Chilly Trench Shellhole host annual Braai Master competition
Stomachs stuffed and taste buds tantalised as judges sweat to determine the braai challenge winner.
No matter the battleground, a serviceman’s fire never stops burning.
Chilly Trench Shellhole held its annual braai competition on May 13 to decide who spent the most time perfecting the art of the braai. Seven teams comprising Memorable Order of Tin Hats (M.O.T.H.) members as well as friends and affiliated organisations dished up their best three dishes to tempt the taste buds. Judged by Chilly Trench’s Gary Vickers and entertainer, motivational speaker, and hypnotist Max Kaan, points were awarded for presentation, creativity, and taste, among others.
M.O.T.H. is an international organisation focused on the support of ex-servicemen. Members comprised generally of former soldiers but over the years have incorporated police officers and other armed servicemen. Based on the ideals of true comradeship, mutual help, and remembering the fallen, shellholes and dugouts organise and host activities and projects to help protect and advance the interests of war veterans.
In true bush fashion, a braai competition is fitting and all funds raised through the cook-off will be used to supply food parcels and other essential services to members of the community they serve. The judges had a tough time deciding who was superior, as all teams served up mouth-watering variations of dishes ranging from pork belly, lamb chops, steaks, and beef and chicken skewers with accompanying sides.
Early favourites were the teams from KBB Shellhole, all the way from the south of Johannesburg, but they were pipped by a set of dark-horse cowboys. ‘Boots and Buckles’, comprising of Thys and Denise Verwey, Jacques du Plessis, and Simone Bersinger who were awarded first prize, benefitting from serving their dishes the earliest. The second place was shared between the Johannesburg branch of the International Police Association (IPA) and Braai Rowers.
KBB’s Border Boys did earn the bronze medal, as well as receiving the honour for serving the best braaibroodjie while the IPA team earned the prize for Best Meat of the Day. M.O.T.H’s encourage family participation and a cookie decorating competition was held for little ones. James McNab was judged the winner while young Chiniques de Bruin won the silver medal for her flower and unicorn combo.
M.O.T.H. halls are steeped in history and wish to preserve the legacy for generations. Military veterans as well as former and current servicemen and women interested in the M.O.T.H. can contact Chilly Trench Old Bill Leon du Plessis or go to moth.org.za for more information.
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