BRIDPORT: Keeping the Bandits on the road

More charity work undertaken by the Freemasons:

http://www.viewfrompublishing.co.uk/news_view/29535/7/1/bridport-keeping-the-bandits-on-the-road

Crooner freemason saves the day at pensioners’ Xmas party

An unsung hero?

http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/news/community/community-news/crooner-freemason-saves-the-day-at-pensioners-xmas-party-1-5754877

More charitable and community work undertaken by freemasons.

Freemason meeting Saturday

A 'secret society' that advertises its meeting in a local paper, lol.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/duxbury/newsnow/x1039479834/Freemason-meeting-Saturday

Freemasons Doors Are Open and They Want You!

A very sensible article by Jasmine Dotiwala from the Huffington Post.
 
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jasmine-dotiwala/freemasons_b_4426078.html

 A like the concluding remarks about Freemasonry:

The Ghostwoods site concludes that masonry is '' a cooperative effort to improve the world, by taking responsibility for yourself and the world around you, and working alongside like-minded people to make things a little better''.
 

GW Freemasons open their doors, forge ties with Gelman Library

Another cool temple.... another open day to 'dispel the myths'. I mean, come on anti-masons, how many more open days do we have to have before we convince you we are not a secret society? ;-)

http://blogs.gwhatchet.com/btb/2013/12/09/gw-freemasons-open-their-doors-forge-ties-with-gelman-library/

Washington's Inaugural Bible to be displayed

Now that's pretty cool:

http://www.burlesonstar.net/texasnews/ci_24684228

Ecumenical Patriarch denies he is a Freemason

http://www.catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=19822

Sleaford Freemasons donate £1,000 to Lincoln maternity unit

http://www.sleafordstandard.co.uk/news/local/sleaford-freemasons-donate-1-000-to-lincoln-maternity-unit-1-5718535

Emerald Cop grows his mo for charity

http://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/cop-joins-mo-bros-charity/2096322/

Freemasons donate money to Hereford's Haven charity

http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/10833288.Freemasons_dontate_money_to_Hereford_s_Haven_charity/

Tallapoosa Masons celebrate 125 years with special ceremony

http://www.times-georgian.com/tallapoosa-journal/article_f68b0160-52e9-11e3-a44b-001a4bcf6878.html

Freemasons Open Their Doors to Londoners!

Thanks for the publicity, Huffington Post. In fact Grand Lodge has had an policy of openness since the 1980s, it's just that many people don't seem to have got the message :-(

I wonder when the first post will appear "Strangely enough the Freemasons used to be considered a secret society in the early 21st Century, but since those outside the organisation have begun to realise that they are no more than a harmless fraternal organisation that do a lot for charity (both others and their own) whilst at the same time offering a unique form of self development involving (for example, and not exclusively) team building and leadership skills."

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jasmine-dotiwala/freemasons-open-their-doo_b_4303282.html

Ladies’ day boosts charity coffers

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/ladies-day-boosts-charity-coffers-1-6252014

New Grand Master challenges Freemasons

http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/new-grand-master-challenges-freemasons/5/174145

History Hidden in Plain Sight: Freemasons on United States Coins

http://www.coinweek.com/featured-news/history-hidden-plain-sight-freemasons-united-states-coins/

Temple granted heritage wish

Pretty cool masonic building in New South Wales, Australia.

http://www.goulburnpost.com.au/story/1905321/temple-granted-heritage-wish/?cs=181

Freemason's charity bid

http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Freemason-s-charity-bid/story-20057303-detail/story.html

Openness & Freemasonry

For over twenty years now Freemasonry has had a policy of openness, to try and dispel some of the ridiculous myths that some people have about the order. It was a delight, therefore, to see Metropolitan Grand Lodge participate in the Lord Mayor's Parade in London, yesterday. Furthermore, they actually appeared on the BBC coverage, so well done brethren.

Today Beaumont Lodge in Huddersfield laid a wreath at the memorial in Kirkburton. This is the first time I can remember brethren wearing masonic regalia in the Province of Yorkshire, West Riding. Well done, brethren.

