BBC's Dancing on the Edge

Oh dear. I've just seen the trailer for the BBC's new series Dancing on the Edge. It appears to contain elements of murder, conspiracy and.... freemasonry. The BBC seem to have something of a habit of craftaphobia, further fuelling anti-masonic superstitions.

However I shall reserve judgement and wait and see.

But wait... was that a Chapter Principal's Jewel being worn by a Master Mason on the trailer? This would not have been possible back in the 1930s as you needed to have been an installed master before proceeding to the Chapter Chairs. The regalia also looked decidedly modern. I have just been looking at a Master Mason's apron from the 1950s and it looks nothing like the modern material we use in regalia.

Oh yes. And the guy who gives sign of cutting the throat. Why is he wearing cuffs but not a collar? Auntie, inaccurate? Hush my mouth!

Freemasons grow in popularity in Asia

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/9734130/Freemasons-grow-in-popularity-in-Asia.html

I have visited the lodge building in Singapore when I went to visit Eastern Gate Lodge 2970. It was a fabulous even and I got the impression that Freemasonry was favourably received. I hope to return there one day.

The Royal Society

Happy birthday to the Royal Society. Founded today in 1660 at Gresham College:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Society

Part of the forgotten history of the Royal Society is that is was founded by a group of individuals who were Freemasons. Not because they were Freemasons, rather because they were interested in the hidden mysteries of nature and science.

http://www.robertlomas.com/osf/royalsociety/

Visit to Apollo University Lodge No. 357

On Saturday 20th October, 2012 I was delighted to attend Apollo University Lodge No. 357, Oxford with W Bro Chris Oldfield and W Bro Edwin Pugh from Mirfield Lodge No. 1102.

The ceremonies were a raising followed by a double passing. We were treated to some excellent ceremonies and enjoyed the company of everyone we came across; this included the hospitality in the union afterwards.

Nobles swindled of $4m over freemason scare

It is very upsetting to hear that the masonic sophists have created an identity for our organisation that has subsequently been used to imprison and deceive innocent people. People have nothing to fear from Freemasonry, which is a benign and fraternal organisation.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19711022

Nun found guilty of sending letters accusing ministers of devil worship and freemasonry

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/weird-news/2012/07/25/nun-found-guilty-of-sending-letters-accusing-ministers-of-devil-worship-and-freemasonry-86908-23912554/

Catholic nun, 71, 'sent envelopes containing white powder' to parliamentary figures including Nick Clegg accusing them of being 'evil devil worshipping freemasons'

Oh dear.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2177804/Catholic-nun-sent-envelopes-containing-white-powder-parliamentary-figures-including-Nick-Clegg.html

A real test of masons’ desire for transparency

There still exists small pockets of staff writers on provincial UK papers who don't seem to have realised that Freemasonry has been 'open' for the past thirty years. Rather than research any background they continue to write bigoted and ill-informed articles that miss the mark by a country mile.

http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/the-island-life/a-real-test-of-masons-desire-for-transparency-45218.aspx

One such writer is Keith Newbery whose mad ramblings go from Freemasonry, to Higgs' boson to three-abreast cyclists in 819 words. As I have said before the myth is more compelling than the evidence, I just wish I could have a couple of hours with Keith to discuss with him the extent to which his reporting is incorrect. The answer to the cyclist question you pose is no more than two abreast, by the way Keith. It is in the Section 66 of the Highway Code if you had bothered to look this up, but like your facts about Freemasonry the evidence seems to have passed you by.

Lodge of Connaught & Truth No.521

On Friday  was Director of Ceremonies for a Passing Ceremony. It was one of the best ceremonies I have seen Connaught & Truth (www.truth521.org.uk)perform and I was very proud. The festive board and "apres-lodge" were both great fun. Happy days!

Visit to the Three Grand Principals

Last night I visited the Lodge of Three Grand Principals which meets in Dewsbury in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding.The evening was a presentation of a fifty-year certificate to one of the members. It was a marvelous celebration of fraternity.

The craftaphobia continues in Devon

As 'whipping boys' for conspiracy theorists Freemasonry continues to attract criticism from the uninformed.  If this letter was about an ethnic minority it would (quite rightly) be considered racist:

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Freemasons-leave/story-16237786-detail/story.html

Lecture at Scarborough Lodge 1214

Last Tuesday I gave a lecture at Scarborough Lodge http://www.scarborough1214.co.uk/. Scarborough Lodge meets in Batley in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding. (It was named after the Earl of Scarborough).

