T
he first banner was donated by W. Bro. Arthur Longworth at the October Installation meeting of 1902 and is seen on the left above. It and its subsequent replacement are made up of two ‘Coat of Arms’. On the left of the banners is the ensignia of The United Grand Lodge of England and on the right the village of Whalley ensignia.
A
s the condition of the 1902 banner deteriorated a new banner was commissioned and dedicated on the 9th February 1989. The Banner Dedication Ceremony Summons in flipbook format is shown below along with an extract of the Dedication Speech made on the evening.
The banner was made by the sister of one of the Brethren, W. Bro. James Sutcliffe and at the Dedication Ceremony, conducted by the R W. Bro. F. W. Towns, Provincial Grand Master, particular reference is made to the quality of the workmanship.
The Emblem (three fish) depicted on the banner and on other numerous Lodge property (see more by clicking the button below), including the typeface of the summons, is often referred to as “three salmons in pale, pierced by as many croziers “. This is in allusion to the right of fishery, given by Henry de Lacy, on the three rivers where the “noble fish” abounded, that is, the rivers Ribble, Hodder and Calder. In heraldry, however, they are termed “Whales” and there is some uncertainty as to their exact origin and meaning.
The founders of Abbey Lodge 2529 were evidently very proud of the village and used the Emblem in numerous situations.
