STORY OF THE MOOSE
Moose in Great Britain Invites you to get more out of life. Why do so many people feel dissatisfied with their lives? One reason could be today's dramatic changes in moral attitudes - not just in a religious or sexual sense, but in the way society has been taught to care less personally about members of its own "family". Our National Health Service and Welfare State has largely put an end to crippling poverty. But what about the quality of life of those less fortunate, as well as ourselves? If you feel that something is missing from your life, that something could be "Moose International". This web page will tell you a little about Moose, its aims and objects, its history, the way it is run and the things it can do for you and your family.
What exactly is Moose International  LET'S start by saying what Moose International isn't. It is not a secret society. It is not a religious sect. Nor is it some kind of insurance scheme or a deer-hunting club. In fact Moose is an association of people who believe in a caring, sharing "family" society and who enjoy working towards it in the company of friends. Its odd sounding name stems from North America where, way back in 1888, Dr.Wilson, a man of Scottish descent had studied the moose and admired the way it protected the young and old of its kind, founded a Society which he called The Loyal Order of Moose. Not too successful at first, the Society was given new life by the energy and foresight of British-born James J. Davis who, after establishing a flourishing network of Moose Lodges in America, returned to his Welsh birthplace at Tredegar and set up the first British Moose Lodge in 1926.
It sounds a bit old-fashioned is it? ABSOLUTELY NOT. True the various branches of British Moose do call themselves Lodges or Branches. And 'headquarters' is known as The Grand Lodge of Great Britain. But that's no more than rhetoric. Monthly meetings, usually held in Moose Halls or Hotels in the evening or at lunchtime are friendly and informal. No bowing and scraping to some mystic being. No strange rituals. just a relaxed meeting of friends pursuing a common interest. Some people consider the aims and objects of Moose to be old-fashioned. But Moose members believe in caring and providing practical help for those less fortunate than themselves. They also believe in looking after their own, particularly if family members are bereaved, fall on hard times or simply grow old and lonely. Finally, Moose members believe in enjoying life to the full and, to that end, have set up their own activity clubs - golf, bowls, camping and camping, travel etc. If all that sounds old-fashioned, Moose is probably not for you!
Have I the time and money to join such an organisation UNLIKE some well-known philanthropic associations, Moose doesn't ask its members for any kind of firm personal commitment. Nor does it expect members to give more time than they feel they can spare. If a Moose member does have the time to donate to an appeal for - maybe - hospital laser equipment, or a guide dog for the blind, or food parcels for the elderly, that's marvellous. But if, perhaps because of other social commitments of family expenses, he can only contribute a tiny amount of time or money, that's alright too.
Aren't there already plenty of fund raising groups? Can there be too many? There's certainly no shortage of worthy local causes. And, as we all know, there's no end to the chain of international disasters, famine, floods, earthquakes - all of which create desperate human needs on a vast scale. Through its fund-raising ventures, Moose makes life a little easier for millions of unfortunate people every year. There are the needs closer to home as well, just take a look at the various groups in your own local community. Moose members do not only concern themselves with financial help; they also provide practical help by arranging outings and holidays for children in care and others who are less fortunate.
How does Moose look after its Members IF a Moose member suffers a personal accident, or sudden tragedy strikes a Moose family, members of the local branch will do everything they can to ease the burden. At a national level, financial help is available to widows and, if bereaved children are involved, Moose looks after their continued education. Aged and infirm members are also cared for, both financially and by the provision of free holidays. At Winscombe, in the heart of the glorious Avon countryside, British Moose owns a superb holiday home set in some eighty acres of beautiful parkland. Known as Mooseheart, the holiday home is open throughout the year to Moose members, offering free holidays to those in financial need. Other Moose members and their families can enjoy the first-class holiday facilities of Mooseheart at privileged rates.
The beautiful Mooscheart set in parkland at Winscombe, Avon.
What about the children? REALISING the choice of a career may well be one of the most important decisions a person makes in their lifetime, the Order introduced a Residential Vocational Guidance Course for members' Children. The Course, which is free to members' children (and grandchildren should places be available), has been in place for over forty years during which time countless young people have received benefit from their individual counselling by a Consultant Occupational Psychologist. The practical career interests of the Course are provided by visits from representatives from industry and commerce. The opportunity is also available for members' children, at no cost to the parent, to attend a nine month Vocational Course at the Order's High School which is located 40 miles west of Chicago in the U.S.A. The Course is designed to enable the students to study a vocation of their choice, and follow related academic studies. With the teacher to student ratio being I 5: 1, and in some instances 2: 1, the student returns to the United Kingdom better placed to find employment. These two tangible benefits of membership in themselves makes membership in Moose worthwhile.
What's it like being a Moose Member? BY "putting something back" into the community you will appreciate your own achievements and successes all the more. You will also have the opportunity to serve as an officer on one of the committees or as chairman, secretary or treasurer. As a Moose member, you will worry less about the future, knowing that your friends at Moose will rally round should serious problems arise. Perhaps, most important of all, you will enjoy a new sense of "family", making new and likeminded friends at monthly Moose meetings and joining them in whatever kinds of social, sporting and artistic activities interest you. In short, you'll be getting a lot more out of life - by putting a little more in!
What's in Moose For Women? SOON, after the establishment of Mooseheart and the Charitable Funds of the Order, it was recognised that women can see needs and solutions that men too often overlook. As a consequence, the Order established Moose Ladies' Circles, membership of which is open to all female relatives of a Moose member. Other ladies may also join as associate members. Circle meetings are held monthly running their own affairs, and arranging activities for the meeting which appeal to women. As well as organising their own fund raising programmes, they give support to their local Moose Branch in its fund raising and social activities. Yes, women have become an intrinsic, vital and absolutely essential component of the Moose Fraternity.
The social side of Moose International LIFE for Moose Family can be full. Nationally organised Moose Clubs include Caravan and Camping Club, Golfing Society, Bowls Club and Travel Club. In addition, Branches organise their own social events which are geared to the interests of their members and families.These are so varied it would be impossible to list them, suffice to say - if you and your family have a particular interest, or wish to be involved in a social activity, your local Branch will organise it. At all social events organised by Moose you would experience a "feeling good" factor brought about because you will be socialising with like minded and compatible people.
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Feel free to contact us with any questions you have. If you have comments or suggestions please email us. Otherwise, you can call the lodge directly at 609-344-2965.
For those of you visiting from out of town and staying in the Atlantic City area, don't hesitate to give us a call for directions to our lodge or click here for (Our Location). We always welcome fellow Moose members.
The Atlantic City Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #216 would be proud to extend the same courtesy that our members receive when visiting other Moose Lodges.
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