Your thoughts on the Freemasons,if offered would you join?

[SanaerJewelleryCreations]

Firstly, are there any Freemasons among us here at the uk business forums,although I know a few years ago it all had to be secretive,but haven't things changed,hasn't it become more open!!!!

Does anyone know anyone who is a member?

...and if offered would you consider joining,what must be a great boys club,and think of all the networking to by done with the movers and shakers in the country.

are women still excluded????

your thoughts please

Adrian.

[Astaroth]

I know a few freemasons and have recently been offered to join but havent made a decision on it yet.

There are many different versions of freemasonary - the main one in the UK does still prevent women joining the society but have many social events which women (and friends in general) are invited to attend.

I know that one of their conditions of joining is that you dont do it for personal gain combined with the fact they have a big drive on the "we are not a secret society but a society with secrets". Given the human condition I would be suprised if members didnt get some advantages from other freemasons (though in a similar vein that a friend/ associate will give advantages to friends)

[Magsite]

Hi

My hubby used to be in the army and he told me a corporal used to be one of the highest leaders in the area and used to tell his major what to do.

Sounds strange to me, another excuse I think for a lads night out!

Lisa

[DuaneJackson]

one of my clients is a freemason. he mentioned they are on a recruitment drive (?)

[JustOneUK]

personally i am not into that 'genitals and shoe polish' stuff :)

[creospace]

nah not for me, not that I'm prime FM material!

Whats with the funny handshake anyhow?

[Jayne]

Hi,

My hubands old boss was one. They did stupid stuff from the Monte Python films, dressed as Indians, got really drunk at many parties and sometime took their wives to posh do's. I would be suprised if they were sober enough to remember the hand shake.

It should have all been secret, but my husbands boss liked to brag what he'd been up too and blabbed it all.

If i'd have told on him, he'd have been black balled :lol:

Loads of old blokes getting drunk is all it's about, from what I heard!

Jayne

[Cornish Steve]

I won't join as a matter of principle. I refuse to treat one group of people differently from others. Also, I don't agree with anything secretive or that discriminates (in this case, against women).

Whenever asked, I refuse. It probably hurts me business-wise, but so be it.

[Amber]

I won't join as a matter of principle. I refuse to treat one group of people differently from others. Also, I don't agree with anything secretive or that discriminates (in this case, against women).

Whenever asked, I refuse. It probably hurts me business-wise, but so be it.

What Steve said. I have a strong aversion to anything secretive or discrimanatory, no matter how good it is for business. Of course, as a woman, I'm never going to be asked to join, so I guess the Freemasons won't be too worried about my opinions!

[ebonybailey]

I am a freemason, and it is a good laugh more than anything else, I joined about a year ago, and its not all pipes and handshakes at all, in fact most of the time its about raising money not making it, in the time i have been involved i have never seen nor heard of any business deals going on.
That said I like the idea of an all boys do, girls have ann summers to drink and act childish, this is similair in that respect...fewer toys.

Michael

[SanaerJewelleryCreations]

Michael....

It is true that a person has to be approached by a member and asked,a person can't just turn up at Freemason Towers and ask to join up...

So a person who would like to join,must wait for the `nod and wink`,from someone...

Personally,I would love the social aspect of it.

Adrian.

[duenna]

Although it sounds like there should be the word alcoholic in the following line, owing to the public outlook on the craft. But I am a freemason.

I have been for about 3 years now. The social aspect is great and its not all blacked out body parts or consumption of blood productst. The secrets of Freemasonry are not there to protect the general public from the lesser good of a corrupt organisation. They are there to protect the organisation.

There are female only lodges.

Meetings are normally followed by a sit down meal.

Social events are generally quite fantastic and is an opportunity to get your DJ out.

Many lodges have family days in the summer and generally enjoy the fraternal links devised.

Common myth dictates about the strength freemasonry brings to your business. My lodge was formed by shopkeepers over 75 years ago. So we meet on a Wednesday evening. I am the youngest in my lodge and certainly the only one with a web developing company. Although and I mention this with my tongue firmly pressing against my cheek, my care agency might get some work from it.

My final comment is simple. Three or four hours a month, spent in the company of like minded people who have a common interest and like to give to charity and really care about you and your family, with no predjudice or preconceptions of how you should be, is bliss. Switch the phone off and get away from it all.

David

[Rob Holmes]

Hi Michael,

Where were you made a Mason?

Rob

[ebonybailey]

Aldershot, why?

And to answer the other question, yes you are approached by a fm to join. and the whole lodge must vote to let you in.

[Rob Holmes]

Aldershot, why?

Just wondering - thats all :)

I find subjects like this interesting.

Rob

[SanaerJewelleryCreations]

I'm off to google `Freemasons`!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D