What is Movember?
It all started in Australia in 2003, when a group of men wanted to bring back the old style of men with mustaches. and they even decided to do it for a good cause! They combined the words Mo-ustach/moustache and Mo-vember/November and called this movement MOVEMBER . Their purpose, to change the face of men’s health.
Movember, is an independent global charity movement, supports programs for prostate, testicular and mental health patients. Led by the Movember Foundation, it focuses on raising awareness and educating the public to help men live with and beyond cancer and stay mentally healthy.
We have a number of events over the year including sponsored walks, Golf Tournament and the November mustache growing , lodge events from Burns Night onto our Winter ball which will no only be fund raisers but also raising awareness of these important issues That effect the whole family of the sufferers.
Points of Light Podcast with Stan Miller interviewing Grand Primo Nic Ashby and Grand Secretary, Gary Davis.
PREFACE
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) Explained
The meaning of being a “BUFF”
Q. What is Buffaloism all about?
The RAOB is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. It is a brotherhood or society of men from all social and economic backgrounds that come together for the sole purpose of not only making themselves better men, but also try to better those with whom they come in contact, not only for themselves but, for the benefit of their families and their communities.
Q. What do Buffaloes do?
One of the primary goals of Buffaloism is self-improvement, which is a natural by-product of a member’s Buffalo experiences and membership. As a fraternal organization, bonds are formed between the members, which can result in lifelong friendships because, we share many similar values, despite coming from tremendously different backgrounds. You could be a company director or perhaps a retired refuse collector, it
makes no difference. All we want is to create harmony between brothers by enlightenment and toleration.
Q. What sort of organisation are we?
We are not a charity, but supporting charities is of prime importance to us. We have our own charitable venture, known as ‘Holiday of a Life time’ a venture that brings underprivileged children to Cyprus for an experience that they could not afford and we hope they will never forget. This has taught us to be especially mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves in the community. By a variety of well organised fund- raising events organised by ourselves, consideration is given to many worthwhile and good causes. The size of the beneficiaries of our events is of no importance, whether it be an individual or a substantial registered charity. Giving by stealth is enough, it gives us personal satisfaction.
Q. What does being Philanthropic mean?
Being a philanthropic organisation means we care, and back up that thought with direct actions. You are as important to us as any organisation we help. Once a member, you are part of a brotherhood. Brothers pull together, and if in need we will not turn our backs, we assist and help each other. In addition, Buffalo Lodges are often involved with a variety of charitable and community projects. The range of activities is varied and encompasses people of all ages. Should we make others aware of the good we do, we have chosen to do things by stealth. In conclusion I have to say although, as a men only body, everything we do is always planned to include our wives or girlfriends, after all they are of paramount importance to us, we love them.
Howard Passes: For the Buffs (RAOB)
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) is a Fraternal, Benevolent and Social Organisation World Wide. It is open to any male over the age of 18, provided he is a “true and loyal supporter of the British Crown and Constitution” and he “enters of his own free will and consent”.
The Grand Lodge of Cyprus thanks you for viewing this site and hopes that you will find the content interesting and informative.
We also have a Members Only section which can be viewed by ‘clicking’ on ‘Account’ BUT, only once you have become a Member of the R.A.O.B., registered and logged-in with your unique username / password. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS
If you are interested in the history of the R.A.O.B please select ‘About us’ at the top of the screen.
If you would like to Join the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, please contact:
Grand Secretary Bro. Gary Davis
Email: andsecretary@raob-cyprus.org”>grandsecretary@raob-cyprus.org
Mobile: (+357) 97655156
For information and location of the most convenient Lodge for your introduction.
You must be:
Over 18 years of age.
Male
A supporter of the Crown and the constitution.
I am sure that the Grand Secretary is looking forward to hearing from you.
15.12.24 – Brother Ian Stewart of the Dhekelia Garrison 10677 and James Mercury 8599 Lodges was presented with a ‘Services Rendered Jewel’ by IPGP Bro. Niclas Ashby ROH. This award is made Annually by the incumbent Grand Primo to recognise a Brother who has contributed significantly during the GP term in Office. Congratulations Brother Ian.
