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.

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