Herewith is a letter Debbie Preston of Knight Security Solutions received from Frans Labuschagne, the Operations Assistant at Knight Security Solutions (KSS). Debbie says, 'I would like to share his experience of SA CAN and KSS with the community as it optimizes what we at KSS are aiming to achieve in the Midlands community – that being unrivalled security and emergency support for any eventuality.'

"On the afternoon of the 28th July 2014 I started getting some pains on my chest, but I thought that maybe it was my stomach or indigestion, so I took some medication that I have at home. By the morning of the 29th July 2014 I still had this constant pain but only every now and again it got worse - like a crushing pain or like something pushing hard on my chest. By the evening of the 29th July 2014 I was really concerned and got a slight cramp in my jaw and neck. Being a heart patient for a few years, I was now really concerned. I started shivering a lot; maybe from shock, I'm not sure. I wanted to drive to Northdale Hospital but was concerned that I might not reach the Hospital safely. I didn't know what to do. Fortunately I had joined SA CAN two months ago, so I pressed my AAA emergency speed dial # 5 on my phone for the SA CAN emergency controller.

A few seconds later I received a call from Brian Jones at SA CAN asking me if everything was alright as he had received my emergency call. I told him about my problem and he said he would send the emergency services right away. Brian phoned me a few times just to keep me relaxed and to see if I was doing ok. About 5 minutes later a Knight Security Solutions vehicle stopped at my house and the response officer, Jaco Ronquest came in to see me. He assured me everything would be fine and that I must try to relax. Soon after that Gary Preston and the ER24 ambulance and Advanced Life Support (ALS) arrived at my house. The paramedics quickly took charge of the situation and I must say that I felt very safe and comfortable in their hands. It wasn't long before they had me stabilized, on the stretcher and into the ambulance to transfer me to Northdale. Gary and Jaco assisted by keeping my fiancé calm and that was a huge reassurance for me knowing that she would be looked after even when I was not there.

On my way down to the hospital the ER24 paramedics kept on checking my vital signs and assuring me that everything would be fine. All the hospital staff at Northdale were so helpful and immediately got to task by sorting me out getting all the blood tests done and doing an ECG. The service I received from the Northdale Hospital staff, ER24 staff and Knight Security Solutions staff was phenomenal.

I can only say a big THANK YOU to all involved. I believe that SA CAN is the greatest organization out there and I would advise everyone to join them. You never know when it could happen to you.

With Regards

Frans Labuschagne"

The last Hilton Garden Club outing was to "The Gates" - just outside the gates of Hilton College - where Gordon Stuart gave us a talk on the garden he is currently landscaping at one of the houses. Although the garden is obviously very new and dry and brown, it was interesting to have Gordon talk us through the design of the garden and his choice of plants.

The next Hilton Garden Club meeting will be on Tuesday, 19 August when we will visit gardens in Ashburton. The final choice has still to be arranged, but people interested in joining us should meet at the Hilton Town Board offices at 8.30 a.m. to share lifts and receive directions to the venue. Jenny Hoepfl is the convenor and can be contacted on (033) 343-4119.

Cowan House Grade 7 boys and girls recently enjoyed an adventure in Botswana during the July holidays.

Photo supplied by Cowan House.

St Anne's were invited to participate at the ATKV Applous Finals in Pretoria on 31 July and were entered in the Non-Afrikaans Mother Tongue Category. They exceeded all expectations when they were announced Best Choir Overall at the end of the evening. First time entrants to the competition, this young choir is set to do great things for St Anne's Music. They performed with spirit and passion at the prestigious ZK Matthews Auditorium and received a host of awards including Gold, the Best Girls' Choir, Best Prescribed Work and the coveted Best Choir Overall on the night.

Pictured here the Choir celebrates their win on their return to St Anne's.

