I said "a society within society," Alan, and that is what freemasonry plainly is - and bound by oath, to boot. One does not need to "go along" to recognise that simple fact.

Apart from my reference to your "traditional penalty," which I made with my own tongue in my cheek, what did I say that was not based on fact? Indeed you seem to be acknowledging the truth of my comments with your readyness to put the blame on "rotten apples." Oh, and on the leadership.

It seems that there are no lodges hereabouts in north Nottinghamshire. At least, I've not managed to find anything in Yellow Pages. Where else might they be listed?