15.12.24 – Annual Christmas Hamper Draw. Congratulations to this years winners, Brothers, Paul Harper KOM, Ian Stewart, Ray Hill ROH, Neill Ewart-Clarke, Mick Wagstaff CP and Roy Cordon, who took away Hamper Boxes packed with goodies, spirits plus a family Gammon and Turkey. This is the twelfth year of the event which was celebrated with a family BBQ at the Lodge Room in Dhekelia today.
3.12.24 -Welcome to our newest Member, Brother Michael Brown who was initiated by the James Mercury Lodge 8599 tonight. All the best for a long and enjoyable Buffalo career.
3.12.24 – James Mercury Lodge 8599 grant Deputy Grand Primo, Bro. Ray Hill ROH, Honorary Membership of the Lodge and the RAOB Grand Lodge of Cyprus. The ceremony took place tonight at a scheduled meeting of the Lodge with the award presented by Grand Secretary, Bro.Gary Davis ROH with veteran members of the Lodge, Bro. Bill Condick ROH and Alan Gaddass ROH stepping up as Sponsors. There will also be a public ceremony during January 2025 when the Jewel representing this honor will be presented with a defined ceremony.
Honorary Membership entitles the member to attend the Lodge without payment of registration fees and compliant membership for life.
28.11.24 – St Andrews Day Dinner, organised by the Unity in Cyprus Lodge. €316 raised on the night for GLE GLBF donation as this Lodge strives to win the Elwell Shield.
23.11.24 – Brothers Josh Harris CP, Chris Caddick CP, Mick Wagstaff CP, Dave Baker CP and Ross Thomson KOM attended INK BOX Larnaca for their RAOB Tattoos, paid for themselves and earning sponsorship in excess of €600 for the 2024 Grand Primo Appeal, Movember.
23.11.24 – James Mercury Lodge 8599 Race Night at Dhekelia Lodge room. Over €600 raised on the night for Local Charity funds to use in the Community.
19.11.24 -The initiation of Brother Felix Karpasitis by the James Mercury Lodge 8599.
15.11.24 –The Koinotiko Nipiagogeio School in Liopetri, Famagusta District, were looking for some new playground equipment and therefore contacted the Mayor, Mr Marcos Koumi who spoke to Bro, Howard Passes KOM who presented his case to the James Mercury Lodge for support. The sum of €739.00 was agreed to purchase a very robust UK type & style castle/slide for the soft play area.
12.11.24 – The rejuvenated Cyprus Roll of Honour Assembly has a new President, Brother Niclas Ashby ROH was invested today by outgoing President Brother Stephen Leek ROH. The ceremony took place at the UKCA Club in Limassol, the base of this prestigious Lodge. The Assembly also has a new Assembly Secretary, Brother Mike Humphrey ROH following the retirement of the redoubtable Bro. Nick Palmer ROH.
10.11.24 – Remembrance Sunday attended by many of our members, some ex-service and others who also believe that we should never forget them.
9.11.24 – Deputy Grand Primo, Brother Ray Hill ROH remains on his travels and this time is captured attending the Buttercross Lodge in Oxfordshire to receive a magnificent donation to H.O.A.L.T. from the Oxford & District Province in the sum of €6000.00. He also took charge of another donation to HOALT from the Lodge of €250 both of which are safely banked in the Grand Lodge Bank account.
3.11.24 – Grand Primo Bro. Nof Pashialis KOM and his Grand Chamberlain, Bro, Dave Smith KOMin before and after photos for Nof’s MOVEMBER charity which is his Appeal for 2024.
29.10.24 – Deputy Grand Primo, Bro. Ray Hill ROH took the opportunity to visit our 3 new Brethren based in the Philippines who are going through the stages of opening a new Lodge on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus. Bro. Ray is pictured with Bro. Jeff Valmores a new recruit to the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 10677 where he attends via Zoom as a ‘Remote Brother.’