One of Pietermaritzburg's well preserved historically significant buildings, Macrorie House Museum, brought history to life for a class of Grade Three Laddsworth Primary School pupils this week.
Callum Pollard said, "My favourite room is the haunted parlour, even though it is not haunted."
Other favourite sightings were the whale tooth, the 'uncomfortable' bicycle and the plastic dust covers on the beds. Roxanne Thomas, the museum curator was a hit with the girls who were fascinated with her Victorian outfit.

Pictured here L-R back Tori Fuller, Cleo Daly, Roxanne Thomas curator at Macrorie House, Anna Hobden, Ruth Bromley, Megan Brown, Andiswe Ngcobo and Monika Grobbelaar.

Pictured below L-R front Amy Kelman, Cara Upton, Hayley Burgess lying down Rachel Wheeler.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Hilton's Community Police Forum have shared the following safety tips for cyclists:
• Always try and ride in groups, even if commuting to and from work
• Always try and use areas that are well lit and remain away from remote, secluded and known high risk areas
• Be aware of where you are and aware of escape routes and assistance options such as nearby garages, security guards or even residential properties to ask assistance of
• Always let someone know your general route and general times of departure and arrival
• Always make use of headlights and taillights, a wise option even during daylight
• Try not to carry unnecessary cash and other items such as jewellery that may make you a target
• Always carry some identification on you such as a CSA License / Club card, medical aid card or the like
• Ensure that you bicycle is in best condition possible to avoid unnecessary stops

Supplied by Hilton Community Police Forum

The 2014 Howick Highlander event takes place on the 24th August 2014 at the Karkloof Farmers Market.

HERITAGE
The Aim of Cubs & Scouts is to encourage the spiritual, mental, social and physical development of boys, girls and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

1st Howick Cubs & Scouts strives to fulfil this using funds generated by hosting the Annual Howick Highlander Adventure weekend. The event has grown from its humble beginnings 19 years ago to a family orientated adventure day with over 800 entrants.

The purpose of the event has always been to promote outdoor activities while also raising funds for the local Cub & Scout Troop.

The success of the event in the past number of years has allowed 1st Howick Cubs & Scouts to make a meaningful contribution to the less privileged youth in their community with financial support for and interaction with the Kazimula orphanage.

ABOUT THE EVENT

MORE THAN A MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE...

THE RACE PHILOSOPHY
MTN bike events have become expensive. As Cubs & Scouts, we believe in family orientated outdoor activities. Our vision is to present a community focused outdoor event that the whole family can enjoy and afford. We have therefore cut out all extra's in a bid to provide you and your family with a fun filled day of cycling without the cost.

TIMING AND CSA LICENCES
This event is not intended to be a race. If you would like to know your finishing time - bring a watch! As this is an untimed event, there will be no CSA licence fees payable.
NOTE: Other than a good day's fun for you and your family, riding this event does not qualify you for anything - CSA or otherwise.

TRAIL RUNS
The trail runs will be run along similar routes this year through Umgeni Valley nature reserve. There will be water tables on all the routes, but it is advisable to carry your own water. The start times are early enough to allow you to participate in both the run and cycle events - if you are that brave. Otherwise bring your loot - there will be pancakes on sale!

• 7:00am 20 km R80
• 7:05am 10 km R70
• 7:10am 5 km R40

CYCLE RIDES
The routes are substantially the same this year. Riders will be able to enjoy a much more sociable ride along dirt roads and jeep track in the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve and Everdon Estate - places that you cannot normally ride with the most stunning views! There will be no road crossings to worry about, and the routes will not be technical in nature (except for the 20km extreme) - no excuses Mom!

For those wanting a tough technical ride, try the 20km extreme which follows the 20km trail run route down into the Umgeni Valley. Beware it's a long hard ride out of there!

• 8:30am 40km R140
• 8:40am 20km & 20km extreme R100
• 8:50am 10km R80
• 9:00am 2km R30

HALFWAY LOUNGE
We have a relaxing halfway lounge for you to rest your weary legs and take in the spectacular view of the Umgeni Valley!

