Even if you don't wear glasses:
It can help with early detection of chronic diseases, such as diabetes.
It can reveal eye diseases that may be symptom-free, helping avoid vision loss.
Your vision might not be as clear as you think it is, even if your vision isn't blurry. An eye exam may reveal you need glasses.

So don't put it off, schedule an eye exam today.

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗙𝗢𝗖𝗨𝗦!

To book your appointment, call 033 343 0881‬ or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

More about John Meyer Optometrist

An invitation from the newly opened La Rose Driving Range. 'Come and JOIN IN THE FUN this Saturday the 4th June 13:00PM at Hilton’s next best hangout: La Rose Driving Range.

We have a fun GRAND OPENING and fundraiser for Project Rhino. How are we raising funds? With a competition of course!

FOUR categories, you can enter them individually or tackle all four!

THREE WINNERS in EACH category and 30% of ALL entries will be going to Project Rhino in support of Lauren Culverwell’s 8 mile ocean swim!

 

We have some AWESOME prizes from Amazing sponsors!
- La rose driving range
- SRIXON, how does some Z’stars sound or some awesome new golf caps
- Custom apparel funky golf shirts and socks 

- Complimentary golf (Maritzburg Golf Club, Noodsburg Country Club and a couple more being finalised)
- Some goodies from our Michelle at Harcourts
- And much much more!

 

Did we mention that there will be LIVE music thank you Martin on the sticks for coming onboard to bring the Good Vibes!

 

Country Co thank you for your caravan! We are so grateful to have you there: we’ll be serving various booze and cool drinks.

 

Bring a picnic basket, your chairs and blankets BUT there will be some wors rolls and sale and a veg curry for anyone that prefers!

 

REGISTRATION for the categories will happen between 13:00-14:00 under the Harcourts gazebo and the Comp will kick off at 14:00PM Sharp!

 

There will be a jumping castle for kids!

 

Please come and join us! We cannot wait to meet and mingle with you In the beautiful open air with gorgeous views!

 

If you can help us please take the time to LET US KNOW if you keen by marking Going on the event or even interested just for catering purposes L: https://fb.me/e/1X6u1O9G4' 

 

More about La Rose Driving Range on the D494 in Hilton, KZN Midlands.

Amber Glades is offering an exclusive, limited offer, rental option.

 

Amber Glades offers a choice of three different apartment types for rent, enabling you to choose the home that best suits you. Apartments offer quality, high-end finishes and special features throughout, ensuring safe, comfortable and hassle-free living.

 

You can find Amber Glades on Karkloof Road, 5 minutes away from the centre of Howick. Contact Michele on (078) 868 4736 for more information.

 

Don't miss out, enquire today.

Earlier this month, a team from WILDOCEANS, a programme of the WILDTRUST, had members of the public on the Durban beachfront shivering in their slops after they were asked to come face to face with the world’s most dangerous predator – which was in a mysterious tank covered in black cloth.

 

WILDOCEANS is the driving force behind the “Shark & Ray Protection project” – a 3-year project being implemented together with multiple partners with an overarching objective of increasing protection for sharks and rays, which include some of the most endangered species on the planet – arguably even more than rhino and pangolin.

 

The Shark Attack campaign is underwriting this project and has become known as a clever, edgy and relatable way to educate the public on this species with such a bad reputation; showing sharks as the hunted and not the hunter we have been led to believe.

 

As the team approached people on the beachfront, reactions were mixed, and while some were hesitant to see what was in the tank, others curiously followed onto the sand to eventually sit down in front of the display. When seated and asked to guess what could be in the tank, responses included a python, an escaped crocodile from Tongaat and even plastic. “Plastic is going to kill us one day,” commented one of the participants.

 

Anxiously waiting for the WILDOCEANS team to lift the black cloth a father and son duo argued over who should sit closest to the display. Later, two cousins jumped up and fell off the chair as the cloth was lifted. So, what did they see?

