Ours is a proud history
Gentlemen decide to become Freemasons
Number 12 Accrington Road often referred to as the Union Club was a Gentleman's Club. The members were well-to-do Whalley men and met to play cards or snooker in the quiet surroundings of the Union Club.
Wanting to take things perhaps to another level someone suggested forming a Freemason's lodge. But none of the Union Club members were actually 'in the Craft'. So it was that others known to the members sponsored the formation of Abbey Lodge number 2529 in the Register of the United Grand Lodge of England. A further issue was where to meet. Union Club was the obvious answer but space was at a premium.
So a small Lodge Room was constructed to the rear of the Club. It was slowly and lovingly equipped with the right furnishings. Some of the panelling is reputed to have been salvaged from the local Abbey ruins. The panels had found their way into a local house. The panelling was carved by a local craftsman and is a joy to behold. We have no compunction calling our Lodge Room Lancashire's Little Gem for these reasons.
Some locally famous men have been members of Abbey Lodge. Visiting the Whalley Golf Club many of the long time trophies and competitons are named after several of the founding or early members. One that stands proud is Dr Postlethwaite.
