18 JUNE 1994, Page 28

Forever seven

Sir: It is appropriate that ex-Masons should describe former brothers as 'selfish, stupid, prejudiced and ruthless' (`Swearing alle- giance to Widow Twanky', 14 May), since the only person I have ever met who admit- ted to being a Mason displayed all these personality defects.

It has always seemed strange to me that middle-aged men should wish to belong to a secret society which demands strange rit- uals, odd handshakes and funny costumes.

I, too, belonged to such an organisation. In my case, though, I grew out of it when I was about seven years of age.

M Yates

6 Sedgwood Court, 7 Lane Way, Lancaster