Tributes to long-serving JP, freemason and St John Ambulance stalwart Peter

Yet another example of a Freemason who was obviously a true stalwart of his community; he lived respected and died regretted. Rest in Peace.

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Tributes-long-serving-JP-freemason-St-John/story-20051711-detail/story.html#ixzz2kGabxRDe

Freemason honoured after 50 years

http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/grassroots/freemason-honoured-after-50-years-1-6196298

Otley Freemasons make a hearty donation

Nice to have a local story.

http://www.wharfedaleobserver.co.uk/news/10763353.Otley_Freemasons_make_a_hearty_donation/

MLive reader realizes connection to 3,000-pound Masonic stone; see what was found

http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/10/mlive_reader_discovers_connect.html

Masons link ‘problematic’

http://www.newsinenglish.no/2013/10/23/masons-link-problematic/

This news item has popped up from Norway. Yet another example of 'Craftaphobia' and selective telling of facts. The 'oaths' (or obligation as we actually call them) specifically says there "is nothing incompatible with your moral, civil or religious duties". Furthermore other obligations have specific caveats that exclude acts that are contrary to or subversive of good order in society.

I liked Thommessen definition... a "voluntary organization and called it “an environment for learning and personal development” in which he wished more people would get involved." Indeed, rather than subscribing to outdated and rather ridiculous superstitions, being a Freemason means one subscribes to values that are compatible with good citizenship behaviour.

The Freemason conspiracy theories

There seems to be an endless cycle of 'churnalism' in masonic conspiracy theories. The same old same old being repeated (as I have shown time and time again). It is easier to kill a dragon than slay a myth, it seems.

The article ends with the assertion:

"These conspiracy theories are only theories after all. But within every speculation there’s a little truth, isn’t there?"

No, there isn't. There isn't a shred of evidence. It's all complete bunkum.

http://www.kensingtonandchelseatoday.co.uk/lifestyle/blog/xp3735kiaq.html

Video: House stenographer goes on freemason rant during shutdown vote

More craftaphobia, this time from the United States:

http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/politics/video-house-stenographer-goes-on-freemason-rant-during-shutdown-vote/

Sarkodie is a Small Boy to Join the Freemasons – Monte Oz Says

http://vibeghana.com/2013/10/15/sarkodie-is-a-small-boy-to-join-the-freemasons-monte-oz-says/

I don't know anything about Ghanian culture, but what an amazingly well-informed article reporting the views of someone who is (probably) not a freemason. If people were as well informed as Monte Oz obviously is.... well I would have very little to write about. Good on you Monte Oz!

63 Years Sentence Recommended for "Bulletinman"

More on the activities of masonic "conspiracy theorists"

http://www.mymoinfo.com/pages/17505008.php?contentType=4&contentId=13967567

Hillsborough: Freemason cops banned from working on criminal probe into cover-up

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/hillsborough-freemason-cops-banned-working-2366200#ixzz2hcntGpQW 

If this is true this will unfortunately add fuel to the fire of the conspiracy theorists. Freemasons have been 'banned', therefore they must be guilty. If we were an ethnic minority, this would be racist. If we were a religion, this would be illegal. Whilst not wishing to detract from the tragic event that took place, anyone with the slightest amount of common sense would realise this is negative stereotyping of the most outrageous kind.

Anybody who knows anything about Freemasonry (and clearly the IPCC do not) knows that Masons promise NOT to be involved in plots or conspiracies and to uphold the law of the land. (Third Degree obligation, Charge to the WM elect). This is like going back to the 1970s. Shame on you, IPCC.

Installation at Rugby Football Lodge No.9811

Last night I was delighted to attend the Installation of the ninth WM of the Rugby Football Lodge No. 9811, which meets at Greenhead Masonic Hall, Huddersfield, where there were over 140 in attendance.

