In early March 2012, Mr Paul Audemars, now one of the Old Guard stalwarts, was secretary of Lodge 2038 but, since 4th March, he has been replaced in that position.
Knowing that Mr Audemars was secretary of a Masonic Lodge did make me wonder whose interests he was representing when he joined in the continuing attack on the current Somerton Town Council. In this country, everyone is free to join whatever organisation they wish (with a few particular exceptions) and the Masonic Brotherhood has an enviable reputation for charitable fundraising. However, the Masonic Brotherhood also struggles with the burden of being, in the 21st century, less a secret society and more of a "society with secrets", the most intriguing of which is the membership of any given Lodge.
It came as something of a surprise to me to learn that there are some 88 Lodges in Somerset under the 'Provincial Grand Lodge' including 2 in Langport, 4 in Yeovil and 9 in Taunton. There are also listed some 24 'Mark Lodges' and another 12 'Royal Ark Mariner Lodges' and I am unclear whether these 36 Lodges overlap with those under the 'Provincial Grand Lodge'. Whatever the case, it is clear that there is a substantial Masonic membership in Somerset and it is a reasonable to ask if, in his involvement with Somerton's Old Guard, Mr Audemars is seeking to protect or defend the interests of any of his brethren.
I doubt that I will receive an answer but it is reasonable to ask the question.
Till next time, I'm still Niall Connolly