It is. However, I do it by standing order monthly. I don't broadcast it or mention the charities.

Me too.

So if being full of coppers judges head teachers etc isn't bad enough it turns out they have an even more evil set of people. The bloody do gooders.

Is there no depth there which they will fall.

Oh and if they want to be truly charitable I need a few quid.

He still hasn't explained why women are kept separate, bit 19th century, bit Dickensian.

I still want to know if he calls someone by one of them weird names.

Fabulous craic

I can.

...........

Release the dogs of war

Mr Bresslaw of the Hartlepool Lodge of England answers a selection of posters' questions.

Horden asks: Can people of other races besides Caucasian apply and become members too?

Mr Bresslaw : Any man over the age of 21 (or 18 in the case of University Lodges) can apply to join the Freemasons, regardless of race, colour, religion, political views or social or economic standing. It should also be noted that Freemasonry is a non-religious and non-political organisation, and discussion of politics and religion are forbidden at lodge meetings.

Joe Mac: How can one become a member?

Mr Bresslaw : Members can be recommended, or they can put themselves forward. There is detailed information about becoming a Freemason on the United Grand Lodge of England's website. If individuals don't know anyone who is a member, they can either contact a Masonic Office in their area, or contact the United Grand Lodge of England via the website.


The Colonel :What does the one-eyed symbol on their flags signify?

Mr Bresslaw: The symbol you are referring to is known as the All Seeing Eye. It is a reminder of the existence of a higher being.

Snowy: Do magistrates have to declare their membership to the Masons, as well as other judges within the Ministry of Justice?

Mr Bresslaw: No, none of them do and we are also working hard in other professions to stamp out discrimination. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2007 that in a modern democratic society it was discriminatory to single out Freemasons from the many voluntary organisations an individual can belong to and require them to register their membership with their employers.

Phil: Which conspiracy theory do Freemasons feel most annoyed about or consider the most awkward?

Mr Bresslaw: All conspiracy theories annoy us as they are just that - conspiracy with no truth or grounding. Part of the reason for our current activity is to dispel all the myths and conspiracy theories attached to Freemasonry.

Snowy: What is the point of being a Mason? Is it fun - like going to the pub with a group of friends or does it serve the individual in a wider context?

Mr Bresslaw: There are many different reasons why people join the Freemasons - one of the main reasons is camaraderie. Many friendships made through Freemasonry endure for life, and lodge dinners which follow our formal meetings offer members the opportunity to enjoy each others' company in a more relaxed and informal environment.

The Bishop: Why do grown men run around with their trousers rolled up?

Mr Bresslaw : It is true that candidates do have to have their trousers rolled up during the three ceremonies when they are being admitted to membership. Taken out of context this can seem amusing , but like many other aspects of Freemasonry it has a symbolic aspect.

Born Toulouse: If the top cop was a Freemason, would he "stretch" the rules if another Freemason broke the law?

Mr Bresslaw: Absolutely not - networking within Freemasonry and trying to use it for personal gain is completely forbidden.


Snowy: Is Freemasonry compatible with humanism?

Mr Bresslaw: The prime qualification for admission into Freemasonry is a belief in a supreme being. Having some form of religious belief is the one thing that all Freemasons have in common, whatever their backgrounds might be. As humanists do not believe in any form of higher power they cannot fulfil that prime qualification.

Blue Beard asks: I am a retired Stonecutter, is Freemasonry linked to craft trades?

Mr Bresslaw: Organised Freemasonry, as we understand it today, began with the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 - hence our tercentenary celebrations in 2017. While not directly linked, we have taken a lot of our symbolism from stonemasonry. As with stonemasonry, Freemasonry is about moving from level to level as you gain further knowledge and experience, starting with being an apprentice.

Townendfaithful: Isn't ritual out of place in modern society?

Mr Bresslaw:No the ritual is a shared experience which binds the members together. Its use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the principles and teachings more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed onto him in a matter of fact modern language.

Wow !

There is a thread-ender if ever I saw one !!!

Anagram - Fear Me Sons

Fantastic.

Been pulled three times by the police for no reason since I posted in here.

Naughty boy. What you been doing wrong

Has Silus the Albino monk been round yet ??

But you don't want the thread to end do you? It was you that started it.

12 pages and counting. Must be your most successful attention seeking effort to date. Happy days for Bresslaw!

I'm writing from my cell in a re-education centre on Bresslaw Island. I only went to Tesco's for a crusty cob and woke up here

Where do I sign up?, did you have a fag afterwards

I want to beat the Venezia thread !

I suspect just saying this will earn you a lifetime ban.

Who holds back Verrill's opening hours?

Who made Ken Hodcroft sign Alan Power?

We do, we do...

You win.

Lock the thread now, this is just perfect

I don’t care to belong to any club that will have me as a member.