29.10.24 – Our Grand Primo, Bro. Nof Pashialis KOM was on a trip to the UK on family business and had arranged a visit to the Trent Valley Lodge where he was presented with a cheque for €600 for HOALT and a further sum for his Grand Primo Appeal ‘Movember. He is pictured receiving the cash and then presenting a certificate of appreciation to the GLE Grand Primo 2020/21 Brother Pete Spence ROH. Also in attendance was Bro. Fred Hughes KOM, the Grand Chamberlain GLE 2024 who is also a member of the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge in Cyprus.
19.10.24 – A BBQ organised by the ‘Buffs’ on behalf of the ESBA Divisional Scouts Group who were to make a donation to H.O.A.L.T, Ruth Barton and Leoni Pitman can be seen presenting the cheque in the magnificent sum of €2500 to Bro. Nic Ashby ROH the IPGP plus an additional €700 by an anonymous donation. The final total on the day exceeded €3500.
23.9.24 – The Investiture of Brother Gary Dickinson ROH, Grand Alderman of Juniper 2024 at Moments Hall, Larnaca, performed by the Grand Primo and his Officers of the R.A.O.B. Grand Lodge of England, supported by the Immediate Past Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus and his Officers and hosted by the Unity In Cyprus Lodge 10701GLE. Brother Gary Dickinson ROH is a former Grand Primo (2021) of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus and in fact one ofn the founder members. He also served as the Provincial Grand Primo , Cyprus Province in 2019. The guests witness a fine ceremony and certainly appeared to enjoy the ‘after party’ with all inclusive food, drink and entertainment. It was nice to see two Banners of the R.A.O.B. working so well together.
22.9.24 – Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 10677GLC, receive a visit from the GLE Grand Primo and his officers to their scheduled weekly meeting.
21.9.24 – Grand Lodge of Cyprus Quarterly Grand Lodge Meeting at the Dhekelia Lodge Room, attended by the Officers and Delegates of Grand Lodge who welcomed the Grand Lodge of England Grand Primo, Bro. John Brogan ROH and his Officers of 2024 as guests. There was also a number of previous Officers of that Banner and past Grand Primos of GLE, Bro. Pete Spence ROH, GP 2020 & 21, Colin Stewart ROH GP 2022, Peter Nadin ROH GP 2023 and Hayden Bennett ROH, GP 2010. Also, Grand Primo of Grand Lodge of England Ltd, Bro. Rodney Smith ROH.
20.9.24 – The Grand Lodge of Cyprus organise a day trip on the Red Bus to the Turkish Occupied Area of Northern Cyprus.
19.9.24 – The Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of England, Bro. John Brogan ROH and his Officers of 2024 attend and undertake a Regalia visit at the Unity in Cyprus 10701GLE Lodge in Dhekelia.
18.9.24 – Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge of England, Brother John Brogan ROH, GP2024 visited Aphrodite Bitter Lake Lodge 8418 with GLC Grand Secretary Bro. Gary Davis ROH. The GLE Grand Primo arrived on the Island the previous day to prepare for the Investiture of the Grand Alderman of Juniper, Bro. Gary Dickinson ROH on Monday 23rd September.
15.9.24 – Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 15th Anniversary BBQ, Dhekelia Lodge Room, Larnaca. 180 guests enjoyed a free BBQ as a thanks for the support they have given the Lodge over the last 15 years.
14.9.24 – Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 15th Year Anniversary Dinner, Campinarios Steak Restaurant, Larnaca.
18.8.24 – Grand Lodge of Cyprus, Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 10677, Initiates 3 new members based in the Philippines. This was completed via Zoom with due decorum and in accordance with rule, This represents a new chapter for this Banner as we look to expand the RAOB GLC to other Countries. This is only the first step as these three Brothers will be coached and trained to become, ‘Certified Primos’ and then able to open a Lodge under the rules of the RAOB Grand Lodge of Cyprus and build their membership. Welcome Brothers J.R.I. Corpus, J.E.B.Valmores and M.N.G. Limcuando.
