Winter is upon us and with comes an increase in respiratory infection, the vast majority of which are caused by various viruses. Most of these viruses cause head colds, sore throat and coughs. Generally they are not associated with significant fevers. There is usually a stuffy, runny nose, perhaps a sore throat. Generally the treatment is supportive - pain and fever medications, cough mixtures, throat lozenges/spray, nasal sprays etc. The risk of secondary bacterial infections is low (< 5%) in healthy children.

More sinister and worrying are the Influenza viruses (Type A & B) that cause far more significant respiratory illnesses - 'Flu'. The hallmarks of Influenza are the 'FACTS' of flu:
F = Fevers – typically high and associated with chills, shivering and even delirium and hallucinations.
A = Aches and pains- typically the whole body - muscles and joints. In children they often complain of a sore tummy or headache.
C = Cough - typically the illness starts in the chest with a dry cough, raspy, painful. In a cold it starts in the nose and moves down to the chest later.
T = Tiredness - this is usually significant and children are very lethargic.
S = Sudden onset within hours of being happy and well the temperatures appear.

The important differences between the two illnesses are these:
Influenza has a much higher rate of secondary infections (bacteria l - usually pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis, ear infections) and hospitalisations and may cause death!

Influenza is a viral infection that, unlike cold and other respiratory viruses, CAN BE KILLED! There is a safe and effective antiviral medication that stops the flu virus in its tracks and decreases the complications significantly. It is most effective if used early in the illness, certainly before 48 hours - the earlier the better. It can also be used in close contacts to prevent the spread of the virus to them. The medication is called oseltamivir (Trade name Tamiflu®; there is also a generic available).

If you or your children have the FACTS of flu, seek medical advice as soon as possible to confirm or refute the diagnosis and ask whether Tamiflu is needed.

This information is provided without prejudice by Dr Ralph R Gilbert (MbChB).

St Anne's girls looking gorgeous at their Fifth Form Formal held on 16 August 2013 in the College Dining Hall. From left Xolisa Magwentshu, Tayla Bird, Sarah Thatcher, Annabel Rattray, Julia Church and Siphesihle Sokhela.

Supplied by St Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton, KZN.

Late yesterday afternoon (Thursday) one of our Grade 9 boys, Chris Loxton, had a seizure, while hiking in the Drakensburg mountains as part of a school Outward Bound excursion. After specialist medical advice had been sought, a decision was made to evacuate him from the mountains. A 4 X 4 ambulance was dispatched from Underberg to collect the boy and to transfer him to a hospital in Pietermaritzburg. He was accompanied in the ambulance by two Paramedics. During the transfer, he suffered repeated seizures and his condition deteriorated to such an extent that the medical team was unable to save him. Tragically he passed away during the early hours of this morning. Chris is survived by his parents and a brother. He was a special, happy and well-integrated member of our school and we are all absolutely devastated at his passing. The entire Hilton College Family will, however, stand together to pray for, comfort and support his family and friends.

Peter Ducasse
Headmaster

Supplied by Hilton College on the 16th August 2013.

A very enthusiastic high school bunch set off for Roselands Adventure Centre on the 22nd of July. Upon arrival, the staff at Roselands introduced themselves and gave a very informative talk. However, if anything was absorbed by over eager minds and bodies, we can but only wonder?

The children were divided into groups and instructed to apply their "war paint". Each group had to blind fold one of their members and then were all tied together.To make things even more challenging, they were given a bucket and map and sent on a scavenger hunt.

Our intrepid explorers set off, having to work out very quickly how to hike through the veld, over boulders, through bushes, under fences and around holes with limited mobility! And if this wasn't enough, their instructors had them doing push ups, caring barrels and finally carrying team members hitched to poles!

Battered and bruised, they made their way to the lake which they paddled across. The water was freezing but this didn't stop them from having a go on the foofy slide, the water slides and enjoying a swim in icy waters!

Thoroughly exhausted, they hiked back to camp and enjoyed a delicious lunch. But Adventure camp wasn't done with them yet: a grueling obstacle course spent the last of their energies. The day ended with supper and a midnight walk and feast. And rumour has it that the boys stayed up all night talking....

Day 2 kicked off at 6 am and included a very long walk to the top of a very high mountain! Again, they braved a "fear factor" session, walked a hundred miles and finished off with "go-cart" racing. Dirty faces, sore bodies and with a new found camaraderie, they left Roselands on Tuesday afternoon.

