I am totally amazed that he has the nerve to tell us all that he contacted the "democratic services at Fenland District Council" over this matter.

Does he really believe that it is undemocratic to be a Mason. Are we expected to believe that he is serious about defending democracy, or is it to be as long as he agrees with it?

A secret fraternity? If it is so secret then how is it that he appears to know about it ? Not much of a secret then, eh!

It was not so long ago that, as a member of my golf club, I chose to give a fellow member a contract to do some work for me. Does he condemn that – should my golf club be declared "undemocratic"?

In the past I bought a car from a fellow member of my scuba diving club who owned a car sales outlet. Shame on me for being so "UNDEMOCRATIC". Mea culpa, mea culpa.

I am a Mason, have been for 27 years. I am proud to be a member of what must be one of the biggest charitable organisations in the world.

We do not, as a rule, wish it to be made public what we give. We are quite content to know in our hearts that we do what we do for the benefit of our fellow man.

Mr Harvey, Mr Kemp. Remind me again about those with "funny handshakes" and how UNDEMOCRATIC we are !!

T MCGUINESS,
Eastwood End,
Wimblington.



Disturbing views

AS a Scottish Mason, now living in Fenland, I feel compelled to write after reading the musings of Mr Harvey and Mr Kemp.

I am so disturbed by their views I have written to Democratic Services at Fenland to seek out how many council members went to the same school (Old Boy Network), served in the same regiment in the Forces, or are members of other various societies – Gardeners, Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffalos, Oddfellows, etc.

I would like to ask these gentlemen to put themselves in my position – if I was applying for planning permission, would I be treated the same as they would as a non-Fenlander?

I trust the integrity of our councillors on this matter, as should they.

The teachings of these various societies are that we should be just and upright citizens, not dishonourable and underhand.

Once again, the views of those who only have a vague idea of what these organisations do, cause confusion.

Useful information can be found on the internet at www.ugle.org.uk

ANDREW MURRAY,
Christchurch.



Obviously a conflict of interests

I'M sorry if Mrs Harrison finds my remarks about Freemasonry offensive (Public Platform, March 19).

I would have thought, however, she would find it more offensive that she can't join the organisation her husband is a member of because, of course, even in this enlightened age, they are solidly male only.

I can only assume he has kept to the Masons' code of secrecy, even where she is concerned, if she thinks there is some similarity between being a member of the local darts or swimming team and Freemasonry.

When was the last time, for instance, she saw a public notice inviting the public to become members or, even less likely, an invitation to attend a meeting?

Membership of Freemasonry has always been, and still is, by invitation only. They wouldn't have riff raff like me, although I do remember an occasion, years ago, when a colleague of mine became so convinced I was a Mason, he pestered me constantly to put his name forward.

The more I tried to insist I wasn't a member of the Brotherhood, the more he became certain I was!

Seriously Mrs Harrison, my comments weren't intended personally at your husband, who I have no doubt is an earnest member of society who doesn't hold public office.

My concern is about the uncomfortably large proportion of councillors who appear to be members of an organisation (and I subsequently discovered the same lodge).

Given that it is the declared ethos of Freemasonry, as well as doing charitable work, to look after their fellow Brothers, there is obviously a conflict of interest for those who hold public office where they can influence the decision-making process affecting, in the case of March Town Council, a population of 20,000 (and Fenland 80,000 for that matter).

The councillors concerned must have been aware of these conflicts when the debate about nominations for Mayor and Deputy Mayor came about and should have declared them without needing prompting by the Clerk to the Council, Clive Lemmon.

Perhaps the honourable thing would be for these councillors to suspend their membership of the Freemasons during their term of office!

REG KEMP,
Scargells Lane,
March.



Charity work

REGARDING Mr Harvey's comments on the Freemasons being a secret society, I am amazed he knew about them – after all, it's a secret.

I do not know anyone in the Freemasons, but I am led to believe it is a society of secrets not a secret society.

I think we all know a friend of a friend, but it doesn't mean to say you get preferential treatment. Isn't it sad that an organisation which devotes its time to helping good causes by raising vast sums of money for those less fortunate, and does it with anonymity, is perceived in such a way by "mere mortals"?

Sadly Mr Harvey will not be aware of the sick and needy who have been helped by these good people as they don't ask or crave for recognition – hence why you never see them handing a cheque over with the press taking photos.

To me that is integrity and I imagine they sleep soundly with a very clear conscience. How much free time and money do you give to charity?

Maybe if you spent less time moaning for your own selfish purpose and more time thinking of others the world would be a happier place. Search for "Freemasons' charity work" on the Internet, then come back to us with your apology.

JANE MILLFIELD,
Wisbech.