Episode of Ashes to Ashes

I see the "Ministry of Propaganda", aka the BBC are at it again with their anti-masonic prejudice. Last week's episode of "Ashes to Ashes" showed the main character being initiated into Freemasonry. The episode portrayed Freemasonry as a form of institutionalised nepotism. Whilst this could be frivolously dismissed as 'fiction' the BBC has something of a track record of portraying Freemasonry in this way. A few years ago I wrote in to correct an article that had appeared on the BBC website. The rather arrogant response I received was the piece was correct. I responded by asking why, if it was accurate, were there women in the photo dressed in regalia ;-) I received a further response (not an apology) saying they had removed the photo from the website and from their library archive.

In a similar vein we saw the female character Alex Drake "sneak in" to observe the ceremony. What outrageous nonsense! Moreover the ceremony abruptly ended immediately after the obligation with "let's have a drink". This conveniently missed out the Ancient Charge where the newly-made mason is instructed he cannot use his membership for personal or professional gain.

Such sophistry might make for compelling fiction, but unfortunately it also fuels the paranoia about Freemasonry we have been trying to dispel for a number of years. This is all the more concerning when the BBC is publicly funded from our TV licence: we have no option to object by withholding our licence fee as we will be prosecuted.

Indeed when it comes to accusations of corruption it would appear that the BBC would not be candidate to cast the first stone. I hope everybody remembers this little episode of BBC history: http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1646791,00.html.

The BBC claims to be "impartial". This episode of "Ashes to Ashes" was a clear example of prejudism and hypocrisy from a publicly funded organisation. Shame on you, BBC.

Freemasonry Tomorrow Lecture at Unanimity No. 154

On Bank Holiday Monday I gave my talk on "Freemasonry Tomorrow" at Unanimity Lodge No. 154 in Wakefield. The talk evokes different reactions from different people and seems to have the intended purpose of provoking (in the nicest possible way) debate and reflection.

The acting Junior Warden said I had said very little about tradition. He went on to extol the virtues of tradition in their Lodge. That is to say their 200 year-old dining table and associated candleabres. These are historical artefacts rather than tradition. Tradition, as I understand it, is a process or behaviour. Shils, for example, talks about how it needs to be communicated 3 times for it to become a tradition in the strictest sense.

Another Brother challenged my figures on the decline of population of Masons. This is similar to the discussions I have with Bro. Lomas. Part of the problem is recognising there is a problem as the organisation, for the large part, is in denial. Agreeing on the extent of the problem goes towards 'paralysis by analysis.' The figures in the talk are intended to be scenarios. The same Brother also challenged my use of the words 'middle class'. This was an interesting point as these words are a disputed, and sometimes controversial label.

W. Bro John Goodchild commented that the talk had evinced an exploration of why he remained a Freemason. I well remember his lecture on friendly socities given years ago at Holme Valley Lodge. What was particularly poignant was how the Druids had disappeared as an organisation.

On the whole I found it a worthwhile exchange. The Brethren of Unanimity Lodge were excellent hosts. This proved a very agreeable conclusion to the Bank Holiday weekend.

Lodge night

Lodge night last night was most entertaining. The ceremony was a second degree demonstration as unfortunately the candidate was not able to make it due to work commitments.

Lecture

I have also been asked to give my lecture Freemasonry Tomorrow at Unanimity Lodge No. 154 in Wakefield on Monday 4th May, 2009.

Freemasonry Tomorrow Lecture

I have been asked to give my lecture on Freemasonry Tomorrow on Monday 20th April, 2009 at Felicity Lodge 6001, Spring Bank Place in Bradford.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Lecture

Went to a talk this evening at my Lodge (Connaught & Truth No. 521) given by our SW, Bro. Simon Ackroyd. The subject was "Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Freemasonry." The lecture was well received... apparently the author of the Sherlock Holmes stories joined a Lodge in Portsmouth in 1887.

Generational differences

Currently I have been reading "Wikinomics" by Dan Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams. I was struck by relevance of the following passage to authoritarian rule within Freemasonry:

"Whereas previous generations value loyalty, seniority, security and authority, the N-Gen's [internet generation's] norms reflect a desire for creativity, social connectivity, fun freedom, speed and diversity in their workplaces". [p.248]

The question then is how do we change the organisation to accomodate this change in norms so that Freemasonry remains relevant to society?