LOVE HOWICK, LESLEY HELFER

Sing a song of Howick, Howick in the hills. Above a bustling 'Maritzburg, Beneath the 'Berg so high, Soft rolling hills surround us Open to the sky. The blue of heaven stretches far, As breezes come & go; Then like pearl, a mist is weaving Gently to & fro. Sing a song of Howick, Howick in the hills. Sing a song of Howick, happy in the hills. Creation's bounty thrills our hearts, For none on earth's so sweet; Here cliff & river, forest, hills, With farm & townsland meet. Through steep kloof gash our river flows, Where buck & zebra bide, And wildebeest run circular Across the broad hillside. The tallest cauldron in our cliffs White water rushes down. This site of beauty, God created His blessing on our town. Sing a song of Howick, Howick in the hills. Sing a song of Howick, happy in the hills. With flower on flower the springtime comes To clothe grey winter branches; An awakening so beautiful That every heart – it dances! Summer storms with rainbows bright; Picnics at the lake; Midmar swimmers in the mile, Or boys with fish to take. When autumn gold spreads through the trees, A wealth of treasure found. Golden leaves have stored the sun, To shed it on the ground. Winter frosts & stark,bare branches, Grass as white as snow; Black along the break-burn edges, Red where aloes grow. Sometimes there is snow that falls On hills where we may go. O what fun & shouts of joy, To shy with balls of snow! Sing a song of Howick, Howick in the hills. Sing a song of Howick, happy in the hills. And Howick's crowning pride & joy? Its people are; I say! A gentle folk of varied groups, Some colourful, some staid. In garage, bank & supermarket, In the town around, Or meet us in the tourist stalls, Where plane trees shade the ground. In shops & cafes all are kind, All pass the time of day. No job can be too difficult, For there will be a way. See, hands are reaching out to help, To lift up those in need. And teachers train our children well, For they're a precious seed. Patient the younger generation, Accepting all who are here. From many 'Ambers' we would say, “Well done, you're very dear!” This is a town where friendship grows, With roots of love & care. Howick blooms are cheerfulness, With many smiles to share. For Jesus is the anchor here, His heart is open wide. He walks right close amongst us all, To draw us to His side. So that is why I sing this song, And that is why I love Our Howick, happy in the hills, And blessed by God above.