 

The mysterious tank housed two shark shaped mirrors, revealing the most dangerous predator on the planet… humans.

 

Emotions ranged from confusion, relief and finally acceptance that humans are far more dangerous than sharks themselves. Humans are responsible for killing approximately 100 million sharks globally due to a combination of bycatch, fisheries, pollution, trade, loss of critical habitat and negative perceptions linked to sharks.

 

“There is strong scientific evidence proving how important our sharks are in balancing our ocean ecosystem,” said Dr Jennifer Olbers, a Marine Scientist at WILDTRUST. “Surely, we as humans entering the ocean should be modifying our behaviour to protect them rather than trying to eradicate them.”

 

South Africa is in a unique position to spearhead efforts in the conservation of sharks, as our waters are home to around 200 shark and ray species and are a top 3 global biodiversity hotspot. South Africa can provide sanctuary for the species if we can successfully promote non-consumptive and sustainable use.

 

“The sea is not the same without the shark,” shared a concerned citizen. “People can do better; people can choose to do better.”

 

“We hope our activation helped inform some of the Durban public about the plight of shark (and ray) species, as well as help shift negative perceptions about the species and informed future behaviour,” said Campaign Lead, Lauren van Nijkerk. “An ocean without sharks is an unbalanced, unhealthy ocean – and an unhealthy ocean means we will ultimately face a world without us.”

 

WATCH: https://www.facebook.com/SharkAttackCampaign/videos/547916020318093

 

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT – Mnqobi Zuma

 

Supplied.

'Starting this June we are delighted to welcome our senior citizens to enjoy a 20% discount on all purchases including compost and chicken manure. EVERY THURSDAY!' shared Tanglewood Nursery.

Pieter Coetzé ensured South Africa continued their gold rush at the Mare Nostrum swimming series on Saturday – claiming two victories on the opening night of the final leg in Canet, France.

 

The 18-year-old, who collected two silvers and a bronze at the previous leg in Barcelona, kicked things off with a gold in the 50m backstroke – outgunning American Michael Andrew to win in an impressive meet record time of 24.75 seconds. Andrew took the silver in 24.79.

 

Not long after, Coetzé was back in the pool for the 200m backstroke where he roared back in the second half of the race to secure the gold in a time of 1:58.27. Britain’s Olympic bronze medallist Luke Greenbank had to settle for silver in 1:58.88.

 

“The 200 was awesome,” said a thrilled Coetzé afterwards. To be honest I didn’t really know if I was going to get the win at the last turn, but things worked out well and I was able to get a good, fast last 50 to get the win so that was good – especially in such a strong field,” he added.

 

“Coming into it I knew it was going to take a good one to win it so I’m very happy to get that win. Also the 50 was awesome to win – and to get the meet record was great and to race all these guys. It’s awesome to be here and it’s been a big learning experience.”

 

Meanwhile, Matt Sates claimed his eighth gold medal of the week – this time in the 400m individual medley. The Maritzburg teenager continued his clean sweep of golds secured in every event he’s swum at the Mare Nostrum series so far by taking the title in 4:13.05 – well ahead of second-placed Hungarian David Verraszto who took the silver in 4:15.30.

 

After missing out on the medals in Barcelona in midweek, veteran Chad le Clos made sure to reach the podium in Canet. The 30-year-old claimed bronze in the 100m butterfly, finishing in a time of 52.14 seconds. Japan’s Naoki Mizunuma took the gold in 51.42, with Switzerland’s Noe Ponti finishing second in 51.83.

 

The Mare Nostrum series concludes with one final day of racing in Canet on Sunday, 29 May.

 

Supplied.

'What an honour to have Hussein Salim paint outside the oldest original business in Hilton. Kubela Stores is an absolute icon and it deserves to be celebrated. Mrs Cohen and Popeye have been part of the fabric of our town for 44 years and this feels like a pretty groovy thank you to them.' shared BoomTown. 

Matt Sates found himself in a familiar position on top of the podium after claiming another gold medal on the second night of racing at the second leg of the Mare Nostrum series in Barcelona on Thursday.

