THINK of Freemasons and you might be excused of summoning up an image in your mind of men in pinnies with one trouser leg rolled up chanting an ancient ritual.

So it is somewhat unexpected to discover the mythically secret organisation has just launched a website explaining its raison d'etre in the most public way imaginable - via the internet.

Even more unexpected is the front page of the website showing Freemasons not dressed in elaborate regalia but doing skydives and sponsored runs.

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.

As it looks forward to its 300th anniversary next year, it wants to become more transparent and engaging.

The first Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul’s churchyard in London.

Historians believe it developed from medieval stonemasons and the lodges became meetings for stonemasons to regulate their craft.

Eventually, and in common with other trades, they developed initiation ceremonies for new apprentices and invented symbols to certify their trade (most Freemasons were illiterate hundreds of years ago).

If you believe the Freemasons is a secret organisation, you might think Colin Felton's role as the provincial communications officer for Essex is something of contradiction in terms.

Colin begs to differ.

He will, by his own admission, bore you rigid if you give him the chance on Freemasonary, so keen is he to explode the myths.

"I think people have preconceptions about Freemasons which are totally wrong.

"It was never a secret organisation until the 1930s. It was forced underground because Hitler did not like the masons. He set about sending them to concentration camps. After the war, the organisation did not surface again.

"Nowadays, modern thinking is we should become more open and that is what we are trying to do."

Today, there are 9,500 masons who meet regularly as members of 300 plus lodges in Essex including those who meet in 31 lodges in Colchester, Clacton, Frinton, Halstead and Harwich.

Members are expected to be of high moral standing with the organisation instilling in its members a moral and ethical approach to life. Its values - states the website - are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.

Freemasons say the organisation teaches essential life and management skills such as teamwork, public speaking and leadership and to care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.

Colin said meetings still feature masons wearing regalia and its members are taught its principles by a series of ritual dramas - a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each lodge.

He explains: "The regalia is a sign of rank within the group just like the Scouts or the Army.

"You can tell by looking at someone's apron where they are in the pecking order.

"The rituals are still performed at meetings so people can understand what Freemasons are about.

"It is historic as opposed to being secret."

The main role of 21st century Freemasons is as a charitable, community organisation. Essex masons donate more than £1 million every year to more than 500 different charities.

Not a group giving jobs for the boys then?

"Not at all," responds Colin.

"We have a whole who's who in the Freemasons from mechanics to teachers, plumbers and a bouncer.

"Our members are Christians, Jewish, Muslims - I don't think there are many organisations which cover so many groups."

That doesn't quite extend to women. There are women Freemasons, Colin says, but they do not attend the men's meetings.

"They are incredibly supportive though," he adds.

One of the most high profile Freemasons is Essex county councillor Rodney Bass.

As cabinet member for infrastructure, he frequently courts controversy and is a frequent headline snatcher.

Outside his county council responsibilities he is also the Provincial Grand Master for Essex.

He said: "We have tried to be as open as possible about freemasonry and what we do in Essex.

"Within these pages we seek to answer any questions people might have and explain in great detail what we do and more importantly why we belong to this wonderful organisation.

“It is particularly important in this inclusive age we are seen as an organisation that has always welcomed men of all religions and all cultures.

"As a global movement this has always been the case and it is just another reason why I am proud to call myself a Freemason.

"I urge everyone to look at our new website and judge for themselves."

n To read about the non-secret world of the Freemasons, go to www.essexfreemasons.net.