A County Durham husband and wife are helping to challenge "long-held misconceptions" of Freemasonry as members from across the region took part in a landmark national gathering.
Owen and Joanna Guy-Fisher, who are both Freemasons from South West Durham, attended the annual Light Blues Communication in London, where women’s Masonic orders were formally welcomed for the first time in the event’s history.
Seventy-six Durham Freemasons and four women Freemasons from the region travelled to the event on Saturday, May 30, representing a broad area from the Tyne to the Tees and the Dales to the Sea.
Joanna said: "Many people are surprised to learn that women have their own Masonic organisations with a long and proud history.
"Being invited to attend the Light Blues Communication was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the strong relationships that exist across the wider Masonic family.
"Perhaps most importantly, events like this help challenge the outdated perception that Freemasonry is only for men.
"Freemasonry offers friendship, personal development, and opportunities to support local communities for both men and women through their respective organisations.
"Many people only see Freemasonry through myths and stereotypes.
"In reality, much of our time is spent building friendships, supporting charities, and helping our local communities.
"I was delighted to attend alongside fellow women Freemasons from across Durham and to meet so many newer members from throughout England and Wales.
"The welcome we received was warm, genuine, and extremely encouraging."
Owen is a Freemason in Shildon, while Joanna is a member of the City of Durham Lodge No. 105 in the Order of Women Freemasons.
He said: "It was a proud moment to share the experience with Joanna.
"Many people still assume Freemasonry is exclusively for men, but the presence of women Freemasons at this event showed how much wider the Masonic family really is.
"Whether it is raising money for local charities, supporting community groups, or volunteering our time, Freemasonry is about making a positive difference.
"Events like this help people see that side of what we do.
"The fact that we were able to attend such an important occasion together sends a positive message about what Freemasonry looks like in the twenty-first century."
The Light Blues Communication, held at Freemasons’ Hall in London, brought together more than 1,600 Freemasons from across England and Wales.
This year marked the first time that members of the Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women were invited to take part.
John Watts, head of Durham Freemasons, said: "The Light Blues Communication is about the future of Freemasonry and ensuring that newer members feel engaged, valued, and connected.
"It was particularly pleasing to see representatives of the women’s Orders joining the event for the first time.
"Whilst our organisations remain separate, we share many of the same values and aspirations, and opportunities to strengthen understanding and friendship across the wider Masonic family are to be welcomed.
"I was especially delighted to see Joanna and the other women Freemasons representing Durham at what was a truly historic occasion.
"While Freemasonry is often associated with tradition and ceremony, much of its impact is seen through the charitable and community work undertaken by our members every day across the Durham Freemasons area.
"The attendance of 76 Durham Freemasons demonstrates the enthusiasm and commitment of our newer members, who are helping to shape the future of Freemasonry across our area."
Freemasonry has long been associated with tradition and ceremony, but members across Durham say its purpose goes far beyond that.
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Freemasons contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year to charitable giving, fundraising, and supporting community initiatives.
For many, including Owen and Joanna, the London gathering was a chance to show the wider public just how much the organisation has evolved.
The event not only celebrated Freemasonry’s values of friendship, integrity, respect, and service but also reinforced its commitment to becoming more inclusive and accessible in the modern era.
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