Robert D. Anderson

Good afternoon, Brothers,
My name is Robert D. Anderson. I am a member of Lodge # 183 in Alliance, Nebraska. However, I now live in Brighton Colorado and have not attended my home lodge for about 12 years I'm sad to say. I have not attended the lodge here in Brighton, and miss talking to fellow masons. I have several questions that I hope to get answered soon.
1.- I have just read a very lengthy book written by an Englishman named Ken Follett. Title: "World Without End". It is a sequel to his first book about ancient cathedral builders of England. It takes place in about 1100 A.D. and tells the story of early operative masons and other builders constructing a magnificent catherderal at Kingsbridge in southern England. I started the book, then had a chance to check out his sequel, so jumped to that one planing to come back to the first later.(the books can be read in any order-so says the auther) Anyway now my question: Does anyone know if Mr. Follett is a Free Mason? He certainly seems to have a big interest in the operative craft! What a change! he wrote spy novels for years.

Question #2. -I watched a very interesting presentation on The Discovery Channel several days ago. The subject was Free Masonry in the United States. (and perhaps worldwide) I didn't get in on the beginning, but watched the last half. In the last few minutes of the program just before the ending credits, Masons from all over the nation were shown sitting in a large stone chair telling who they are and stating that they are, and are proud to be Free Masons. One was a middle aged woman. I was astounded. Have the rules changed? 50 years ago I swore never to be a part of making a woman a Master Mason. Is this a change? If so when did it happen?
Fraternally yours,
Robert D. Anderson