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.

Supporting Our Brothers: Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard Visit Lodge St John Kilwinning No.57

Members of Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard, the Masonic Riding Association, recently had the pleasure of visiting Lodge St John Kilwinning No.57, within the Province of East Lothian, for what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable and meaningful evening of Freemasonry.

The visit had a clear dual purpose. First and foremost, it was an opportunity to visit the mother lodge of one of our own members. Supporting our brethren and their respective lodges is something that Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard holds dear, as it reinforces the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across chapters, provinces, and lodges.

The second purpose of the evening was to formally present Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard hoodies to three Honorary Members and distinguished brethren, in recognition of their ongoing support, leadership, and commitment to Freemasonry.

Due to work commitments, Chapter President Jim Wilson (known to the Guards as “Strawbs”) was unfortunately unable to attend. The honour of making the presentations therefore fell to Vice President Jim Gibson (“Subway”), whose own mother lodge was hosting the visit.

Vice President Gibson is pictured presenting Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard hoodies to:

• Peter Stewart, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge St John Kilwinning No.57

• John Gray, Right Worshipful Master of Lodge Dunbar Castle No.75

• Stuart J Robertson, Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of the Province of East Lothian

The presentations were supported by Guards from across East and Midlothian, all of whom were honoured to be welcomed into the lodge by the members of Lodge St John Kilwinning No.57.

The Widows Sons were also accompanied by Douglas Munro, Past Master of Colinton & Currie Lodge No.1029, whose presence further strengthened the fraternal nature of the evening.

A fine evening of Freemasonry was enjoyed by all, with the Guards having the privilege of witnessing an excellent Fellowcraft Degree, delivered to a very high standard and warmly received by all present.

One of the core aims of Widows Sons Solomon’s Guard is to promote Freemasonry throughout Scotland and to act as a friendly source of information for anyone interested in becoming a Freemason, particularly those who also share a passion for motorcycles.

Evenings such as this perfectly reflect that aim—bringing brethren together, strengthening existing ties, and celebrating the values that unite us both on the road and within the lodge.

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.