05/10/08

 I'm Bro Keith (A.K.A. known in the RAF as Taff) Gilmour CP

Treasurer

Cross Lodge Affiliation (11 April 2002)

Born in Newport, South Wales, at a time when the town was in the shire country of Monmouth, I am one of the Cross Lodge's few Welshmen.  Having tried the Merchant Navy, the Territorial Army, I finally ended up in the Royal Air Force.  This goes someway to explain how I came to be initiated and enlightened into the Order by the Officers and Brothers of the Unwin Duke of Welcome Lodge, No 8553 of the Berlin Province, Germany on the 9th of October 1964.

Following my posting back to the UK in 1966 I transferred to the Holderness Lodge, No. 930 in the Hull & District Province.  Somehow I successfully convinced the Hull & District Examining Council that I knew enough about Buffaloism that the Brothers of the Holderness Lodge were prepared to raise me to the Degree of Primo on the 14th of October 1968.  However, the induction never took place as my posting to the Far East was suddenly brought forward.

Shortly after my arrival on the exotic island of Panang, off the Western Coast of the Malaysia Peninsular, I transferred to the Penang Centenary Lodge, No. 9537 of the North Malaya Province.  In due course arrangements were made so that the Penang Centenary Lodge and the North Malaya PGL could carry out the 2nd Degree Ceremony on behalf of the Brothers of the Holderness Lodge.

My forth and final lodge while in the air force was the Mediator Lodge No.9720 of the Windsor and Uxbridge Province.  When I left the Royal Air Force in 1973, I returned to my hometown of Newport, Gwent.  Very much like Bro John Harper (Cross Lodge Trustee and Lodge Transport) I too was unable to find a local lodge.  I should have been more successful than Bro John, having visited a couple of Newport lodges, which may have even included the Cross Lodge, prior to 1973.  However, when I tried to locate them they had either moved or closed down.

Over the following years I did think about the Buffs from time to time, but I was accustomed to 'Service' lodges with the brothers continually coming and going.  I was never too sure how I would get on in a 'Civilian' lodge and with a young family and a new living to carve out, I finally stopped looking.  Then in May 2002, when I should of been doing something better, I surfed into this place, the Cross Lodge, No. 2343 of the Monmouthshire Province website and I am still trying to get out.  The Webmaster, Bro Sir Garry Harper KOM probably thinks I'm joking, but just wait until I finish my virtual tunnel!!!

Since affiliating to the Cross Lodge I have really enjoyed the time re-learning, not only the rules but also the duties appertaining to the Worthy Primo.  If anyone is a member or has news of the above lodges please contact the Webmaster, Bro Garry, who is not only very active within the Order, but also on the Internet.  I know that the Holderness Lodge celebrated its centenary in July 2003 and had circumstances permitted I would have liked to have been there.  In addition, brothers travelling to South Wales, either by train or car will most probably come through the Jubilee City of Newport, the historic Gateway to South Wales.  (What have the Romans every done for us Brothers???).  Therefore, if your schedule allows you to make a visit, come and meet us at  the Cross Lodge (every Thursday night at 7.45ish).  I know the Officers and Brothers will 'Keep a welcome in the hillside' for you!

Finally, a message to any stray Buffaloes without a lodge, why don't you try to find your own 'Cross Lodge'?

It's worth it!!!

Fraternally

 Bro. Keith Gilmour CP