On a crisp sunny Sunday morning, many members, family and guests of Pro Patria Lodge No 9952, the military lodge of the Fylde, gathered at the Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland. They were there to witness and assist at the dedication ceremony of a new bench and plaque in commemoration of the sacrifice made by the many brethren who have fallen during conflicts over the ages.
Proceedings were opened with the music Brothers in Arms by the group Dire Straits. Participants were then welcomed by Rev Chris Lamb, who is the lodge chaplain and also the chaplain of the Submariner Association.
Opening words were then delivered by Roger O’Loughlin, who had been master of the lodge during 2024 when the arrangements for the bench were being made. Roger thanked several people for their input into this event, including lodge secretary Bob Wareham, George Phillips, who had provided the music for the ceremony and Rev Chris Lamb, who then took the rostrum and conducted a profound and moving ceremony, backed up by George’s music.
The unveiling of the new bench, which had hitherto been draped with the Union Flag was performed by the Provincial Grand Master Mark Matthews. Mark on this occasion was supported by the Deputy Grand Superintendent David Barr and Assistant Provincial Grand Master Michael Tax.
In his opening address, Mark described the venue as a peaceful, volunteer-run space dedicated to remembrance and reflection, nestled in the heart of Blackpool. It honours those who have served in the Armed Forces and public service. Mark concluded by asserting that we must never forget the sacrifice made by our service personnel and a more poignant time of year there could not be. Mark then proceeded to unveil the bench and general applause resounded.
The ceremony was concluded by prayers led by Rev Chris Lamb, followed by the music of This is my Song from Finlandia by Sibelius. The Last Post and Reveille were then sounded on the bugle by Bob Wareham and this was followed by the National Anthem. Rev Chris Lamb then blessed the new bench and proceedings were brought to a moving finale by the Terence Jay song One Blood.