FOOD STALLS
Come and enjoy a cup of coffee from Marley Coffee with a fresh muffin from Miss Muffin to get you going, delicious pancakes made and served by our Cubs and Scouts, or enjoy a burger or egg and bacon roll served by the Lions.

SPONSORSHIP
An event of this nature will not be possible without sponsorships. There will be lucky draw prizes up for grabs after your run or ride including a raffle prize of a 29' Pinnacle Bike, so don't forget your raffle money on the day!

VENUE
The Howick Highlander will be held in Howick at the Karkloof Farmers Market.

The venue, at the Karkloof Farmers Market, 2km outside Howick on the Karkloof Rd, allows ample parking space and place for families to chill. Adding to the traditional hospitality and planning of the Howick Scouts and Cubs, the covered facilities make this a great venue for a great event. In the traditions of previous Highlander races, the routes are just part of the fun, with plenty of refreshments and hunger busters after the ride!

To assist in putting together a ride of this nature; Wessa, Hans Merensky's Everdon Estate and private landowners, have graciously opened their land for the enjoyment of mountain bikers. It is indeed a privilege to be able to mountain bike in the Midlands.

ENTRIES
Entries can made through ROAG: www.roag.co.za

CONTACT
For further information visit our web page: www.howickhighlander.co.za

Alternatively contact Cub Master: Kim Burnie on 082 572 5050

Laddsworth are proud to announce that Tyler Francis has been awarded a Hockey Scholarship to Maritzburg College for 2015. Tyler recently represented the KZN Inland U14 C team at an inter-provincial tournament where he was the highest goal scorer, scoring four goals.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

During their July vacation siblings from Laddsworth Primary School, Demi and Jordan Edwards participated in a Horse Show where they were rewarded for a variety of achievements. Demi earned five rosettes for; 2nd place in Best Rider category, 3rd place in Dressage, 3rd place in Activity, 4th for the Pole on the ground event and 5th for Jumping. Jordan who is in Grade two won six rosettes for coming 1st in Best Rider and Activity, 2nd in Dressage and Pole on the ground, 5th in Jumping and he received the Victor Ludorum.

Pictured L-R: Jordan Edwards and Demi Edwards.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Three Laddsworth Primary School old girls were selected to play in the Midlands U14 district soccer team. They participated in a festival this weekend and their team won all three of the matches they competed in. We wish them luck in the upcoming selections for the KZN provincial team.

Pictured L-R Bianca Santoro, Erin Ambler and Kirsten Fuller.

Photo by Pippa Fuller.

The theme at Hilton Pre-Primary at present is 'People Who Help Us' and they have had the ambulance service and fire department visit their school recently.

Imagine the middle of a bitter Midlands winter... freezing mornings melting into sunny days. Imagine sixteen learners, bravely facing the icy cold early every day while their holidaying peers sleep in. Imagine eighteen dedicated teachers, all highly specialised in their subjects, making the trip every morning to St Anne's College to groom eager young minds for their trial and final year examinations. Imagine hard work, laughter, and light bulbs turning on – all in the name of Education and its trusty side kick, Preparation. Can you imagine all these things? Well if you can, then you're imagining the successful Winter Revision School which ASP Tutoring recently held over the July holidays.

With learner feedback of new tricks learnt, one-on-one assistance from encouraging and engaging tutors, as well as a feeling of ease and comfort within the classroom, we can safely proclaim the Winter Revision School a must for all learners who may be struggling with a particular subject or concept in the curriculum. Science, Maths, History, Geography, English, Afrikaans, Life Science and isiZulu were some of the subjects on offer, with Maths and Science being the highest attended. As you can see, classes were kept small and learners were given individual attention by the tutors, which as grade eleven learner, Siphesihle explains, made "it is easier to concentrate fully and absorb lessons a lot faster." All in all, the week was thoroughly enjoyed by both tutors and learners alike, with the end result being learners confident in their ability to tackle the forthcoming exams in the second half of this year.

