Province:
Kwazulu Natal Provincial DugoutDURBAN & DISTRICT MOTH MEMORIAL COTTAGES TRUST (Bartle Road Cottages)
The idea to provide affordable housing in Durban for deserving veterans in need took seed and a plot of land was donated by the City Council in October 1935, largely through the efforts of Moths Charles Evendon, Claude Page and Jock Crawford. Building the first two cottages began merely one month later and completed in April 1936.
Over the following years more pieces of property were transferred and it was decided that a “Trust” be established. As funds allowed, additional cottages were built on granted land and these building projects continued well into the 1970’s. A community hall and facilities were completed at that time and included a consulting room for a nursing sister. At present, the complex includes 40 married units and 33 singles flats and potentially able to house up to 113 residents.
During this growth period many other ex-service organisations were involved – or even “roped in” – to turn the venture into the success that it is, including B.E.S.L and R.D.L.I, as well as local and national Shellholes and, of course the Durban City Council at the time.
However: the world has changed over the past 50 years and our challenges are to remain compliant with all the latest laws, rules and regulations applicable. These are issues that have influence on all MOTH Cottage complexes and the management committees are hard-pressed to keep abreast. To this end, the Durban & District Trust has engaged the services of a Management Agency to assist with those administrative hurdles.
Operational costs mean that finances must be professionally managed and this complex has been immensely fortunate to have had the late Moth Peter Dingley, a former Financial Director of Companies, at the financial helm, to guide this big ship through some stormy waters.
Lately, we see an increasing need for more single quarters than for married units and the Trust Management team will address this matter over time. In the meantime, the Order may be proud of its efforts over the past 90 years or so. The Durban & District MOTH Memorial Cottages Trust is, indeed, a jewel in the Orders’ crown.