RAOB Bath & District Provincial Grand Lodge

Funderal Marshalls are appointed by PGL and will remain so unless circumstances prevent them from carrying out those duties, as described in the Rule Book and Manual of Instruction.

PGL considers the individual Brother who offers their services and any Brother of the Order may carry out these duties.

It is a myth that a Funeral Marshall is a PGL Officer and that he has to be in compliance with Minor Lodge or Provincial Grand Lodge. The Handbook tells us that he has to be a Brother of the Order.

Suitability is a judgement of the PGP and PGL at the time of considering the appointment.

The Brother needs the qualities to deal with the bereavement of spouse, siblings and the wider family. He needs to have empathy with those who have lost one so dear to them.

If it is a civil or religious funeral service or internment, it is imperative that the Funeral Marshall selected by the family to conduct the "broken link" part of the service (or a Buff ceremony after the service) discusses arrangements with the closest relative (wife or sibling) and whoever is conducting the service (priest or other) to ensure that the Buff ceremony and dedication is in-keeping with their wishes.

As you will understand, this is very sensitive, requiring certain skills and experience by the Funeral Marshall in getting things right.

As many Buffs who knew the departed Brother are welcome to the service (subject to the spouse's wishes) and can join in the LINK to say farewell to the dearly departed Brother.

We have received numerous compliments from families about how moving the Buff part of funeral services have been and also the way in which the Funeral Marshall has conducted himself with sincere soemnity. This is part of what true Buffaloism is about.

We are indebted to our three appointed Funeral Marshalls and commend them in the way in which they devote their time and give great service to the RAOB, its Lodges, Brothers, partners, wives, children and families. For this we give them our gratutude and thanks!