THE FREEMASONS are inviting residents in Midsomer Norton to join in on their activities as it soon hosts an open evening in the town.

The open evening on Wednesday June 18 between 6pm and 8pm, held at the the Masonic Hall on Redfield Road. They will also be present at Peasedown Party in the Park, which takes place on Saturday June 14.

The group is made up of members from all races, backgrounds and ages, and is not a political or religious entity. The group’s roots date back to medieval stonemasons, and has existed in its current form for over 300 years.

The Connaught Lodge in Midsomer Norton is one of the oldest in Somerset, having been found in 1912. This lodge was named after HRH Arthur, Duke of Connaught, one of Queen Victoria’s sons.

Meetings take place in two parts, with the first being a business meeting where they make decisions such as charitable donations, share information and admit new members. The second part is a meal as a group, where there is a small element of formality.

The Freemasons donate £1 million per week on a national level, supporting charities and other causes. Lodges in Midsomer Norton have donated £10,000 over the last five years, and Lodges over the whole county have donated £500,000 in the same time period.

Alongside making charitable donations, they also say that they do not promote personal gain.

Those interested in joining do not have to be invited by others in order to take part.

Anyone looking for more information about joining can email [email protected] or can go to the Freemason’s website to complete the contact form, after which they will get in contact to arrange an informal conversation.