 

The 18-year-old South African claimed two golds on Wednesday night and added a third in the 200m individual medley in Spain.

 

Sates finished over a body-length ahead of the chasing pack, reaching the finish in 1:58.31 with Switzerland’s Jeremy Desplanches second in 2:00.30 and Italian Alberto Razzetti third in 2:00.41.

 

Fellow teenager Pieter Coetzé claimed two silver medals on Thursday. He finished second in the 50m backstroke in 24.78 seconds with American Michael Andrew taking gold in 24.64.

 

The Pretoria swimmer then finished second in the 200m backstroke in 1:57.85 with Britain’s Luke Greenbank taking the title in 1:56.88.

 

Also taking silver on Thursday was budding breaststroker Lara van Niekerk. Having dipped under the 30-second mark with a meeting record at the opening leg of the series in Monaco last weekend, the 19-year-old from Pretoria finished second in the 50m breaststroke in 30.35, with Germany’s Anna Elendt taking gold in 30.10.

 

“I’m super-happy about my silver medal tonight,” she said afterwards. “I’ve definitely learnt a lot about the 50, some mistakes that I made – so next time I can work on those mistakes to fix them but overall it was just so much fun.”

 

Van Niekerk was particularly pleased with the result after missing out on the A final in the 100m breaststroke a day earlier.

 

“Not having the best 100m yesterday, to be able to come back and have a good 50 was really a good experience – and nice to know that one day can go badly and then the next day can be totally different and go super-well, so I’m really happy.”

 

Meanwhile, veteran Chad le Clos just missed out on a podium spot in the 200m butterfly. The 30-year-old former Olympic champion led the race early on but ran out of steam to finish fourth in 1:56.38.

 

Hungary’s Olympic champion Kristof Milak took the title in a meeting record of 1:53.89 with Switzerland’s Noe Ponti second in 1:56.03 and Brazilian Leonardo De Deus third in 1:56.18 - .2 of a second ahead of Le Clos.

 

Racing continues at the third and final leg of the Mare Nostrum series in Canet, France this weekend, from 28-29 May.

 

Supplied.

This month we have some extra kombucha vinegar (raw kombucha - without any flavourants) benefits we have been trying at home and confident to share . Did you know that when you have an ear infection or a blocked ear, you can put a few drops of kombucha vinegar in your ear and its helps heal it, my ear was blocked for 2 weeks so I put kombucha vinegar in my ear and within 24 hrs my ear was open again. Another great use is for your hair, if you are battling with hair loss, damaged hair or just want to thicken your hair put some kombucha vinegar in after washing your hair.Kombucha vinegar is also a great alternative for vinegar used in the kitchen. Due to these additional benefits we will be selling kombucha vinegar. Contact us to place an order, details below.

EXPRESS NOT SUPPRESS
This month we will be focusing on the throat chakra, or vishuddha chakra in Sanskrit, is located at the center of the neck. It acts as the individual’s force of expression and individual truth, both internally and externally. A balanced throat chakra helps to set us free from the fear of judgement or need for approval from others. This chakra helps us to embrace our originality and unique individual experiences in the world. It is also associated with purity, thus connecting it to the concept of truth.

A throat chakra which is out of alignment can lead to a variety of issues throughout the body, mind, and emotions. For one thing, ailments like laryngitis, hoarseness, sore throats, tension and pain in the neck, shoulders, or jaw, difficulties within the thyroid, lymph system, or pituitary gland, and problems with the teeth, gums, nose, ears, lower sinuses or upper respiratory system could arise if the throat chakra is blocked (again I’m not a doctor and cannot replace one, these are just possibilities).

Emotionally, one might feel shy, insecure, or socially anxious around others, choose not to speak at all, or be unable to express oneself. Conversely, one might dominate conversations, complain excessively, gossip, speak aggressively or without thinking, not allow others to express themselves, or have the need to always be right.

