A historic fellowship of convivial spirits, charity, and camaraderie — united by beer, brotherhood, and the welfare of wee waifs since 1924. Now raising a glass in the Philippines.
"Lubrication in Moderation" — The Motto of Ye Ancient Order of Froth Blowers
Introduction
Founded in 1924 by ex-soldier Bert Temple, the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers was a uniquely British institution — part charitable society, part convivial brotherhood, and entirely good fun.
The A.O.F.B. was a humorous charitable fraternity whose stated purpose was "to foster the noble Art and gentle and healthy Pastime of froth blowing amongst Gentlemen of leisure and ex-Soldiers." Despite its whimsical framing, its charitable work was entirely serious — raising enormous sums for children's hospitals and invalid children's welfare.
Members — called Blowers — gathered in public houses known as Vats, united by fellowship, camaraderie, and a shared commitment to helping society's most vulnerable.
"These, by their innocent mirth, assisted by a catchy tune, have contributed largely to charities, and have entertained and brightened the lives of innumerable children."— The Times obituary of Sir Alfred Fripp, 1930
Our Story
The A.O.F.B. was born from an act of gratitude and grew into one of the most beloved — and most cheerfully ridiculous — charitable movements Britain has ever seen.
1924 — The Origin
Herbert Longdale Temple — ex-soldier, curtain merchant, and man of great convivial spirit — had his life saved by the eminent royal surgeon Sir Alfred Fripp. In gratitude, Bert promised to raise £100 for Sir Alfred's children's charities. He produced membership cards and silver enamelled cufflinks, snapped up immediately by fellow veterans of the 1st Sportsman's Battalion. The A.O.F.B. was born.
1924–1926 — Gathering the Vats
The first formal gathering was held at the Swan pub in Fittleworth, West Sussex — forever known as "No. 0 Vat." Bert Temple's farcical membership booklet entitled every Blower to blow froth off any fellow member's beer — "and occasionally off non-members' beer, provided they are not looking or are of a peaceful disposition."
1926–1928 — The Great Boom
By December 1926, 150,000 Blowers had joined. By late 1928, membership exceeded 700,000 across Britain and beyond, with over £100,000 raised for hospital cots, country holidays for invalid children, and a roof garden for mothers and children in Marylebone. Sir Alfred Fripp toured the country speaking at Vats, raising funds and spirits in equal measure.
1928–1930 — Controversy & Champions
The Order's embrace of pub culture drew fire from Temperance activists. The Lord Chancellor, Viscount Hailsham, had the final word — declaring it "a great charitable organisation." The Order's anthem The More We Are Together was sung across the country.
1930–1931 — A Noble End & Lasting Legacy
Sir Alfred Fripp passed away in 1930, followed by Bert Temple in 1931. The Order went into voluntary liquidation, its residual funds used to establish "Heartsease" — a Girl Guide retreat at West Wickham. The Ancient Order of Froth Blowers Girl Guide and Boy Scout Charity still administers this site today.
Our Principles
Beneath the jovial ceremonies and the froth-blowing privileges lay a set of values that made the A.O.F.B. a genuinely transformative social force — values that the GAOFB carries forward today.
Blowers met in Vats — pub gatherings that built genuine community bonds across classes and backgrounds.
Every shilling of membership and every humorous fine went directly to children's hospitals, invalid care, and community welfare.
The Order proved that serious charitable work need not be solemn. Laughter and joy were central to its mission.
From the cufflink inspection to the shared anthem, ritual gave the brotherhood a shared identity across generations.
Long before "social clubs" were common, the A.O.F.B. created a template for inclusive, purposeful community assembly.
Membership
Membership cost five shillings and entitled each Blower to silver enamelled cufflinks, a membership booklet, and full froth-blowing privileges. The Order was refreshingly inclusive for its era, with ranks earned through recruiting new members — from Blower to Blaster, Tornado, Monsoon, Grand Typhoon, and Cloud Burst.
The core membership — gentlemen of leisure, ex-soldiers, merchants, and publicans united in convivial charity.
Female members who enjoyed equal standing in the Order's charitable mission and social gatherings.
Younger associate members — often children of Blowers — introduced to the tradition of fellowship and giving from an early age.
"SHOOT YOUR LINEN, BLOWERS" — all members would jerk both arms forward to expose their cufflinks for the Senior Blower's inspection. Those not wearing cufflinks were fined — the money going directly to the children's charities.— The A.O.F.B. Membership Booklet, c. 1927
Modern Revival
The spirit of the A.O.F.B. never truly died. Resurrected in 2020, the Grand Ancient Order of Froth Blowers (GAOFB) carries the torch — bringing the same values of fellowship, charity, and good humour into a new century.
The Grand Ancient Order of Froth Blowers is the modern social fraternal continuation of the original 1924 Order, formally resurrected in 2020. Drawing on the same founding principles — charity, companionship, and cheerfulness — GAOFB chapters gather in pubs, community spaces, and social venues to raise funds for local causes and keep the tradition of convivial brotherhood alive.
Where the original Order raised funds for children's hospitals, modern GAOFB Vats support a range of charitable causes chosen by their local membership. Membership follows the original spirit: accessible to all people of goodwill, marked by the iconic cufflink ceremony, and conducted under the understanding that "Lubrication in Moderation" and generosity of spirit are the only true requirements.