The theme of the talk was "The Marquess of Ripon: The Grand Master from Yorkshire West Riding". Written material for this talk can be found on www.truth521.org.uk.

Visit to the Lodge of Hope No. 302

Last Monday I went to visit the Lodge of Hope, which meets in Bradford http://www.lodgeofhope.com/. The ceremony was a Third Degree.

Guernsey Freemason list criticised by Grand Master

Again, it seems Freemasons are being discriminated against.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-guernsey-18063287

Dr Who and the invasion of the Freemasons

Well, not quite. Whilst watching an episode of that fine piece of BBC output, Dr Who I noticed a rather strange thing. About 26 minutes from the beginning (sorry, that includes adverts) of the episode "Smith and Jones" Dr Who and his temporary assistant go into a stuffy hospital consultant's office, only to find he has been murdered by aliens. On the wall behind his desk is a Grand Lodge Certificate. Whilst subscribers to the craftaphobic fantasy would insist that this is the sort of thing that goes on, I can assure people outside the Craft we do not display this certificate on our walls. As Commander Higham, a former Grand Secretary who had been hauled before a Commons Select Committee put it, Freemasons do not advertise their membership promiscuously.

I can only assume the props department at the BBC wanted something that looked authentic and that would blend into what one would expect a consultant's office to look like. Sorry BBC props, bit of a gaff this one.

RICHARD BROWN: Parents should help teachers on discipline

A balanced article on a thread I have commented on before (seriously, thanks!). One point I would make is about the language of 'admitting' to being a Freemason. This is far from the only example of this. If one 'admits' to something it implies that something is 'wrong'. I prefer the word 'disclosed' or even 'volunteered', after all it is the Freemasons who are being discriminated against here by a people who have a negative stereotype of our organisation (to put it mildly).

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/RICHARD-BROWN-Parents-help-teachers-discipline/story-16106251-detail/story.html

Councillor defends right to be a Mason

This is another example of the 'correlation versus causation' argument I have written about before. Just because people are Freemasons does not cause them to act in a particular way. How sad. How misguided.


http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Councillor-defends-right-Mason/story-15991070-detail/story.html

More craftaphobia - this time in Devon

More negative stereotyping of Freemasons - this time it is from North Devon:

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Councillor-defends-right-Mason/story-15991070-detail/story.html

If it was a different demography Cllr Murdoch's alleged comments could be formulated as sexist, racist or ageist. Apparently, though, it is acceptable to stereotype Freemasons as conspiratorial and untrustworthy.

Freemasons hand over toys to children's ward

http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/Freemasons-hand-toys-children-s-ward/story-15932530-detail/story.html

Air ambulances get Freemason funds

http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/news/air-ambulances-get-freemason-funds-1-3784698

Freemasons in Karachi: A lodge called hope clings to history as saviour

http://tribune.com.pk/story/371082/freemasons-in-karachi-a-lodge-called-hope-clings-to-history-as-saviour/

France: Where Freemasons Are Still Feared

If you think Freemasonry is an homogeneous organisation, I suggest you read this article by Joshua Levine:

http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-19/france-where-freemasons-are-still-feared#disqus_thread

It discusses how Freemasonry in France has evolved into three different organisations that differs markedly from the Anglo-Saxon model. An interesting and witty article that basically evolves around French voyeurism and speculation into the nature of these three organisations. Or, in the words of as a fantastic quote from The  Simpsons.... "What is your fascination with my secret closet of mystery?" (Chief Wiggum in "This Little Wiggy", 1998). Needless to say, the discussion bears little resemblance to the Freemasonry under United Grand Lodge of England.

Visit to Constancy Lodge No. 6359

Last night I was delighted to attend Constancy Lodge No. 6359 where this ceremony was a raising. It was a delight to see 40+ brethren there for such an important ceremony.

David Icke does Freemasonry a favour

Whilst doing a Google search I came across this posting:

http://forum.davidicke.com/archive/index.php/t-156336.html

It reads:

After reading a lot about the Freemasons on this and other forums, i've decided to join the fraternity, my initiation is tomorrow!

thanks for all your posts.

