Grand Primo 2026 Brother Stephen Leek
Hello all, as you gather I am the Grand Primo for 2026. I joined this incredible organisation just about 30 years ago. Over this period of time this amazing organisation has given me everything I have ever wanted friendship, loyalty and a true sense of purpose. To me it became more than a club or a friendly group it has became a family, a place where values like integrity, service and friendship which are lived every day. I have learnt the meaning of commitment and community. Today I am honoured to serve as Grand Primo, a roll I accept with a great sense of responsibility to continue the legacy of mentorship, support and positive impact that this organisation has given me.
My Charity – Assistance Dogs Cyprus
This is not an animal charity, it concerns animals, and the amazing and positive way they care for and help people. The following thoughts which I share with you are from my heart. Assistance Dogs is not just a name-it is real, real in the lives it touches, real in the hope it gives and real in the futures it helps rebuild for families who need it most. This is not a cause built on words, but on actions, compassion and life changing support.
Assistance Dogs change lives in the most meaningful of ways. The dogs are trained to support people who have everyday lives with challenges many of us could not imagine:
For someone with Epilepsy, the dog can sense an oncoming seizure, alert their handler or family giving precious moments to reach for safety.
For someone with physical disabilities the dog helps with daily tasks, opening doors, picking up dropped items or pressing emergency buttons, restoring dignity and independence.
For someone with mental health problems, anxiety or other stress disorders the dogs remain tranquil and calm and provide comfort during a panic attack.
For someone who is deaf, the dogs will alert them to sounds they cannot hear such as door bells or alarms or even somebody calling their name.
That’s not all, the dogs give something even more powerful ‘HOPE’ they reduce loneliness rebuild confidence and facilitate re-entry to the world with confidence. Families who live in fear, now breath again, knowing that their loved ones are never truly alone
The dogs do not ‘Judge’, ‘Give up’ or ‘Leave’. They become partners, protectors and silent heroes. They save lives without words but with love, loyalty and an unbreakable bond.
As Grand Primo, I am sure you will understand why I chose this organisation. Recently I met a family with two beautiful daughters who will one day depend on wheelchairs. Knowing what lies ahead, something like this is a situation no parent should ever have to face.
Yet through ‘Assistance Dogs Cyprus’ this family has hope. Hope that when that day comes, and even beyond it, their daughters will not be filled with fear or isolation. Hope that with the support of Assistance Dogs, they will be able to move safely, cross the road, use public transport and face the world with confidence and dignity.
Watching this family, hearing their story and seeing the strength in those parents touched my heart deeply. It made me realise that these dogs are not just trained animals, they are freedom, reassurance and courage. They give children & families the knowledge that life can still be full and meaningful with independence and courage.
This is why I stand behind this cause. This is why it matters.
Because sometimes, hope comes on four legs – and it changes everything.
Points of Light Podcast with Stan Miller interviewing Grand Primo Nic Ashby and Grand Secretary, Gary Davis.
PREFACE
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) Explained
The meaning of being a “BUFF”
Q. What is Buffaloism all about?
The RAOB is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization. It is a brotherhood or society of men from all social and economic backgrounds that come together for the sole purpose of not only making themselves better men, but also try to better those with whom they come in contact, not only for themselves but, for the benefit of their families and their communities.
Q. What do Buffaloes do?
One of the primary goals of Buffaloism is self-improvement, which is a natural by-product of a member’s Buffalo experiences and membership. As a fraternal organization, bonds are formed between the members, which can result in lifelong friendships because, we share many similar values, despite coming from tremendously different backgrounds. You could be a company director or perhaps a retired refuse collector, it
makes no difference. All we want is to create harmony between brothers by enlightenment and toleration.
Q. What sort of organisation are we?
We are not a charity, but supporting charities is of prime importance to us. We have our own charitable venture, known as ‘Holiday of a Life time’ a venture that brings underprivileged children to Cyprus for an experience that they could not afford and we hope they will never forget. This has taught us to be especially mindful of those who are less fortunate than ourselves in the community. By a variety of well organised fund- raising events organised by ourselves, consideration is given to many worthwhile and good causes. The size of the beneficiaries of our events is of no importance, whether it be an individual or a substantial registered charity. Giving by stealth is enough, it gives us personal satisfaction.
Q. What does being Philanthropic mean?
Being a philanthropic organisation means we care, and back up that thought with direct actions. You are as important to us as any organisation we help. Once a member, you are part of a brotherhood. Brothers pull together, and if in need we will not turn our backs, we assist and help each other. In addition, Buffalo Lodges are often involved with a variety of charitable and community projects. The range of activities is varied and encompasses people of all ages. Should we make others aware of the good we do, we have chosen to do things by stealth. In conclusion I have to say although, as a men only body, everything we do is always planned to include our wives or girlfriends, after all they are of paramount importance to us, we love them.