Freemasons give nine charities £27,000 as part of Minor Grants Programme - Sep 2013

http://www.grandcharity.org/pages/press_releases.html

Freemasons raise £1.6m for charity

http://www.staffordshirenewsletter.co.uk/News/Charity-News/Freemasons-raise-16m-for-charity-25092013.htm

A new era of openness and transparency for the South East's Freemasons

http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2013-09-21/a-new-era-of-openness-and-transparency-for-the-south-easts-freemasons/

Members only: secret clubs open doors

 http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/09/21/458552_gold-coast-news.html

Freemasons donate to charity for member's landmark birthday

http://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/localnews/beaconsfield/10689267.Freemasons_donate_to_charity_for_member_s_landmark_birthday/

Pilgrim priest treks to Rome to plead with Pope

http://www.thelocal.fr/20130906/french-priest-treks-to-rome-to-plead-with-the-pope

Just a reminder that the constitution being written about is not recognised by United Grand Lodge of England.

Newcastle councillor David Stockdale to be investigated over Freemason link

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/david-stockdale-tasked-closing-down-5841203

Police Bust “Drug Fueled Sex Party” at Masonic Temple in Michigan

http://gawker.com/police-bust-drug-fueled-sex-party-at-masonic-temple-i-1237106936

Something for the anti-masons to sink their teeth into. No doubt the Freemasons of Battle Creek would like to live this one down. I love the quote "drug-fueled sex parties are not something that the Freemasons support". Quite right.

My profuse apologies to the brethren of Michigan, I fear my sense of humour is going to get me in trouble yet again.

Freemasons seek youth ambassador

These two articles are quite interesting for their inaccuracy. The main problem is no distinction is made between the United Grand Lodge of England and Le Droit Humane, which must be confusing to the readership of these newspapers.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10247467/Freemasons-seek-youth-ambassador.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2395694/Secretive-Freemasons-hire-youth-ambassador-dispel-myth-white-haired-old-gentlemen-tweed-jackets.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Masonic French priest walks to Rome for special plea

This story has been in the news before. Whilst of interest to Freemasons generally, I would add that this constitution is not recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England.

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/130821/masonic-french-priest-walks-rome-special-plea

London-In-Sight Blog

Hurrah! An accurate portrayal of freemasonry. Well done done London-In-Sight Blog.

http://londoninsight.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/freemasons-united-grand-lodge-england-london/

Freemasons reboot

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-11/bangalore/41294587_1_freemasonry-the-freemasons-south-india

I wonder how many more "openness" articles I will have to post before the world gets to grip with the idea that we are a community group and not a "secret society" :-)

Freemasonry and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: Asymmetric information and Cognitive Dissonance

When one enters freemasonry it is like joining a different world. In a sense it is a bit like walking through the wardrobe and finding Narnia on the other side. Freemasonry is quite unlike most organizations because, although it widely exists it is largely misunderstood and misrepresented.

Whilst it is not a secret organization there is only so much we can tell our candidates before joining the Freemasonry. It is equivalent of telling somebody the plot to The Mousetrap, the West End's most successful play. At the end people who have been to see the play are sworn to secrecy. If you know the plot, what is the point of going? Ultimately, then, there will always be an element of what is known as 'asymmetric information': that is to say only known by those who have undertaken the experience.

Freemasonry is also experiential. It is impossible to express in words what the ceremonies are like because they are indefatigable. This is somewhat like climbing. It is impossible to describe the adrenalin, the challenge and the teamwork involved in a way that is understandable to those who have never experienced it.

The first year in freemasonry is critical. It is literally, an apprenticeship. As freemasonry has a unique system of rituals it takes time to become familiar with its particular system of learning. Therefore the first year of any freemason's membership is one of socialization or, "“whatever it is one has to know or believe in order to operate in a manner acceptable to its members”  as W.H. Goodenough put it in Cultural anthropology and linguistics.

But what happens if what is beyond the wardrobe is not what was expected? After all, it is a completely different world. This is what marketers refer to as cognitive dissonance: the expected (which, due to asymmetric information is impossible to inform of fully or express in words) is different from the reality. When people join Freemasonry I ask one thing of them: that they stick with it for 12 months and get to understand what it is all about. After that if they still don't like it then, fair enough. Like many things in life anything that is worth doing is worth taking some effort, otherwise there is no reward.

Alas, for those who fail their apprenticeship and leave after the first year they have also failed themselves by not honouring the promise they made before they joined.

