The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes R.A.O.B (the buffs)
For all members of the R.A.O.B we meet at the
The Goth,Gothenberg Hotel,Queensferry Road,
Rosyth, Fife,
2pm-4pm every Sunday we are upstairs in
the function room.
For anyone that is interested feel free to come
along and ask for more information any
Sunday 2pm-4pm, if the door is closed give
it a knock, You will probably be surprised to
meet people who
you know that are members already.
Here is abit about what the RAOB is all about
An Introduction to Buffaloism
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is a Charitable Organisation
which is active, not only in its local community, but, at all levels of
Society. It is non-political, nor does it look to religion to inspire
participation. It does, however, inspire members to commit to a peaceful
and meaningful way of life. It is often described as an extended family, a
social organisation or a mutually supportive group of like-minded people;
each true in its own way, they do not adequately describe the true
There are a number of sections or "banners" of the R.A.O.B. and whilst
they differ in numerical strength and procedures, all have the same
This introduction is not a literary composition on the origin and
development of the R.A.O.B., however to be able to understand the Order
The origins of the Order were in the theatrical fraternity of the 1820's. It
was, it seems, born out of the need for social activity. As time went on the
Order grew and spread becoming active in philanthropic works. It opened
orphanages, readily took its place in the community and accepted its
responsibilities towards the needs of its members. All the fascinating
The advent of the National Health Service and cradle to grave care ended
the need for the orphanages and the Order underwent a fundamental
change to become the organisation it is today. The combination of
providing support and care for our members and taking part in the wider
There are three main levels within the Order.
The Minor Lodge is the cornerstone around which the Order is built. First
and foremost we are all members of our own Minor Lodge. Brothers can, if
they wish, belong to more than one Lodge; all Brothers must be part of a
Lodge. The majority of Lodges meet weekly; though some meet fortnightly
or monthly if needs dictate. Each Minor Lodge supports its members and
A Provincial Grand Lodge collectively administers a group of lodges known
as a Province. Members who have chosen to be active at this level and
have proven their knowledge of the rules and procedures attend the
Grand Lodge is made up of delegates from Provincial Grand Lodges and
administers the Order nationally. Grand Lodge runs and maintains the
Convalescent Homes owned by the Order and supports the community as
The degree of participation at any level is entirely voluntary and at the
discretion of each individual Brother. Many do confine their activities to
their own Minor Lodge and do not seek advancement. There is no stigma
attached to anyone who does not wish to become active at Provincial
The provision of care and support for our members works hand in glove
The image we would wish to present is of a group, who, by their works
, encourage members of the community to lead satisfying and enjoyable
lives and who provide our members with a sense of belonging. Tangible
assistance is provided when needed. Importantly this support is not
The R.A.O.B. at all levels supports its community and, through its
charitable works, raises many millions of pounds for most worthwhile
causes, far too many to list, all chosen by the membership locally
The range of charities we support is very wide as are the internal funds we
The support we provide for our own lodge members and their families is
augmented by a comprehensive range of benevolent funds administered
# by Grand Lodge and includes educational grants. Aged members and
widows of deceased Brethren benefit from our annuities or special grants.
We are particularly proud of the system which has been established to
provide care for widows with young children. Funded entirely by
voluntary contributions they receive birthday and Christmas gifts, family
holidays, pocket money and savings. In short we do our best to fill the
material gap left by the husband and father they have lost. As long as the
We are not a secret organisation, our rules and ceremonies are in the
public domain. Our Order is steeped in history, much more information is
Membership is for life and members can be as active as they wish at
whichever level they choose. All that is required is that you are a member
of a Lodge; further progress is in the hands of the individual as is the
The Grand Lodge of England owns two homes, one in Harrogate the other
in Paignton. There we provide facilities for Brothers and their families
when there is need for a period of recovery and support. We are very
proud of both.
The key words or Hallmarks of our Order are JUSTICE, TRUTH and
PHILANTHROPY. These are noble sentiments and we strive to work
towards a better understanding of the needs of our community. By
encouraging our members to lead active and useful lives we believe we
can influence others and show that, by following our philosophy, society
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