To help unblock this Chakra try the following:
Drink BMS Biotics kombucha in the following flavours:
Lemongrass and ginger
Lemongrass and lemon
Blueberry apple
Blueberry apple mint

Further suggestions to enhance expression with loving kindness:
Surrounded yourself with light blue colors or visualise them.
Practice meditation breathing, humming and yoga pose.
Soothe the neck with a gentle massage
Sleep with or wear blue colored crystals or stones
If you have an opportunity to roar, scream or shout out in the open where no one will be alarmed of course, then do so.

We wish everyone a beautiful, expressive month ahead and look forward to hearing from you.

Please note BMS Biotics homemade kombucha can be found at Dovehouse Howick and Biltong Barn Hilton. You can also find us at the Karkloof farmers market every Saturday morning.

Note that at time of publishing the Kombucha Vinegar is R20 per 750ml bottle.

To order directly from us:

WhatsApp Terry ‪0741661710‬/ Brendon ‪0678613310‬

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

Find us on Facebook BMS Biotics, body, mind and soul homemade kombucha.

More about BMS Biotics Homemade Kombucha

 

'A big shout out to the local artists and Hilton community, thank you for painting our town brighter.

Recently, the Grade 12 art students took a morning walk to the BOOMTOWN Public Art Festival at Gallery ZAZA and experienced the ideas of indoor and outdoor art. The artists-in-residency engaged with our girls and shared their narrated stories of each mural in the hope of shining a light on contemporary life.

An exciting morning out for our Grade 12 artists and our Head of Visual Art, Mrs Ayanda Siwila.' shared St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton, KZN Midlands.

Thank you to those that have donated to the UCSI. Your donations ensure that UCSI continues to share information with Law enforcement and Security companies. Keeping the uMngeni community safe.

Some special Thank you’s:

To Dynalogic Computers Howick (033 330 3005); Thank you for the donation of 20 memory cards. This will ensure we can look at history information from many of our cameras.

To CMH Nissan PMB (033 897 7400); Thank you for servicing the UCSI bakkie.

To Stock Owners Office park; Thank you for the office space giving me space to work and receive visitors.

To Knight Security (033 330 5911); Thank you for manning of the Ops room of UCSI information and servicing of the Gantries. The costs involved are only partially covered by UCSI, Thank you for your contributions to UCSI and the community of Umngeni.

 

A little bit of action on the cameras in May

01-May
Merrivale
A vehicle was seen in Merrivale area, parked suspiciously. Patrollers requested checks. I checked cameras for history movement. Seems that vehicle only moved in darkness. A vehicle check found that vehicle is legit to description. Possible legitimate visitor getting lost.

02-May
Hilton
AET Member requested a vehicle check on a parked vehicle. I did a history check and found that the vehicle had traveled out of Hilton via Rotunda and returned with passengers. Hilton SAPS member stopped and spoke to the driver. They had run out of fuel.

03 May
Mpophomeni
A Quantum vehicle was hijacked. I did a camera search for the vehicle and for any suspect vehicles following. A possible suspect vehicle from out of area was found and loaded to snipr for monitoring.

5 May
Howick and PMB
Both Mediclinic PMB and Lenmed Howick private hospital had attempted vehicle thefts. Unfortunately, no proper info on the suspect vehicles.

06 May
Hilton
A vehicle acting suspicious in Hilton area was checked and found to be a cloned vehicle. Reg plate loaded to snipr for stop and query.

08 May
Karkloof
On going investigation of poaching incident. No further details

08-May
PMB to Hilton
A Hilton CIB resident request a vehicle check for a possible attempted hijacking. I managed to find the suspect vehicle but no cas# so no further action available.

10-May
Pmb to Mpophomeni.
A report was received by UCSI via a FB post that some boxes, after falling off a vehicle, were picked up by a suspect vehicle that drove away from scene. I searched cameras for the reg plate and found that the vehicle had headed in the direction of Mpophomeni. The information was shared with Response group after which, the vehicle was eventually found and product returned.

