Mexborough and Swinton Times August 9, 1929

Obituary

Mr Robert Tesh
Prominent Wombwell Buffalo.

The Order of Buffaloes in South Yorkshire has suffered a severe loss by the death of Mr. Robert Tesh, of 2, Tunstall Cross, Wombwell.

Mr. Tesh, who had been in failing health for some months, was 56 years of age. His wife died three years ago, and he leaves five sons and three daughters.

In 1900 he joined the R.A.O.B. and was initiated in the Shakespeare Lodge, Barnsley. At that time the number of Lodges in England was 572, and it is now over 6,000.

Mr. Tesh had a good deal of pioneer work in connection with the Order in South Yorkshire, and was prominently am associated with the formation of a Provincial Grand Lodge. In association with Mr. Alfred Denville, the well-known actor-manager, and a number of local residents, he formed the Denville Lodge (1155) at the Three Horseshoes Hotel, Wombwell. He has since been identified with the formation of the Royal Oak Lodge (1661), the Royal George (1736), the Britannia (1748), the Pride of Darfield (1830), and the Old Hall Lodge at Great Houghton.

It was largely the result of his efforts that Wombwell was constituted a province embracing Goldthorpe, Bolton, Wath, Hoyland and Elsecar. He assisted at the initiation of the present Bishop of Sheffield.

Mr. Tesh was raised to the second degree in 1909, to the third degree in 1919, and in 1925 to the fourth degree, R.O.H., and he was the first Provincial Grand Primo for the Wombwell province.

Apart from his Buffalo activities, Mr. Tesh did valuabie social work in and about Wombwell. During the coal stoppage of 1921, he acted as secretary of the relief fund.

For five years he was president of the Wombwell Working Men’s Club, and he has also served as a delegate to the South Yorkshire branch of the Club and Institute Union.

He was employed for a good many ears in the Mitchell Main by product works and was a member of the Brampton Bierlow Parish Church.

The funeral took place at Brampton Bierlow on Tuesday, the service being conducted by the vicar, the Rev. C. L. Suggit. Many Buffalo lodges were represented in the cortege, prominent members of the Order present including Mr. E. Turner, R.O.H., Mr. O. Ardron, K.O.M., Mr. F. Bagnall, C.P. The Wombwell Old Folk’s Treat Committee were represented by Mr. S. Ibberson and Mr. E. Heatley; the Wombwell Conservative Club by Mr. T. H. Goode, and many others were present in representative capacities. A great many wreaths were sent.