Brisbane Freemasons want to dispel myths about rituals by inviting public into their temple

Well done to our brethren 'down under' in Brisbane. There is a familiar theme that I constantly report on here from around the world, the US, Australia, New Zealand and (more recently) India. Opening the doors of our temples and showing people around. I wonder how many generations will have to pass before we are not known as a 'secret society'.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/east/brisbane-freemasons-want-to-dispel-myths-about-rituals-by-inviting-public-into-their-temple/story-fni9r0lo-1226684919421

Ventura Masons Celebrate the Centennial

http://www.vcstar.com/news/2013/jul/23/ventura-masons-celebrate-the-centennial-7366/

Grand Charity Grants 2013

http://www.grandcharity.org/news.php/104/latest_grants_total_718000

Just Ask

Cool website - well done to East Kent:
http://justaskone.org/

Rosanna's Thanks to Freemasons

http://freemasonrytoday.com/freemasonry-cares/royal-masonic-trust-for-girls-and-boys/item/924-rosanna-s-thanks-to-freemasons

Former Comox mayor Freemason, Rotarian, good neighbour

http://www.comoxvalleyrecord.com/news/216477511.html

Freemasonry: How it all began

http://baytvliverpool.com/vod/index.php?vid=DBV51eabf89ec27d

Quincy Masonic Temple on market for $3 million

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1815312139/Quincy-Masonic-Temple-on-market-for-3-million

Freemasons begin new chapter

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1650042/freemasons-begin-new-chapter/?cs=12

Freemasons make triumphant return

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1648006/freemasons-make-triumphant-return/?cs=12

Freemasons give portable brain scanner gift to Royal London Hospital

http://www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk/news/freemasons_give_portable_brain_scanner_gift_to_royal_london_hospital_1_2282186

Top freemason stole £9k earmarked for charity groups

http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/freemason-stole-9k-earmarked-charity-groups/story-19511744-detail/story.html#axzz2YqaUZFeH

New look UGLE website

The "new look" UGLE website looks great:

http://www.ugle.org.uk/

Not only is the design contemporary, so is the content, style and narrative

West Leeds: Modest building houses proud masonic society

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/west-leeds-modest-building-houses-proud-masonic-society-1-5848561

The Freemasons' Grand Charity is delighted to announce its latest Grants: £718,000 to support fifteen charitable causes.

http://www.grandcharity.org/news.php/104/latest_grants_total_718000

The Freemasons' Grand Charity donates £35,000 following deadly floods in India that have killed over 1,000 people

http://www.grandcharity.org/news.php/103/35000_to_red_cross_following_india_floods

Queensland Freemasons Grand Master installation at Masonic Memorial Centre viewable on live stream

Queensland Freemasons Grand Master installation at Masonic Memorial Centre viewable on live stream

 

Read more: http://www.couriermail.com.au/national-news/queensland/queensland-freemasons-grand-master-installation-at-masonic-memorial-centre-viewable-on-live-stream/story-fnii5v6w-1226673907075#ixzz2YFofezJ2

Freemasonry as an Art Form

I have just finished reading The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz. This is an extremely well known book by a highly rated academic. Although it is an anthropological piece of work, its findings can be extrapolated to micro-cultures such as those found in organizations. Many of us are part of multiple organizations, be they family, work, or voluntary organizations (such as freemasonry, Round Table or Lions).

The book is actually a collection of essays. The last one is the one for which Geertz became most well known for; Notes on the Balanese Cockfight. The analysis at the end had a particular resonance for me with freemasonry as I try to consider the impact of this enigmatic organization has to those inside the organization, and those outside. How do we explain its compelling attraction to those outside in a way that does not seek to alienate, or use the institutionalized language we use to communicate with each other?

The first hint of this came from reading Victor Turner's From Ritual to Theatre. From this we could describe freemasonry as a form of performing art. An art form that is consumed at the same time it is performed; in front of a live audience of other freemasons. Geertz's analysis provides us with a deeper insight, however. He talks about ritual as forming an art form; in his case he was referring to what happened in Bali. In our case freemasonry can be considered an art form because it is subjective and can only be really appreciated by those who have some insight into its meaning, construction and performance. Freemasonry as an art form conveys all the nuances, subjectivity, accuracy and challenge that needs to be associated with the world's least understood organization.