11-May
Hilton
A stolen vehicle activated a camera which was found to be an old listing that was immediately removed from system.

14 and 15 May
Howick
A stolen vehicle in Howick; reported and found. On going investigation; no further details.

26-May
Howick
A stolen vehicle activated a camera in Howick. The Vehicle was stopped by a Magma member and taken to Howick saps. SAPS confirmed that vehicle was recovered but not removed off system.

27-May
Hilton
A suspect vehicle activated a camera in Hilton. A request made by Boston SAPS to obtain driver details. The vehicle was stopped by Magma Members and information shared to SAPS.

UCSI is not just about the cameras; It is the network we have grown, to share information as far as possible to make sure we get early warnings and to assist others to catch our problems when they leave our are.

Be safe and vigilant at all times. If something feels "off" report it to your local CPF group, Security or SAPs member, no matter how small.

You could be saving a life that you will never know about.

Are you an affiliated member of UCSI?
Do you know you have access to the operations desk for information about suspicious vehicles in your area?

Please contact Deon (details below) if you have not heard from the ops desk recently. I may have old information that needs to be updated.

How can you get involved?
Contact Deon from the UCSI by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp 063 068 9652 for more information on how to join and contribute.

You are welcome to donate monthly or once off yearly.

Affiliated members have access to ask for assistance in any reported crime involving a vehicle.

The UCSI will issue Section 18A certificates for CAPEX and OPEX donations of any amount.

Stay safe – we got this!

Yours sincerely
Deon Tegg Operations Manager
082 496 9208

The UCSI Board of Directors
Themba Ndulini (Chairperson), Krish Ramkuber and Terence James

This is it! Your fifth Newsy Tuesday for Hilton, KZN Midlands in May 2022. The highlights include; information from the Day/Nite Pharmacy that delivers, a look at BoomTown, Picnics at Where the Crows Nest, La Rose Driving Range OPEN Day AND the Alice in Wonderland booking link.

Subscribe to our newsletter and read the latest issue online here.

Have fun while you Love Local Real Hard!

Matt Sates completed an astounding clean sweep of golds in each of his events at the Mare Nostrum series in Europe by clinching victory in the 200m individual medley in Canet, France on Sunday night.

 

Having secured 400m individual medley gold on Saturday, the 18-year-old race to one more win on the final night of the event on Sunday.

 

Swimming in lane three, Sates stormed into the lead on the butterfly leg but dropped well back on the backstroke. He made up significant time on the breaststroke leg but was still second behind American Samuel Stewart at the final turn.

 

True to form, the Maritzburg star’s final 50m of freestyle saw him storming to the front and then winning by a body length.

 

Sates clinched the gold in 1:57.77 with Stewart second in 1:59.15 and Olympic bronze medallist Jeremy Desplanches third in 1:59.28. That brought his total of gold medals to nine from nine events.

 

“I was happy to go under 1:58 again so this is my third best time,” he said afterwards. “The Mare Nostrum tour is something my coach has always told me we would go to, and I’ve enjoyed it and learnt a lot.

 

“Racing swimmers at this level has been amazing although when you suddenly realise you are racing for big prize money, it does make you a bit nervous. But I’ve always been told to concentrate on the race and performance, so that’s worked for me,” added Sates, whose efforts saw him finishing third in the overall Mare Nostrum standings.

 

Earlier in the evening Lara van Niekerk also added to her significant medal haul, taking silver in the 50m breaststroke. The 19-year-old finished second in 30.25 behind Olympic 100m breaststroke champion Lydia Jacoby, who took the gold in 30.20.

 

Van Niekerk finished the series in second place overall in the women’s standings – with a spectacular meet record time of 29.90 seconds in the 50m breaststroke in Monaco among the highlights of her week.

 

Saturday’s double gold medallist Pieter Coetzé capped off his own successful week of racing with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke.

