A brief history

The Widows Sons was founded in the United States of America. The first chapter was formed in 1999 and quickly grew in popularity with chapters quickly being founded right across America and into Canada.

In 2004 the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association was born in the UK and has the support of the United Grand Lodge of England. There are now active Chapters throughout the United Kingdom with a membership in excess of 1500.

In February 2010, the Presidents Governing Board (or PGB) was formed as the ruling body for the Widows Sons. The membership is made up of the Presidents, Vice Presidents and the Past Presidents of each chapter in UK.

How we got started

In January 2018, enquiries began regarding the formation of a Widows Sons Chapter covering Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas. A small and enthusiastic band of brothers began to meet in local pubs and arrange to ride together.

On the 18th March 2018, six members received their Widows Sons Patches from Iceni Chapter and the process of applying to the Presidents Governing Board for its own Charter started.

The first ride-out for the BEDA Chapter occurred on Sunday 25th March 2018 and attracted 16 bikes and regular rides have occurred since. Most of those first riders are still active members of BEDA.

Our charter

On Saturday 28th June 2018,  BEDA Chapter received its Charter from the Presidents Governing Board which was convened at the Widows Sons National Rally in Belfast.

John "Crazylegs" Hawkins (centre) and Martin "Luigi" Shaw (right) received the charter from the (then) Grand Chairman Peter Younger (left).

BEDA Chapter takes its name from an otherwise unknown Anglo-Saxon chief, BEDA, who settled with his followers where the River Great Ouse was fordable some thirteen centuries ago.

receiving our charter

The BEDA Officers

president
Mark Lane
President

"Wildcat"

vice president
Open
Vice President

"TBD"

secretary
Paul Myers
Secretary

"Maverick"

treasurer
Adrian Furnell
Treasurer

"Tinkerbell"

almoner
Connor Gosling
Almoner

"Spartan"

warden
Darren Grace
Warden

"Ploughman"

charity
Stuart Prouse
Charity Steward

"Goulash"

membership officer
Russ Shaw
Membership Officer

"Coach"

Our Past Presidents

ipm1
Chris Handley

"Fugazi"

ipm2
Colin Batchelor

"Pikey"

ipm3
Jeff Boote

"Snatch"

ipm4
Jason Rickels

"Jay"

Our guiding principals and documents

Widows Sons of Great Britain
Constitutions

Widows Sons of Great Britain
By-laws

BEDA Chapter
By-laws

Widows Sons Members
Insurance

© Copyright 2026 BEDA Chapter. All Rights Reserved.