They are here to toast the promotion of a woman in the Bermudian section of the group.

Mrs. Marion Tannock is the new Provincial Grandmaster of the Hamilton District of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity.

She took over the position during a special ceremony on Friday.

It was officiated by Installing Master of the group's United States lodge, Mr.

Everett Fiore.

To celebrate Mrs. Tannock's new post a banquet was held at St. Mary's Church Hall in Warwick on Saturday.

Guests from lodges in Boston, Massachusetts, and Ontario, Canada, were present.

Mrs. Tannock will hold her position for a year.

The Independent Order of Oddfellows was started in Manchester, England, in the 18th Century, as a "benevolent and fraternal'' association.

It has become a worldwide organisation, with lodges in, among other places, America, Canada, and the Caribbean.

The Bermudian connection began 115 years ago, and there are now well over 100 members.

The group has the image as a "secret society'', although anyone can join.

"All we require is that people be upright, just and straightforward.

Naturally we don't want criminals,'' said Mr. Earlston Lee, Provincial Correspondence Secretary.

The Hamilton District meets every other week at The Old Upper House, off Victoria Street and Union Street.

The group's activities include charity work.

GOOD FELLOWS -- Oddfellows' members pictured are: (back row, from left) Ms Betty Angelo; Mr. Earlston Lee; (middle row) Mrs. Flora Smith; Mr. Russell Henderson; Mrs. Marion Henderson; Ms Marjorie Franz; (front row) Mrs. Madeline Hogan; Mrs. Dorothy Mason; Mrs. Marion Tannock; and Mr. Everett Fiore.