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G'day Buffaloes and welcome to the August edition of the Buffalo Newsletter.
It's been another wonderful month to be a Buffalo. Another month of stubbornly pushing back against the forces of isolation. Another month of defending the values of Buffaloism with all the weapons at our disposal: guitars, pool cues, dart flights, pint glasses and the occasional raffle ticket. Above all, another month of advancing the sacred objective laid down in our founding charter, the promotion of social unity in all things.
July was another big one between these lime green limestone walls. We welcomed Sydney hardcore outfit Rapid Dye, who made the long journey west to shake the foundations of the lodge, celebrated the launch of Skortz's new EP with another packed house of friends old and new, and rounded out the month with our Postdiluvian Fundraiser, a joyous celebration of the Club's rebirth following the Great Flood of 2024. Cleansing, destructive and ultimately character-building.
August promises more live music, more cold pints, more community and more opportunities to practise the ancient rites of Buffaloism alongside your fellow herd members. The old ways endure, and the lime green lodge continues to stand as a beacon to all who seek friendship, music, laughter and a decent pint.
As always, your pilgrimage begins with the Club Calendar. Check it out below and we'll see you at the bar.
One of the highlights of Cara's recent Storytime at the Buff event was this gem from long-time member Robin "Skipper" Jeffries (Membership No. 43).
Picture the scene. Upstairs, a Lodge meeting is underway. John Brooks is on door duty, faithfully admitting members only after they perform the correct secret knock. Downstairs, the cook has the fish fryer going. Just another ordinary day at the Buffalo.
Then the fryer catches fire.
Smoke quickly fills the building and the fire brigade is called. The Club Secretary races upstairs, banging on the Lodge room door to warn everyone inside. John refuses to open it.
"Wrong knock."
A fireman steps forward and is told the problem.
"I know the secret knock," he says.
Moments later, an axe comes crashing through the door.
"That's the secret knock," John declares, before calmly opening it.
By then the smoke had filled the room so quickly that two members had to be carried downstairs. Soon everyone was standing out in the street, hurriedly trying to conceal the very regalia they had sworn never to reveal.
The door was repaired eventually, although no one seems to remember who paid for it. According to Robin, the patch remained visible for years afterwards.
Shout Outs
Thanks to Ruth for sewing the beautiful new curtains in the upstairs Social Hall. Thanks for Paul for helping to hang them. Now the backpackers next door can't spy on our yoga sessions.
A big thank you to Richard for donating an Apple iMac, cameras and a tripod to the Club.
Thanks to Neil for building a cover to protect the water main and revealing the beautiful original 1950s and '60s subway tiles hidden beneath layers of paint.
A huge shout-out to Committee Member, Roni for turning the upstairs women's toilets into a work of art. Ladies, be sure to check it out!
Thank you to Club X Traralgon, Greedy Green, Soulseeds, Glas Nost, Lifecry, Pool Boy, Mickey from Peacock Dreams, Roberto Aranha from Global Rhythms and the Chilli Jam Poets for donating their time and talent to our Postdiluvian Fundraiser.
Thanks to Paul, Minette, Cara and Emily for manning the door, and to Chloe from Randyhouse Promotions and Club Secretary Dan for organising another fantastic fundraiser.
Thanks Roni for your renovations!
Inaugural Russell Oldham Buffalo Club Snooker Competition
Rack ’em up! The Buffalo Club is proud to announce the inaugural Russell Oldham Buffalo Club Snooker Competition.
Entry is $10 per player, with prizes (subject to numbers):
- First place: $80
- Second place: $20
- Third place: $10
The competition will be a knockout tournament, with a maximum of 16 competitors. Each round will run over a one-week period, allowing players to organise match times that suit them. Competitors will need to arrange their own games and provide an independent witness to sign off results.
Games will be played in accordance with the WPBSA International rulebook, with a copy available in the small snooker cabinet.
Entries close Thursday 14 August, with games commencing Monday 17 August.
Interested in competing? Contact Neil at neil@porterequip.com to put your name down.
