KIDDERMINSTER Freemasons are opening their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday as part of the National Heritage Weekend.

Visitors will be shown round the Masonic Hall, which adjoins the Chester Road Sports and Social Club, between 11am and 4pm on both days.

Several lodges meet at the centre and the group is keen to explode some of the myths about the organisation such as the common conception that it is a secret society who look only after fellow Masons.

A spokesman for the Freemasons said: “Apart from the Lottery, no other organisation gives more to charity than we do.”

“Another popular perception is that Masonry is only for the rich. Nothing could be further from the truth. I suppose it costs around £300 a year and you give to charity what you can.

“Anyway, we’ll be happy to talk openly about our movement – the symbolism and so on - and we hope that families come along to see us as well as men who might consider joining.”