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About the Buffs

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The R.A.O.B (or Buffs) is a 3 tier organisation made up of:
1. Minor Lodges - every member must be a compliant member of a minor Lodge. This is the grass roots of the Order.
2. Provincial Grand Lodge (PGL) – Made up of delegates from the Lodges under the control of the Province. From those delegates are elected the “Officers” and Executive Body. PGL is the local governing body who act as the link between Minor Lodge and Grand Lodge.
3. Grand Lodge – Is the governing body of the Order and is made up of delegates from all the Provinces. From those delegates are elected the “Officers” and Executive body. Grand Lodge is the highest authority and oversees the “Administration” of the whole of the Order.

"The Order” maintains “Benevolent Funds and Convalescence homes” to look after those members in difficulty or need. The cost of these is met by the members through weekly registrations and voluntary donations. We raise money for Charity, which is quite separate from voluntary donations made to the RAOB by the members. The RAOB is not a Registered Charity, though it does maintain Charity Funds that are registered under Charity Commission Rules. We, The RAOB also carry out much charitable work for a variety of outside Charities. When working on behalf of another charity we become an agent working under the “Umbrella” of that registered charity and must do so with their permission.

We are not a “SECRET SOCIETY” - but we do have our “Secrets”. Secrets open only to those members who become eligible to receive them. They are traditional and intrinsic to our Order. To be eligible to receive them only comes as “Honours” are attained. They are a part of the “Mysteries of Buffaloism” that are the cornerstone of what we are.

In reality, we are a collection of likeminded people, who contribute collectively to our Lodges and Order, only as much or as little as we are able to. In the process of building and running thriving Lodges, we turn our thoughts to helping those less fortunate. Lodges may organise Charity events or differing types of fund raising events. To do this, we simply apply our collective abilities organise events and raffles etc. Often we find that friends and family and other none-Buffs are happy to help out. Nobody as yet has compiled a list of the total given by the whole Order; we can only guess that it runs into many millions each year and has existed since 1866 as a “Collective Body”. The earliest recorded Lodge began in 1822, so there must be a good reason for our continued existence after almost 150 years.


If you want to know more – Ask any “Buff”, or call the Provincial Grand Secretary, or go online: https://www.raobgle.org.uk/

How do I Join?

Membership is obtained through Nomination and Initiation

Any male of 18 years or over and of good character, can join. Simply make your interest known to any “Buff” and see where it leads you to. For many of us, it has led to a fulfilment coupled with the companionship of many great friends throughout the country. All this for a small weekly registration and a couple of hours of FUN.

What is expected of me if I join?

The Priority for every member must be his family and his work. Beyond that every member is expected to attend as often as he can. Voting compliance requires a minimum of 8 out of 13 attendances, but Lodges function better if you try to attend every meeting. From there on, you are expected to put in only as much as you are willing to put in. Hopefully your involvement will push you toward wanting to do the maximum, but we understand that different members have different needs and priorities. “LODGE” is another word for “TEAM”. Teamwork requires meeting the agreed aims & objectives through working together. “Together” requires mutual respect and acceptance of other views and opinions. Always remember the old adage – “There is no “I” in “TEAM”.

 

Q - What can "I" achieve by joining the "Buffs"?

A - As much or as little as you want to achieve, is the short answer. As a new member you are expected to learn the rules and ceremonies, especially “The Obligation”. This helps you to comprehend the structure of our Order and the methods in which our Lodges are run. You can, if you wish, then progress through an “Examining Council” to prove your knowledge of the rules and Ceremonies sufficiently well to advance to the 2nd Degree (Certified Primo) which qualifies you to take control of and run the Lodge and Initiation Ceremonies. It also allows you to progress to Provincial Grand Lodge where you can begin as; Minor Lodge Delegate, representing your Lodge in the Local Governing Body. From here a member can progress through Provincial Grand Lodge Offices and also go on to Grand Lodge as a Delegate representing your Province. Now options become open to you to seek higher Office at Grand Lodge where you could become a part of the Grand Lodge Management or a Grand Lodge Officer or even attain the Office of Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of England. 2nd degree is the “Key to the door of future progress”
The 3rd Degree – Knight of the Order of Merit takes a minimum of 3 years after attaining the 2nd Degree. This entitles you to attend Knights Chapter and take part in their Ceremonial Duties. Only Knights can enter Kt Chapter.
Lastly, our 4th Degree and the Highest Honour that can be attained through Minor Lodge is that of “Member of the Role of Honour” and as with the 3rd degree, only those who hold the degree may enter. To attain this requires time, patience and dedication.
Each Degree has a “Secret signs and Passwords” which can only be passed onto you after undergoing the 2nd, 3rd & 4th ceremonies. On initiation you are required to take a “Solemn Vow” never to divulge the signs and passwords that may be imparted to you.

Though it may appear strange and unfamiliar at first (just as a new Jobs is strange and unfamiliar) you will soon pick up our working methods which comprise of the Lodge working in 2 set states.” Strict Order” for dealing with “BUSINESS” and “Liberty Hall” which balances the business with fun.

You can achieve as much or as little as you want to and at the pace that you want to. But if you want to have fun and do a bit for your community, there is no better or easier way than to join the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (or “The Buffs”)



 

 

News

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER

28/11/2012 16:00
 If you are over 18yrs old and interested in becoming a member of the...

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Website launched

26/11/2012 10:36
Our new website has been launched today. Tell your visitors why you have started a new...

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