Clearly the anti-masonic fantasy is faltering. With the explosion of information that is the internet people are less likely to believe the craftaphobic message these sophists portray of Freemasonry. So keep up the good work David and continue to score own goals. (Sorry.... really bad joke). As to "enlighten me", I hope you enjoy your Freemasonry.

The Future of Freemasonry

The Future of Freemasonry, a research report commissioned by the United Grand Lodge of England is now available at: http://issuu.com/freemasonrytoday/docs/the_future_of_freemasonry/1#print. The research was undertaken by the Social Issues Research Centre, a not-for-profit organisation.

The report is an in-depth study about the context of Freemasonry in modern society and covers four main areas;
1. Bonding
2. Giving
3. Ritual
4. The future of Freemasonry.

Passing Ceremony - Mirfield Lodge 1102

On Friday I was delighted at attend Mirfield Lodge No. 1102 where the ceremony was a passing.

Visit to the Lodge of Living Stones 4957

Yesterday I was privileged to visit the Lodge of Living Stones 4957 (http://www.lodge-of-living-stones.org.uk/). The ceremony was 'The book of the perfect Lodge'. Based on the works of W.L. Wilmshurt any Mason that is esoterically inclined needs to visit the Lodge of Living Stones at some time for an exploration of the deeper side of Freemasonry.

Tributes paid to founding chairman of Queenscourt Hospice chairman Raymond Oliver Jeffs of Southport

I think the doubters of Freemasonry need to read some of the obituaries of Freemasons:

http://www.southportvisiter.co.uk/southport-news/southport-southport-news/2012/03/15/tributes-paid-to-founding-chairman-of-queenscourt-hospice-chairman-raymond-oliver-jeffs-of-southport-101022-30534860/

To "live respected and die regretted" is a phrase taken from the installation ceremony and is something all Freemasons aspire to. Clearly this Brother excelled in every respect: what a fantastic legacy to leave. Rest in Peace.

Freemasons: Your questions answered

Gosh - this is the first time I have seen this, a Q&A session facilitated by the BBC where people outside of Freemasonry can ask any questions they want of a (senior) Freemason.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17357150

I have to say it is refreshing not to have an article filled with judgmental journalistic cliches. Well done BBC!

Would you want to be a Freemason?

The BBC seems to have shifted away from craftaphobia, as this recent article demonstrates:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-17272611

It is fairly balanced in the sense that it offers both sides of the argument. However some craftaphobic cliches do persist. In the first instance is our dear old friend Martin Short, still getting column inches out of a 1989 publication. Excuse me, that was a generation ago. I tried reading his book once, unfortunately I could have written a book ten times bigger pointing out the inaccuracies, so I had to abandon the project after ten pages. Indeed, if jumping to conclusions was an Olympic event, Mr Short would have no problems at London 2012. In fact I would award him the Gold Medal.

I enjoyed Nick Cohen's comments about Freemasonry being the 'whipping boys' of conspiracy theorists. This is because myths are more compelling than reality. When it comes to belief systems people prefer to reinforce their prejudices and world view rather than 'assimilate and accommodate' different perspectives. Thus:

Elvis faked his death: tgr.ph/vmelvis
Marilyn Monroe was murdered: bit.ly/celebtheories
Jay-Z is part of the Illuminati: slate.me/vmjayz (Jay-Z is too cool to do anything than be Jay-Z)

The work by James McConnachie are new to me. Author of "A Rough Guide to Conspiracy Theories" James informs the readers that Freemasonry offers a progression to a higher level of knowledge (eh?) . As an afterthought he concludes it is alluring and cultish. I offer two observations:

1. Doesn't anybody else find it strange that people outside the organisation seem to know more about what goes on than those inside the organisation?
2. Any cultural group will seem 'unusual' from the outside.

I am currently reading The Ritual Process by Victor Turner. It is a classical anthropological study of the Ndembu of northwestern Zambia.  Victor Turner is a legend in this field, and it is a fascinating read.   Ndembu  customs, tradition and culture are completely alien to me a westerner. I haven't even been to Africa.

