East Renfrewshire Province
Name: Bro Craig Park
Mother Lodge: Lodge Meridian No. 1779
Masonic Office: Chaplain
Freemason since: 2018
Widows Sons member since: 2019
Motorbike(s) owned: BMW 1200 GS
3 Things I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- I enjoy the camaraderie within the Brethren and know they will always have my back, something I’ve not experienced since my Army days.
- The ride outs are always fun, taking in some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.
- There is plenty of organised events and harmonies to get to know everyone.
Favourite Widows Sons trip: Favourite ride out was down through the Galloway Forrest on roads I’d never ridden on before, down to mutually support a sister lodge in the book town of Wigtown. Ride outs always take into consideration everyone’s different styles of riding and experience!
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: A ride out to Glasgow Cathedral for a bike blessing and the consecration of our fallen brother’s cut. It was very emotional and humbling, the empathy paid to his family made me proud and cemented my beliefs in the loyalty and fraternal love within the brethren
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: I would encourage any MM that rides a motorbike to join the Widows Sons, you will enjoy, learn and hold many experiences that you will never forget.
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: I wanted to be a WS area Rep to try and help if I can anyway , prospective members to transition into the WS
West Renfrewshire Province
Name: Bro Scott Ewing (PM)
Mother Lodge: Lodge Renfrew County Kilwinning No. 370
Masonic Office: Right Worshipful Master
Freemason since: 1982
Widows Sons member since: 2021
Motorbike(s) owned: Harley Davidson FXDL (Dyna Lowrider)
3 Things I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- I enjoy the ride outs which are informal and a good laugh.
- Meeting Widows Sons Scotland brothers when active on official masonic duties.
- The Branding.
Favourite Widows Sons trip: I enjoyed the East’s trip along the Tweed, which they termed the Salmon Run. Really enjoyed the trip to Atlantic bridge, great day.
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: Extremely proud on the night of my installation, when I was supported by over ten of the Widows Sons brethren. I have got to say The Branding was an experience that will live with me forever.
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: I believe acting within the principle of the craft, any person with a love of motorcycles, would enjoy the camaraderie of the Widows Sons. .
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: I am fairly active within the province so will be able to represent the Widows Sons and be a focal point to promote the Widows Sons and motorcycling to freemasonry and vice versa.
Dunbartonshire Province
Name: Bro Jim Dunsmuir (Big Jim)
Mother Lodge: Lodge Bonhill and Alexandria No. 321
Masonic Office: None
Freemason since: 2006
Widows Sons member since: 2013
Motorbike(s) owned: Harley Davidson Street Glide
3 Things I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- Brotherhood/Friendship.
- Riding bikes with fellow WS members.
- Supporting charities and lodges.
Favourite Widows Sons trip: Glencoe camping trip to meet up as all 3 chapters.
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: The Branding.
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: You are a Freemason and a biker and would be joining like minded brethren enjoying ride outs, brotherhood and also helping charities on the way.
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: It is a way for me to give something back to the WS. The WS has been amazing for me and if i can help members settle in and also support lodges and causes within the province.
Argyll and the Isles Province
Name: Bro Dave Cherry PM (Heavy D)
Mother Lodge: Lodge Loch Fyne No. 754
Masonic Office: None
Freemason since: 1980
Widows Sons member since: 2018
Motorbike(s) owned: Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
1 Thing I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- Fellowship
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: Too many to pick one.
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: What you put in you get out.
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: To spread the good word about the organisation.
Name: Bro Dave Cherry PM (Heavy D)
Mother Lodge: Lodge Loch Fyne No. 754
Masonic Office: None
Freemason since: 1980
Widows Sons member since: 2018
Motorbike(s) owned: Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro
1 Thing I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- Fellowship
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: Too many to pick one.
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: What you put in you get out.
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: To spread the good word about the organisation.
Dumfries and Galloway Province
Name: Bro Connor Findlay
Mother Lodge: Lodge Thistle No. 62
Masonic Office: None
Freemason since: 2017
Widows Sons member since: 2021
Motorbike(s) owned: Suzuki Bandit
1 Thing I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- Brethren with lots in common.
- Organisation of charity work with a hands on approach to help all.
- The Roads, The Bikes and the Beers
Favourite Widows Sons trip: My favourite run out with WS so far has been the trip to Settle to support our other WS Brothers Birthday. The whole experience was fantastic to the run down there , The roads and location of where we were to the Camping and Banter.
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: The WS Branding has to be my most notable Experience with the WS.
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: All I would say to any brother thinking about joining the WS ……. Don’t think about it just do it !!! The experiences had by all ages is incredible. There is Brethren with years of Riding and masonic experience and there is Brethren that have few. All are made to feel welcome.
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: I am more than happy to support anyone that is interested in joining the WS.
Ayrshire Province
Name: Bro Phil Waddell
Mother Lodge: Lodge Ayr St. Paul 204
Masonic Office: Junior Deacon
Freemason since: Undisclosed
Widows Sons member since: 2020
Motorbike(s) owned: Kawasaki 1000 SX
1 Thing I enjoy most about being a member of The Widows Sons:
- New and varied ride outs, visiting other lodges, landmarks and the interesting things we see and learn.
- Fantastic achievements in charity work and support we are able to give as a group.
- Top quality, like minded brethren from all walks of live with top quality banter.
Favourite Widows Sons trip: North West birthday bash (WSNW – Yorkshire)
Most notable experience of The Widows Sons: Branding (ASK !)
What I would say to any prospective member thinking of joining The Widows Sons: There’s so much more I could add to the questions above, it’s difficult to select favourites. From trips to iconic locations in our beautiful country, exploring new routes, meetings in lodges throughout Scotland you wouldn’t normally access, supporting local charities, community events, special causes and of course our brethren members, as well as access to Widows Sons only specially arranged events ……and the ladles aren’t left out when it comes to our annual social events either. All brethren on motorcycles from 125cc +, no matter your experience, are warmly welcomed. There are lots of opportunities for road time not only from ride-outs within our own chapter, but supporting our brethren across the other chapters in Scotland, and further afar. Widows Sons is another avenue of Freemasonry, embraced and enjoyed by brethren with the same passion for motorcycles, worldwide
Why I volunteered to be an Area Rep: We’re an expanding Masonic Motorcycle Riding Association (MRA), with a lot to offer. Being part of WSS has allowed me to combine and expand on my masonic and biking activities, leading to some memorable experiences that I have and continue to thoroughly enjoy. I’d like to promote and offer this experience to my fellow brethren on motorbikes, and those that are interested in the same, within the Ayrshire Province.