05/10/08

Hi I'm Bro John Harper

Trustee/Lodge Transport

Originating from Dundee in Scotland, I was first initiated into the RAOB GLE at the Arrowhead Lodge No.9416 in Suffolk on 8th April 1976 after trying to become a member in the RAF.  Unfortunately, I couldn't join during my time in the forces as the members need to know you for a certain period of time, so due to my postings in different parts of the world, I became a member after service.

Moving to South Wales from Suffolk towards the end of 1976 I was unable to find a lodge as I only had a small red directory back then and the lodges for the area I was living in didn't seem to be listed, so it wasn't until Bro Garry (my son) came home from work one day and told me he had found me a lodge after 17 years that I became an affiliated member of the Cross Lodge No.2343.  Since then I have become the lodge transport and was recently elected as Lodge Trustee.

Visiting various lodges around the country I have come into contact with some great characters within the Order and would say to those that are thinking about becoming members, that you should really put yourself out and go for it as it not only brings you new contacts, but great friendships as well so much so, that I had the pleasure of chauffeuring our Grand Primo of the time, Bro Alan Whitelaw ROH and his buffess to and from our PGL Dinner when he held office.

Christmas was quite funny on a couple of occasions, turning up at lodge as "Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer" and also as a "Christmas Present" (Bro Garry has a lot to answer for!!!) as it cost me an absolute fortune in fines....hee hee!!!

We recently twinned with a lodge in the Oxford Province called the Wahnerheide Lodge 8184 and have supported their events on many occasions.

I must admit that I was taken by surprise by the Cross Lodge this year 2001, when the Brothers of the lodge decided to purchase a first degree jewel for me which I now wear with pride along with my "Cross Lodge" & "Millenium" jewels.

Apart from buffs, I have a keen interest in building and flying "remote controlled aircraft" and have recently involved my youngest son into that.  Some of the models that I have built and flown have been Wot 4, Fly Boy, Dragon Fly, Piper Cub & Puppeteer, to name but a few and I am currently thinking of building a balsa wood "Spitfire" soon, all of which relating to my days in the forces.

If you haven't become a member of the RAOB, then why not contact us?  We would really like to hear from you and give you any advice and information about the buffs as we can.

To those brothers already in the Order.  May I convey my fraternal greetings to you.

Fraternally

Bro John P Harper

Trustee/Lodge Transport