However, in the same sense Freemasonry is alien to non-masons, we do need to point out that to 250,000 of us in England and Wales and 6 million Freemasons around the world it is not strange or cultish. It is part of our everyday lives. As someone who writes Rough Guides from around the world, I would have thought Mr McConnachie might appreciate this comparison :-)

‘I get such a lot out of being a freemason’

An excellent article that reflects an organisation of which I am proud to be a member:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/lifestyle/i-get-such-a-lot-out-of-being-a-freemason-1-3617207#

Given last week's comments about that certain Telegraph article that couldn't resist sarcasm, it is refreshing to read an article in the press that is both informative and accurate. Portsmouth 1 Telegraph 0.

Visit to Mirfield Lodge 1102

Yesterday evening I was delighted to attend Mirfield Lodge 1102 where the ceremony was a raising. Mirfield Lodge were excellent hosts and the standard of the ceremony was up to their usual standard, nothing less than superb. Thank you for a most convivial evening brethren.

Handshakes and trouser legs – secrets of the Freemasons

I remember reading a number of years ago about how (only) journalists have access to the media. Their power and influence over every day thought was immense. It was also said that you don't argue with people who buy ink in barrels, an expression that still evokes a chuckle in me. I have been tracking the media's attitude to Freemasonry for over 20 years now. So I was fascinated at today's article from The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/features/9124269/Handshakes-and-trouser-legs-secrets-of-the-Freemasons.html#disqus_thread

Journalists have been writing with a rather dull regularity about the "secrets" of Freemasonry. The handshake, the trouser leg rolled up and the 'strange' symbolism. It may be new to them, but it isn't to over 250,000 of us. There is less emphasis on the secrecy these days (so-called 'investigative' journalism): instead journalists are focusing on the theme of eccentricity.

Define eccentric? How can 250,000 people be eccentric? This is roughly the equivalent number of people who work for Tesco's. Are they eccentric? The population of Iceland, that well known group of eccentrics, all of them? Or the population of Northumbria? Sorry Northumbria, but you're eccentric as well according to the logic of Neil Tweedie.

Or it could just be that Freemasonry is a culture that is different to what most people have encountered? This is an example of 'asymetric information' - being a Freemason is knowledge of 'felt acquaintance'. That is to say to be one is to understand Freemasonry. Masonic culture outside of Freemasonry is as strange as youth culture is to me today (in my late forties), innit.

Thus, what has improved is Freemasonry's ability to articulate its unique culture to a cynical world outside. Journalists seem far less suspicious of the 'dark side' of social capital that endured through the 70s. In addressing craftaphobia UGLE has one hand tied behind its back. By constitution it is a non-political and non-religious organisation, therefore cannot conceive of itself as a lobby group, which is what most other organisations would seek to do in contemporary society.

Thus in addressing the boundary that exists between 'mason' and 'non-mason' it appears the next stage is to build a public understanding of Freemasonry, exactly in the same way that science seeks to explain an understanding to a general public who are not familiar with an esoteric and complex system of expertise. This is, of course, what UGLE has done in commissioning this report, and I for one can't wait to read it.

Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521

On Friday we had an initiation ceremony at the Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521 (http://www.truth521.org.uk). We were also delighted  make our former liaison officer into an honorary member. At present we have 3 Entered Apprentices and 2 Fellowcraft and just under 40 members. That number of Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts is not in living memory, in fact you may need to go back as far as 1859 for a comparable number.

Former Rossendale MP is new Grand Master of Freemasons

Technically incorrect, of course. This concerns the appointment of a Provincial Grand Master rather than the Grand Master, who is the Duke of Kent.

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/9547583.Former_Rossendale_MP_is_new_Grand_Master_of_Freemasons/

Otherwise a good article. The tone shows the progress we have made in a 'public understanding of Freemasonry' (a phrase I have borrowed a 'public understanding of science'). Freemasonry suffers from what economists call 'asymmetry of information'. A term used for principal-agent theory.

Here it is about 'insiders' who have a fairly clear idea about what Freemasonry is about (though even this varies markedly) and 'outsiders' who try and double-guess the nature of Freemasonry. After the second world war Freemasonry did not manage its boundaries particularly well. It ignored the outside world and gained a reputation as a secret society.

When I first became interested in Freemasonry in the early 1990s the only decent book I could find was The History of English Freemasonry, a rather dry read by John Hamill. Now with the wealth of information it is possible to download 180 titles onto my Kindle.

