Not All Handshakes and Rituals – Bro. David Spruce Takes on the Audi R8

When most people think of Freemasonry, they tend to picture old buildings, formal meetings, and perhaps a few secret handshakes thrown in for good measure.

The reality is often rather different.

At Round Table Thames Valley Lodge No. 9697 in Henley-on-Thames, Freemasonry is as much about friendship, shared experiences, and enjoying life as it is about tradition. And recently, one of our members, Bro. David Spruce, got the chance to tick something off his bucket list in spectacular fashion.

David spent the day at Abingdon Airfield experiencing one of his dream cars – the Audi R8.

For anyone with even a passing interest in cars, the R8 needs little introduction. With its unmistakable styling, incredible performance, and soundtrack that can make grown men grin like schoolboys, it has become one of the most iconic sports cars of the modern era.

As David arrived at the former RAF airfield, excitement levels were already running high. After a safety briefing and introduction to the vehicle, it was time to get behind the wheel and experience what several hundred horsepower feels like on a purpose-built driving circuit.

Thankfully, we're pleased to report that both David and the Audi survived the day intact.

The smile on his face afterwards suggested it was every bit as good as he had imagined.

Experiences like these remind us that Freemasonry isn't just about meetings and ceremonies. It's about people. Men from different backgrounds, professions, and walks of life who come together to form genuine friendships.

Many of our members first join because they're looking to meet new people, expand their social circle, or simply spend time with like-minded individuals outside of work and family commitments. What they often discover is a group of friends who celebrate life's successes together, support one another when needed, and occasionally encourage each other to do something a little bit out of the ordinary.

Whether that's a driving experience at Abingdon, a meal in Henley, a charity event, a social evening, or simply putting the world to rights over a drink after a Lodge of Instruction, the friendships are what keep many members coming back.

In today's world, where genuine face-to-face connections can sometimes be hard to find, Freemasonry offers something increasingly valuable – real friendships with real people.

So yes, we have traditions. Yes, we have ritual. Yes, we meet in a Masonic Temple.

But we also have sports fans, travellers, business owners, cyclists, golfers, fathers, grandfathers, car enthusiasts and, in David's case, someone who finally got to spend a day driving an Audi R8 around an airfield.

Not a bad way to spend a day.

If you're a man in the Henley-on-Thames area and have ever wondered what Freemasonry is really about, perhaps it's simpler than you think.

It's about friendship, community, personal development, having a laugh, and sharing experiences with a great group of men.

And every now and then, it's about driving an Audi R8 very, very quickly.