Freemasonary
The United Grand Lodge of England, the origins of which can be traced as far back as the year 1717, is the United Kingdom's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation.
There are around 8000 lodges throughout England and Wales and a total membership of over 300,000 plus some 30,000 more members overseas.
The principles of Freemasonry are 'brotherly love, relief and truth', (care and concern for all people, charity and integrity) and members are actively encouraged to illustrate these principles within their families, working and community lives.
Freemasonry generally has a minimum age requirement of 21 years and, whilst a belief in God is essential, it is open to men of all faiths and creeds. (There is a separate Order of Women's Freemasonry and a Co-Masonic Organisation for men and women.)
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities. All monies raised for charity are drawn from amongst freemasons, their families and friends. Grants and donations are made to masonic and non-masonic charities alike.
Without exception, each member supports the Freemasons' Grand Charity - one of four major National Masonic charities - over the past five years alone, more than £80M has been raised for a wide range of charitable purposes, including those involving medical research, the hospice movement, community care, education and working with young people.
The Freemasons' Grand Charity is in the forefront of response to Red Cross Appeals for disaster and emergency aid throughout the World.
Through its lodges and its members, Freemasonry also supports countless local community causes, appeals and projects in England and Wales.