My Dad had been in when he was younger. Even though you're supposed to be in for life, he quit them cos, according to me Mam, the whole purpose was that these were supposed to be gents of a higher moral standing but the bloke who was next up to be worshipful master was a right seedy bastard so me Dad hoyed in his cards. He still had the little suitcase with the gloves and pinny.
After he died me Mam asked a bloke she knew who was in, what to do with his regalia. The bloke had said to keep it in case me or me brothers wanted to join, as it was a bit of a 'thing' for sons to inherit and wear their Dad's kit.
All well and good but since it's supposed to be a secret society and membership, and what they actually do is supposed to be confidential, how would I ever know if I wanted to join, and since you're not supposed to ask, how would anyone know if I was interested in joining. It never went any further, I moved over here and I don't know what happened to the kit.
Here in America it's not nearly so secret mind. You see people wearing Masonic rings, pendants, belt buckles ... even bumper stickers.
Its not anywhere as secret as people make out. I know loads in my local and another pub I drink in. They don't hids the fact they are in and indedd as you say might wear a ring or a necklace or whatever.
and I think you can happily ask to join. doesn't have to be by invite
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Agreed but I'm talking about the Police. Why should you need to join a secret society if you happen to be a copper? Or fireman or politician for that matter?
well why would you join it if you are any other trade or don't have a trade even.
its as much a social club as anything else that has a load of ritual around it