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Platinum Provincial DugoutDistrict:
Pretoria District DugoutAbout Us
The Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole Information Brochure – Click here
The Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole History Brochure – Click here
The Executive 2025 – 2026
In the News
SHELLHOLE SUPPORTER DEBBIE DE BILLOT AWARDED THE CERTIFICATE OF GOOD COMRADESHIP
On the evening of 9 March 2026, members of the Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole assembled in the pub of EvendenHouse prior to the commencement of their monthly Shellhole meeting. The atmosphere was one of routine camaraderie until an unexpected development brought the proceedings momentarily to attention.
Without prior warning, the bar fell noticeably silent as the District Old Bill, Moth Thinus Prinsloo, accompanied by District Wee Bill, Moth Wessie vd Westhuizen, and District Paybill, Moth Graeme Thorold, made their entrance. Such a distinguished delegation appearing unannounced was highly unusual and immediately causedspeculation amongst the assembled members. Quiet whispers suggested that perhaps the Shellhole itself was under scrutiny.
Despite the sudden presence of District authority, Old Bill George Butler, Old Bill of Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole, appeared entirely unperturbed.
Old Bill George duly called the meeting to order—opening the proceedings in Afrikaans, which was met with good-natured laughter from the members and quickly eased any tension that had briefly taken hold. The District Old Bill was invited to take his place at the top table and the meeting proceeded according to the normal order of business.
When the agenda item “District Matters” was reached, Old Bill George invited the District Old Bill to address the Shellhole.
The District Old Bill immediately issued orders to the District Sergeant Major, Moth Jaco Lötter, to placeShellhole Supporter Debbie de Billot under arrest. S/Suptr Debbie was ceremoniously marched to the front of the meeting and instructed to face the floor in proper military fashion.
The District Paybill, Moth Graeme Thorold, then read the official citation announcing the award of the Certificate of Good Comradeship to Shellhole Supporter Debbie de Billot in recognition of her tireless service and dedication. The citation acknowledged her exceptional contribution in caring for Evenden House, efficiently managing the bar, attending parades, and organising the distribution of wreaths on behalf of the MOTH, SA Legion, CMVO, and PMSC.
Following the reading of the citation, the District Old Bill, Moth Thinus Prinsloo, formally presented S/Suptr Debbie with the Certificate of Good Comradeship and proudly pinned the “G Badge” on her lapel.
The District Old Bill then instructed the District Sergeant Major to dismiss S/Suptr de Billot back to her post, whereupon the Shellhole erupted in enthusiastic applause and warm congratulations from the floor.
Well done, Debbie — a thoroughly deserved recognition of outstanding comradeship and service.
GORGEOUS WRECKS SHELLHOLE RAID CASA MIA SHELLHOLE AND KIDNAP THE OLD BILL OF THE ORDER
In a daring and highly questionable display of military planning, the fearless members of Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole learned that the Old Bill of the Order, Moth Leon Robertson, would be attending the Casa Mia Shellhole meeting on 1 March 2026.
The Wrecks immediately concluded that such an important dignitary could not possibly be left unattended amongst the Casa Mia crowd and therefore required urgent “protective custody.”
Orders were issued by Old Bill George Butler, who assumed command of the operation with all the authority of a General and none of the paperwork. The Wrecks assembled discreetly around the corner from Evenden House, attempting to look inconspicuous while forming a convoy large enough to invade a small country.
At the appointed hour the motorised column rolled forward and descended upon the Dugout with all the subtlety of a troop carrier with a loose exhaust pipe.
Upon entry, the invading force was bravely challenged by the Casa Mia Shellhole Sgt-Maj, John Hains, who attempted to repel the attack single-handedly. Sadly, he was outnumbered by a mob of Wrecks whose tactical plan consisted mainly of shouting loudly and occupying all available chairs.
The Executive of Casa Mia Shellhole were immediately placed under arrest, tried on the spot, and sentenced to banishment to the salt mines, a punishment considered most severe since it comes with no beer ration.
