MOTH celebrates its 70th birthday

POLOKWANE – The Memorable Order of the Tin Hats (Moth) Botha Shell hole celebrated their 70th birthday with a dinner at the Botha Shell Hole on July 8.

The memorable evening started with a Bible reading by the commando chaplain, minister Flip Snyders, after which old bill, Johan Cronje welcomed guests. This was followed by toasts by previous old bills.

“Moth is an organisation that exists of people who did active service in the interest of their fatherland,” said Johan Willemse, treasurer of Moth Peacehaven Trust.

“Moth also runs Peacehaven, which is subsidised flats for war veterans.”

Moth Wayne Thompson gave a brief overview of the history of the Botha Shell Hole, telling huests about a gun that was found in the garden at the Botha Shell Hole and how it got there. He also told guests about their past fundraisers and all the characters that were in the order.

He then mentioned the achievements of Peacehaven and the Botha Shell Hole.

After the main course, Cronje delivered his message.

“Everyone belonging to Moth is a veteran of the war. We saw the good as well as the bad in life.

“We try to look after our comrades by assisting them with the Peacehaven flats, where they can stay at reasonable rates. We have a big fundraiser once a year and the money we raise goes to Peacehaven. Our main ideal is to assist each other,” said Cronje.

He also told guests that the old veterans’ ideal was to go to war to ensure the people back home had a better life.

He ended his speech by urging guests to tell old veterans who needed help to contact Moth.

“If you want to join us, phone us.”

Willemse gave a vote of thanks and thanked everyone who was involved in making the evening a success.