More about ASP Tutoring.

I love words. I use them constantly. I'm in awe of their power and influence. I also love gleaning and collecting all sorts of interesting facts, ideas and opinions from all sorts of sources. I file them knowing there'll be an opportunity to use or share them, either in conversations, lectures, workshops or in writing. As I sat in Cape Town this week waiting to pitch a proposal, wondering whether I'd be successful, I suddenly remembered I had "Stumbled Upon" a list of the108 Most persuasive words in the English Language back in 2013! I was pleased to see I regularly use a good number of them across all my activities and work. So I'll give you my word list. And I'll tell you later if my words managed to persuade my audience!

Achieve Act Adopt Align Analyse Apply Ask Assess Bridge Build Change Choose Clarify Collaborate Communicate Connect Contribute Create Decide Define Deliver Design Develop Diagnose Engage Ensure Ethical Explore Evaluate Establish Find Focus Foresee Gather Generate Goals Identify Implement Improve Inspire Lead Learn Leverage Manage Measure Motivate Performance Prepare Position Plan Research Respond Scan Share Solve Simplify Skills Sustain Train Transform Understand Use Values Win.

Written by Desiray Viney of REAL Communication Consulting.

Midlands braces for biggest field in 8yr history!

Race date: 30th November 2014 - Midmar Dam

The KZN Midlands is bracing itself for the biggest field in the Midlands Ultra Triathlon since its inception in 2009 says race director Damian Bradley from B-Active Sports. "Entries from all over South Africa and internationally have been flooding in since April this year and at this point we have far exceeded our past race entries. The Midlands Ultra, KZN's most popular triathlon which takes place on the 30th of November has an entry cap of 1000 competitors and is known as one of the premier Triathlons in the country"

The Midlands Ultra has gone from strength to strength since its first race at Midmar Dam in 2009. In March this year it was again selected to host to the South African Long Course Triathlon Championships, making it the selection event for ITU World Long Course Triathlon Championships. It is the 3rd time in 7 years that the Midlands Ultra Triathlon has been awarded this prestigious Title. World ITU Long Course Triathlon Championships is being held in Weihai in China in September and Triathlon South Africa is sending a strong team to represent our growing triathlon community in SA. The March Midlands Ultra attracted a strong field of Athletes from the Cape to Cairo, who came to battle it out on the beautiful Midlands course. We have seen that the top athletes are coming to do battle again in November, which lends credibility to the status of the event " Says Damian Bradley. " To ensure that all our competitors have a great event, we have capped entries to 1000 athletes, so that we can give our athletes an amazing ULTRA experience with no chance of overcrowding on the race routes"

On the international stage, our overseas Triathlon field gets stronger each year, with over 32 international athletes attending the March race coming from Dubai, United Kingdom, United States and Germany.

"Past winners of the Ultra include James Cunnama, Kent Horner, Stuart Marias, Donovan Van Gelder, Gerhard De bruin , some of whom have already secured their place on the Ultra starting line. The Event has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 3 years by securing strategic partnerships with Old Mutual, ORCA, Saucony and GU Energy. These partnerships have allowed us to focus on giving our Ultra Athletes what they want, One of the best loved triathlons in South Africa" Says Race Director Damian Bradley.

Anyone looking to try something different should give the Midlands Ultra or Sprint race a go. The Event can be done in Teams and Individually and there is something for everyone. To book you place at one of SA's premier Triathlons, go to www.midlandsultra.com"

Pictured here Stuart Marias.

Diane Aldworth is Hilton's uncontested Queen of Herbs! Her wealth of herbal knowledge is vast and she is most willing to share it through her six month courses, herb club and cosmetic workshops.

'It doesn't matter how much or how little you know about herbs, Di offers a font of knowledge on anything & everything on the topic! We thoroughly enjoy being welcomed into her lovely home and come away having learnt far more than what is just the "subject" of the day. A totally enjoyable and "hands-on" class where we all get involved & learn along the way.' shared Phillipa Baines.

