Connaught Lodge Freemasons are taking on new members and will be at Midsomer Norton Town Fayre on Saturday, July 13.

Founded in 1912, Connaught Lodge is one of the oldest branches of Freemasons in the province of Somerset. The Lodge takes its name from HRH Arthur, Duke of Connaught, a son of Queen Victoria.

The Freemasons meet on the third Wednesday of the month from September through to May at the Masonic Hall, Redfield Road, in Midsomer Norton, BA3 2JN.

Speaking of the organisation, a spokesperson for Connaught Lodge said: “Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most popular philosophical and fraternal organisations in the world. It is not political or religious, neither does it promote personal gain. Thus, having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles, but in its current format it has thrived for more than 300 years.”

The spokesman added: “One of the popular misconceptions is that Freemasonry is a secret organisation. It is not; it is an organisation that keeps a few things to itself, in the same way that companies guard their trade secrets. For instance, everyone knows of Coca-Cola, but the formula for making the drink is commercially confidential.

“So, Freemasonry is the same, some things are kept confidential. That said, there is a national initiative to make Freemasonry more transparent, and its role and purpose more fully understood.”

Connaught Lodge supports a wide range of charities both masonic and non-masonic, locally, and nationally. In fact, in in the last two years they have donated more than £5,000 to charities and other bodies, most of them local to Radstock and Midsomer Norton. Connaught Lodge also gave a further supply of teddy bears to Paulton Hospital Minor Injuries Unit which helps to keep the children calm when they are being treated by medical staff.

Connaught Lodge Freemasons will be at the Midsomer Norton Town Fayre on Saturday, July 13, and people are invited to pay them a visit.

Those who are interested in becoming a Freemason can ask to become involved and do not have to wait ti be invited to join.

For further information about Connaught Lodge, email: [email protected] or visit their website at https://www.connaughtlodge.org/