27 Aug2010

Laddsworth Primary School Sporting Achievements

Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton Village is very proud of the following children who have made provincial teams in their respective sporting codes.

Boys left to right are: Sam Olivier (KZN Cross Country Team), James Bilbrough (KZN Cross Country Team), Jared Kriel (KZN Cross Country Team), Thuba Nzimande and Michael Forrest (Both selected for KZN under 13 Inland Cricket Squad). In front is Lauren Knobel who made the (KZN Cross Country Team).

Well done, it is wonderful to see sport thriving in our province.

11 Aug2010

Tony's Tractor Trek

Tony Tractor is currently undertaking a journey around the world on his 1948 Ferguson Tractor towing a Harley Davidson and his roof tent. Some have cited his efforts amongst the most bizarre feats undertaken to gather support for a worthy cause. This tractor trek honors people whose lives have been altered by violence and rape.

He has previously journeyed across South Africa from Beitbridge to Cape Agulhas raising R100 000 for the Midlands Crisis & Trauma Centre in Howick and also promoted awareness for the South African National Blood Services need for donations.

Tony was born in Canada, grew up on a farm outside Melbourne and migrated to South Africa in 2001. He can't remember a time when tractors were not part of his life. While messing about with engines as a child he figured out that tractors are pretty amazing machines, clearly able to handle almost anything.

This trip is expected to take seven years, cost R1,3 million and collect $1million for victims of violence and rape. It has been primarily self-funded with some sponsorship added. The planned route on this vintage Ferguson tractor will start in Howick and continue to Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America, the US, Canada, Russia, Mongolia and Western Europe.

Tractor Tony is motivated by the memory of injuries and trauma he personally suffered in an armed robbery, shortly after emigrating to SA nine years ago to set up his company, Spirit of Africa Taxidermy. A meeting with Jes Foord, the well known rape survivor and vigorous warrior against violence and rape, further incited Tony to embark on this tour.

Encouraged by the public support, the man nicknamed Tony Tractor enlisted help to restore his tractor and had it fitted with a tent in preparation for this challenge. The Harley-Davidson is accompanying him to get him around stopping points with ease and he also anticipate that it will appeal to the millions of Harley fans around the world.

Tony believes passionately that his journey will achieve international awareness for victims of violence. He points out that Virgin founder Richard Branson achieved a lot without a great deal of education, and so trusts that can he achieve his goal, despite having dropped out of school at 15. He quotes his main inspiration as these words from American anthropologist Margaret Mead : Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

Authored by: Faye Featherpen

References: secure.financialmail.co.za ; www.encyclopedia.com

02 Aug2010

Gardens in August

Right now our Hilton gardens seem dry and dusty but compared to many places in South Africa we cannot whinge. Instead we must acknowledge that we live in an oasis by comparison!

The temperatures have been as a friend put it, "Ominously warm." As we know all to well snow can fall nearby as late as November so keep your scarves, gloves and beanies at the top of your clothes pile.

Meanwhile it is divine out of doors with many blue sky days, our sweet fresh air and sunshine to chase away any remnants of Winter's chill. If you have a passion for gardening you will be thrilled at the birdsong and promise of Spring.

We have not yet felt August's gutsy wind so be prepared for blasts of heat or even belated frosts. Now is the time to check older trees for any unsteady branches and remove them carefully before a wind does the job recklessly. August certainly beckons the end of winter and the beginning of spring with pregnant buds, the first sweet blossoms and the suns gentle migration south. Watch your standards too and mend any unstable stakes.

It'd be good to begin watering and mulch if you have not done so, it will reduce moisture loss as temperature increase. Clear out drains and gutters before rains return. Feed your roses Epsom salts, a tablespoon each will be welcome. Liliums are bursting at ground level and need nourishment. Your deciduous trees are hungry for something organic. Fuschias enjoy a light pruning of dead and weak growth as well as inward bound stems.

Your lawn may be quite desperate looking and you should give it a spring clean. Mow short, scarify by pushing a garden fork into the soil so the roots can breathe and drink when the rains arrive. Rake over well to rid it of dry bits. Fill holes. Feed with some 4.1.1 and then water well.

For colourful flowers the time is right to sow the seeds of ageratum, alyssum, aster, begonia, candytuft, celosia, cleome, coleus, bedding dahlias, dianthus, gaillardia, gloriosa daisy, Helianthus spp. (sunflower), helichrysum, impatiens, lobelia, marigold, nasturtiums, nicotiana, petunia, phlox, portulaca, salvia, salpiglossis, torenia, verbena, vinca and zinnia.
If you have a vegetable patch can sow bean, beet, brinjal, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, corn, lettuce, leeks, onion, radish, swiss chard, tomato or turnip seeds.

