And it was a special day for Dennis Smith and Jim Sunners, who have been the club's secretary and treasurer since it took over the old Royal Naval Association and Conservative Club back in 1977.

"The great feeling I have is that we've achieved something," said Dennis, of Dane Fields.

"And that's not a bad feeling to have."

The Northwich club was born when the Coronation and Grey Lamb lodges clubbed together to raise funds for a combined club.

It opened officially on September 13, 1977.

Dennis and Jim, of Agecroft Road, have occupied the positions of secretary and treasurer ever since.

"The charity events are what makes it special," said Jim. "Last year we raised £6,330 for our causes. We say the only right any Buffalo ever has is the right to give."

Last year's charities included The Russet School in Weaverham, and Rosebank School in Barnton. The club also provided nebulisers for asthma sufferers at 16 local surgeries.

"We owe a debt of thanks to the wives especially," said Dennis.

"You can't be a Buffalo unless you've got someone good back there to help you."

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.