11.8.24 – Bro. Dave Baker and Bro.Mick Wagstaff raised by the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge 10677 to the 2nd Degree Primo’s with the ceremony conducted by the Grand Primo, Bro. Nof Pashialis KOM and his Grand Lodge Officers, Dhekelia Lodge Room, Larnaca.
15.7.24 – The Holiday of a Lifetime Committee announced the recipients of the HOALT award for 2025 today. Stone Bay School, Broadstairs Kent, website: https://www.stonebayschool.co.uk/who specialise in teaching and developing Autistic children from 6-19 years old. Chairman of the Committee, Bro. Nic Ashby ROH say’s ‘we are delighted to be working with the school in arranging 10 selected children, with varying levels of the spectrum of Autism to visit us in Cyprus and enjoy a Holiday of their life time.’ The holiday is 7th-14th May 2025. Watch this page and our face book page RAOB GLC for information, details and dates of our HOALT events.
23.6.24 – The Inauguration of Master M.J.Harris to the role of ‘City Mascot’ for the Cyprus Lodges, sponsored by the Unity in Cyprus Lodge 10701GLE. The special ceremony was performed by his father, Bro. Joshua Harris CP who is a member of the Unity in Cyprus Lodge and the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge, on the role of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus. This is a 3rd Generation ‘Future Buff’ who says ‘It was Brilliant.
15.6.24 – Grand Lodge of Cyprus Quarterly Meeting at the Buffs Lodge Room, Dhekelia.
14.6.24 -The Holiday Of A Life Time (H.O.A.L.T) Summer Ball at the LeBay Beach Hotel, Larnaca. 170 Guests in attendance who helped to raise in excess of €2100 for our HOALT project. Tickets only €40 all inclusive of drinks and meal and entertainment by the Rag n Bone Man.
30.4.24 – The Raising of Brother Paul Harper KOM to the Third Degree Ceremony at the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge Rooms. Ceremony conducted by Exalting Officer, Bro. Howard Passes KOM, supported by the St George of Cyprus Knights Chapter 262. Bro, Paul is a member of the James Mercury Lodge and current Grand Treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Cyprus.
24.4.24 – Grand Primo Annual Gold Day at Vikkla Golf Club, Limassol. This event involved the Grand Primo, Buffs and invited guests. Good funds raised for the benefit of the Grand Primo Appeal 2024, ‘Cyprus Movember’ Charity. Thanks to organiser Bro. Dave Smith KOM, member of the James Mercury Lodge.
20.4.24 -St George of Cyprus 262 Knights Chapter Medieval Banquet celebrating St George’s Day. A fantastic Saturday evening, well done the Knights of St George, Cyprus.
20.4.24 -St George of Cyprus Knights Chapter 262 St George’s Day Medieval Banquet.
14.4.24 -Raising of Brother Joshua Harris to 2nd Degree by the Officers of Grand Lodge of Cyprus.
17.3.24 -The ‘Buffs’ do St Patrick’s Day at Bowlers Pub, Larnaca.
16.3.24 -James Mercury 8599 win the Kypros Kypri Memorial Shield 2023. This is the first year of this competition and is linked to recruitment of new members. Award collected by Bro. Paul Harper CP and Bro. Bill Condick ROH at the Grand Lodge Meeting.
16.3.24 Grand Lodge Meeting, Dhekelia Lodge Room, Larnaca.
16.3.24 – James Mercury Lodge 8599 win the competition Bob Aitken Memorial Shield, collected by Bro. Bill Condick ROH.
13.3.24 – Grand Lodge of England GAJ’s visit Aphrodite Bitter Lake Lodge.
13.3.24 -Bro. Barry Hornblow has ‘passed to the Grand Link Above.’ Funeral arranged for Thursday 21st March in Larnaca.
