Milestone anniversary for a town's Buffaloes

IT'S a name that might not ring a bell with younger residents in Ilfracombe but the philanthropic organisation, the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, has enjoyed a long presence in the town.

Capstone Lodge came into existence in January 1922 so, at 90-years-old, it must be one of the longest established groups in the town.

Secretary Brian Down said: "We are an organisation of people (who have been) invited to join. The aims of the Order are philanthropic and benevolent whereby brothers are asked to contribute to the funds of the Lodge but in times of need donations can be made to them. Although the current number of brothers is quite small they do endeavour to support the Brotherhood along with local charities and good causes."

Contributions have been made to Highfield House children's centre in Barnstaple, Tyrell Hospital in Ilfracombe, and the North Devon Cancer Care Centre Trust. The most recent donation of £150 went to community transport in Ilfracombe.

Over the years the Lodge has been held in various locations in the town, the Railway Hotel, the Lamb Hotel, the Ship Inn and finally its present home at the rear of 54 High Street.

In the past Lodges existed in many towns and villages in North Devon. Today they remain in Barnstaple (Ye Barum), Bideford (Ye Kingsley), Holsworthy (John O'Gaunt), Parracombe (Heddon Valley/Lorna Doone) and South Molton (Fortescue).

Mr Down said it had become an older man's organisation which was a shame.

He said: "Anyone over the age of 18 can join. the difficulty is that some people think we are a secret organisation and we are not. We have certain signs and passwords that never go outside the order but that doesn't make us secret."

Edward Norman, 75, is the longest serving member of the Ilfracombe Lodge, having belonged for 50 years. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

He said: "We are a social bunch, not quite as strict sometimes as we ought to be (but) that adds to the enjoyment of it.

"We have got two convalescent homes in Great Britain, one in Harrogate and one in Paignton and years ago we used to have a couple of orphanages. It was quite an organisation at one time."

The convalescent homes are there to look after members in times of need but they do take in visitors if they are recommended by a member of the order. Edward and his wife were cared for at the Harrogate home for two weeks when they were ill, with all expenses paid.

He derives "a lot of enjoyment and pleasure" out of being a member.

There are social events within the Lodge, trips to other Lodges and outings to various places.