Meanwhile, the notorious Wrecks Sgt-Maj Francois Louw successfully carried out the main objective of the operation by kidnapping the Old Bill of the Order, Moth Leon Robertson. The distinguished prisoner was then held firmly to ransom, although witnesses report he appeared quite comfortable with the arrangement.
With the Dugout firmly under Wrecks control, Moth George Butler seized the chair and promptly closed the meeting before anyone from Casa Mia could recover their dignity. In the finest traditions of MOTH justice, everyone present was immediately fined on the spot in order to raise ransom money for the safe return of the Old Bill of the Order.
After vigorous collection (and a few threats involving additional fines), the impressive sum of R1,410.00 was raised and ceremoniously handed to Moth Robertson to assist with his travelling expenses — or possibly to ensure he would forgive the kidnappers.
With hostilities concluded and honour more or less intact, the afternoon descended into the usual harmony session, followed by a bring-and-braai. Good fellowship prevailed, tall stories were told, and it was unanimously agreed that the raid had been a resounding success, even if nobody could quite remember who actually won.
All participants returned safely to their respective Shellholes, slightly poorer from the fines but considerably richer in good humour and comradeship.
GORGEOUS WRECKS END OF YEAR FUNCTION 13 DECEMBER 2025
On 13th December 2025, Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole held their final meeting and braai at Evenden House starting at 14:00hrs. The meeting was chaired by our Wee Bill, Moth Gary Finlay in the absence of the Old Bill, Moth George Butler who was on holiday in Perth Australia with his good lady Tessa.
The meeting was basically an open and shut meeting, the highlight being the attendance of Moth George Butler, Moth Eddie Penzhorn and Moth Mark Isaacs via WhatsApp video call.
After the toasts were given the blokes and Bloquettes hastened to the tavern for much needed resuscitation and to get the fires going.
A truly enjoyable evening was had by all.
To all MOTHs and MOTH Supporters and families a very Happy and Prosperous 2026.
Thank you
YUTH
Dave Berry
30th August 2025
GORGEOUS WRECKS ANNUAL FISHING COMPETITION
The sun was rising over Bass Bay. Many of the Wrecks who arrived on Friday 29 August 2025 were battling with headaches from the party the night before and were in search of “Bloody Mary’s” and OBS to fix those heads.
The canteen staff were scurrying around to get the stoves going to make those much needed jaffels for breakfast.
The sun was up and the Anglers were arriving for the Gorgeous Wrecks Annual Fishing Competition.
Old Bill George Butler welcomed all the teams and wished them all well with the competition. What a day! A full day of fun, laughter, and tight lines as 16 enthusiastic teams took to the water.
Moth Theo “Papa Joe” Kriek was the weigh master and spent the day running between all the teams weighing the fish caught. Once weighed, the fish were thrown back into the water. For his efforts Papa Joe was named the “Man of the Match”.
Once again the canteen staff prepared lunch as these anglers needed their strength to fight the fish.
Our Wee Bill, Moth Gary Finlay caught his first fish ever and is now hooked.
A massive congrats to the ladies of Team WTF (Where’s The Fish) , Jayda and Nicole Prinsloo who stole the show – not only winning Heaviest Bag with an impressive 11 fish, but also scooping the prize for the Best Dressed Team of the day!
Heaviest Baber caught by the Field Marshal Shellhole’s team
Heaviest Carp landed by a very lucky angler – JC Koch.
Loads of lucky draw prizes shared amongst the crowd.
With sun-kissed faces and fish-scented hands, it’s safe to say everyone – from anglers to spectators – had a fantastic time from start to finish.
At the end of the day 51 carp and 2 barbers were caught and released.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Old Bill George Butler, Moth Theo “Papa Joe” Kriek, all our generous sponsors, and every individual who helped make the day such a success.