Charity Bike Ride

Last Saturday I completed a charity bike ride of 117 miles. Starting off and ending in Leeds the route was (mostly) the same as the Tour de France Route Grand Depart in 2014. I did this along with members of Mirfield Lodge 1102 (Five of them) and the WM of Woodsmoke Lodge 9317.

Here are the details of the route, as recorded on my Garmin:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/334925524 (We missed out Buttertubs)

If you feel disposed, please donate to the charity, Candlelighters. This is a Leeds-based charity for children's cancer:

http://www.justgiving.com/1102riders

The money goes straight to the charity. (The page is administered by a member of Mirfield Lodge).

Oh yes, and we had a great day's cycling. Many thanks to the support team!

Ostracised by society because of working for the Freemasons

http://www.nation.co.ke/Features/lifestyle/Ostracised-by-society-because-of-working-for-the-Freemasons-/-/1214/1898562/-/m1a7pnz/-/index.html

Farmyard Party Flag

Here's a photo of our masonic flag at Farmyard Party. Didn't really help that I put the flag the wrong way round to the majority of the potential audience, but Bro Senior Warden came to the rescue as our temporary shelter got blown to bits. The flag proved popular with our neighbours who were able to navigate their way back to the tents easier. Just looking forward to Stormin' The Castle now.

Farmyard Party

Any Masons off to Farmyard Party in Helmsley (North Yorkshire)?

http://www.farmyardparty.com/farmyard-party

Look out for the Masonic flag, that'll be the SW of Connaught and Truth and me :-)

Police probe Freemason temple attack

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Police-probe-Freemason--temple-attack-/-/1056/1882088/-/6jo90jz/-/index.html

Freemasons’ gift to Batley Mencap

http://www.batleynews.co.uk/news/local/more-batley-news/freemasons-gift-to-batley-mencap-1-5743438

Freemasonry Tomorrow at Albert Edward Lodge, Province of Yorkshire West Riding

On Wednesday I gave my talk on Freemasonry Tomorrow to Albert Edward Lodge No. 1783 which seemed to go down quite well.

Dying mason gets last request as his lodge buys special beds for Plymouth hospital

http://www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/Dying-mason-gets-request-lodge-buys-special-beds/story-19169608-detail/story.html#axzz2VFasu9wI

I do wish they wouldn't call us 'the brotherhood'. Makes us sound sinister where we are, in fact, a community group.

Vatican punishes French priest for being a Freemason

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22656659

As a footnote it is worth noting the Grand Orient de France is not recognised by United Grand Lodge of England. However, there may be wider implications for those jurisdictions that are.

The Freemasons' Code: Dan Brown reveals the message that told him the door to the lodge is open

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/news/the-freemasons-code-dan-brown-reveals-the-message-that-told-him-the-door-to-the-lodge-is-open-8625968.html

Interesting article about Dan Brown's new book. Can 't say I'm too delighted with the phrase "whose tentacles are said to extend into the highest echelons of power". What does the Independent we are? Some sort of giant octopus? 

So, for the benefit of The Independent Freemasonry is a philanthropic, charitable and social organisation, not a form of institutionalised nepotism. We don't run the government, Jay-Z is not a Freemason (as far as I know) and we don't have Barack Obama on speed dial. We're not responsible for corn circles, UFOs, Area 51, Jack the Ripper, the weather, the collapse of the banking system. Oh yes, we're not hiding the Templar treasure, either. It's a gentleman's club that encourages its members into good citizenship behaviour, end of.

Mayor of Kirklees Clr David Ridgway looks back on year in office

Good to see an old tradition re-established. Freemasonry and civic responsibility are entirely compatible and not a conflict of interest as the ridiculous conspiracy theorists claim.

http://m.examiner.co.uk/ms/p/tmg/huddex/sKQnidg56v-Lrrz3VgWirMw/view.m?id=5789861&tid=638956&cat=News

Stepping inside the world of Croydon's Freemasons

http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Stepping-inside-world-Croydon-s-Freemasons/story-18812568-detail/story.html#axzz2S2FxLoqG

Man stabs four at Albuquerque Church, Suspect Thought Choir Leader was a Freemason

http://kfyo.com/man-stabs-four-at-albuquerque-church-suspect-thought-choir-leader-was-a-freemason/

