R.A.O.B UNITY LODGE GRAND COUNCIL BRISTOL

18, Field Marshal Slim Court,River Street,St Judes,Bristol,BS2 9DG.

AN INTRODUCTION TO BUFFALOISM

This is written to give a brief introduction and understanding of the Banner, and the Order in General. There are a number of Sections or Banners of the R.A.O.B. and though they may differ in size and the ways they interpret Rules. All have the same principle at heart. "The Pursuit of Brotherhood".Most of the Sections or Banners, are joined by means of a Joint Consultative Committee. A valuable line of consultation and discussion.We are Members of the R.A..O.B. Grand Council. Our Order is based firmly upon the principle that, the total power of the Family shall be available to the individual, in accordance with his needs. The degree upon which our needs may be satisfied depends entirely on the honour and integrity, that we as members of that Family place upon those principles. For the purpose of understanding we consist of: The Minor Lodge - Into this you are able to be initiated into the Membership of our Order. It is given a wide range of Authority and Responsibility for it's own Members.A Primo Lodge - Used either as a Lodge of Instruction towards obtaining a Degree. Or sometimes,in the Case of small Province it is used as the Governing Body of that Province. Grand Lodge - A Body with Authority over, and responsibility for all Minor Lodges within it's Province or Area. The Grand Lodge is composed of Delegates representing each Minor Lodge, and a number who, having earned the right by service and membership, to become Officers of the Grand Lodge. To attend a Grand Lodge, you must be a Member of the Second, or Higher Degree. The Grand Council - This Body has authority over and responsibility for all the Lodges under the Grand Council. It is composed of a Delegate from each Grand Lodge, plus a number of Brethren who have earned the right by Service as a Delegate, and later as an Officer of the Executive. All Members and Visitors to the Grand Council Conferences must be of a Second or Higher Degree. In our Banner there are Three Degrees The First Degree - is conferred on Initiation into the Order. The Second Degree, or that of Primo - is subject to an examination, conducted by a Committee of the Grand Lodge, set up for that purpose.The Third Degree, or that of Knighthood - is awarded for sustained and meritorious service to the Order over a prolonged period. For Brethren of the Third Degree who have by their zeal and wisdom, given further sustained service, a presentation may be made, known as the Roll of Honour. Members holding the Third Degree or R.O.H. Are entitled to become a Member of the Knights Chapter. The purpose of the Chapter is basically for the discussion of any item, or Ceremony concerning the 3rd Degree or R.O.H. . There are minimum periods between all Degrees, these are clearly defined in the rules of the Grand Council. The authority for making or amending the rules of the Grand Council. Are the "Rules Revision Committee", they are elected Delegates or Officers of Grand Council. They meet Quinquenialy (Five Years) and are responsible for Recommending or Rejecting, proposed rule change or revisions to the Members of the Grand Council. Membership of a Lodge of the Grand Council Is open to all Adult Males, without discrimination on Social, Religious or Political beliefs. But, before a Candidate may be accepted, he must declare to the Lodge in which his application is made, that he is a Loyal Citizen and Supporter of the Constitution and that he is genuinely desirous of taking part in our work, on the basis of giving to the extent of his power. Whatever may be required to meet the needs of a less fortunate Brother, or the Dependant Widow and Children of a Deceased Brother. The Method of Giving reflects the diversity of our Membership - "To the extent of my power". The Basic Contribution expected from Members is fixed at a figure that it is reasonable to assume, that all Members can pay without defaulting on their personal or family obligations. It is called a Registration Fee, and is paid each time a Brother enters a Lodge. the Fee is divided and channelled into Minor Lodge, Grand Lodge and Grand Council Funds for the Maintenance of our Benevolence Work and for the Purpose of Administration. Every Minor and Grand Lodge must have, and maintain a Benevolent Fund. In the Minor Lodge, the Benevolent Fund will generally be used to assist members of the Lodge. The Central Benevolent Section , is to alleviate distress of Brethren on a Larger Scale than the Minor Lodge Benevolent Fund. The Convalescent Section , is for the Brothers use after Illness and is also used for a surviving Parent or Orphans to have a Fourteen Day Holiday at a Seaside Resort nearest to their home. In a word, we try as far as we are able, in all material things, to take the place of the Husband or Father they have lost and to make them feel they belong as of right, to us. To take out of the lives of the Children, the humiliation that poisons the lives of the young who are deprived of the many small things that are common to childhood when the family circle is complete. Without exception the operation of our various Benevolent Schemes are contingent on your active participation in the work of your Lodge over a specified period. For it is in your Lodge that the degree of which we can implement those schemes is decided and contributions to the voluntary funds for this purpose, are seen to be of vital importance. The Social Side of the Order within the Minor Lodge, the unit which all new Brothers will be most concerned, is as varied as the personalities and positions of our membership, differing in each Lodge according to the desires of it's members. The Great Universal Factor that runs like a Golden Thread through all of them, is the tremendous opportunities for personal friendship that abound when people moved by the same ideas and ideals meet together, and the Minor Lodge having completed the formal business of Brotherhood, it is then up to the individuals within that Lodge, to ensure that it is known for it's sense of well-being and sociability. There are few rules in this sector of Buffaloism, it is best to remember that you are meeting on equal terms as Members of the same family, and the atmosphere and entertainment will be as good as you make it. If you do decide to join us, don't judge too harshly or quickly the things of which your understanding will be limited. Stay With It, and Us, long enough to get a grip of the potential of our Order, based upon the Principles and Faith to which we have pledged ourselves, help to make it, and keep it, as a powerful tool for good works.

Prepared with great thanks  by Bro G.R.Cooke R.O.H.