23rd August 2025
The Wrecks held their games day on the 23rd August 2025 at Evenden House. Games on offer were the likes of Darts, Beer Pong, Fire Lighting to name a few. Moth Loot Pepler was the convenor assisted by Moth Hannes van Niekerk, his wife S/Supt Avril van Niekerk and their two daughters. Moth Gary Finlay braaied the meat for the prego rolls which were included in the entry fee. A great time was had by all.
Annual General Meeting – 05 August 2019
The Wrecks held their AGM at the Pretoria High School Old Boys Club on Monday evening 05 August 2019. There were 15 spickerish Wrecks on parade plus 6 esteemed visitors at the meeting.
The Pretoria District top brass included the Old Bill Moth Thinus Prinsloo, the Wee Bill Moth Francois Viljoen, the Pay Bill Moth Marina Valentine and the QM Moth John Quinn plus Santa Breedt, the Coalbox Mk2 Adj and Mr Nico Hattingh who came to have a “look-see”.
After Old Bill George had delivered his Shellhole Old Bill’s report, he handed the meeting over to District Old Bill Thinus who called up his executive and dismissed the outgoing Shellhole executive to the floor before installing the incoming Shellhole executive.
(Photos: Moth Hennie Bresler)
During harmony Moth Adam Loock broke out the “Kings Ration” for the traditional Shellhole toasts. Snacks were served with the first round and a good time was had by all. Our visitor, Mr Nico Hattingh, even had the audacity to win the lucky draw – a real swindle indeed!
Hot Wrecks and Hot Dogs – 09 February 2019
The Wrecks decided to support the Field Marshal Shellhole Valentine’s Market held at Evenden House on Saturday 09 February 2019, with 9 hot Wrecks and 5 delicious Spices.
Our Exco took the lead and set a fine example, by erecting the stall at first light and then preparing and selling the tastiest Hot Dogs with onions in the whole Pretoria District. Fortunately, no children or animals were hurt or slaughtered in the process.
The visual impact and those tempting aromas were great draw-cards. Even those strange blokes from Savannah Shellhole couldn’t resist buying tasty Hot Dogs to balance their beers; and good fun was had by all. (Photos: Supplied by Old Bill George Butler)
End-of-Year Meeting and Braai – 15 December 2018
Once again the Wrecks opted for an End-of-Year Meeting and Braai at Evenden House. The only available date was Saturday 15 December 2018, which meant that we were thin on the ground as several of the blokes couldn’t attend due to their holiday arrangements.
On parade we had seven blokes: the Exco – Moths George Butler, Dave Berry and Gary Finlay plus Moths Adam Loock, Bruce Michler, Eddie Penzhorn and George Dicker. Our seven guest included Mesdames Annatjie Michler, Elize Dicker, Liz Berry, Susan Finlay, Tessa de Villiers, young Mia Butler and Mr Jaco Lötter.
The short December Shellhole Meeting started at 15:00. Lesson learnt! The Old Bill made the Evenden House venue booking for 2019 straight after closing the meeting. In the mean time, Moths Dicker and Finlay started the fires, while the rest just kicked back, chillaxed and had a good time. (Photos: Supplied by Liz Berry and Susan Finlay)
Old Bill of the Order for 2018-2019
Moth Eddie Penzhorn was appointed and installed as the Old Bill of the Order for 2018-2019 during the AGM of the MOTH General Headquarters, which was held at Warriors Gate on Sunday 18 November 2018.
Because the National Chairman – Moth Cas Aucamp – was on sick report, the two National Vice-Chairmen performed the ceremony.
Moth Eddie was put on the peg after which Moth Tony Munnik read out the citation and Moth Stan Bezuidenhout pinned on his precious metal Old Bill of the Order Tin Hat. Moth Eddie was then congratulated and dismissed to his post as Old Bill of the Order. At the end of the meeting Moth Eddie was called upon to close the AGM in true Moth tradition.
Annual Pretoria District Old Bill’s Dinner
The Pretoria District Old Bill’s Dinner was held at Evenden House on Friday evening 03 August 2018.
