At the installation of Craig Clifford as master of Starkie Lodge No 1070, a special reunion took place between English and Scottish motorcycle enthusiasts. The Widows Sons are an international group of bikers, open only to Freemasons and recognised by the Grand Lodge of England.
The Widows Sons are a purely volunteer organisation, they are united by a love of all things motorcycle and regularly meet for rides and social events. As Freemasons, many of the members also keep charity close to their hearts, and the organisation is renowned for their fraternity and meets outside the lodge.
On this special evening, a large number of Scottish brethren had made the long journey south for the Starkie Lodges installation. Taking the opportunity, a special presentation was made by Ed Thompson, a long-standing director and former Road Marshall of the Widows Sons, to one of the visitors.
Tomas Kriscuinas, born in Lithuania but now residing in Scotland, was given a special pair of Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association gloves. A pristine white, with the crest of the organisation on, this continued a long tradition of gift giving within the Widows Sons. Indeed, they make a habit of exchanging gifts when they visit each other. The organisation is international rather than just UK based and so the visit of a brother who had made the long journey down from Scotland therefore most certainly qualified!
Ed performed his hosting duties with his customary casual charm and welcoming manner. He made a point of meeting his Widows Sons brother, providing a gift and going out of his way to make him feel welcome in Southport. Tomas did reciprocate this friendship with a warm smile and they did enjoy the evening as both bikers and Freemasons. It was clear that this sort of meeting was not unique, but happens frequently within that fraternity. There are many unsung heroes within the Widows Sons, contributing to charity and providing friendship to both each other and to the wider Masonic community.