Rough Ashlars are yabba-dabba-doing it in Berkshire!

Move over Fred Flintstone – #Freemasons from Lincolnshire’s Rough Ashlars have been yabba-dabba-doing it in the Krazy Races event at Newbury in Berkshire, backed by Berkshire Freemasons.

Hot off achieving third place in the corresponding event in Lincoln earlier in the summer five Lincolnshire members hit the road to try their luck with Marcus Cannon at the wheel of the kart. In the going they helped to raise £200 for Berkshire charity Camp Mohawk, a multi-functional day centre where children with a variety of special needs can play, socialise, and learn in a secure and caring environment.

The Lincolnshire kart was modelled on Fred Flintstone’s ‘Flintmobile’ – but although Fred’s was driven by foot power, Rough Ashlars driver Marcus had to rely on gravity to get up to speed down Newbury High Street. Working on the team with him were Mike Coleman (the Ashlars’ Chairman,) Steve Henman, (secretary), Neil Suiter, and Pete Brieslin. The kart was designed and built by classic car restorer Steve, who’d been an apprentice at car manufacturer Morgan.

The times set by the Lincolnshire quintet were looking respectable – in the third run Marcus crossed the line in just over 27 seconds; a mere two seconds behind the eventual winners –  and although it was enough to earn them a place in the final seven it wasn’t enough to secure a trophy. But that was still an impressive time, according to Berkshire Freemasons’ Press Officer Liam Kenny, who said: “Seriously, has anyone made it through the centre of Newbury in anything like that time? Remarkable driving! It’s been great for a change to work with another Province that’s not just next door.”

Steve Henman said: “Because we had such a good time with the Lincoln Krazy Races, having fun and raising money for a worthy charity, we wanted to do it again, so we were off on our travels to Newbury for their Krazy Races. We were very warmly welcomed and supported by Berkshire Light Blues Club with a number of them supporting us on the day. That truly shows the depth and support Freemasonry give to us all. Brothers across borders uniting in brotherly love and charity.”

Liam added: “No cup went back to Lincolnshire, but £200 was raised for Camp Mohawk for our bucket shakers during the heats. A massive thank you to the Lincolnshire Rough Ashlars team, and wishing them a safe journey home from all your new friends in Berkshire.”

The Rough Ashlars Club is open to every Freemason in the Province who hasn’t yet been given a Provincial honour. Membership is free, and conferred automatically on every new initiate. Its first Chairman Mike Coleman said: “The Rough Ashlars was set up to support our new and young Masons. We meet throughout the province and help new members navigate their first steps in Freemasonry by joining together for regular social events which can include anything from pub quizzes, brewery visits, go-karting along with anything else that the members wish to do. In addition, we visit Lodges on nights of initiation to welcome new members.

“It costs absolutely nothing to be a member. Some activities may require a ticket to cover the cost of admission but otherwise The Rough Ashlars is completely free (though we have a Club tie, which members are able to buy).”

Pictures by Berkshire Press Officer Liam Kenny at the Berkshire Comms Team.

#BerkshireFreemasons #LincolnshireFreemasons #Freemasons #KrazyRaces