Connecting with Fellow Widows Sons

Mercia Chapter Prsident Jando and vice President Loft welcomingthe Guards.

Some of the Guards were busy at the weekend, taking a road trip south to join our brothers at Widows Sons Mercia Grand Chapter as they celebrated their first birthday!

Sadly, the weather meant the bikes had to stay at home. Nevertheless, Chapter President Trog—accompanied by Donkey (VP), Subway (Secretary) and Fletcher (Chaplain)—set off early and arrived at around 12:45pm.

They were welcomed with open arms and the right hand of friendship by Mercia Chapter President Jando Mercia, followed by introductions to Lofty, Hunter, Revon and many more.

The celebrations took place at The Hub in Widnes—and what a fantastic venue it is!

Welcoming to all, with great food, good music and a wonderfully warm reception for bikers.

Throughout the day, the Guards enjoyed catching up with their fellow brethren before hearing some familiar Scottish accents. Four good brothers from Widows Sons Caledonia MRA had also travelled down for the celebrations, and more introductions soon followed.

Meeting Widows Sons Caledonia MRA

The entire day was filled with genuine brotherhood and camaraderie, with everyone committed to working together and maintaining friendships for years to come.

The hospitality shown to the Guards was truly exceptional, especially considering that many of the brethren were meeting for the first time.

Chapter President Trog took the opportunity to present one of our Chapter Coins to Jando and another to our brethren from Widows Sons Caledonia MRA.

Unfortunately, with a long drive back up the M6 ahead, the Guards were unable to stay for the evening celebrations—a mistake they definitely won’t make next time! An overnight stay will be firmly on the cards so they can enjoy the full experience.

As the Chapters parted company, the same words were shared by all:

“We’ll see you all again soon, brothers.”

Until next time!  

Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard Scotland Annual Gathering and Branding 2026

The 2026 Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard Scotland Annual Gathering and Branding brought together more than 20 Guards for a fantastic weekend of brotherhood, celebration and shared memories.

The first order of business was the installation of our new office-bearers.

The ceremony was conducted by Past President Gregor “Princess” Millar due to the unfortunate absence of President Jim “Strawbs” Wilson, who was at home recuperating following a recent accident. Jim was greatly missed throughout the weekend, but he was never far from our thoughts or our hearts. We all send him our very best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.

Gregor installed:

• Stewart “Trog” Walls as Chapter President

• Steve “Donkey” McKenzie as Vice President and Treasurer

• Jim “Subway” Gibson as Secretary

• Barry “Fletcher” Peden as Almoner and Chaplain

• Alan “Catweazle” Henderson as Director of Ceremonies

• Deb “Wilma” Gibson, Tony “Fred” Gibson and Ryan “Tredz” Robinson as Chapter Outriders

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We were also delighted to welcome Ian “Sherpa” Linn back to the Guards following some time away due to work commitments. Ian was installed in absentia as the new Road Captain.

We congratulate all our newly installed office-bearers and wish them every success as they guide and support the Chapter in the year ahead.

Our sincere thanks also go to Gregor for conducting the installation ceremony.

We were especially delighted to welcome our brothers from the Widows Sons Kernow Grand Chapter. Magpie, Mr Pickles, Tiger and King Pin made the remarkable 12-hour journey from Cornwall to join us.

Their commitment and friendship embodied the true spirit of the Widows Sons, and it was an absolute pleasure to have them with us.

L to R : Magpie, Mr Pickles, Trog and Tiger

Another highlight of the weekend was the presentation of patches and road names to three deserving brothers:

• Jim “Rigsby” Imrie

• Ray “Backdraft” Beesley

• Mario “Spaghetti” Dauria

  
  

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Congratulations to Rigsby, Backdraft and Spaghetti on this important milestone. Wear your patches with pride and carry your road names with honour.

New President Trog was then delighted to bestow honorary membership upon Dougie Munro, a Past Master of Lodge Colinton and Currie No. 1029 and a Provincial Chaplain of Midlothian.

Dougie has been a longstanding supporter of the Guards and their activities, and we hope that sometime in the coming months we may even see him joining us on two wheels.

Saturday’s Branding Ceremonies

The main business on Saturday was the branding of two brethren, Backdraft and Spaghetti. Following a unique Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard ceremony, both brothers were officially branded as Widows Sons.

