An open day in Basingstoke revealed the activities of Freemasons in their lodges, aiming to "de-mystify" the organisation.

The event took place at the Basingstoke Masonic Hall on Saturday, September 28, offering a peek into one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal, and charitable organisations.

Five craft lodges—Oakley, Elvetham, Basing, Vyne, and Loddon—provided guided tours of the lodge room and displayed examples of their regalia.

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The Lodge of the Morning Star, an Order of Women Freemasons, supported the event, while members of several companion orders were also in attendance.

Freemasonry is described as a "voyage of discovery," with the open day part of a policy to be open about the values which help define a Freemason’s path through life: integrity, friendship, respect, and service.

The organisation donates more than £50m annually to both domestic issues and international disaster relief.

Freemasonry boasts more than six million members worldwide, with more than 175,000 members working in 7,000 lodges across England and Wales alone. Scotland and Ireland each have 20,000 members.

The event provided an opportunity for the public to learn more about the organisation, which has often been viewed as secretive.