There are always pests who add nuisance value to a gardeners experience throughout the year. During August you should watch out for caterpillars boring into the centre of clivia and other plants of the lily family. Scale on indoor palms. Leaf curl may appear on your peaches and nectarines. Mealy bugs and aphids settle on succulent new growth. Your favourite nurseryman or woman will be equipped to advise you on the best solution to keep these worrisome creatures at bay.

Gardening is a healthy activity that can strengthen your body, calm your mind and reward you with colour and flavour! Go ahead and indulge.
Written by: Budding Diva

09 Jun2010

Hilton College u14 KZN Soccer

Congratulations to Chris Trenchard who has been selected for the u 14 KZN Soccer team. This Grade 8 learner hails from Johannesburg and played provincial soccer for Gauteng while at junior school. Now he eagerly anticipates the first practice with an entirely new KZN team in Kloof on Sunday.

Soccer featured in Chris's life from the age of five and he really enjoys the teamwork aspect and has a lot of fun playing soccer. He practices three times a week and shared that he thinks it is important for younger children to get involved in club soccer as early as they can. While a variety of skills and fitness are important to his game, Chris believes his greatest strength as a defender is his ability to read the opponents next move.

This sporty all-rounder is going to take his soccer career as it comes for now, practising three times a week and maintaining a balance between academics and sport. In the long term he dreams of playing for an English premier league.

Chris supports Manchester United in the current premiership and his favourite soccer hero is Carlos Tevez. Spain was his choice to win the Fifa World Cup, their win and his own achievement has made 2010 a great soccer year for Chris. HiltonVillage.co.za wishes Chris well with his future in sport.

11 Aug2010

Hilton College boy makes SA Schools Golf Team

MRyangolf MRyamblazer

Congratulations to Michael Ryan, a Grade 11 pupil at Hilton College, who has been selected for the South African Schools' Golf Team. Michael competed in the recently held inter-provincial schools' golf championships held in Parys. He shot rounds of 71 and 74 at the Parys Country Club and rounds of 75, 71 at the Vaal de Grace Country Club. This resulted in him ending in joint 4^th place and being selected for the SA Schools' Golf Team which was selected of the top 8 golfers at the tournament.

09 Aug2010

Shepstone Place Open Gardens

The residents at Shepstone Place in Hilton have been getting their gardens spruced up for the Open Gardens and you will be in for more than a visual treat when you visit. The concept was suggested by Jocelyn Boyley, talented artist and gardener, in mid-winter and despite short notice the residents pooled their resources and energy together to get the garden areas looking gorgeous. Those who volunteered to participate have checked off each item on their 'to do' lists and their success is clearly evident.

With a high standard required to be accepted as an Open Garden venue this was not a small challenge. Intense hours of hard work and community co-operation have resulted in a pretty picture indeed. The complex gardens as a whole are still very much a work in progress which is all the more reason to visit now. Next year you could to see an even more magnificent result, which I am confident this team will achieve.

Besides delightful garden areas you will be able to enjoy delicious scones, biscuits, quiche, boerewors rolls, tea, coffee and cool refreshments in the tea garden. So diarise to visit either this weekend being 24^th and 25^th September or next weekend the 2^nd and 3^rd of October to enjoy the garden and teas. There will even be picnic blankets for your use if you feel the need to linger for a while.

Art lovers will enjoy the opportunity to visit the Jocelyn Boyley Gallery where they may be fortunate enough to meet this accomplished artist and even buy one of her delightful paintings, many of which are inspired by nearby scenes.

Shepstone Place is just next door to Sue Tarr's, so you will find it easily by following the Natal Witness Open Garden signs along Dennis Shepstone drive. The proceeds of this venture will go to a Hilton based charity namely The Hope Trust which has been nominated by Jocelyn Boyley. If you have any enquiries about the Open Gardens at Shepstone Place you are welcome to contact Debbie or Lex Saunders on 033 343 2214. Opening times are 09h00 till 16h00.

02 Aug2010

Hilton Pre-Primary Grandparents Day

Hilton Pre-primary recently hosted their annual Grandparents Day where great fun was had by young and old. The excited little ones presented their best 'show time' efforts and succeeded in warming their grand-parent's hearts while making their teachers feel hugely proud.

Events such as this create divine bonding moments and Hilton Pre-Primary work hard to photograph lots of images for the memory box. We have compiled just a brief selection from these to share the joy of the morning with you.

You are welcome to submit your own happy snaps to our Gallery or share them with your tags on Facebook if you prefer. Join the growing HiltonVillage.co.za community online to keep up to date.