Whalley Masonic Hall

23/06/2026

Yesterday's post about Abbey Lodge's forthcoming 'Cooperman' Memorial Clay Pigeon Shoot - Thursday, 20 August 2026 at Coniston Cold Shooting Ground starting at 10am breached Facebook's 'Recommendation Guidelines'. Facebook do not make it easy to establish exactly what breached their Guidelines so we have deleted the entire offending post.

We have been posting about this annual event for a number of years but have never breached any guidelines before. We assume our infographic which had images of someone shooting a gun and gun barrels was to blame along with text taking about shooting was the issue.

Abbey Lodge is proud of it's charitable giving history and the 'Cooperman' Memorial Shoot is a integral part of their fundraising with several local, regional and national charities benefiting from it annually.

More information and online booking can be found here https://abbeylodge.online/our-lodge-today/memorial-shoot/ £55 for Shooters which includes gun hire, cartridges, safety equipment and a qualified instructor. £280 for Shoot Sponsors which includes 2 Shooter places.

Let's hope mentioning guns a few times isn't breaching Facebook's 'Recommendations Guidelines'. Tomorrow mornings Inbox check will be the telling moment.

he first ever Cooperman Memorial Clay Pigeon Shoot took place at the Coniston Cold Shooting Ground (part of the Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa complex near Gargrave) in August 2019.

15/03/2026

15/03/2026

Once again Abbey Lodge’s high-tech Race Course graced our Hall for a night of family fun fundraising on Saturday 14 March 2026.

The Race goers took their places in the Stands as the Course Steward announced that the going was firm and that he expected some record-braking performances from the horses and jokeys competing. There were 7 races on the evening’s card the first 6 being sponsored by members of Abbey Lodge and a seventh race between them. There would be a break in the racing after the fourth race so that refreshments could be taken in a relaxed atmosphere.

The first race sponsored by Alan Dunnicliff and run as the DC Handicap was won by Drainoff owned by Miss Imogen Fraser. There then followed the Tutter’s Corner Stakes sponsored by Ray Evans and won by Provincial Prancer who was owned by Pauline Bond. The Veterinary Stakes sponsored by All Creatures Great and Small Kennels saw Pomfrey’s Tricky Woo win for owner Eric Bond. The fourth race, the Endurance Course, sponsored by Alan Holderness was won by Sarie Marie by 3 lengths owned by Abbey Lodge’s Worshipful Master, Tony McHugh. This was the first of a trio of consecutive wins by owners from the McHugh stable as The Dunes Handicap was won by Mustapha Camel owned by Sue McHugh followed by the FNAF Derby won by Foxy owned by Kieran McHugh.

The last race of the evening, The Master’s Cup, was won by Dalek Khan owned by an absent Ray Evans who won a lovely hamper.

There was lots of family fun for those in attendance and a handsome £384 was raised for worthy causes.

Thanks to all those that made the evening so enjoyable and making it happen.

15/02/2026

Once again Abbey Lodge's high-tech Race Course will grace our Hall for a night of fun fundraising. Places in the Stands are going quickly. DM the Course Steward or email [email protected] to reserve your seats - binoculars optional.

31/12/2025

Wishing all our followers a happy and prosperous new year.

There's been Freemasonry in Whalley, Lancashire since 1894 - the year Blackpool Tower was opened to the public. We have a Little Gem of a Lodge Room hidden behind the door of 12 Accrington Road full of local history. We welcome genuine enquiries and visitors.

02/12/2025

After 106 years Priory Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 693 meeting in Whalley will close tomorrow and surrender its Warrant. It was founded by a number of Abbey Craft Lodge members and others on 15th September 1919.

In recent times the membership has declined to such an extent that the Lodge became unviable.

But there is some good news!

The few brethren of Priory Lodge will join Starkie Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 159 and this Lodge will meet at Whalley.

More information after tomorrow.

02/12/2025

Our Hall is getting into the mood for Christmas with a little tree and lights display during the hours of darkness above the front door.