We would like to thank the staff at Roselands, the parents and teachers and every person that made this trip possible. The memories will live on long after the pictures have faded.

News and photos provided by Capulum College in Hilton, KZN.

This is Hilton Pre-Primary's fundraiser. The Hilton Food & Wine Fair is a fun filled evening of much laughter, fun and friendship, not to mention loads of delicious food and wine to ensure that everyone can find something to tantalize their taste buds.

Tickets will go on sale from Saturday, 31 August at our boerewors roll stand at Quarry Spar, and will then also be available in Spar, and at Hilton Pre-Primary.

Tickets are also available on the evening, at the door, at Protea Hotel Hilton.

For those of you who may still be hungry after the event, Protea Hotel Hilton will be offering a light Pub grub, or a Build a Burger Bar! So don't feel you have to leave early.

"Thank you in advance to everyone for helping to make the evening a success by showing your support.
Quarry Spar and the Protea Hotel Hilton also put so much effort into making this evening a success and we thank them for all the behind the scenes work! They always show so much commitment to our special little school.

See you all on 13 September!" said the organising team at Hilton Pre-Primary.

The following announcement took place from the Headmaster of Hilton College:

Dear Hilton Family

It is with very mixed emotions that I announce that our Director of Marketing, Mr Paul Guthrie, will be leaving us at the end of the year to take up the position of Headmaster of the Kingswood College Senior School (Grahamstown), starting in January 2014. This is a great honour for Paul and we take this opportunity to congratulate him on his appointment, and to wish him well as he takes up this new challenge.

Paul started teaching Mathematics at Hilton College in January 1995 and during his time at the college, he has been the Housemaster of McKenzie House, 1st XI cricket coach, a passionate rugby coach, master-in-charge of the Student Exchange Programme and since January 2008, the Director of Marketing.

Paul has been a highly successful and respected Director of Marketing and a most valuable schoolmaster at Hilton College, and he richly deserves this promotion. We will certainly miss Paul but I have no doubt that our loss is Kingswood's gain, and that he will have an equally successful career as the Headmaster of Kingswood (Senior School).

Kind regards

PB Ducasse
Headmaster

Pictured here: Paul Guthrie

News and photograph supplied by Hilton College.

On the 5th of August two 11 year old Cowan House students, Kezia Taylor and Lauren Wood, inspired a cheque handover through their selfless efforts.

Kezia and Lauren raised R5138.00 for the KwaCheetah Project at a fete 6 weeks ago. When Wildlands CEO, Dr Andrew Venter, heard about this he was so moved by the young girls' passion for conservation, he chatted to his team at Wildlands, and the Wildlands Conservation Trust decided to match the girl's donation, rand for rand, and donated a further R5138 to the KwaCheetah Project.

Desmond Gouws of the KwaCheetah Project praised the girls and Wildlands for the much needed funds, "your support will help ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures – thank you!"

If you would also like to contribute to the fantastic conservation efforts of the KwaCheetah Project please contact Desmond on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Helen Reynolds who many will recognise as a familiar Hilton face and perhaps have met at Curves, shared a little news of her Ugandan adventure with us.

'I grew up in Cedara, in fact that rondavel at the back of the Rotunda is where I spent my younger years and then from there onto Merrivale/Howick and finally Hilton. I have had work experience in many different fields/areas in my life and I believe that it was because of this, I was offered this fantastic opportunity in Uganda. I am the general manager of two beautiful lodges founded by Australian woman Merryde Loosemore on her travels backpacking through Africa. Gately Inn Entebbe is located in Entebbe town not far from the International Airport of Uganda and Gately on Nile is located at the source of the White Nile in Jinja (2 hours apart). Both lodges offer beautiful surrounds, personalized service, luxurious, rustic but elegant comfort and an extensive bistro menu of Continental and Thai plus we have the best showers in town! Between the two lodges I manage about 45 staff who certainly keep me on my toes!

I have to say, I am loving this country, however I am not here permanently as my heart is in South Africa. The perfect tropical climate, the friendly people, the different culture, the wildlife and natural attractions such as Lake Victoria all make this a special place. I am based in Entebbe which has a wonderful cosmopolitan buzz about it and when I need some quieter time, I head out to the other lodge where I can sit on the balcony and admire the majestic Lake Vic. Oh and there are a couple of things here that certainly remind me of home.....plenty of potholes and power outages! The driving here is very different, the rules of the road are; 'There are no rules'!!!