 

Japan’s Ryosuke Irie claimed the gold in a Mare Nostrum record time of 53.00 with Frenchman Yohann Ndoye-Brouard taking silver in 53.15 and Coetzé third in 53.84.

 

The next major assignment for South Africa’s swimmers will be the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary from 18-25 June.

 

“I think this is a perfect build up to Budapest and I hope I can continue with some best times there as well,” said Sates, whose coach Wayne Riddin expressed his excitement at what the future holds for these talented swimmers.

 

“I’m excited to be part of this young group of swimmers coming through with Matt, but having Pieter and Lara with us this time to now learn what this competition is all about shows what the future holds for us,” said Riddin.

 

“With the Olympics just two years away, I hope sponsors come forward to support these youngsters to prepare to win medals in Paris. We did well on this Mare Nostrum, now it’s the turn of the SA public to help these kids achieve realistic goals.”

 

Supplied.

ALL COVID-19 PROTOCOLS OBSERVED

INFO: 082 331 7271

ENTRANCE: R50.00 - Cash or Zapper at the Door

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

9pm: Ahimsa

Ahimsa is an instrumental, psychedelic three-piece band from KZN. The group is essentially an extension of guitarist, Ryno Theron's, solo music. He is joined by bass player, Warren Jones, who is also a bandmate of his in the locally and internationally successful Truth Decayed. The trio is rounded off with the talented drummer, Nathaniel Bruzas, from the amazing KZN duo The Name On The Drum. Their sound is mostly driven by the big ambient soundscapes experienced on Ryno Theron's critically acclaimed Howling Rush album, which has enjoyed airplay around different parts of the world, and which placed well on numerous charts too. Warren provides solid and explorative bass playing, while Nathaniel ties it all together with his eloquent, yet dynamic work behind the kit. This dreamy sound may remind you of the wonderful lengthy instrumental bursts from Pink Floyd, or even the ambitious works of Robert Fripp. Hopefully your experience will be a relaxing, yet entertaining one.

8pm: Paul Arthur

Born in Durban, KZN will always be home. The uplifting energy of home has been a constant inspiration for all his music. Experiencing other countries and folks, and noticing the ever-changing world over the past 10 years has given him more reason to create music relevant to the times we live in.
Paul will be backed by Sylvia Tempest on keyboards, Dave Oxborough on bass guitar, and Percy van Staden on drums.

7pm: St Charles Senior Primary Bands

Formed in 2021, the St Charles Grade 5, Grade 6, and Grade 7 Senior Primary bands will be rocking out at MiTH on the 1st of June. These bands are influenced by artists such as BTS, Michael Jackson, Queen, Imagine Dragons, and Bruno Mars. The boys are taught by Heather Skorpen, the HOD of music at St Charles College. MiTH is proud to be a playing a role in growing young talent.



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.

ART in the Country and the BoomTown Street Art Festival have collided in Hilton this weekend. Thank you to Kathy Jacob and Jono Hornby who, bouyed by their talented teams and incredile sponsors, have effectively positioned Hilton as a magnet for art enthusiasts and anyone looking to be inspired. Colour is powerful, combining art with time outdoors is an elixir.

 

You need to know the details;

ART in the Country

WHERE: Harrington House on the Hilton College Road

COST: R20 for Adults, R10 for pensioners, and FREE for children.

TIMES: 10 am to 8 pm on Saturday 28 May | 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday 29 May.

 

 

 

WHERE: Various sites between the Shell Garage and The Quarry Centre

 

COST: FREE thanks to the sponsorship received by local businesses and the Hilton Ratepayers Association. Local business is invited to get involved by offering sites to paint, materials and/or donations.

 

TIME: The art is in public spaces so you can view anytime, The walkthrough will commence today at 3.30 pm. Some of the artists will be available to talk about their works.

 

 

Pictured above: The Jackal and Hare scene in progress, you will find this artwork on the electricity building opposite the library and it will be the starting point of the audiovisual journey coming soon. We look forward to fun times ahead as this creative process unfolds and develops.