12.3.24 -Grand Lodge of England ‘past’ Grand Alderman’s of Juniper visit. James Mercury Lodge 8599.
16.9.23- Grand Lodge of Cyprus Meeting. The new Grand Primo, Officers and delegates assembled.
16.9.23 -Grand Primo Appeal 60s American Diner Event, Dhekelia Lodge Room
25.7.23– James Mercury Lodge members Dinner in Liopetri for 70 Year Anniversary celebration
30.7.23– James Mercury Lodge 70th Anniversary BBQ celebrating 70 years since formation of the Lodge.
RAOB GLC Grand Lodge Meeting Saturday 17th June 2023.
(Members can login to the Members section to view Agenda & Minutes).
17th June 2023. Bro. Dave Smith KOM elected to position of Grand Trustee.
Photos from the 2023 H.O.A.L.T. Summer Ball held on Friday 16th June at the LeBay Beach Hotel, Larnaca.
Brother Peter Nadin, ROH, Grand Primo of the Grand Lodge England visits Cyprus and makes his first call at the meeting of the Unity In Cyprus Lodge on Thursday 15th June 2023.
7th June 2023 presentation of the cheque to the Cyprus Anti-Cancer Society, Limassol by Grand Primo 2022, Bro. Stewart Read ROH, assisted by, Grand Primo 2023. Bro. Niclas Ashby ROH, Grand Secretary, Bro. Gary Davis ROH, Bro. David Hawes ROH, Grand Chamberlain, Bro. Ross Thomson KOM and Grand Tyler, Bro. Dave Smith KOM. Recipient, Maria Michael of the Limassol Office. The sum of €1984.94 donated to the beneficiaries representing the funds raised by Brother Stewart and GLC for 2022 GP Appeal.
6.5.23 Coronation of King Charles lll BBQ
23.4.23 -St George of Cyprus Knights Chapter Medieval Banquet
23.4.2023 & 15.4.2023– RAOB Grand Lodge Northern Ireland Visit to James Mercury & Dhekelia Garrison Lodges
18.3.2023 Grand Lodge Officers ‘Collars’ Dinner, Dhekelia Lodge Room
19.3.23 – Dhekelia garrison Lodge, Bro. Chris Caddick and Bro. Roger Hale being presented with their First Degree Jewel by Worthy Primo, Bro. Nic Ashby ROH, GP2023.
18.3.23 – Grand Primo Bro. Nic Ashby ROH, opens the March Grand Lodge Meeting at Dhekelia Lodge Room.
James Mercury Lodge 8599, Grand Primo, Bro. Nic Ashby ROH, visit Tuesday 14th March 2023, Lodge announced 70 years since formation, celebrations to be undertaken in July 2023 with a public BBQ on the Lodge grounds and a formal dinner discussed. A number of Grand Lodge Officials boast James Mercury as their ‘mother Lodge’ Grand Secretary, Gary Davis ROH, Deputy GP, Nof Pashialis KOM, Grand AB, Howard Passes KOM, Grand Treasurer Paul Harper CP (Elected Lodge WP), Grand Constable Alan Gaddass ROH, Grand Minstrel Dave Smith KOM, all in the picture above.
12.3.23 – Grand Primo, Bro. Nic Ashby ROH and his Officers visit Troodos Pride of Cyprus Lodge based at UKCA Club in Limassol.
8.3.23 – Grand Primo, Bro. Nic Ashby ROH and his Officers of 2023 visit Aphrodite Bitter Lake Lodge in Limassol.
This Website is dedicated to Brother Kypros Kypri KOM who died in service on 7th February 2022, after losing a long battle with ill-health, During his 10 years as a member of the R.A.O.B. in Cyprus, including the period of ill heath, he was committed to H.O.A.L.T., James Mercury, Dhekelia Garrison, Unity in Cyprus and Grand Lodge of Cyprus. This Website is an example of Brother Kyp’s enterprise, He will be missed but never forgotten.