 

News supplied by Mendola Luxury Events Venue and Accomodation.

Laddsworth Primary School is a 116-year-old primary school,  offering value-driven, quality education to its community. It is set in the heart of Hilton, catering for boys and girls from Grade one to seven.

 

The pupils study and play in a bright, vibrant and happy environment in tranquil and healthy country surroundings. Laddsworth actively promotes the following values: loyalty, honesty, self-discipline, sincerity, courage and respect.

 

RSVP to Mrs Jager 033 343 3256 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

D3 Studio is an intriguing Decor and Decorating Studio - offering beautiful and unique gifts to hand picked items for your home.

 

D3 Studio Summers on Sale.

 

30% off on furniture, mirrors, carpets, pictures and clocks to 40% off on other stock - while stocks last!

 

News supplied by D3 Studio.

Exercise is a vital part of any pet’s daily routine – it keeps them slim, fit and healthy.

 

Taking your dog for a walk is a great way to end your work day and give Fido the attention he wants.

 

Just as you will get bored with the same route everyday so will your pet. Let your dog experience a variety of environments, from sidewalks to dirt roads.

 

This will provide both of you with some stress relief and mental stimulation.

 

Have your pet checked by the vet before starting an active new exercise routine.

 

News supplied by Hilton Vet Hospital.

HALF PRICE SALE time at TANGLEWOOD NURSERY!

 

Our not to be missed sale weekend starts this Friday, 24th, until Sunday, 26th January 2020, from 9am to 4pm daily!

 

Genuinely half price on all our plants (unless marked otherwise).

 

News supplied by Tanglewood Nursery.

 

Please note the new cover charge.

9pm - The Lion & The Bear & the Panther

Formerly known as AVADE, the three members - Ross Meintjies, Brendon Meintjies and Ruben Thomas, now perform under the moniker The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. With the popularity and reasonable success of Ross and Ruben’s acoustic duo The Lion & The Bear, it made sense to add Brendon (aka The Panther) to the fray for certain shows. AVADE is just a name, as is The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. The energy, the passion, the music, the three humans involved... is the same. Energy, passion, power and joy. That was AVADE, and THIS is The Lion, The Bear & The Panther. Join us at the incredible MiTH on 22nd Jan for a very special night!

8pm - The Zambucks (formerly known as Kodiak Music)

This reformed four-piece band still features David Adrian Rossouw on lead vocals and Rudi Engelbrecht on drums, now with Gareth Barry on lead guitar and Richard Pratt on bass - playing a variety of memorable music from the sixties to the nineties. They'll get you going for sure!

7pm - Lulu Lund

Lulu Lund is a singer-song writer from Hilton village. With a folky acoustic style she grew up surrounded by the sounds of Clapton, Fleetwood Mac & Dylan. Having grown up singing, she picked up the guitar in her early twenties and then moved to London playing in pubs and performing at weddings & events. She has recently moved back to South Africa after six 6 years abroad and will continue with her passion of music.

ABOUT MiTH:
Arguably the KZN Midlands' best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH:
Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.

 

Pictured above: The Lion, The Bear and The Panther.

 

News supplied by MiTH.

The Hilton Station was first built n the late 1800’s and now Station Stop has revived the building to it’s original authentic self.

 

The coffee shop and museum house a myriad of wonderful relics from time past as well as serving truly delicious coffee, muffins and toasted sarmies on ciabatta and sourdough.

Tons of old trains for children to play and imagine on, as well as lots of comfy seating in a peaceful and safe environment for parents and grandparents to relax and enjoy.

The revival of the train station is adding exceptional value to Hilton, as well as keeping it neat and tidy and discouraging a bad element.

Those in the know at the Hilton Station are looking at developing a sustainable income and putting ideas into action that appeal to the community.

 

There are plans for a play area for little people and perhaps a putt-putt course which would be wonderful entertainment for Hilton children and visitors alike.

As with any community project, there are always costs involved and a need for plenty of maintenance, restoration, and maintenance equipment (eg lawn mowers and parts etc).

If any community members would like to get involved in helping to restore the trains and surrounding buildings, pop into Station Stop Coffee Shop, order a coffee, become lost in a moment and chat about how you can help.

 

Photo credit to Kevin Trench.

 

News supplied.

Alma Flamenca Dance Company offers Spanish and Flamenco dance classes in Hilton at the Quarry Health and Fitness Club.

 

This is a great class for children to learn the foundations of flamenco dance and music while promoting confidence and focus.

Beginners to professionals welcome.

Exams, Cabarets, Corporate events and Shows.

Classes are also held at The Wykeham Collegiate.

 

News supplied by Alma Flamenca.

Going back to school should be an exciting time for all families .This year, we want to make it even more fun for one lucky family who will win R6,000 towards their school fees.

To enter, simply write your name and contact number on the back of your till slip (from any of the stores at The Quarry Centre) and drop it into one of the five voting boxes located around the centre.

Entries close 31 January 2020. T&C's apply.

 

News supplied by The Quarry Centre.