You want to join? Thanks for your interest

Sorry this is a bit wordy

Thank you for your interest in BEDA Chapter Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association. The association is growing and Chapters can be found across the North, East, South and West of England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and mainland Europe including the Netherlands, France and Portugal.

We are attached to the Widows Sons National Chapter. The Association’s objective is to enjoy our biking by arranging ride-outs and events to raise funds for chosen charities. We occasionally join in and support other WS Chapters on their rides and also other biking groups that arrange charity events.

BEDA Chapter supports the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire with events around the county at shows and supports Provincial and other worthy charities.

During the riding season we organise a monthly rideout typically alternating between a short run (50-80 miles) and a long run (100+ miles).  We have a monthly in-person social evening in a Bedfordshire Pub. In the colder months of the year, we have a monthly online quiz hosted by one of the members. Partners, friends and family members are more than welcome to attend. In fact we also have an associate membership for Entered Apprentices, Fellow Craft and Non-Masons who are referred to as ‘BEDA Clangers’ after the famous Bedfordshire pasty! We believe strongly in the inclusivity of our Non-Masonic members with the exception of Masonic visits they are invited to all of our events.

All events are advertised on beda.wsmba.uk and our WhatsApp community, the latter being particularly useful when ‘on the spur of the moment’ rides are arranged.  We have an active Facebook page too.

Prior to joining we want to get to know you as much as you want to get to know us.  Come on a few socials and rideouts before you take the plunge and formally apply. As a member you will be expected to attend as many rides and events as you can. If you cannot commit time or do not intend to attend our events, we are not the organisation for you.

Widows Sons is not tied to a specific motorcycle or manufacturer and we endeavour to be fully inclusive, making people aware that Freemasons ride all sorts of bikes, not just wear dark suits carrying cases.

Motorcycles must be road legal and be capable of holding its place in a ride (we suggest machines of 400cc or over but are flexible so long as the bike can keep with the pack). Classic motorcycles are more than welcome. All riders must hold a full motorcycle licence.

The Bottom Line

We are a Masonic Biking Association. Our members like to ride motorcycles with like-minded people. We respect other motorcycle groups and clubs. The majority of our membership live within Bedfordshire and it is in this area that our rides and events begin or take place. The Freemasons among us like to support each other by visiting Craft Lodges, Chapters and other Orders when possible.

Patch Question

We DO NOT wear back-patches of any form. Some Brothers may wish to wear front patches, others may wish to keep their Masonry private and we respect this. The patches belong to the Association and should be returned if membership lapses. BEDA Clangers equally have patches and the same rules apply.

Eligibility

Master Masons are eligible to join as Full Widows Sons. Newly made Masons may join as BEDA Clangers until they become Master Masons, when they can then transfer their membership to the Full Widows Sons. Non-Masons may join as BEDA Clangers.

Subscriptions

Annual subscriptions will be due on the 1st March yearly and should be paid no later than 31st May. Members who do not pay their subscriptions by 1st June may be excluded.

Riding With Us

BEDA Chapter WSMBA has a strong ethos about togetherness. We enjoy each other’s company. We are not a race club. We believe in riding together, staying together and arriving together. Our Road Captains will pace rides appropriately and generally speaking overtaking within the pack should be avoided. There will be times we become separated and use a corner marking system which will be briefed before each ride.