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