I am certainly missing Hilton and all my friends there and look forward to coming home in November for a short break. HiltonVillage.co.za emails and Facebook updates definitely bring home closer to me.'

Thank you to Helen for sharing and if you have a story related to Hilton which you'd like us to publish email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Several pupils from Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton who entered projects in the recent Pinssa Science Expo (Pietermaritzburg Inland School Science Association) won recognition for their hard work.

Pictured here with some of their work are the budding scientists (from left): Mia van Zyl, whose investigation of how to turn fog into usable water was Commended; Luke Wilson, whose project on Solar-charged battery backed-up lights was recognised for being Highly Relevant; Megan Tyne, who researched how to make electricity from bio-gas generated from manure; Graeme Gibbs whose project on wind power, The Winds of Change, was Highly Commended; and Michael Makris, who received a Commended for his research on Vitamin C in fruit juice: Is it Really What you C?

Absent was Savannah Austen who investigated horse manure as a growth accelerator for plants and received a Highly Commended.

News and image supplied by Laddsworth Primary School.

St Anne's Diocesan College hosted the annual STEPP Mixed Doubles Tennis Tournament on Sunday 18 August. STEPP (St Anne's Education in Partnership Programme) holds a number of fundraisers throughout the year to fund its projects and the Tennis is fast becoming a firm favourite in the Hilton community. Supported by social and competitive players, the event aims to increase awareness of the many partnerships in the programme as well as raise funds.

Thanks to Harcourts for sponsoring the tennis balls as well as all the other generous sponsors: Richard Knowles, Build It, The Quarry SuperSpar, Umgeni Vet, INsingizi, Victoria Road Pick 'n Pay, Wedgewood and St Anne's Diocesan College.

Pictured on the left are Barbs Paulo and Pete Jubber.

At the end of Cherry Lane, behind the Hilton Hotel, the Hilton Bowling Club welcomes prospective bowlers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year.

A special day for anyone interested in finding out about the sport will be held on Sunday the 1st of  September. A warm welcome and qualified coaches will be on hand to guide you before and during a social game.

Being a member of the Natal Inland Bowling Association (NIBA) we have one of their best greens and all the members are very ready to welcome interested/prospective bowlers. Costs are nil and tea and bowls (woods) provided. See you there - barefoot or flat shoes, at 9:00am Sunday 1/09/13.

Contact Derick 0829353150 or Chris 0731331999

It is with a very heavy heart that I update you on the extent of Xilombe Tlakula's (Grade 9 Hilton College) injury that I reported yesterday. Unfortunately the nature of the injury to Xilombe's right arm left the doctors with no alternative but to amputate at the elbow. He underwent extensive surgery last night and my latest news is that he is out of theatre and in a stable condition. I am sure that you will all join me in praying for Xilombe and his family at this traumatic time.

We now know that the injury was caused by a large rock which was dislodged and landed on his arm.

I have been in regular contact with the staff who were with Xilombe and they report that the other members of their group are well and in good spirits. I must commend the emergency services as well as the Hilton College staff members who assisted.

Peter Ducasse
Headmaster

News supplied by Hilton College.

At the committee meeting last Saturday, Etzet Nuss was accepted as a member of our club. Welcome Etzel and may you enjoy many happy years bowling with us. On the subject of new members, we will be running a Bowls Awareness Day on Sunday 1 September. Everyone is welcome and we invite those who would like to experience the game to join us. Further details will be published in this column.

Please note that you do not have to wait for this introduction to bowls. Coaching is available at our club at times arranged to suit individual needs. Call Thelma Mylne (033 343 2020) or Dave Hammond (033 343 4390)

The next Jaxx Roll is set for 21 August. As John Pattrick will be away, Chris Purchase is looking after this one.

Contact him on 033 343 2162 for particulars.

Duties: 18 - 24 August: OOD: Ron Buchel. Tabs: Colin Watson. Duty team: Des Morrish. Teas on 24 Aug: Brian Newton & Fred Palmer. Biscuits: 20 & 22 Aug: Jean Pluke & Barry Collier.

News supplied by Hilton Bowling Club.