The Wrecks’ New Sergeant Major
With the sad passing of our Shellhole Sar’Maj, Moth Lindley Oberholster, in April the need
arose to consider the appointment of a new Sar’Maj to fill this vacancy for the Wrecks.
At the start of the Shellhole meeting on 07 May 2018, the Old Bill announced that the
executive had decided to appoint Moth Gary Nowosenetz as the new Shellhole Sar’Maj.
The Old Bill then put Moth Gary on the peg and presented him with his Sar’Maj’s badge of office.
The Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole Annual General Meeting – 07 August 2017
A Wreck on the Peg
The District Old Bill, Moth Thinus Prinsloo put Moth Dave Berry
on the peg at the Pretoria District Dugout meeting on 20 July 2017
The District Old Bill then called on the Wrecks Old Bill to present Moth Dave with his long overdue
Unitas Medal plus his John Chard Decoration & Bar
What can we say? Once a Wreck, always a Wreck!
Moth Frans Prinsloo, our 81-year old “Remote Wreck”, lives in Jeffreys Bay and socialises with his friends at the Comrades/Algoa Shellhole, whenever he is in Port Elizabeth.
On a recent business visit to PE, Old Bill George Butler discovered that Moth Frans actually has a reserved seat at the Comrades/Algoa Shellhole pub, aptly names “FRANSHOEK”.
A few Wrecks at the annual Pro Patria Parade in Barberton – 11 February 2017
Moths Dave Berry, Hennie Bresler, Renaud Booysen and their spouses / partners attended the annual Pro Patria Parade at the Garden of Remembrance in Barberton on 11 February 2017.
That evening, during harmony at the Lone Tree Shellhole, Moth Dave Berry cornered the unsuspecting piper, physically overpowered him, relieved him of his traditional weapon and proceeded to disturb the tranquil peace of the Lowveld by squashing this multi-barrelled porridge gun until it was squealing and whining like a panic-stricken piglet running for its life.
Nooit, and that from the Platinum Provincial Old Bill, when there were children and ladies present?
Sies man!
The Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole hosting the Annual Veterans’ Dinner at Evenden House – 06 November 2016
The Gorgeous Wrecks Shellhole Annual General Meeting – 01 August 2016
The Remembrance Day Service at Pretoria Boys High School on Wednesday 11 November 2015
Front (L-R): Bruce Michler, Johnny Demetroudes, Gary Nowosenetz, Joe Bezuidenhout
Back (L-R): Eddie Penzhorn, Andrew Woodwright, Dave Berry, Lindley Oberholster
The Remembrance Day Service at the Union Buildings on Sunday 08 November 2015
Front (L-R): Moths Harry Keefe, Roy Barclay, George Dicker, Bruce Michler
Back (L-R): Moths Eddie Penzhorn, Dave Berry, Joe Bezuidenhout, Hennie Bresler, Adam Loock
The Pretoria District Veterans’ Dinner held at Evenden House on Sunday 01 November 2015
[The 62 dinner guests included 26 veterans plus 33 waiters and 3 invited dignitaries]
The Pretoria District Potjie Challenge held at Evenden House 16 June 2014
The SADF Wall of Remembrance Parade held at the Voortrekker Monument on Sunday 25 May 2014
(These photos were taken by Paul and Johan Els of Who-Els Video Streaming www.who-els.co.za )
The Wrecks Potjie Team at the Pretoria Cottages on 21 March 2014
[Photos by Moth George Butler]
The 45th Annual Veterans’ Dinner hosted by the Wrecks 03 November 2013
The Wrecks at the Annual Border Boys Parade at the Cottages (18 Aug 2013)
The Wrecks Annual Bowls Day at Munies in Pretoria (17 June 2013)
The Wrecks Potjie Team at the District Competition (16 June 2013)
The Wrecks Potjie Team at the Sound Memory Cottages (21 March 2013)
