LEST WE FORGET

Members of the 1st Howick Scouts played a key role in the Remembrance Sunday parade, hosted by members of the Lion MOTH Shellhole, which took place at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 13. The parade was one of two in the Midlands at the weekend. The Atomic Shellhole MOTHs held their parade at the Garden of Remembrance in Hilton.

The wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of the old soldiers who gathered in Howick and Hilton on Sunday to remember those who have lost their lives in service of their country.

Parades were held at the Garden of Remembrance in Hilton and at the Presbyterian Church in Howick, led by members of the Atomic and Lion MOTH Shellholes.

This act of remembrance was part of a series of events around the world to mark Remembrance Day, which is commemorated on November 11, the day that World War I officially ended.

During ceremonies in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, wreaths are laid to remember those who died in both world wars, as well as in other conflicts, both at home and abroad.

The tradition was inaugurated by Britain’s King George V in 1919 and on Sunday, King Charles III led the British Royal family’s tributes at the Cenotaph in London.

During Sunday’s service in Howick members of the Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Pipe Band led members of the MOTHs and the 1st Howick Cubs and Scouts to the MOTH Memorial in the grounds of the Presbyterian Church. Wreaths were laid and those involved took the time to remember their comrades.

At the Garden of Remembrance, the MOTHS were joined by Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Hilton Troop, pupils from Laddsworth School and piper, Ian Turnball.

Also present was ward councillor, Kate Janse van Rensburg, who said: “This past Sunday I spent some time of remembrance with MOTH Hilton Shellhole members.

“It is an emotional time but so great to learn more about the activities and to note the efforts that go into commemorating our fallen soldiers. Thank you to Gary and Jeanine Wessels for the invite.

“It was also lovely too chat to Penny and Anna, who are very active in keeping the Garden of Remembrance so beautiful and clear for those who visit their loved ones.”

The Pietermaritzburg Caledonian Pipe Band leads the MOTH parade at the Presbyterian Church in Howick on Sunday.

Members of the Atomic MOTH Shellhole paid their respects to fallen comrades during a moving ceremony in Hilton on Sunday.

Piper, Ian Turnbull, was among those who played a key role in the remembrance ceremony at the Hilton Garden of Remembrance.

Penny Purchase (left) is very involved in the upkeep of the Hilton Garden of Remembrance. With her is Anna Robins, widow of MOTH Wally Robins who passed away last year.

Members of the 1st Howick Cub and Scout group get ready to march at the Remembrance Sunday parade.

Cubs and Scouts from the 1st Hilton Troop.