The day was successful in bringing Freemasonry to the attention of several people who had never known what the Order was. This meant that some of the people we talked to had no pre-conceived ideas of Freemasonry, and a favourable or at least neutral attitude could be engendered.

The poster of Famous Freemasons was a winner. At first we had it at the back of our tent, but after moving it to the front, almost everyone who went by stopped noticed it and stopped to view it. From there, they were engaged in conversation, some taking an interest in the leaflets.

Although the leaflets we had (the newly-printed ones and a few published by the Grand Charity) were attractively laid out, the main attraction to catch the eye was the Famous Freemasons poster. It would be an improvement to produce a few more large posters similar to some of those used by the Bucks display team, e.g. a map of Middlesex, showing the various Masonic Centres, or the one depicting historical events (more research into this poster required): More pictures, greater interest from the public.

In retrospect, the layout of the stall would be improved by placing the two tables together across the gazebo. They would then form a single surface deep enough for leaflet-type material, and enable larger, poster-type items to be erected behind, on the rear table.

Four Brethren manned the stall, and at times they were quite busy. Middlesex and other Masons who passed were pleased to find the public display, and showed their approval.

There was really only one anti-Masonic comment, from the first person to investigate our stall. The young man, said he had been ‘studying Freemasonry’, which seemed encouraging at first, until he stated that we were all evil, controlled the world, and should, along with the Queen and the Royal Family, be ‘done away with’. I enquired if he was a follower of David Icke, which he confirmed, then left the stall, saying we should all be free.

Fortunately, the rest of the afternoon was an improvement, although I personally heard “What do you do, apart from nepotism”, and two ladies who had issues with us being “a single-sex outfit”. In all three cases, the true situation was explained, and the two ladies were advised of the Orders for women-only Freemasonry and Co-Masonry, and the exhibition in Freemasons’ Hall.

However, most of the other people who took an interest (apart from the men already on the Square) were willing to listen to the information we gave them. A comment such as “Aren’t you supposed to be secret?” was best answered by “OK, what do you want to know?”

The leaflets were not pushed at the visitors, but anyone who showed any interest in what we did was led through the leaflet and given one to take away.

The day was a worthy opportunity to show the public that we existed in the open, and we were able to dispel a few myths.