Craftaphobia strikes again - this time in Gloucestershire

I have coined the term "craftaphobia" to indicate an unjustified fear and prejudice of Freemasonry. However, I am disappointed that stories like this are still being perpetuated in the media:

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/reveal-Gloucestershire-councillor-links-secret/story-15232874-detail/story.html

If Freemasonry is a "secret society" it is not a very successful one! Rather Freemasonry is a fraternity; it is a "gated community" in the sense that admission is based on certain criteria, and what goes on behind the gates if for the large part our concern. However, there is nothing illicit, illegal or untoward.

Furthermore, I think the requirement to register membership is a breach of human rights. However, I think we should all work to a time when the purpose of Freemasonry is more open, more widely understood, where registers are not necessary and the label of "secret society" will be considered as outdated as other forms of prejudice that has no place in this world, such as racism, sexism and ageism.

Having said that, there has been a noticeable change in balance that is reported, which at least suggests we are making progress. My view is that such a change would take at least a generation, and I would think we are about half way there :-)

Enhancing our Masonic Experience

In yesterday's post I pondered what makes a Lodge a successful Lodge. Organisations only exist so long as they continue to attract resources from the environment. This needs to provide a sustainable coalition; a community. For a commercial organisation this includes customers, employees, shareholders and business partners. For an organisation such as Freemasonry the resources it needs to attract and retain are members. Thus, more successful Lodges, I believe, as those with an active and flourishing membership.

A key question to sustain this, therefore, is what are we doing to enhance our Masonic experience? Is there something we could be doing that will help enrich our experience of Freemasonry for all our stakeholders (spouses, family, friends, community)? Is there anything we should STOP doing to enrich our Masonic experience?

This awkward and penetrating question helps move us beyond any complacency that tradition creates. We need not be a hostage to history.

What makes a successful Lodge?

I have been doing quite a lot of visiting recently. At the back of my mind I have been considering the question of what makes a successful lodge as opposed to one that is struggling. (Of course, the question of successful and unsuccessful is a very arbitrary one and there is actually a continuum of success.)

Among the successful Lodges around where I live would be Mirfield Lodge 1102, Lodge of Peace 149 and Rugby Football Lodge No. 9811. There is little to discern from the Lodge number as one is a very old Lodge, and one a very new one. All have high numbers of members and a number of regular visitors (we might say fans).

Amongst successful Lodge there appears to  be a virtuous cycle: its success leads to greater enthusiasm, this greater enthusiasm leads to more energy. This energy produces a greater attention to detail, which is rewarded by being part of a successful organisation, which then leads to greater enthusiasm.

Amongst the least successful Lodge there is the opposite: a viscous cycle. There seems to be an air of despondency and hopelessness amongst such Lodges. In a successful Lodge they will tell you how they are going to make it work: in less successful Lodges they will tell you why it will never work. This is underpinned by  some fairly internecine battles in less successful Lodge where it is clear there is never going  to be any consensus.

However, successful Lodges are not necessarily without their disagreements. The point is they can get beyond the disagreement to some form of accommodation.  As somebody one said, those who are ruled by their passions are sometimes marginalised by their passions. Passion is a good thing to have, in fact it is the first characteristic of a successful Lodge. However, it is of little use without some form of resolution amongst the brethren.

Successful Lodges are, therefore, successful  communities first and foremost. It is important not to put the cart before the horse. They are not successful because of the age of their warrant, whether they have a ladies circle, whether they meet on a Saturday, because they have stewarding or because they have an active social calendar. These are manifestations of success: it works because the arrangements are agreeable to the members, their partners and their friends.

The question one needs to ask oneself, therefore, is what can we do to enhance the masonic experience of our members? What can we add or subtract that will enhance people's engagement with the Craft? There is no universal answer to this, only what works for different people in different contexts.

Tracing Board - Mirfield Lodge 1102

Last night I visited Mirfield Lodge 1102 where the ceremony was the presentation of a First Degree Tracing Board. It was an excellent evening :-)

Aurora Lodge 4047 - Visit by the Assistant Grand Master

Last night I was privileged to attend a meeting of Aurora Lodge 4047 (http://www.auroralodge.org/). At the meeting were the Assistant Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire West Riding and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master. The occasion was to celebrate Aurora Lodge officially joining the University Scheme for Leeds, and a good night was had by all.

