Cosy Corner marks it’s 90th anniversary
The Brakpan shellhole was one of the first to be established in the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moth) movement - which was founded in 1927.
More than 70 people attended the dinner to mark the 90th anniversary of the Cosy Corner Moth Shellhole, on Friday evening.
The Brakpan shellhole was one of the first to be established in the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moth) movement – which was founded in 1927.
Among those present at the function were Old Bills and members from other shellholes on the East Rand, former Old Bills of Cosy Corner, Mothwas and members of the South African Veteran Signallers’ Association.
In his welcoming address, Cosy Corner Old Bill Rob Beech praised the shellhole and its members.
“Cosy Corner Shellhole has been home to hundreds, if not thousands of Moths,” he said.
“The facilities, which are 60 years old this month, have been a centre of Brakpan life for many a year.
“Ninety years is a long, long time, longer than most people get to experience.
“And, in 90 years you get to experience almost everything life has to offer and probably more than once too.
“This too is true of Cosy Corner, which has had to weather many a storm.
“In our 90 year history we have seen membership swell to the point that this hall could not hold any more, to numbers declining .
“We have seen sister shellholes come and go and we have belonged to many different districts.
“We too have had our ups and downs.
“But in the spirit with which we believe resides in the heart of the order, the very spirit that inspired and drove ‘Moth O’ (Charles Evenden) to start the order, we have buckled down and refused to quit or be enslaved.
“The next 90 years? Who knows what life will throw at us.
“But we will face it with good humour and cheer, and with a smile on our faces, faithfully remembering those who have gone before us.
“Let us celebrate tonight the life and time of a ‘grand old lady’ of the order.”
Following Beech’s speech, an overview of the shellhole’s history was given by Sergeant-at-Arms Joe Borain.
Read: The history of Cosy Corner Shellhole
The function also saw 94-year-old Moth Arthur Jack Lowmass lauded by his Brother Moths and recognised for his service to the order.
Fondly known as John, the nonagenarian, who was inducted as a Moth in 1954, was nominated by the shellhole to receive a certificate of excellent service.
The request was approved and Lowmass was awarded an E-badge, which was pinned to his blazer by Beech.
The official certificate will be presented to Lowmass soon.
British-born Lowmass joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1941 and in 1942 he was called up for service as a flight mechanic.
He was demobbed from the RAF in 1947 in England.
His postwar career brought him to South Africa to work as a chief metallurgist in 1949.
He later became well-known as a Brakpan industrialist.
After joining Cosy Corner, Lowmass was instrumental in the construction of the Cosy Corner Cottages.
He is married to Meg and has seven children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
“He has given his cheerful service and a large part of his life to serving his Brother Moths and Cosy Corner in particular,” said Beech.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be associated with John.”
The anniversary celebrations continued at the shellhole the following day with a market and craft beer fair.
More photos:
Also read: Father Mike remembered
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