Freemasons urging younger generation to join up

LEICESTERSHIRE and Rutland Freemasons will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the group’s formation in England by welcoming 300 new members.

There are already 3,000 members which meet in 76 lodges across the two counties including in Hinckley.

Noted for their charity work, the Freemasons have tried to engage new, younger members through the internet and social media, in an attempt to dispel myths surrounding them.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be invited to join the Freemasons, and the basic membership requirements are you have to be a male over 21, believe in a higher power and not have a criminal record.

David Hagger, provincial grand master of Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, said: “We’ll be holding several public events throughout 2017 including opening the doors to our Masonic Halls for everyone to see inside and an exhibition on Freemasonry highlighting the contribution of Freemasons to our local communities. We hope this will lead to further interest and a better understanding of our historic fraternity.

“We don’t discriminate on race, religion, social background or sexual orientation. We’re keen to shake off our bygone image and are finding that more younger people are attracted to Freemasonry as they seek a social environment with strong values and traditions that also supports the local community.”