Mr Peter Howitt, a member of the Narberth Castle Lodge for over 40 years has become the 7th Pembrokeshire Buff to serve as a Grand Lodge Officer.

74-year-old Mr Howitt, a member of the Narberth Castle Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, received one of the Orders’ greatest honours in December 2023 when he learned that he had been elected to serve as the Grand Waiter of the Grand Lodge of England for 2024.

The RAOB was founded in 1822 and was originally made up of members from the acting profession. It now welcomes members from all walks of life and there are more than 2,000 Lodges throughout the English speaking world. Members undertake welfare work within the community. In recent years the Grand Lodge has donated some £100,000 to national charities, issuing grants to members in need and looking after the children of deceased members.

The Grand Lodge funds more than £500,000 worth of benevolent activities on top of what is collected and spent by Lodges.

Every year the Grand Lodge of England appoints a Grand Primo, Deputy grand Primo and eight officers nominated by Provincial Grand Lodges.

Widower Mr Howitt lives in Narberth, the town of his birth. He has served as Provincial Grand Primo, President of the Examining Council, President of the Knights Chapter and President of the Pembrokeshire Roll of Honour Assembly. Mr Howitt is currently Trustee of Provincial Grand Lodge and Treasurer of the Narberth Castle Lodge.

Officially invested by the Grand Primo at a public ceremony, Mr Howitt’s duties as a Grand Lodge Officer began in January.

The congratulations of all connected with the South Pembrokeshire Province are extended to Mr Howitt and his family for receiving this great honour.