Who are the Widows Sons?

The Widows Sons is an International Association which is open to all Freemasons who enjoy motorcycling and have a desire to ride with, and associate with their fraternal brothers.

We are the only Widows Sons Association in the UK that is recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England.

We Meet as Freemasons and we Ride Motorcycles as Brothers AND IF WE CAN RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY & HAVE FUN, THEN WE HAVE HAD A GOOD DAY.

The Nottinghamshire Chapter

A group 5 like-minded Freemasons met in room 7, at Provincial Grand Lodge, Goldsmith Street, in Nottingham in June 2004 and formed the first UK Chapter of the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association. This was called the National Chapter and was to cover the whole of the UK. At the time it was thought that the Widows Sons would be a small group of masonic bikers. However, the association grew & grew and Provinces around the country formed new Chapters. Members of the National Chapter joined Chapters in their Province and National Chapter ceased to be left Nottinghamshire with no representation within the Widows Sons. In 2017 this changed when a group of ex-National Chapter members along with other masonic bikers formed the East Midlands Chapter. This Chapter thrived and in 2023 due to the large number of members it was decided to split East Midlands into the 3 Provinces of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire & Leicester & Rutland. Since it’s formation, the Notts Chapter has gone from strength to strength and is very active with rideouts, natter nights, charity events and rallies. With over 1000 members nationally and almost every Province represented, there are ample opportunities to meet with our Brethren from across the country. The Notts Chapter encourages inclusiveness, so we have a support group of Associate members that consists of wives, partners, friends and children which gives the Chapter a real family vibe.

We support charities such as: Lifelites, Mansfield Warm Hub, Food Boxes to City & QMC hospitals, Mental Health Motorbike, Blood Bike, Scouts & Guides and Fountaindale School.

What are our goals?

Introduce the pleasures of motorcycling to our Masonic Brothers.

Raise Masonic awareness in the world of motorcycling.

Support our Regular Masonic Lodges through regular attendance and visits, assisting with or attending meetings and Lodge events and bringing new initiates into Freemasonry.

Chapter Officers

Dale 'Timelord' Sinclair

President
I am a founder member of the Chapter and as my roadname suggests I am a Dr. Who nut. My mother Lodge is Elliott Lodge 8569 meeting in Mansfield. I will be installed as the Master this coming October. I am a retired NHS clinical nurse specialist/manager with the complex case team. I am 8th Dan (Shihan) in Shotokan Karate, 3rd degree in Classical sword & 3rd dan Jujitsu which gives me the opportunity for working as an extra in films. I started riding motor bikes in 1976 as a spotty 16yr old, on a Suzuki AP50. I currently ride a Suzuki GSX8S, but like most bikers have had a few different bikes over the years. I dream that one day I will own a Triumph.

Andy 'Gibbo' Gibson

Vice President
A founder member of Notts Chapter. I'm a proud member of Byron Lodge 4014, having been initiated into Freemasonry in 2016 and am the current Master.
I'm also a member of Derbyshire Motorcycle Lodge 9950.
I have been exhalted into the Holy Royal Arch and a member of the United Services Chapter 4068 and Derbyshire Motorcycle Chapter 9950.
My other passion is rugby union, which I played for many years and I am now an active committee member and former President of Nottingham Casuals RFC where I have been a member for 41 years. My Partner Lisa is my voice of reason and keeps me out of trouble, most of the time. I ride a Triumph Thunderbird.

Dave 'Sleepy' Taylor

Secretary
I am a founder member of the Notts Chapter and a former member of the National Chapter and East Midlands Chapter. My road name Sleepy has its roots back as a member of the Scouts when I was rarely seen at breakfast. I joined my mother lodge Fairham 8002 in 2004 at the age of 21 and was installed as Master in 2011 aged 28. An enthusiastic mason I am a member of a number of companion orders, Radcliffe Royal Arch Chapter, FitzHugh Mark Lodge, FitzHugh Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, Trent Royal and Select Masters and Clarmont Preceptory of Knights Templar as well as past masters’ lodges for Mark and RAM. A lifelong Scout and Scout leader I am also a member of Walesby Forest Lodge. Currently undertaking my PGCE Primary training to become a primary school teacher at Nottingham Trent University I have become a founding member and secretary of the NTU Freemasonry Society which is the first of its kind to be recognised by the student union. I started riding bikes in 2009 keeping my first bikes at a friend’s house where my parents couldn’t see them, starting on a Honda Varadero 125. I currently ride a Triumph Sprint ST 1050 in blue (cause they're the fastest).

Gav 'Scubadoo' Kington

Treasurer
I’m a founder member of the Chapter. I’ve been a Freemason for five years and am a proud member of Elliott Lodge in Mansfield, where I’m stepping into the role of Junior Warden for the upcoming Masonic year.
I have three amazing daughters, and an incredible wife, Hannah. We’ve also got three dogs, just to make sure there’s never a dull moment at home.
My weapon of choice on the road is a KTM 1290 Super Adventure—a real beast that’s perfect for clearing the head and chasing the horizon. Whether it’s a solo blast through the countryside or riding with my brothers, there's nothing quite like life on two wheels. My dream is to own a Triumph.

Rich 'Tricky' Wheelhouse

Media & Comms Officer
Hi, I have been a Mason for 26 years and hold the rank of Past Provincial Grand Sword Bearer. I have been a Widows Son for almost 15 years and consider the association to be one of the the best things about Freemasonry. I was a member of National Chapter, a founder of the East Midlands Chapter and the Founding President of the Notts Chapter. My mother lodge is Elliott Lodge 8569 meeting in Mansfield. I have a brilliant and understanding wife, Jan, who rides pillion. She is a great support to myself and the Chapter. I don't have to dream because I ride a Triumph Thunderbird and own a couple of classic Triumphs too.

Phil 'Soundman' Stevenson

Head Road Marshall
I have been a Freemason for 25 years and currently hold the rank of past provincial grand registrar, I’m a member of Lodge of Charity 8769 and also a founder member of The Rock Music Lodge 10052 in the province Derbyshire.
A keen musician playing (badly) drums, guitar and keyboard.
Married with two children and one grand daughter.
I’ve been riding for 2 years and pilot a BMW RT1150RT. Yes, I did warn them before offering me the post! When I am more experienced I think I will have a Triumph.

Chapter News

Peak District Weekender

Music, Beer & Sunshine

Notts, Merlin & L&R Chapters attended the 3rd Peak District Weekender from 7th to 11th August in Warslow in Derbyshire. This is a great family orientated event organised by Merlin Chapter member (Lee Wilson-Hart) who is the Landlord of the local pub, The Greyhound. It is a beer and music festival all rolled into one. The weather was kind to us and many memorable hours were spent just chilling and listening to some great music. We hope to be back supporting Lee again next year.

Natter Night

Cheque Presentation Nightingale Ward

President Dale 'Timelord' Sinclair presents a cheque for £100 to Yvette Milnes of Nightingale Ward UHN in Nottingham to help fund activities on the ward.

Widows Sons Lodge 10011 meeting

National Rally in Leighton Buzzard

The 21st Widows Sons National Rally was held at Leighton Buzzard Rugby Club from 25th to 27th July. Notts joined Chapters from across the country to get together for a weekend of rideouts, socialising and partying. Widows Sons Lodge 10010 held a lodge meeting with 3 PGMs in attendance. The WM and his wardens conduct the meeting from the saddles of their motorbikes. Music for the processions being AC/DC & Black Sabbath. We are already looking forward to next year's rally in Eastbourne.