Another very special moment was the branding of Richard “Magpie” Hallett from the Kernow Grand Chapter.

This was particularly meaningful for Past President Gregor “Princess” Millar, who had undergone the Kernow branding some years earlier. Being able to watch his good friend experience his Scottish branding was a moment he will remember for many years to come.

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Following the branding ceremonies, President Trog presented the Chapter’s honorary members—John Gray, Pete Stewart and Dougie Munro—with specially commissioned Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard coins as a token of our gratitude for their friendship and continued support.

Sadly, Stuart Robertson was unable to attend due to his Masonic duties. A special presentation will be made to him at a later date.

A Weekend to Remember

The weekend was a huge success, with plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Our Kernow brethren took a tour of Rosslyn Chapel, while some of the Guards headed out on a coastal motorcycle run.

The remainder enjoyed a little pitch and putt or spent time exploring the Bield Estate.

The Guards were also treated to a fantastic acoustic guitar session from Dougie Munro and Princess.

Who knew Princess had such a talent? Before long, the performance had turned into a brilliant singalong, adding yet another memorable moment to an already wonderful weekend.

Alan “Catweazle” Henderson was also doing his DJ thing, entertaining everyone with a fantastic selection of tunes. He was ably assisted by Brother James from Kernow, and together they kept the music flowing.

The great tunes, combined with a remarkable laser light show, created an incredible atmosphere and set the scene perfectly for the evening’s celebrations.

Everyone celebrated well into the night, and a great time was had by all. The weekend was filled with fellowship, laughter and the strengthening of bonds between Chapters.

Events like this remind us that, however many miles may separate us, the values we share bring us together as one brotherhood.

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We would like to give a special thank-you to Angela, the owner of Angela’s Kitchen and Belter Snacks, who catered for us throughout the entire weekend. The Guards had full bellies and happy smiles, and her fantastic food and hospitality helped make the gathering even more enjoyable.

Our sincere thanks also go to John Gray for his continued friendship and support, and for once again hosting us at the Bield Estate. His generosity and hospitality helped make the weekend possible and were greatly appreciated by everyone in attendance.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended, helped organise the gathering or contributed to making it such a memorable occasion.

Special thanks once again to our Kernow brothers for travelling such a great distance to support Solomon’s Guard Scotland.

Until we meet again—ride safe, brothers.

Widows Sons Solomons Guard Return to Penicuik on Parade

Once again, the brethren and associates of Widows Sons Solomons Guard were proud to take part in the annual Penicuik on Parade procession, joining local community groups, decorated floats, charities, and organisations as they made their way through the streets of Penicuik.

This year saw 10 bikes from the Guard turn out alongside several other local bikers, all coming together to support what continues to be one of the town’s best-loved community events. The sound of the bikes, the colour of the parade, and the atmosphere throughout the town created another fantastic day for everyone involved.

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As the procession travelled through the streets, local residents and families lined the pavements waving and cheering on the participants. It was especially great to see so many children enjoying the parade and interacting with those taking part, reminding everyone just how important community events like this are in bringing people together.

Following the parade, the Guard parked up in the local park where many of the procession groups had gathered. The bikes attracted plenty of interest from members of the public, giving the Guard an opportunity to engage with the local community, chat with residents about their motorcycles, discuss Freemasonry, and explain more about the work the Guard carries out in support of local charities and community groups throughout the year.

The Guard were also delighted to be parked beside their good friends from Lodge St Kentigern Penicuik & West Linton No.429, who were busy throughout the day running their popular tombola stand and supporting the community event.

In addition, the Guard had their Blood Bikes Scotland collection tin on hand throughout the day and would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who kindly donated. The generosity shown by the local community was greatly appreciated and helps support the incredible work carried out by Blood Bikes Scotland.

The Team From Thornton Rose Riding for the Disabled

A special shout out to Thornton Rose Riding for the Disabled who kindly gave some of the guards some excellent home baking in return for a picture (and a couple of donations)

Events such as Penicuik on Parade perfectly reflect what Widows Sons Solomons Guard is all about — friendship, community spirit, charity, camaraderie, and a shared love of motorcycles. The Guard would like to thank everyone involved in organising another successful event and look forward to supporting it once again in the future.