Howard Passes: For the Buffs (RAOB)
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) is a Fraternal, Benevolent and Social Organisation World Wide. It is open to any male over the age of 18, provided he is a “true and loyal supporter of the British Crown and Constitution” and he “enters of his own free will and consent”.
The Grand Lodge of Cyprus thanks you for viewing this site and hopes that you will find the content interesting and informative.
We also have a Members Only section which can be viewed by ‘clicking’ on ‘Account’ BUT, only once you have become a Member of the R.A.O.B., registered and logged-in with your unique username / password. CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS
If you are interested in the history of the R.A.O.B please select ‘About us’ at the top of the screen.
If you would like to Join the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, please contact:
Grand Secretary Bro. Gary Davis
Email: andsecretary@raob-cyprus.org”>grandsecretary@raob-cyprus.org
Mobile: (+357) 97655156
For information and location of the most convenient Lodge for your introduction.
You must be:
Over 18 years of age.
Male
A supporter of the Crown and the constitution.
I am sure that the Grand Secretary is looking forward to hearing from you.
3.2.26– Congratulations to Bro. Nof Pashialis RoH, GP 2024 who has tonight been appointed as the GLC Development Manager by the GLMC with immediate effect. Bro. Nof who was awarded the ‘Man of Worth’ award by the Grand Primo 2025, Bro Ray Hill in December and a previous Grand Primo was delighted to accept the position for which we all believe will help drive the RAOB Banner, Grand Lodge of Cyprus forward to even more success. The Grand Primo, Bro. Stephen Leek RoH said, “I am delighted that we have a Brother as talented and enthusiastic accept this important new role which will see him taking the lead in developing the progress of all our members whether a new initiate or long serving RoH. He will also be overseeing the modernisation of some of our practices which whilst are steeped in over 200 years of history, are at times archaic and not suitable for modern day consumption. He will work closely with our Grand Secretary and this GLMC to see that these ambitions are achieved. I wish him all the best.”
25.1.26– HOALT Burns Supper at the Lodge room Dhekelia, organised by the Dhekelia Garrison Lodge in support of the Holiday of a Life Time Fund. In total, just under €900 raised for this worthwhile cause. Guest enjoyed a supper of Coq a leekie Soup, roll & butter, Haggis Neeps and Tatties with a Pepper and Whiskey sauce or the Cottage pie alternative with carrots, peas and Swede with a beef gravy. Polished off with a rustic apple crumble with fresh whipped cream. The haggis was ‘piped in’ by Bro. Paul Harper and the address to the haggis was performed by Bro. Steven Guy. A brilliant night with good funds raised and the guests enjoying the experience.
20.12.25- The final event for the RAOB Grand Lodge of Cyprus 2025, the Annual Grand Primo Dinner at Moments Banqueting Halls, Larnaca.
The event is part ceremonial with the installation of the Grand Primo for the following year and his team of Grand Lodge Officers. We also take the opportunity for the sitting Grand Primo to make his own personal awards to Brethren and supporters of our Order who have exceeded expectations during his 12 months in the role. This year we added the presentation of the Grand Primo 2025 Appeal Fund of over €9000 to SPAVO which is the first time we have attempted that feat which was a tough call as it includes the profit from and late donations to the fund. Finally there is an opportunity for Buffs, Guest Members, supporters and donors alike to have a good Dinner, relax and enjoy the evening of ceremony and recognition.
Here are a few pictures showing this was achieved in 2025.
20.12.25 – Grand Primo 2025 Brother Ray Hill RoH presents his chosen awards at the ceremony which took place at Moments Larnaca tonight.
Services rendered Non-Buff
Amy Wagstaff & Beverley Davis
Both have fully supported their partners this year and in the past to help grow and make the Order in Cyprus a success. Thank you Amy & Beverley.
Services Rendered 2025 Member
Congratulations Bro. Josh Harris CP.
Man of Worth- Congratulations Brother Nof Pashialis RoH. This is the second year that the GP has nominated this good and valuable member of our Organisation.
20.12.25 – Team 2026 Grand Lodge Officers are installed at the Annual Grand Primo Dinner at Moments Larnaca.
