Camaraderie, Care, and Community: Solomon’s Guard Meeting at the Mansfield Arms

Some of the guards catching up on business and how everyone has been.

Our most recent meeting of Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard was held at the Mansfield Arms in Sauchie — a central and well-known meeting point for our members who travel from all corners of Central Scotland. Its location once again proved ideal, making it easier for brethren to come together in person.

This meeting was one of our four regular gatherings held throughout the year. These meetings are an important part of our calendar, giving us the opportunity not only to deal with club business but, just as importantly, to spend time catching up with one another and strengthening the bonds of friendship and camaraderie that sit at the heart of Solomon’s Guard.

During the meeting, our Chaplain provided an update on those members who are currently unwell. He spoke about how he, along with other Office Bearers, has been keeping in touch and offering support where needed. This reminder of our duty to look after one another was both timely and much appreciated by all present.

We then turned our attention to planning for the year ahead, discussing our proposed events for next year and identifying the charities and local community groups we hope to support. As always, there was strong enthusiasm for continuing our work in raising funds and lending practical support to good causes across our communities.

A real highlight of the meeting came when our President, Strawbs Wilson, had the pleasure of presenting road names to two of our Associate Members. Gary Henderson was given the road name “Bonny”, while Nicky Henderson received “Clyde.” Both were received in great spirits, with Gary and Nicky stating they would wear their road names with pride. Each also received their Grand Chapter Associate patch, marking another important step in their journey with Solomon’s Guard.

We were also delighted to warmly welcome our newest Full Member, Raymond Beesley, who attended his first meeting. Raymond received a genuine and heartfelt welcome from the members, and we look forward to riding and working alongside him in the months and years ahead.

Before closing the meeting and heading off for some well-earned lunch, the final piece of business was to agree a date for our Christmas get-together — something everyone is already looking forward to.

As ever, our meeting at the Mansfield Arms was a reminder of what Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard is all about: brotherhood, support,

community, and shared purpose — on and off the road.

3rd Annual Gathering of the Widows Sons Solomons Guard Scotland Grand Chapter

Associate, Honorary and Full Members at the 2025 Annual Gathering

On the weekend of 9th August 2025, the Widows Sons Solomons Guard Scotland Grand Chapter held its Third Annual Gathering, a weekend dedicated to fellowship, unity, and the strengthening of our Masonic bonds. This year’s event was marked by the solemn and significant Branding Ceremony, a milestone in the journey of every Widows Son.

We were once again honoured by the presence of our esteemed Honorary Members, the Provincial Grand Master of East Lothian and Assistant Grand Secretary Stuart J. Robertson and the Right Worshipful Master John Gray of Lodge Dunbar Castle No. 75.

Prior to the ceremony, our President, Bro. Jim “Strawbs” Wilson, conferred the title of Honorary Member upon Right Worshipful Master Peter Stewart of Lodge St John Kilwinning No. 57 (Province of East Lothian) and Provincial Grand Secretary of East Lothian. His inclusion into our circle is a mark of the high respect in which he is held.

The proceedings began with the renaming of a member’s road name—an honour bestowed with pride. Pawel “Grasshopper” Zakrewski was formally re-titled as “Ninja 2.0,” reflecting his journey and growth within both Masonry and the Association (and his exceptional skills in boxing and martial arts lol)

The principal work of the evening followed: the Branding Ceremony of three former Associate Members, Barry “Fletcher” Peden, Pawel “Ninja 2.0” Zakrewski and Tony “Fred” Gibson, all of whom have attained the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason within their Mother Lodges.

As per tradition, only a Master Mason may be branded a Widows Son, and this occasion marked an important milestone in both their Masonic journey and their path within the Widows Sons Masonic Riding Association.

The ceremony was conducted with dignity and decorum by the branded members of the Guard, in the presence of our Honorary Members. While Honorary Members cannot themselves undergo branding, their witness of the ceremony served to highlight the close connection between our traditions and the Rituals observed within the Lodge. For we are, first and foremost, a Masonic Riding Association, bound by the same values of Brotherhood, Fidelity, and Integrity.

With the formalities complete, the evening transitioned into one of celebration and fellowship. Around the warmth of the campfire, members—Associate, Honorary, and Full alike—shared in music, conversation, and brotherly camaraderie, with the atmosphere enhanced by the sounds of our resident DJ, Bro. “Catweazle.”

The Annual Gathering holds a cherished place in our calendar. It is not only a time for branding and recognition but also a reminder that, whether branded, associate, or honorary, around the campfire we are all equal—just as we should be as Masons and as Widows Sons

Midweek Coastal Cruisin’ – Brotherhood, Bants, and Bites at Angela’s

There’s something special about midweek rides – quieter roads, salty sea air, and the chance to escape the everyday grind. This week, seven members of Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard took to the east coast for one of our classic midweek advice rides, and what a day it turned out to be!

The journey saw brethren gather from across the country – from the granite streets of Dundee, the heart of Falkirk, the capital city of Edinburgh, and even our very own backyard in East Lothian. The destination? None other than Yellowcraigs Caravan Park, home to our outdoor-loving friends at Angela’s Kitchens.

Angela and her team did not disappoint. True to form, they laid on a spread fit for a band of hungry bikers. With bellies full and spirits high, we shared a few laughs, caught up on the latest tales from the road, and of course, snapped some pictures to mark the occasion.

These rides aren’t just about the miles – they’re about the memories, the mates, and the moments in between.

Fancy joining us for the next one? Just drop us a message – all it takes is two wheels and a good attitude.

Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard – Riding with Purpose, Rolling with Pride. 🏍️🖤