I'm not and never have been a mason but don't believe they have even a fraction of the influence some people claim and doubt if they ever really did.

To me, they seem to be a bit of a social club with some charitable works thrown in, kind of like Rotary or Round Table.

Of course, I could be wrong so, if you don't hear from me for a couple of days please phone the fire brigade and tell them the masons have me! (Don't suppose there will be much point phoning the cops!)