R.A.O.B. or Buffaloes

[FWaters]

I just wanted to say thank you for this thread.  My step-grandfather was in the RAOB and so too were some of my great uncles.  I know my father has a lot of cards from different lodges that his step-father (Robert Ross) visited while in the Merchant Navy.  I must make sure I have another look through them when I next go up to Hull.

According to my father his uncle, William Waters, was quite high up in the RAOB in Hull and when he died a lot of RAOB members went to his funeral, but we know nothing more.   His brother Harry Waters was also possibly in the RAOB and I think there used to be meetings at the pub he ran, the Magna Charta in New Holland, just across the Humber from Hull. 

I'd love to find out more about any of these and will certainly look at the links you've posted to get some background information.
Fiona

[whittenbury]

Hi Fiona
have a look at the Hull Website
http://beehive.thisishull.co.uk/default.asp?WCI=SiteHome&ID=3580&PageID=76255
It has a guest book on there (you never know someone might remember them)
Many brothers have naval links & their site has a bit about that aswell
What years are we talkin about?
Den

[FWaters]

Thanks Den, I'll have a look at that site.

I dont have exact dates to hand but I think William died in the 1970's and had been a member for many years.  Harry emmigrated to Australia in the 1960's and my grandfather died in 1981.

Fiona

[whittenbury]

Hi Fiona
Just been having a trawl (pardon the area pun  ) through their website they seem to know a fair bit of its history so I think you could get lucky. 
Den

[whittenbury]

Hi again
If Harry emigrated it was more than likely he went to lodges out there (If you are a member you can attend any lodge in the world)
One reason being if you are in a strange place where you dont know many people, go to a lodge and have a load of new mates 
http://www.raob.org/auslodges.htm
there are some austrailian connections on this site
Den

[whittenbury]

Just found the Lodge in the Magna Carta
3177 NEW HOLLAND Lodge Magna Carta Hotel Main St New Holland

[FWaters]

My goodness thank you for that!

I can at least put the details of the Magna Charta Lodge with my info on Harry.
I've got a very poor photo of Harry outside the pub with Lodge members around him.  It's difficult to make out as its a photo of a photo that was sent to me by Harry's son.

I'll have a look at the Australian site later today.  I'm off to Australia on Saturday as a matter of fact and am at least hoping to visit the area where Harry lived in Melbourne.

Thank you so much for your help.
Fiona

[whittenbury]

Lucky you no overcoats for a while 
If you can work out a lodge where he stayed pop in about an hour before they meet and im sure you will find them very helpful (and friendly)
Good luck in your quest
Den

[Burto]

Hi,
Well I looked on my Granddad's certificate and it says:
" Has been duly initiated into the mysteries and rituals of the Buffalos 14th April 1940" it has been signed by John Wilson, ROH Grand Sec and Harry Metcalf W.P.
It was in it's original tube an it was posted to King Charles Lodge 310 Wollaton Nottm.