Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies. It is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values. Its members are taught its precepts by a series of ritual dramas, which follow ancient forms and use stonemasons' customs and tools as allegorical guides. The United Grand Lodge of England administers Lodges of Freemasons in England and Wales, including the Swan of Avon.

The essential qualification for admission into and continuing membership is a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who can fulfil this essential qualification and are of good repute.

Freemasonry is not a religion, nor is it a substitute for religion. Its essential qualification opens it to men of many religions and it expects them to continue to follow their own faith. It does not allow religion to be discussed at its meetings.

Freemasonry is non-political, and the discussion of politics at Masonic meetings is forbidden.

Freemasonry demands from its members a respect for the law of the country in which a man works and lives. Its principles should strengthen members in fulfilling their public and private responsibilities. The use by a Freemason of his membership to promote his own or anyone else's business, professional or personal interests is condemned, and is contrary to the conditions on which he sought admission to Freemasonry.

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged. This work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities. Direct charitable expenditure during the year 2000 by the major charities associated with the United Grand Lodge of England was over £22 million.

The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with its traditional modes of recognition. It is not a secret society, since all members are free to acknowledge their membership and will do so in response to inquiries for respectable reasons. Its constitutions and rules are available to the public. There is no secret about any of its aims or principles.

Like many other societies, it regards some of its internal affairs as private matters for its members.

The Swan of Avon Lodge was founded in 1886 and has a distinguished and deserved record in the annals of both Stratford-upon Avon and the Masonic Province of Warwickshire. It meets on the first Tuesday of each month from October to April at the Masonic Rooms, Great William Street, Stratford-upon-Avon and welcomes applications from any man who can match the criteria mentioned above.

The minimum age for membership is 21 years.