UNITAS BENEVOLENTIA ET CONCORDIA | Unity, Benevolence and Concord - The FORESTERS' HALL

UNITAS BENEVOLENTIA ET CONCORDIA
Unity, Benevolence and Concord

The FORESTERS' HALL still exists, for now, and would have once been next to the Trinity Church from my earlier post.

It was built in 1878 for the Ancient Order of Foresters, a British Friendly Society, established by 1790 in Yorkshire. It was used as their "court" (lodge).

The FORESTERS' HALL | UNITAS BENEVOLENTIA ET CONCORDIA

It later became 'The Flamingo Club', and has more recently been used for residential accommodation. I understand there are plans to demolish it for a new development.

The FORESTERS' HALL 1878 | UNITAS BENEVOLENTIA ET CONCORDIA

The FORESTERS' HALL | UNITAS BENEVOLENTIA ET CONCORDIA

Foresters Friendly Society

The Foresters Friendly Society was formed in Rochdale in August 1834, when over 300 branches of the Royal Foresters society (established in the 18th century) formed the new Ancient Order of Foresters.

Design for the Ancient Order of Foresters | Unity, Benevolence and Concord

The society's local branches are termed "courts", rather than "lodges" as in other friendly societies. They were named after the law courts of the royal forests, and performed the Ancient Ritual of the Society.

The Flamingo Club

The Flamingo Club had a Casino Room. The Club was housed inside the Forrester's Hall on Great Shaw Street. It appears to have opened in November 1964, after that it was Samantha's Nightclub. It latterly became the Cherry Tree.

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Further reading, viewing and sources of information

Design for the Ancient Order of Foresters:

"Unity, Benevolence and Concord"

The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/386428

Victorian hallmarked silver Ancient Order of Foresters jewel with motto 'Unitas Benevolentia Et Concordia', 1870

Adam Partridge Auctioneers & Valuers

https://live.adampartridge.co.uk/m/lot-details/index/catalog/159/lot/80266

Sash of the Ancient Order of Foresters

Falkirk Council

https://collections.falkirk.gov.uk/objects/4099/sash-ancient-order-of-foresters

The Flamingo Club Casino, Great Shaw Street, 1:21 AM

Preston Night Workers. An L.E.P. Feature from 12th May 1965.

Preston Digital Archive

https://www.flickr.com/photos/rpsmithbarney/10779970103

Flamingo Club (Preston), Manchesterbeat

https://www.manchesterbeat.com/venues/preston/flamingo-club-preston

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