On a decidedly soggy Sunday morning, the Brethren of the North West Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association gathered at Audenshaw Masonic Hall to meet with the Provincial Grand Master, R.W. Bro Robert Frankl.
The occasion marked a significant moment for the Chapter, as the Provincial Grand Master had kindly agreed to become a Patron of the Association.
At 10:30am, W. Bro Bill Bruce, President of the North West Chapter, assembled the Brethren and proudly presented the Provincial Grand Master with his Widows Sons “cut” — the traditional leather biking waistcoat worn by members.
The cut was adorned with the distinctive Widows Sons patches, and W. Bro Bruce took the opportunity to explain the meaning and significance of each one. Every patch has a special connection to the Association and, more widely, to Freemasonry.
The Provincial Grand Master thanked W. Bro Bruce and the assembled Brethren for the presentation and for the warm welcome. Those present included Vice President W. Bro Mal Kidd, Treasurer W. Bro Mark Denton, Secretary W. Bro Geoff Gill, together with a number of other members of the North West Chapter.
Discussions with the Provincial Grand Master about becoming a Patron had been ongoing for some time. Earlier this year, during the presentation of three Blood Bikes at Westhoughton Masonic Hall in March, the Provincial Grand Master confirmed that he would be delighted to support the Chapter in this important role.
The three motorcycles were made possible after the North West Chapter raised more than £20,000 in support of the Blood Bikes initiative — a tremendous achievement by the members and supporters of the Association.
This year, the Chapter is turning its attention to another extremely worthy charity, with more details to follow in a future article.
The appointment also means that the Widows Sons now have the support of the Provincial Grand Masters of both East Lancashire and West Lancashire as Patrons of the Association. The Chapter is extremely grateful to both of them for their continued encouragement and support.
Following the presentation, W. Bro Bruce led the Provincial Grand Master and assembled Brethren on a short ride through the surrounding area before returning to Audenshaw Masonic Hall for breakfast.
Special thanks must also go to the staff at Audenshaw Masonic Hall, who kindly came in on a Sunday morning to cater for the event. Their efforts were particularly appreciated after the Brethren had experienced some very wet weather during the ride!
Despite the rain, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable occasion, and the North West Chapter looks forward to welcoming the Provincial Grand Master on future rides whenever his busy diary allows.
Fraternally,
W. Bro Geoff Gill
Regional Secretary, NWC WSMBA