Rushden Research Group: The Buffs

Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes
"The Buffs"

Rushden Echo, 25th February 1910, transcribed by Kay Collins

Buffaloes—The first annual meeting of the Queen Victoria Lodge was held at the Waggon and Horses on Wednesday. The election of officers took place, after which the company sat down to dinner, provided by Host Nind. The company included a contingent from Queen Eleanor Lodge, Northampton. S.P. Primo A T Nicholls gave the loyal toast. The toast of “Queen Victoria Lodge” was given by Primo Hancock, of Northampton. This was responded to by C.S. Bro. W G F Kingston. “The Visitors,” by Primo Brookes, was responded to by Primo Hancock. After the toasts “Liberty Hall” was declared, and the evening spent in a convivial manner, songs being given. Lodge closed with a link of 33 Primos and Brothers.

1910 Phillipson's Directory
Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffaloes. “Queen Victoria” Lodge No. 663. Meetings held fornightly.

c1937
"GR" on the banner and the "Buffs" plaque in the corner

James Drabble is standing,
third on the right

Queen Victoria Lodge No. 663

left

Buffs Badge

Queen Victoria Lodge 663

Bro Raymond Fuller

Raised

9.9.52

right

Buffs Badge

Queen Victoria Lodge

William Saby Knight

Risdene Lodge 5102

Risdene Lodge 5102

The two cards above and this one from 1951 & 1952 for the Risdene Lodge.

This picture came to us with no information.


1956 membership certificate Initiation Certificate of Fredrick Richardson

Jesse Bird
President Knights Chapter R.A.O.B. 1959


1956	1956	1956	1957

"Buffs" Risdene Lodge around 1980. 4th from left Bunt Hartwell, 4th from right Ted Watts. Others unknown.

To listen to an interview with Bunt Hartwell : http://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/80009067

Be it Remembered that Bro. Arthur Watts having been elected to the high honour and dignity of Knight of the Order of Merit was duly exhalted as such on the 7th day of November 1955 in the Risdene Lodge No. 5102 and the same das since been ratified by the Grand Lodge of England of the above named Ancient and Honourable Order.

Issued by and under the authority of the Grand Lodge of England and under the seal thereof on the 6th day of July 1959

Let it be known that the name of Bro. Arthur Watts was inscribed upon the Scroll of the Roll of Honour of the Grand Lodge of England for the long and devoted Services to the above named Ancient and Honourable Order.
This, the Highest Degree, was conferred upon him and the ceremony of Exaltation performed on the thirteenth day of March 1961 by the Risdene Lodge No. 5102
And was ratified by the unanimous vote of the Grand Lodge of England on 18th April 1961.

Verse 1
Come let us all united be
And join in the refrain
To all our absent Brothers
Who we wish to see again,
To those away in distant lands,
In the air or on the sea,
Oh! May the pleasure soon be ours
To greet them heartily.

Verse 2
To those by sickness laid aside,
Or through adversity,
May they soon be restored to health,
Wealth and prosperity.
Here in this Lodge we Brothers pledge
To do the best we can,
To guard our Noble Order
To a Brother and a man.

(To the tune Auld Lang Syne)

Left is a Buffs Manual of Instruction.
A copy of the verse above was found inside.

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