In the past, the traditional method of getting into a Lodge was to be invited by someone you knew. This stipulation has been relaxed in recent years. These days it is perfectly acceptable for prospective candidates to approach a Lodge or the Provincial team and express an interest in joining.

What remains important is that anyone who joins a Lodge is of good character, will contribute, and is looking to join for the right reasons.

What normally happens then, is that you will meet with a couple of the more senior members informally - perhaps at a coffee shop or a pub. They will talk with you about Freemasonry to make sure you understand what you're getting involved in. From there, there may be a second meeting with a few more members of the Lodge before your application is considered.

Any application, whether through recommendation or enquiry, will then be put to all members of a Lodge as part of a Lodge meeting and members will vote, in confidence, on whether to accept or reject your application.

Freemasonry means different things to different people and everyone has their own reasons for joining. For most, it is one (or more) of the following reasons;

• To carry on an ancient tradition
• To join a new social circle or meet people in a new area
• Because you have an interest in history and allegory
• To carry on a family tradition
• It was recommended by a friend or work colleague
• To challenge yourself to learn new things
• To give some of your time to help local causes and charities

While people join for all sorts of reasons, they stay for one reason - the other people they meet. It's the camaraderie, the Brotherly nature of Freemasonry, that is its biggest asset.

Whatever your reason for joining, you will find it a fun and rewarding thing to do.

Only if you let it - you only do as much as you want to.

As you progress, the more senior roles have a larger part to play in the ceremonies which means more to learn. Make sure you understand that before agreeing to take on a role.

Most Lodges meet 4 or 5 times a year. In the lead-up to the meetings, there are Lodges of Instruction (Lol's) where members rehearse the parts they have been asked to play. This ensures that everything goes smoothly on the night. The number of Lol's varies between Lodges.

At Oak Tree we meet formally four times a year; in September, December, February, and April. We hold twice-monthly Lol's from September through to May. There are no meetings or Lol's in June, July, or August. As a newer Mason, you may not need to attend all the Lol's depending on what is being rehearsed.

The impact of Covid has seen lots of Masonic sessions set up on 'Zoom'. This may be a committee meeting or a learning event. But a Lodge meeting is always held in-person.

They shouldn't.

One of the fundamental tenets of Masonry is that it is not a 'clique' where you ask for or expect, favours or preferential treatment from others.

Don't join if you are doing so for personal gain.

Not directly. Another of the golden rules of Freemasonry is to abstain from all topics of religious (and political) discussion. Different people have different beliefs and all views are equally respected.

We are not connected in any way with any religion. However to become a Mason we ask that you believe in a supreme being of some sort. That may be a God as part of traditional religion, or it may be your own personal (and private) belief.

Similarly, Freemasonry as a body, will never express a view on politics or state policy. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

There is an annual membership fee - known as dues - which varies slightly from Lodge to Lodge but is around £150-£200 per year. For this, you receive a quarterly magazine from UGLE and possibly something similar from your Province. This also covers Lodge costs such as upkeep of the venue, paying for any equipment etc.

If you choose to dine at the Festive Board, again costs vary from Lodge to Lodge but expect to pay £30-£40 including drinks.

Charity plays a big part in Freemasonry and at all meetings and at the Festive Board there are opportunities to donate. At Oak Tree, we have a raffle at every Festive Board with a chance to win some nice prizes like bottles of wine, chocolates, or the ever-popular homemade cake.