Lynette Labuschagne said, 'I have always enjoyed gardening and am also an avid reader. Books often refer to the use of herbs, throughout the ages, be it the Voortrekkers, San people or during Medieval times.

It's a more specific form of gardening and amazing the various uses herbs have, whether it is for culinary or for medicinal purposes.

It's an interesting subject (herbs) and course, as almost every plant can be used - even weeds . . .

I am thoroughly enjoying the course, from designing a herb garden, to making a recipe book and even a booklet (medicine chest) on the use of herbs for medicinal purposes.'

Des Yeoman added,' I joined the herb course as a complete novice with a slight interest in using herbs for cooking and improving ones overall health. Through Di's knowledge and eagerness to share I was soon drawn into a hobby of growing and using herbs in my everyday life. My slight interest has turned into a hobby that I enjoy immensely and the group of friends I have made have enriched my life.'

Sarah Stott said, 'I have been attending the Herbology @ home course for 3 months and am loving it, every time we come for our classes there is a new excitement amongst the learners. We have a lot of fun.'

'I attend Di's herb club and each and every time I go, she astounds me with her mine of information on herbs!! I always have a pen at the ready as tips, years of accumulated knowledge and guidance constantly rolls off her tongue!! She makes it fun and is such a dynamic lady. She has opened my eyes to the wonderful world of herbs and their uses and benefits. Anyone interested, will not walk away disappointed.' commented Linda Foster.

Pictured here identifying and gathering herbs are from left to right Des Yeoman, Dinae Watson and Di Aldworth.

To buy your herbal remedies from Di or contact her call +27 (0)82 808 1519.

When the Pietermaritzburg Children's Choir visited Riga, Latvia in July there were amongst them three songbirds from Laddsworth Primary School's choir: Anja Dippenaar, Airen de la Mare and Tiana Nzimande. The choir sang in the 2014 World Choir Games which is the equivalent of the Olympics for choirs. 420 choirs from 52 countries competed and South Africa won the event.

These Laddsworth girls earned three Silver diploma's each, a jubilant result in a competition which included adult choirs. The girl's most memorable highlight from their trip was singing with the Kearsney College Choir outside McDonalds in Riga.

Kayleigh Szente, a Laddsworth old girl now in Grade 8 at Howick High also participated in the event.

Pictured below front L-R: Airen de la Mare and Taina Nzimande.
Back L-R: Anja Dippenaar and Gavin Lambooy, Headmaster of Laddsworth Primary School.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Laddsworth Primary Schools 1st XI participated in a festival at Hilton College and Michaelhouse on the 26th and 27th July 2014. They won six and drew two out of 12 games played against Westville Primary, Penryn College, Chelsea Preparatory, Penzance Primary, Winston Park Primary, Umhlanga College, Virginia Preparatory, St Benedict's Junior Preparatory, Lynford and Western Province Primary School.

Pictured front L-R: Tyler Francis, Scott Butler, Tyran Watson, Bryce Baldry and Brandon Merrington.
Back L-R: Liam Wedge, BroganTedder, Menzi Dhlodhlo, William Hodgkinson, James Muggleton, Samkelo Mlaba, Waa Ndlovu and Michael Nielsen.

News supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

Brian Jones, CEO of SA CAN Community Action Network and Debbie Preston, a partner in Knight Security Solutions shared some insight to ways of working together for a safer South Africa with Laddsworth Primary School staff. Recognising the vital support role which teachers play in ensuring children are as safe as possible in any emergency situation, SA CAN listed all Laddsworth staff as subscribers at no cost to themselves. The next SA CAN public presentation will take place at Grace College in Hilton.Catch Brian Jones at Grace College on the 6th August at 6.00pm!

Pictured here L-R Gavin Lambooy, Laddsworth Headmaster, Debbie Preston and Brian Jones.