Croydon Freemasons launch a search for young blood

http://www.thisiscroydontoday.co.uk/Croydon-Freemasons-launch-search-young-blood/story-18745585-detail/story.html#axzz2QuqB4HGz

Globetrotting Bradford businessman Neville Packett dies aged 91

Another exemplary local citizen who was a freemason (among many other things). Farewell to departed merit.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10353369.Globetrotting_Bradford_businessman_Neville_Packett_dies_aged_91/

Sean Astin to star in ‘The Freemason,” filming in Utah

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsmoviecricket/56148136-66/astin-utah-film-freemason.html.csp

Lodge of Kilwinning to celebrate 250 years

http://www.forfardispatch.co.uk/news/local-headlines/lodge-of-kilwinning-to-celebrate-250-years-1-2885169

BBC's Dancing on the Edge - The Irony of Stephen Poliakoff's Craftaphobia

Craftaphobia is defined as a irrational fear of freemasons. Freemasons are behind corn circles, Area 51 is nothing to do with us, and we did not fake the moon landings. As far as I know Jay-Z is not a freemason (He's too cool) and neither is Barrack Obama. That stuff on the one dollar note? It's a coincidence.

I have written before on this blog of the BBC's craftaphobic leanings, despite its claim to be impartial. Fortunately that benchmark of television has reigned it is more ridiculous notions about freemasonry over the years. However, I have to take exception to Dancing on Edge as yet another example of some of the superstitious twaddle that surrounds freemasonry.

The performances were outstanding. The music was superb. The sets were spectacular. The costumes were fabulous. However, just to provide an extra dimension writer Stephen Poliakoff provided an extra sub-plot. I mean, Nazis, Freemasons, jazz can it get more compelling?

It seems the murderer of Jessica was the rather unhinged Julian. Ultimately he shoots himself after confessing to her murder. Good closure. Julian gets his come uppance and Louis is vindicated and everybody else walks away with their reputations in tact, if completely changed and shaken by the experience.

Rather it is the events that lead up to this that I take exception to. It had already been established that Julian had joined freemasonry. Let's ignore the fact that he had one of the fastest progressions in masonic history (joining and then becoming an officer in such a short space of time). Let's ignore the fact that, for an officer, he was incorrectly dressed (he had an officer's cuffs on, but not a collar). Let's ignore the fact that he was in possession of piece of Lodge property (the trowel is part of the inner workings, not appropriate for a for a Master Mason) which he launched at Stanley just after joining. Let's concentrate on the alibi that his fellow masons created.

As Julian was a Master Mason he will have taken an obligation. Part of this has become an urban myth as it is literally a half truth.  The third degree obligation talks about how, hand-over-back I will protect a Master Mason's honour. Taken out of context this sounds like a freemason will literally bend over backwards to protect a fellow mason. The full context actually means that Master Masons will not tolerate slander when a mason is not there to defend himself.

Whilst we will also protect another mason's secrets as our own, the crunch that is missing, the other half of the truth, if you like, reads:

Murder, treason, felony and all other crimes contrary to the Laws of God or the Ordinances of the Realm being at all times most especially excepted.

Clearly this is something that has escaped Poliakoff's attention. If the freemasons were lying about an alibi, that ultimately led to a murder they were certainly not acting as freemasons. In fact they were acting in direct contradiction to the third degree obligation. Nowadays they would face masonic discipline for such an obstruction of justice.

Whilst racism, overt and implied, is a central part of the narrative, Poliakoff has also, rather ironically, employed a wildly inaccurate and negative stereotype to put his point across about the establishment being a closed group. It is a shame that so much attention was paid to costumes, music and sets when a basic part of the sub-plot is fundamentally flawed.

Canada tour demystifies Masonic secrets

Oh dear. Back to conspiracy theorists nonsense:

http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2013/03/2013323145838320299.html

Guys (as I believe they say in Canada) you're being duped. Your tour guide is as inaccurate as the tourists are gullible. There are no masonic signs hidden in this building. A curious mix of Greek and Roman  architecture, but the symbols are about as meaningful as the position of decorations on Christmas trees. The masonic symbol is the star. First of all it is never black, and it is certainly never on the floor. Why? Because it represents God and it is always on the ceiling (Oh dear, I can feel another interpretation coming on here).