The new curtains upstairs
Freo History Buffs: A New Chapter
The Tavern or Inn has long been a place where people gather, share stories, exchange knowledge, and pursue the interests that bring them together. From such gatherings, clubs were born, built not only on shared passions, but on the simple pleasure of good company.
The Buffalo Club has always carried that spirit, and the Freo History Buffs are continuing the tradition. While the group began with a focus on preserving and exploring the history of the Buffalo Club, it is now opening its doors to all members with an interest in history, research, and storytelling.
Whether you are researching your family history, exploring Fremantle’s past, investigating a historical curiosity, working on a writing project, or simply have a fascination with days gone by, you are welcome to join.
Bring your notes, books, laptops, questions, or just your curiosity. The Freo History Buffs is a space to share ideas, work alongside others, and enjoy the company of people who appreciate the stories that make our world what it is.
The Freo History Buffs meet every Sunday in the Buffalo Club’s Ladies Lounge. If you're interested in joining, please contact Daniel Elias or join the subcommittee group chat here.
Storytime at the Buff
On 25 July, we packed the hall for a cracker Community Kitchen lunch, kicking off with a Q&A featuring Buffalo life member Kevin Elliott.
It was a wonderful afternoon of good food, good company and even better stories, bringing together Buffs old and new, along with members of the wider Fremantle community, to celebrate the port city we all know and love.
Thanks to everyone who came along and helped make it such a great day. Better still, the Buffalo Community Kitchen raised more than $400, helping us continue serving up free meals and bringing people together around the table.
Storytime at the Buff
Committee @ The Buff: Around the Club
A few things have been happening around the Buffalo, both glamorous and less glamorous.
The back door to the alleyway has finally been replaced after years of valiantly holding itself together. The alarm has also been re-installed, so a friendly reminder that this door is for staff use only. Keeping it closed helps us keep the neighbours happy.
A huge thanks to Zane, AJ and Paul for the following acts of Buffalo maintenance heroism:
- A new gate has been installed in the basement to keep volunteers safely away from some of the more “advanced” activities that staff are trained to undertake, such as operating the ancient and mysterious keg lift.
- The shelf behind the bar that attempted a great escape has been returned to its rightful position with the assistance of a hammer and a firm reminder about who is in charge.
- New structural lighting bars have been installed on the upstairs stage, setting the scene for a much-needed upgrade to our gig experience. Artists regularly tell us the Buffalo sounds fantastic, but our lighting has been letting the side down. The good news is that actual stage lights are on the way, and soon our performers will no longer have to rely on the ancient art of “standing near a lamp”.
Thanks to everyone who keeps pitching in to improve the club. Every bit helps make the Buffalo a better place.
A Friendly Reminder from the Door
We know it can feel a little strange to pull out your wallet at the door when you’re already a proud Buffalo member. After all, shouldn’t your membership card get you through the door everywhere?
Unfortunately, gigs are a little different.
Our live music nights are a huge part of keeping the club alive. They bring people through the doors, support local artists, and, importantly, help keep the tax man from becoming too interested in our affairs.
So, a friendly reminder: please respect the artists, the staff, and the volunteers working on the night. If there’s a door charge for a gig, it’s there for a reason. Please don’t try to sneak in or turn the doorway into a negotiation table.
Thanks for helping us keep the lights on, the bands playing, and the tax man at a comfortable distance.
🌿 BUFFALO MEMBER DISCOUNTS 🌿
Greenzo's Wieird Ol' Blues, Tubedriver and Klaxon Hymn
Friday 7th August | $15 for members | $20 for non-members
Rock n' roll meets psychadelia meets spagetthi western meets murky blues.
Jake Stirling
Friday 14th August | $10 for members | $15 for non-members
An evening of Punk, Garage Blues, Solo Indie, and all that dances in-between.
Wagers
Friday 14th August | $10 for members | $20 for non-members
Rock n' roll ratbags.
HEM: Poetics
Thursday 20th August | $7.50 for members | $15 for non-members
Poetry with Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa OAM and a group of lovely responders.
Unicorn - Sweet Ride Single Launch
Saturday 22nd August | $15 for members | $20 for non-members
Electrifying grunge pop-rock phenomenon from some local legends.