GAOFB chapters meet in local pubs and community venues, recreating the convivial atmosphere of the 1920s original.
Each Vat selects local charities to support, channelling the Order's original mission of directing fellowship into genuine social good.
The sacred "Shoot Your Linen" inspection ritual is preserved in modern GAOFB gatherings — honouring the traditions of the original Order.
GAOFB Philippines
On October 17, 2020, the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers officially arrived in the Philippines — planting its roots in Metro Manila and writing a uniquely Filipino chapter in this centuries-old tradition of fellowship and charitable brotherhood.
The first official and registered Vat within the Philippine jurisdiction — recognized as AOFB Philippines / GAOFB Philippines.
"The Grand Ancient Order of Froth Blowers (GAOFB) represents a unique chapter in the storied landscape of fraternal societies in the Philippines — established with a blend of historical reverence and lighthearted camaraderie."— Pinoy Frat News, Pale Pilsen Vat No. 94
The inception of Pale Pilsen Vat No. 94 was the result of the shared passion of two dedicated fraternal enthusiasts. Both individuals, already established members of various other fraternal orders in the Philippines, sought to introduce the distinct charm and philanthropic spirit of the GAOFB to their home soil. By combining their administrative experience with a deep respect for organizational heritage, they successfully launched the Vat to foster a new community of fellowship.
The group held its inaugural Meet & Greet at Grafiti, Eastwood City Walk 1 in Quezon City — a foundational moment for members in Metro Manila to gather and solidify the Vat's presence. The event marked the formal beginning of a sustained revival of the Order's traditions within the Philippine archipelago.
The identity of GAOFB Philippines is deeply tied to its historical British predecessor — preserving the original mission of mixing humour with charity, capturing this legacy in its official emblem which serves as a visual testament to the Order's enduring identity.
Pale Pilsen Vat No. 94 maintains a focus on both organizational heritage and active growth — offering a distinct space for those interested in the traditions of fraternal life in the Philippines.
The Philippine chapter embraces "froth blowing" as a metaphorical nod to enjoying life's moments while contributing to the greater good — charity, companionship, and cheerfulness in a Filipino context.
Currently accepting new members who resonate with the Order's values of friendship and community service. All persons of goodwill and peaceful disposition are welcome at the Vat.
International Presence
The A.O.F.B. was always more than a London phenomenon. From its earliest days, the Order reached beyond Britain's shores — carried by ex-servicemen, colonial networks, and the universal appeal of fellowship and charitable purpose.
With hundreds of Vats across England, Scotland, and Wales, the UK remains the spiritual home of the Froth Blowers tradition. The original Swan at Fittleworth still stands as "No. 0 Vat."
Historical newspaper archives from Australia record coverage of the A.O.F.B.'s activities, reflecting the Order's reach through imperial networks and its appeal to ex-servicemen communities worldwide.
Established October 17, 2020, the Philippines became home to the first registered GAOFB Vat in Southeast Asia — bridging British fraternal heritage with the vibrant fraternal culture of the archipelago.
Modern GAOFB communities have emerged internationally, using social networks to coordinate Vats and charitable activities across continents, united by shared history and the motto "Lubrication in Moderation."
Symbolism & Culture
Every fraternal order has its rituals, symbols, and songs. The A.O.F.B. had all of these — and the decency to make them wonderfully absurd.
The Silver Cufflinks
Each member received a pair of silver enamelled A.O.F.B. cufflinks — the defining symbol of membership and centrepiece of the inspection ceremony at every Vat.
The Vat
The Order's name for a local chapter gathering — always in a pub or social club, always accompanied by tankards of ale and the warm noise of fellowship.
The Anthem
The More We Are Together — adapted from an old German melody, rewritten as the joyful rallying cry of 700,000 Blowers across Britain and beyond.
The Piffle Snonker
Among the ceremonial implements required at every Vat — alongside the oast box and paviors beetle — the piffle snonker was deployed with great solemnity and minimal explanation.
Froth Blowing Rights
Every member was entitled to blow froth from a fellow Blower's pint — "and occasionally off non-members' beer, provided they are not looking or are of a peaceful disposition."
The Jolly Brewer
The Order's beloved mascot — reproduced on car mascots, wall plaques, and promotional materials — embodying the A.O.F.B.'s cheerful, convivial spirit.
About Us
The Ancient Order of Froth Blowers occupies a unique place in the history of British fraternal societies. At a time when the temperance movement held significant cultural sway, the A.O.F.B. demonstrated that convivial pub culture and serious charitable intent were not only compatible but mutually reinforcing.
As a historical beer club, a charity brotherhood organisation, and a social lodge — all wrapped in layers of deliberate absurdity — the A.O.F.B. anticipated the modern understanding that people give more generously, connect more deeply, and build stronger communities when they are also genuinely enjoying themselves.
The Grand Ancient Order of Froth Blowers — and its Philippine Vat, Pale Pilsen No. 94 — exists to honour that insight: that charity, companionship, and cheerfulness, served at the right temperature, are a force for good in any corner of the world.
Join the Movement
Whether you are a historian, a pub enthusiast, a charity champion, or simply a person of goodwill and peaceful disposition — the Vat is open. In the Philippines, Pale Pilsen Vat No. 94 is actively welcoming new Blowers.