Good People United

History

A band of men set up around 1659 (14-07-2007) on the battlements of Walmer Castle, with the aim of honouring the Lord Warden (Admiral Lord Boyce) of the Cinque Ports, and promoting the Cinque Ports at all events.

This band of brothers, 4 in number, have sworn to uphold the ancient customs as laid down on the night of the Lord Wardens drinks party and reception, known to the few as the inaugural meeting of the GPU.

The 4 in number represents the four red points of the St Georges flag (the true English flag) The four white segments represent the 4 partners of the 4 in number who still need to obtain the great and worthy heights of the red point.

The 4 in number found a corner of what is basically a round building and claimed it as their own letting only the drink and food bearers through to quench their thirst and hunger for life, knowledge, a good vintage and service to the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

It will come to pass that all Mayors, past and present of the Cinque Ports, and other regions, will try to achieve membership of this ancient and worthy organisation trusted to the few known as the 4 in number , but it is the duty of the 4 in number to admit worthy Mayors and we trust worthy Mayors alone into this ancient order.

Customs

Only the 4 in number can bestow the full rights of a GPU membership to an apprentice who has to prove himself beyond all doubt.

The apprentice must be able to hold a full glass (pint of course) with the help of a small glass by his side.

The apprentice must never offer the small glass to any member with less than a double quantity of the elixir of life.

The last member of the 4 in number who retains his seat at an election must choose the worthy candidates to carry on the tradition.

At the passing of a Lord Warden it is expected that all members past and present will attend and perform the duties expected of them till they drop.

Rules for the Members

The position of the ‘Grand Master of the Plastered’ be established by all the 4 in number each and every quartile of the civic year.

Only one of the 4 in number can hold this position.

This high position may be held for no more than a civic year, but should only be held for only a quarter due to the risk of liver failure.

No member can hold this office for consecutive years but may advise as a past "Grand Master of the Plastered".

It is the duty and honour of members to drink on behalf of the Lord Warden at all times.

A full GPU meeting can only be held when all of the 4 in number are present.

A lesser meeting may be conviened when one of the 4 in number is unavailable.
At this time the "missing man" formation will take place at the bar.

Spirits must be taken at least once during a GPU official meeting.

The badge of a GPU must always be warn at all official engagements.

Any sign, flag or poster depicting the badge must be promoted with due favour.

All greetings are by the official hand shake as handed down by one of the 4 in number the very drunk His Worship James Cronk.

The sign of recognition across a crowded room is by the holding of the badge and the index finger of the left hand held proud.

When a civic ball or grand meeting of any of the 4 in number is attended, it is assumed that a 21 bottle salute is fired in honour of the Lord Warden.

Any one caught with out a drink in hand when required to toast the Lord Warden, or any of the 4 in number will loose a point and will have to try harder next time.

It is the duty to attend all functions put on by the 4 in number (penalty for not attending is buying the first round next time).

Badges are to be passed on to worthy men and we trust worthy men alone.

A state call the ‘Position’ will be created at any time when a GPU member passes out. It will be a ‘duty’ on the standing GPU members to align the fallen member on an East West position with the head pointing to the East. Once this has been achieved, a state of ‘Recovery’ will ensue for the fallen member.

If a member has pasted out while sitting, the others members of the GPU will assert if the member concerned has achieved the ‘Chair Position’.

The ‘Chair Position’ is achieved by the member concerned being lifted from the chair retains the shape of the chair, this is a major achievement by the member and will be recognised by his fellow members at the next GPU session by having two rounds brought for him.

A full GPU session can only be ended by agreement by all those members of the 4 in number attending, or if and when a member during a GPU session pasts away.

If a member passes away during a GPU session the member is checked to if he reached the euphoric state of ‘Porterhouse Blue’.

If ‘Porterhouse Blue’ is found, the members name is recorded in the ‘Blue Book’ of the ‘Gone’.

Parlour GPU meetings are actively encouraged, separately and during normal GPU meetings.