THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS - GENERAL MEMERSHIP - LAPEL BADGE

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THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS - GENERAL MEMERSHIP - LAPEL BADGE:
$12.48

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS - GENERAL MEMBERSHIP - LAPEL BADGE.

TheAncient Order of Foresters began in 1834, but its origins lie in a much oldersociety called the Royal Foresters formed in the 18th century. Meeting inLeeds, this seems at first to have been a purely sociable society until themembers decided that they had a duty to assist their fellow men who fell intoneed \"as they walked through the forests of life\". This \'need\' aroseprincipally when a breadwinner fell ill, could not work and, therefore,received no wages. Illness and death left families financially distressed andoften destitute. Relief of this need has been the main purpose of the Forestersthroughout their long history. It was achieved by members paying, initially, afew pence a week into a common fund from which sick pay and funeral grantscould be drawn.

InAugust 1834 at Rochdale, Lancashire, over 300 branches of the Royal Foresterssociety (established in the 18th century) transfer their allegiance to the newAncient Order of Foresters. George Mandley becomes the first High Chief Ranger.In 1835 the first High Court (AGM) was held at Salford Town Hall, with 285branches represented. During 1839 - 1840 The first Welsh, Irish and Scottishbranches are founded (\'Welshman\'s Friend\' No 841, \'Pride of the North\' No 1070and \'Banks of Clyde\' No 1109).

1842David Redfearn is elected as the Order\'s first Permanent Secretary. Less than 3months later, he had absconded to NewYork with some of the Society\'s money and an Executive Council member\'s wife.The following year Samuel Shawcross is elected the second Permanent Secretary.He became the longest-serving person in this position, being at the heart ofForesters and general friendly society developments for the next 46 years.

During1850 the Foresters attains legal status under the new Friendly Societies Act.1864 Members set up the first voluntary Lifeboat Fund. By June it raises £225,and by December the first lifeboat paid for by the fund and aptly named\'Forester\' - commences its duties.

In1884 The Society celebrates its Jubilee year at the H.C. held in Manchester.1893 The first female branch, Court \'Martha Blakeney\' No 8108, opens inSheffield. Martha Blakeney was the wife of Archdeacon J E Blakeney, A Canon ofYork. At the 1898 H.C. the first mixed male and female branch is approved, with292 delegates voting for the proposition and 213 voting against it.

1912After the National Insurance Act of 1911, Foresters becomes an \'ApprovedSociety\', allowing it to get involved in the state system of NationalInsurance. It can now accept individuals contributing to the state scheme asmembers which virtually doubles the total membership of the Society. 1918 The Foresters\'War Memorial Benevolent Fund is established to provide financial assistance tomembers and their families who have been severely affected by the losses of theFirst World War.

During1934 Centenary celebrations include a Thanksgiving service, held simultaneouslyat over 500 locations on 3rd June 1934. Some 1,135 delegates attend the H.C. atthe Albert Hall in Nottingham, including visitors from Australia, New Zealand,South Africa, Holland and the United States. In1959 The 125th anniversary of theOrder is celebrated at the Aberdeen H.C.

1971E M J (Jenny) Rivett is appointed thefirst female High Chief Ranger. Jenny attended her first AGM in 1928. In 1984Over 600 members attend the 150th anniversary celebrations at the H.C.inScarborough. This is preceded by a World Conference of Foresters, at whichnumerous members are present, with over 2,000 Foresters filling York Minster.The voluntary Educational Awards scheme, which continues to this day, isapproved and adopted by delegates. 1988 Payments by the Foresters\' War MemorialBenevolent reach £1 million. During 1994 A \'pilgrimage\' of more than 1,000Foresters visit the grave of Little John, who some argue was one of the firstRoyal Foresters, at Hathersage in Derbyshire.

In2000 The Society starts to become regulated by the Financial Services Authority.2003 Foresters acquired Tunstall Assurance Friendly Society, followed by theLeek Assurance Collecting Society in 2005 . In 2009 Foresters celebrates its175th anniversary at the AGM in Manchester, close to where it all began.

On offer a base metal lapel badge. No marks so I assume its not silver.

Manufacturer unknown, withinthe United Kingdom.

Circa:1870\'s - 1880\'s.

One of the Orders membership badges.

Stickpinfastener.

Size: Overall length a little over 3.1/4 inches ( 95mm ) AOF 1.1/8 inches ( 29mm ) x 7/8 inches

( 22mm ). Length of stickpin 2.1/2 inches ( 62mm ).

A very nice pin.

All metalwork intact, no dents or scrathes.

Picture may not do justice to the item on offer.Any marks that appear on the badge are throw-back from the camera.

An ideal item for those who collect Ao.O.F. or British fraternal related memorabilia, a badge collector, even as a present.

All badges are supplied in original packaging ( unless older ones ). Not worn and passed on as new !!

2nd or 1st class postal options available on all my sales within the U.K. ( No fancy charges )Postage prices listed are for 2nd or 1st class standard mail. If insured postage is required so that compensation claims can be made, then SIGN FOR Postage should be used within the U.K. Overseas buyers should consider International SIGNED FOR or AIR SURE options.

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