As a sociologist and a freemason I have a different perspective. Why do people want to believe what is patently absurd? I think we all find secrets compelling. Being excluded from something just because one is not a member is a subtle form of exclusion, rebuttal and (taken to extremes) an insult. Becoming privy to something that is supposed to be exclusive knowledge  is redress this exclusion and take revenge. Unfortunately the truth is far more mundane than this report suggests. "It's easier to slay a dragon than kill a myth".

5 Things You Didn't Know: Freemasons

Goodness me, a positive article about Freemasonry! Well done AskMenUK.

http://uk.askmen.com/entertainment/special_feature_200/200_special_feature.html

A generation of lost freemasons?

Anecdotally there is strong evidence of an increase in initiations at the moment. Many of the people who are now approaching us to join do so through our websites at a provincial or lodge level. This combined with undoubted the success of the University Scheme seems to be bringing in a number of brethren who have been younger than has traditionally been the case. The average age of an initiate has been around their early forties, typically reaching the chair in their sixties.

With the decline in freemasonry noticeably starting in the 1970s leaves one to ask if there is a whole generation who have missed out on being part of the largest fraternity in the world. If this is so, what effect will this have in the next ten to twenty years?

It is healthy to see an organisation rejuvenated by new members. Freemasonry is relevant to, and does have a place in modern society. To borrow a phrase from elsewhere, if freemasonry did not exist, it would need to be invented. A society where pleasant people can meet to socialise and meet other pleasant people that is set apart from any political or religious convictions.

Installation at Albert Edward Lodge No. 1783

Yesterday I was delighted to attend the 133rd Installation meeting of the Albert Edward Lodge. The ceremony was abbreviated as the WM had already been a Master of a Lodge, though it was competently executed. The festive board was up to the usual high standards we visitors have come to expect from this fine, well-established Lodge. The hospitality was excellent, and everybody had a most memorable evening.

BBC's Dancing on the Edge - Episode 1, technical innaccuracies

Last night I watched the first episode of the BBC's Dancing on the Edge and feel compelled to point out the masonic flaws. First of all the peep hole in the laundry cupboard. What is this Scooby Doo? Is there a picture on the other side with an eye missing with a mysterious slot for when somebody wishes to view the proceedings? Don't you think an organisation as private as the masons would have noticed a 30mm hole in the wall if it's at head height?

Secondly, the regalia is wrong. For a costume drama I would have hoped they put a bit more thought in providing authentic regalia. What they were wearing was decidedly modern and did not look like the regalia they wore in those day (I am in possession of a 1950s Master Masons apron) rather than the plastic-based material we wear today.

Thirdly, the chap who shows them the peep hole (I forget his name) is wearing cuffs. Why? If he is an officer he should be wearing a collar as well (depends upon the Lodge), but if he has just been made a Master Mason why would he be wearing the half-dressed regalia of an officer? Why has he progressed so quick?

Fourthly, what an earth is he doing with that trowel he threw on the desk? This has no particular significance to the Raising ceremony (it has later on, as many Masons will know) and is usually an ornament that belongs to the Lodge as a whole. What did he do, nick it?

Well, no particular harm done yet. Though we can see where it's going. I fear that much cliched narrative device called a 'masonic conspiracy' is on the horizon.

Tour de Province 2014

The Province of Yorkshire West Riding is organising a three-day charity cycling event to coincide with the 2014 Grand Depart of the Tour de France. The Tour de Province is designed to go around the perimeter of the Province of Yorkshire West Riding. It is early days yet and details are a little sketchy, but you can view further information here:

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/craig.johnson/tdp.htm

Holme Valley Lodge No. 652

Yesterday I went to a talk at Holme Valley Lodge No. 652 where we enjoyed a talk on the history of freemasonry. I was able to respond on behalf of the visitors and was able to congratulate Holmfirth on today's announcement of being on the route of the 2014 Tour de France. On Sunday 4th July the carnival that is the biggest sporting event in the world will be coming to sleepy, scenic Holmfirth.