PAUL MILLAR
THE GEELONG arm of a fancifully-named organisation, known more for its links to Fred Flintstone than its behind the scenes charity work, is on a recruiting drive for more members.
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, which once had hundreds of followers across the region, is now battling to draw 20 members and has pulled together three lodges to cut costs.
Les Williams, the treasurer of the newly formed Bell Post Hill combine, said the local organisation had come to the realisation that it had to attract younger members to ensure its longevity.
“We have to get some new members, the order is only going to last another 10 years unless we get new members,” he said.
The order has been operating in the region for about 80 years and draws its roots from the mother body in England.
“People see us as a poor man’s freemasonry, we do have our own regalia and there is some pomp and ceremony at the start of the evening but then we have a relaxed social atmosphere,’’ Mr Williams said.
Commonly known as the Buffs, the order was initially formed by a group of actors and stage hands in an English tavern in 1822. The Buffalo name was taken from a popular song of the time and the group did not take itself too seriously.
The name grew as did the membership but the philosophy remained unchanged: A brotherhood looking after each other, involved in charitable work, unseen by many.
The Geelong order has been heavily involved in fund-raising for the dialysis unit at the Geelong Hospital.
Mr Williams, who will be installed as the grand primo of the Victorian Buffs at the end of this month, said there was a real social atmosphere at meetings after official business, there was no religious affiliation. He said members supported the Australian constitution and still toasted the Queen.
Becoming the grand primo might sound grand but the head of the state’s Buffs knows he has plenty of grass to cover to make a difference.
“If there are any problems, my buff gets kicked,’’ he said. For further information call 0417 032 588.
