Brotherhood, built on two wheels.
The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association is an international fellowship of Master Masons who ride. The Sussex Chapter is one of the UK's most active.
Who we are
The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association - the WSMBA - was founded in the United States in the late 1990s and has since grown into a global fellowship of Freemasons whose other great passion is motorcycling. In the UK we are the only motorcycle association officially recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England, and every member must be a Master Mason in good standing.
The Sussex Chapter meets, rides, and raises money across the South Coast and beyond. We welcome Brethren from every Lodge and every Province - whether you've just been raised or have forty years in the Craft, whether you ride a café racer, a tourer, an adventure bike, or a classic you've had since the Hovis ads were on telly.
What we do
- Ride-outs - weekend runs through the Sussex Downs, the South Coast, and further afield: Goodwood, Ace Café London, Newlands Corner, Beachy Head, the Isle of Wight, the Alps.
- Charity - every official ride-out and raffle we run is for charity. We support the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Royal British Legion Riders Branch, local air ambulances, and Sussex-based causes chosen by the Chapter.
- Fellowship - monthly meet-ups, curry nights, track days, and the annual Chapter dinner. The Craft on the kickstand.
- Memorial rides - we ride in memory of Brethren who have passed to the Grand Lodge above, including the Old Bob's Memorial Ride held every April.
Our values
We ride under the same principles that bind every Freemason - brotherly love, relief, and truth. On the road that means: you look out for the rider behind you, you pick each other up when the weather or the mechanics turn, and what's shared at the roadside stays at the roadside.
The Widows Sons are the only motorcycle organisation recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England.
Who can join
Membership is open to any Master Mason in good standing with a UGLE-recognised Grand Lodge who holds a full UK motorcycle licence. Cornerstone membership is open to wives, partners, children, and any person who shares our values - and they form an essential part of the Chapter. You don't need to live in Sussex - we have members from across the South East, and Brethren transferring in from other Chapters are warmly welcomed.
Prospective members are always invited to join us for a ride-out first. There's no test, no initiation beyond the one you've already taken, and no pressure to commit before you know us. Turn up, ride, have a brew, meet the Brethren - you'll know if it's for you.
The Committee
The Chapter is run by an elected Committee of serving officers. Positions include President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captain, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Chaplain. Elections are held annually in line with our Chapter By-Laws.
For Chapter matters contact the Secretary at secretary@sussex.wsmba.uk. For ride-out enquiries or to join us on a run, drop us a line through the contact page.
Where we ride
Base of operations is Sussex, but our patch covers the whole South East and we run regular joint events with neighbouring Chapters - Surrey, Kent, Hampshire, the Home Counties. In summer we run multi-day trips: past routes have included Brittany, the Nürburgring, the Scottish Highlands, and the Isle of Man TT.
Every ride is led by a qualified Road Captain using the "Second Man Drop-Off" system - proven, safe, and suitable for mixed experience levels. Full safety briefings every time.
Come and ride with us
The road is waiting. Whether you're looking for new riding partners, a deeper connection to the Masonic community, or simply a chance to share your passion with others - the Widows Sons Sussex Chapter is the place for you.