Skegness Magazine

Retired Skegness estate agent Mr George Ball, in 1968, explained for the first time the meaning of the letters he had used after his name during the last three months of his business – M.A.O.F.B.
“It means Member of the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers”, explained 60-year-old Mr Ball, “and froth blower means beer drinker”.

The letters appeared after his name on advertisements and in the window of his Algitha Road business.

Mr Ball explained that he used the letters as a joke aimed at other estate agents who used  meaningless letters after their names. “I spent a good 40 years in the business and quite honestly I think experience beats the letters you have after your name every time”.
“What matters is whether you can do the job, and whether you can do it well. A string of letters after an estate agent’s name is often meaningless.”
Mr Ball said that he didn’t have any qualifications other than his experience and ability. He said that it got him alot of business and that honesty paid off.

But why did Mr Ball use the letters M.A.O.F.B?
“In the 1920s one or two of us from Skegness were in London and we joined this association, and as far as I’m concerned I’m still a member.
The qualifications necessary to join are to be able to drink ale, and to carry it well” Mr Ball declared that he had maintained that standard.

Picture: Mr George Ball M.A.O.F.B.