An invitation was received from the Freemasons in Newbury for us to attend a presentation at the Masonic Hall in Newbury on Monday 17 December and so Edwina Cooper and I were pleased to accept. We arrived and found we were two of some thirty people attending. We were taken into the main hall where the Masonic meeting are held and met officers of the Masonic Lodge, who were wearing their aprons and various regalia.
The presentation was to give us an idea of the scope and nature of the charities which the Masons support. This is done on a regional and provincial basis. I noted that they supported Newbury Shopmobility, which provides electric buggies for the disabled to help them get around the town and the shops. Others include West Berkshire Alzheimers Disease Society and Royal Berkshire Hospital Premature Baby Unit. They also gave out to the guests some literature and brochures which explains what the Masons do and what their values are. And yes, apparently the new members do have to roll their trouser legs up as one of the rituals, but it does have a symbolic meaning.
At the conclusion of the presentation, the guests were invited to a meal at the Newbury Golf Club but I had to decline as I had to attend a Full Council meeting. It was however a useful presentation and helped me to understand at least in outline the charitable aspects of the Masons.
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