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of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Court Woods Lea, No. 5639
The regalia used by friendly societies became highly organised
as time passed. It was very stylistic by the late 19th century
when almost every society conformed to the same basic patterns.
At its simplest this might comprise an insignia or flag, a
uniform dress code for public occasions, perhaps with a flower
or sprig of greenery in the lapel, and a badge of office for the
master or president of a lodge.   Advertisement for Jockel's
Masonic Warehouse  At its most complex there might be an array
of aprons, sashes, neck ribbons and badges all complemented with
medals or 'jewels' for service. Each kind of article could be
further divided into pieces of different colours for different
lodges, different degrees, the district or the Grand Lodge, and
the rank of the wearer. The officers of the society wore
identifying letters and devices; others had sticks, staffs and
sometimes weapons to c