The Conspiracy Theorists are at it again! This time it's the superbowl.

A delightfully entitled article called "The Secret Satanic Conspiracy Behind Madonna’s Halftime Show".

http://io9.com/5883292/the-secret-satanic-conspiracy-behind-madonnas-halftime-show/

Really, chaps. You're way off the mark, stick to flying saucers and such like ;-)

Lodge of Hope No. 302

On Monday I attended the Lodge of Hope No. 302. (http://lodgeofhope.com/) which is the University Lodge for Bradford. The ceremony was a raising and I was privileged to respond on behalf of the visitors.

Lodge of Connaught & Truth No. 521

Last night I attended the Lodge of Connaught & Truth Lodge No. 521 (www.truth521.org.uk) where I acted as Director of Ceremonies. We were delighted to admit a new member into the Lodge; the ceremony was an initiation.

Albert Edward Lodge No. 1783

On Wednesday I was delighted to attend the 132nd Installation meeting of the Albert Edward Lodge No. 1783, which meets at Greenhead Masonic Hall, Huddersfield.

Odersfelt No. 35 OSM

On Friday I was delighted to attend Odersfelt OSM No. 35 in Heckmondwike where I proposed the health of two of the candidates I had proposed into the Conclave. This was an Emergency Meeting so we could bring the candidates in before the Installation meeting. We have brought in six candidates this year, with an Induction at each of the three meetings of the Conclave throughout the year, next year. A bright future is ahead for Odersfelt Conclave No. 35.

Installation meeting of Scarborough Lodge 1214

Yesterday I was delighted to attend the Installation meeting of Scarborough Lodge 1214, which meets in Bradford. The representative was the Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Stuart Cummins.

Conversation with a taxi driver about Freemasonry

Wearing a dinner jacket with brief case in hand the conversation with a taxi driver went on to Freemasonry. Clearly he knew how to spot a Freemasonry, but the give away was usually when you asked for the masonic hall at .......................

He was clearly troubled by something. Some people had told him that Freemasons worshiped the devil. However, he found this difficult to believe as he had met quite a number of Freemasons and, in his words, found them all to be nice people. I explained to the taxi driver that sometimes stories are more compelling than that truth, and that people believe things because they want to believe in them. I explained Freemasonry was a secular organisation and was not a religion. Rather it was a system of ethical self-reflection that is aimed at self-development.

The reason we are called Masons is a metaphor. We are not operative masons, but rather speculative. The ashlar represents each individual; the building represents society. Therefore our Masonry is how we can fit 'better' in society. To use a phrase sometimes used in Freemasonry, we are 'living stones'.

The five steps to tyranny are given below:


1. ‘Us’ and ‘them’: use prejudice to foster the (fictional) notion of the existence of superior and dominant in-groups and inferior and powerless out-groups.
2. Obey orders: insist that all people under your wing are to obey your orders.
3. Dehumanize the enemy: emphasize on making inimical factions look less than human.
4. ‘Stand up’ or ’stand by’: suppress dissenting or opposing opinions to your own.
5. Suppress Individuality: foster the development of group identities while suppressing the individual.

Clearly the anti-masonic propaganda is using step 1.

We had quite a long time in the taxi. Huddersfield Town were playing at home, and this had created something of a traffic jam. By the time we parted the taxi driver seemed to have resolved the apparent incompatibility between the stories he had heard, and the pleasant people he had met.

Freemasons 1, Anti-masons 0.

Installation Meeting of the Lodge of Peace No.149

Yesterday I was privileged to attend the installation meeting of the Lodge of Peace No. 149 at Meltham. There were 138 visitors present, along with the Deputy Provincial Grand Master VW Bro Jack Piggott and the Assistant Provincial Grand Master W Bro Colin Dent. The raffle raise over £600 for charities, and a cheque was presented to the Provincial Grand Master's Fund.

Mirfield Lodge No. 1102

Last night I attended Mirfield Lodge No. 1102 for their regular January meeting. The ceremony was an initiation and I was delighted to respond on behalf of the visitors.

Mirfield Chapter

Last Friday (Friday 6th January) I was treated to an Exhalation at Mirfield Chapter No. 1102, my first masonic visit of 2012. Happy New Year to you!