The solution is from within.

There is little point in pouring them in the top if they are just falling out the bottom..Check the figures for drop out within the Craft. That is where the real  problem lies. Solve this and the dwindling numbers solves itself.....

However, what we all need to take account of now is the development, over the last 20 years, of the Internet. In 2009, nearly every home has a PC with the majority giving access to the most wonderful development in information communication since William Caxton’s printing press. However with the rise of it, these Authors are now bandied about along with others who although not anti-Masons also weren't actually Freemasons either but wrote loads of mystic mumbo jumbo about Freemasonry (ie Manly Palmer Hall and WC Heckethorn just to mention two). Today’s conspiracists scour these old books, misquoting and removing words from their original context, promoting the Authors to the position of “Masonic Authority” then building websites around them that mislead the Public and the Media about Freemasonry. Hundreds and even thousands of people visit these sites day in and day out and come away half believing that we are trying to take over the world (NWO) or are the new Illuminati or, even worse, worship the devil in our Lodges.

I wonder how many of the readers here remember or are even aware of the fact that in 1994 the Home Affairs Select Committee (this was here in England not Germany in the 1940s) carried out a public investigation, lasting nearly 2 years, based on the writings of Stephen Knight and his successor Martin Short (he actually appeared as an "expert witness") into the influence of Freemasonry in the Police and Judiciary. I do because I was busy writing to the Home Secretary through my MP decrying such a blatant desecration of one of this countries oldest institutions. This investigation resulted (apart from the Media circus) in the fact that today when joining several professions you are required to disclose whether you are a Mason or not, no other groups just Freemasons.

I also wonder how many Freemasons bother to look into how long our "secrecy" has actually been around? I know I have and have seen hundreds of photographs and watched old newsreels from the 1920s and 30s showing Masons proudly processing in town centres, carrying out Cornerstone Ceremonies and wearing regalia in public. It was in the early 1940s that our secrecy appeared in response to events that were occurring across Europe.

In this climate those who think about these things have realised that we have to do away with this artificial secrecy, it is not helping the Craft. Another thing is that these efforts are not aimed at convincing the Conspiracy Theorists that they are stupid (an impossible task, I know I've personally been trying for more than 15 years) but to stop the Public falling victim to these fantastic tales of Masonic wrongdoings.  Just think about it, how can any man come to the Order "having formed a favourable opinion of it" if they don't know who we are and what we do and have only ever seen the material I've mentioned above?

I am very proud to be a Freemason and people who know me, even only vaguely, know that I am a member so I know that my own actions in life (hopefully) reflect honour on the Craft. So I say these little television snippets are long overdue and most welcome. It is time for Freemasonry in Britain to resume its former place as a pillar of Society and to be recognised as such by non-Masons.

Just my tuppence worth Brethren..

I highlight two events whilst we were there. The first was a march, in full regalia and with the Provincial and individual Lodge banners flying, from Christchurch Cathedral to the Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings where the celebration ceremony was being held.

It was a magnificent sight which was much enjoyed by both the Brethren and the local burghers of Christchurch, albeit some having a mildly surprised look on their faces. The march lasted about 15 minutes and took us past a well known local hostelry called the Holy Grail. I am glad to say that we did not deviate.

The second was a service in the Cathedral – again in full regalia. The Cathedral was packed with Brethren and their families as well as many members of the regular congregation. I was asked to read the Gospel and the Dean gave an excellent – and very supportive – sermon, his father and 3 brothers all having been Masons. It was a very happy time and I am delighted that the District is in such good heart.

Brethren, those of you who were present in Grand Chapter last month would have heard my statement to the English Craft in general relating to the announcement by the Justice Secretary that judges and other members of the judicial system no longer have to declare that they are Freemasons.

The President of the Board today has given a more detailed explanation of the events leading up to this change and of the success that has been achieved in combating discrimination in the Government, Local Authorities and other parts of the public sector.

Brethren, we are all pleased that at last - what we have always seen to be an injustice – is being remedied and that, hopefully, we will no longer be subjected to this unfair discrimination. However I make no apology for stressing again that this does not mean that there is no need for you to disclose that you are Freemasons. You should continue to use common sense and disclose your membership whenever it is appropriate to do so. In any cases of doubt you should err on the side of disclosure, and we should all show our pride in being a member of our Order.