We recently shared a tale about the inaugural polar bear mission a local accountant, namely Dave Prentice, undertook to raise funds for CINDI. He was successful in completing his pioneering challenge and has shared the pictures to prove it. To date Dave's endeavour has brought in donations of R18,000.00 and he is keeping the challenge open until 30th September 2013. If you would like to support CINDI and give Dave a high five for his near nude ice fishing antics, the bank account details are available below;

Account Name SA Prentice
Bank Nedbank
Account No 901 638 2775
Branch Code 720026
Branch Name Nedbank Corporate Saver

The donations to CINDI would qualify for a tax deduction for the donor. Any donor wishing to take advantage of this should request a Section 18A Certificate from me via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. In addition any donations to CINDI will qualify as 100% BBBEE spend due to the fact that the beneficiaries of CINDI are 100% Black. Should any donors wish to take advantage of this, please request a letter for your BBBEE records and accreditation purposes. All proceeds deposited into the above account will be fully reconciled and paid over to CINDI. Should anyone require verification that these funds do in fact get transferred to CINDI, you are more than welcome to contact the Director at CINDI in order to obtain any information.

Women's Day was celebrated in style at St Anne's College with a full programme to entertain the girls, their teachers and parents.

The day kicked off with an uplifting performance from award winning South African artist, Daniel Baron. He had the girls on the feet clapping, dancing and singing along to his latest releases.

Although Hilton experienced a misty, wet and cold day, spirits couldn't be dampened and the girls kept busy with activities such as inter-house public speaking, quiz and art in action.

The Michaelhouse Marimba Band performed over lunch and later the houses & staff competed in the annual cooking competition – this year's challenge was to create a potjie dish that warmed around 500 tummies in the early evening.

The day concluded with a fantastic drama production, The List. This masterfully-crafted solo play by Jennifer Tremblay, winner of three prestigious Canadian awards and directed by Leila Henriques stars Susan Danford.

As part of an initiative to honour women for our Cultural Day / Women's Day celebrations on 9th August, Form 5 Art girls from St Anne's College were each given a famous woman to research. Each student had to produce a portrait that included symbolic images highlighting their subject's unique contribution. Collectively these portraits were presented in the form of a circle to represent unity and friendship among women. The women studied included: Amina Cachalia, Fatima Meer, Ela Ghandi, Helen Zille, Nadine Gordimer, Helen Suzman, Lilian Ngoyi, Frene Ginwala and Miriam Makeba.

On 21 June 2013, an excited group of pupils and staff from Grace College embarked on a tour of Europe. This was the second Euro tour arranged in partnership with Bundu Bashers in Howick. Countries visited included Spain, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy.

The group enjoyed visiting many places of interest, such as the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basillica in the Vatican City, the Coliseum, the leaning tower of Pisa and BMW Welt and Glockenspiel in Munich. A drive on the F1 track in Monaco, a walk on the red carpet where the Cannes film festival is held, a stroll along the Mediterranean shore, a walk on a glacier in the Alps and visits to the Football Stadiums of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, were but some of the many highlights of the tour.

All were in agreement that this was an unforgettable experience, a memory that would linger for many years to come.

Pictured: Grace College pupils and staff enjoying the Glockenspiel at the Town Hall in Munich.

Erika Whitby shared the following update on how her photography business has grown, 'I have opened a photo studio at home in Hilton. The photo shoot takes place in an environment of your choice, for example in your garden, at a favourite outdoor setting and/or in my studio.

I also have a portable studio that I can set up anywhere, this is ideal for baby photos.

The photo shoot is a great experience for the whole family. It is a fun filled time with no rush. I take my time and give children the space to feel comfortable in front of the camera. Natural and spontaneous photos are what I look for when doing a shoot.

I offer Canvases and Photo books, please enquire about these.'

Visit Erika Whitby Photography for more information.

This weekend (3&4 August 2013) the Hilton College Marimba Band participated in a International Marimba Band Competition in Johannesburg. Marimba Bands from around South Africa as well as Nigeria, Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe participated.

Hilton College won two categories, the "Strictly Classical Small Ensemble" and the "Battle of the Bands Open Category". They were also placed 2nd in the "Battle of the Bands" high school category and were ranked in the top 3 internationally along with Watershed from Zimbabwe and the Hillbrow Community Centre. The boys performed with great skill, passion, pride and determination during the weekend!

Well done to the Marimba band,  you can catch them performing in 'THIS IS AFRICA' on Women's Day, 9th August 2013, at the Hilton College Theatre. Call 033 383 0126 to book.

Picture of Marimba Band and news supplied by Hilton College.