A day in the life of a ... Freemason

SOME people believe we're a secret society, but we're not. It's just that some parts of the rituals are not made known because it would spoil it for new members," insists Mark Frost, 35, deputy manager of administration at Freemasons' Hall.

Located in Great Queen Street, Covent Garden, it is the home of the United Grand Lodge of England and is the headquarters of English freemasonry. Frost is one of more than 300,000 masons in nearly 8,000 lodges.

Open only to men, Freemasonry claims to be the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation.

It aims to teach members moral and spiritual values through ritual dramas that use stonemasons' customs and tools allegorically.

Frost arrives from his home in Palmers Green just before 8am. His first task is to walk around the vast Freemasons' Hall building, checking corridors and staircases for obstructions, and then make sure the cleaners know what their tasks are for the day. He then heads for his ground-floor office to check his voicemail (he admits he has not mastered email).

Built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in World War I and opened in 1933, Freemasons' Hall, with its 200ft tower, is one of London's most striking buildings, a cross between a large bank and a church.

The building has become popular with film and TV, says Frost. Poirot, Waking the Dead and Fields of Gold are just some of the productions that have filmed there. "I'm dealing more and more with film companies. We usually have at least one location manager contact us each week. I meet them and give them a tour of the building and show them where they can and can't film. When they see the building they love it. If they want to move a painting or use a different part of the building, I have to authorise it. Film crews can cause problems if they want to film on a Saturday when we have craft lodges and chapters meeting."

Not all of the 120 staff employed at Freemasons' Hall are masons and it employs its own plumbers, electricians, carpenters and painters. The building includes 23 lodge rooms, five committee rooms, the grand temple, a library and museum. "Looking after the maintenance of the hall is a bit like painting the Forth Bridge," says Frost. "It's a never-ending job."

Frost joined Freemasons Hall as a porter in 1988 after working as a glazier and air-conditioning engineer. He then became a registration clerk and assistant manager in the lodge relief chest department, which distributes charity money, until, four years ago, he was appointed to his present post.

"When I came to work here, I got an insight into masonry and developed an interest from there. I like the social side. My father was a mason and he worked here. You meet people from all walks of life.

Some people have an idea that masonry is a rich man's club; it isn't. You pay annual subscriptions, but it's not a huge amount."

Frost was elected worshipful master at his local lodge a few years ago.

During his year in office he could choose which charities should receive donations and says: "The majority of the work for every lodge is raising money for charity."

Freemasons' Hall is a popular venue for concerts and corporate events, with Frost overseeing the bookings. Regular tours are now offered to the public.

He attends departmental meetings once a week and works progress committee meetings once a month. In addition, his duties include that of fire warden, first aider and health and safety officer. "You have to be able to think on your feet. If a problem crops up and there's no one around to ask what to do, I have to make a decision."

Security is a key part of the job. He adds: "I cover the security for big events such as concerts, grand lodge days and annual investitures.

During the May Day demonstration last year we tightened security and I felt quite nervous because it was the first time I had organised security.

The previous year, demonstrators caused millions of pounds' worth of damage in the City."

He usually works Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, but the pattern changes occasionally.

"I can find myself working at weekends and in the evenings. I cover for the lodge liaison officer some days.

This means I will carry on his duties immediately after I finish my own."

The afternoon might find Frost monitoring the budgets for building materials, salaries or overtime, interviewing job applicants or reading the latest health and safety legislation.

"People show a lot of interest when I tell them where I work, he says. "If they ask me a question about masonry, I'll answer them honestly. I'm proud to be a mason."

Pros

Varied job working in a unique building

Cons

Occasionally having to work weekends

No opportunities for travel

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