L-R IPGP Bro.Ray Hill RoH, Deputy Grand Primo Ross Thomson RoH, Grand Treasurer Bro. Paul Harper KOM, Bro. Josh Harris CP, Grand Primo Bro. Stephen Leek RoH, Bro. Mick Wagstaff CP Grand Alderman of Juniper, Gary Davis RoH Grand Secretary, Bro. Colin Young RoH, Grand Registrar,Bro. Chris Caddick CP, Grand Constable, Bro. Dave Baker CP, Bro. Dave Smith KOM, Grand Tyler.
Missing due to being in the UK, Grand Chamberlain Bro.Steven Gannon RoH, Grand Minstrel Bri. Stewart Read RoH and Bri. Howard Passes KOM, Assistant to the Grand Secretary. They will be installed by the Grand Primo as soon as they return. TEAM 2026. congratulations.
20.12.25 – Grand Primo 2025 Brother. Ray Hill RoH and Chairman of Holiday of a Life Time, Bro. Nic Ashby RoH receive a generous donation to HOALT from the family of Gordon Hubbard Dec’d as the final sum, to be added to a previous donation from his estate. ‘ it was what he wanted as he fully appreciated the work undertaken by the Buffs for this worthy cause.’ He was a good man and loyal supporter of our Organisation. Thank you.
20.12.25 – Bro.Josh Harris CP, presents Grand Primo 2025 Bro. Ray Hill RoH with €500 for his SPAVO appeal and €500 for HOALT. He was joined by some of the participants of the MOHAWK challenge where sponsorship was was involved in raising this great donation.
20.12.25 – Grand Primo 2026 Brother Stephen Leek RoH installed by the Grand Primo 2025 Bro. Ray Hill RoH with due ceremony at Moments Larnaca. Best wishes for an enjoyable and productive 2026. Brother Stephen.
20.12.25 – Grand Primo Appeal 2025 presents a fantastic sum of €8086 to representatives of SPAVO, at the GPA Dinner at Moments Larnaca. Further presentations were made on the night of €300 and €900 giving a grand total donated by the Grand Lodge of Cyprus to SPAVO, €9286. Well done Grand Primo.
20.12.25 – Grand Lodge of Cyprus Quarterly Meeting at the Buffs Club, Dhekelia. Grand Primo, Bro. Ray Hill final meeting oversees the Grand Lodge Officers jewels presentation and results of elections for 2026 advised. There was very positive news regarding the financial aspects of the Banner and its progress since launch in 2021. A new HOALT Committee structure confirmed and elections confirmed their positions. Eyes all turn now to the Grand Primo Dinner this evening.
14.12.25 – RAOB Grand Hamper Draw at the Buffs Lodge Room Dhekelia. €945 raised on the day. Winners of the 10 hampers on offer: 1. Bill Condick, 2. Ray Hill, 3.,Nathan Bowler, 4. Paul Harper, 5. Graham Nicholson, 6. Howard Passes, 7. Ron Tutt, 8. Josh Harris 9. Jon Copley, 10. Dave Smith. Ray Hill in fact won 4 hampers, he kept one, redrew two and auctioned the fourth raising a further €100.
The estimated value of each hamper €170 financed by the monthly Meat Raffle. We also received an anonymous donation for HOALT for €1350. A very productive and enjoyable event. Well done all involved.
9.12.25 – It is always nice to receive acknowledgement for your charitable donations. Congratulations to our Grand Primo for 2023 Bro. Nic Ashby RoH. For his Appeal for Alzheimer’s Europe in the fantastic sum of €5000.
8.12.25 – Bro. Ray Hill RoH attends the MAW Trent Valley Grand Lodge of England Meeting and is presented with two donations to our H.O.A.L.T. Funds of £500 being the proceeds of the Lodge Dinner this year and a further £550 from a 1 Gallon bottle of whiskey raffle which was drawn on the night. Thank you.
OUR MAIN CHARITY SUPPORT
We welcome pupils and parents from the Stone Bay Schools, Broadstairs Kent, to Cyprus for a Holiday of a lifetime.
Stone Bay is a very special School who look after children with autism from 4years to 18 years. The School is a former Victorian Convalescence Home situated on a cliff overlooking Stone Bay Beach in Broadstairs.
The children arrive on 7th May and depart 14th May 2025.
This Website is dedicated to Brother Kypros Kypri KOM who died in service on 7th February 2022, after losing a long battle with ill-health, During his 10 years as a member of the R.A.O.B. in Cyprus, including the period of ill heath, he was committed to H.O.A.L.T., James Mercury, Dhekelia Garrison, Unity in Cyprus and Grand Lodge of Cyprus. This Website is an example of Brother Kyp’s enterprise, He will be missed but never forgotten.