 

Pictured below: Keagan Dunn, a friend of Jono Hornby's since their student days at DUT who also travelled with Jono, painting walls in Berlin. Dunn is one of the fastest and most accurate artists you will ever meet. In one day of painting he achieved what you see below, we cannot wait to see the end result. 

Hundreds of art lovers walked down a red carpet at Harrington House last night to feast on art, food, song, and friendship. Hilton’s very first ART in the Country has opened to a dazzle of applause. Beautifully laid out with a vast stretch tent leading into the exhibitor’s area, day visitors will bask in the country views as they enjoy street food by Jackie Cameron, Pancakes by Hilton’s scouts, coffee, drinks and the delightful tones of multi-lingual singer Rene Tshikanyi.

It is incredibly satisfying to note that amongst the 45 artists showing their work at this prestigous event, our own KZN Midlands based artists make up the overwhelming majority.

Kathy Jacob, convenor of ART in the Country, together with sponsors including and not limited to; Harcourts Hilton, Land Rover, PnP The Avenues, Harrington House, Wedgewood Nougat and Romesco Olives, has realised a beautiful dream that will remain a gem in Hilton’s crown. While you can be assured that this occasion will happen each year, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the landmark first show this weekend.

COST: R20 for Adults, R10 for pensioners, and FREE for children.

TIMES: 10 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday 27 & 28 May | 9 am to 1 pm on Sunday 29 May.

Maritzburg teenager Matt Sates defeated an Olympic champion on his way to winning two more gold medals at the second leg of the Mare Nostrum swimming series in Barcelona on Wednesday.

 

The 18-year-old was once again in sensationally speedy form, claiming both 400m individual medley and 200m freestyle golds – both in personal best times.

 

Sates claimed the 400IM title in 4:11.58 – over a second faster than a few days ago in Monaco – finishing ahead of Hungarian David Verraszto (4:13.54) and Britain's Max Litchfield (4:16.21).

 

In doing so, he came within .36 of a second of Laszlo Cseh's meeting record set 14 years ago.

 

Sates was back in action in the 200m freestyle where he came up against Britain's Olympic champion Tom Dean, who had set a meeting record in the morning heats. Undaunted by the challenge, Sates's characteristic powerful finish saw him edging out the Tokyo gold medallist, finishing in an even quicker time of 1:45.91 – yet another meet record. Dean was second in 1:46.27 with Japan's Katsuhiro Matsumoto third in 1:46.46.

 

"I'm super-happy, coming from the four golds from the last leg – obviously I wanted to still try and carry on the momentum from that," said Sates afterwards. "I'm very happy to gain another two and keeping the streak going, especially racing people at such a high standard."

 

As for beating Dean in the 200m freestyle, Sates added: "Doing the 200 free later against the Olympic champion – I was super-happy to be in that race with him and to get the win. So I couldn't be happier with the momentum and how the race turned out. I'm now looking forward to tomorrow. I've got the 200IM – that will be my main race to focus on so hopefully that goes as well as the other ones."

 

Meanwhile, the other South African medallist on the night was fellow teenager Pieter Coetzé. Just like he did in Monaco four days ago, the Pretoria swimmer claimed a bronze in the 100m backstroke. The race was won by Italian Thomas Ceccon in 53.18 with Japan's Ryosuke Irie of Japan second in 53.46 and Coetzé finishing third in 53.72.

 

The event continues on Thursday with both Sates and Coetzé looking to add to their rapidly rising medal count. Sates left Monaco with four gold medals last weekend while Coetzé claimed two golds and a bronze.

 

Supplied.

Excitement is mounting as we prepare for the opening of the very first 'Harcourts Art in the Country' hosted at Harrington House. Three days showcasing works of some of South Africa's premier artists; street food by celebrated chef Jackie Cameron; live music by Rene Tshiakanye; bar facilities; coffee caravans; pancake stand. Friday 27th May to Sunday 29th May.

 

More about ART in the Country.