It’s the end of an era in Ashburton as the Royal Antediluvean Order of Buffaloes Ashburton no. 43 lodge goes up for sale.
The building, next door to the Ashburton RSA on Cox St, has served the once thriving Buffaloes group which was established in 1927.
Today the cost of maintaining the ageing building is too much for the remaining four members, so they have decided to sell it.
One of the members, Ally Hanson, said they will donate the proceeds to unnamed Ashburton charities.
‘‘We are hoping to be able to donate $500,000. It all depends if we will get someone into buy it,’’ Hanson said. The donation will follow many the lodge has made over the years in Mid Canterbury.
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was established in the UK in 1822. It has since spread throughout the world, and is known as a fun fraternity for men of any religious or political views.
‘‘It’s just a group of men that get together, have a beer and a yarn,’’ Hanson said.
He said the four – himself alongside Ted Tobin, Maurice Tait and Hamish Nish – will continue to run the group, having the monthly meetings with two from Christchurch who regularly attend, and others from Buffalo lodges around New Zealand who visit occasionally.
He has an idea that for the 100th anniversary of the lodge in 2027, they may even be able to hire the hall they are today selling.
But today he is focused on moving the many relics – including framed sashes, glimmering badges and chains – out of the building. The Ashburton Museum has taken many of the items; others will go elsewhere.
Hanson thinks the Ashburton RSA might take a roll of honour showing the names of the many members of the lodge who served in World War 2.
