MEMBERSHIP

Thank you for your interest in the Widows Sons Masonic Bikers' Association (WSMBA).

The WSMBA is an international association open to all Freemasons and their friends and families who enjoy motorcycling and charitable activities who have a desire to ride and associate with likeminded people.  WSMBA is an association and not a Motorcycle Club (MC) within the UK and parts of Europe, it has established groups in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Portugal, and Gibraltar and is the only Widows Sons organisation recognised and endorsed by the United Grand Lodge of England.

The WS Surrey MBA was granted its Charter on the 23rd of April 2021 (St George’s Day), and whilst affiliated to the Widows Sons nationally, operates autonomously within the County of Surrey.

In addition to sharing the main objectives of WSMBA nationally, WS Surrey MBA strives to:
Introduce the pleasures of motorcycling to our Masonic Brothers and their friends and families
Support and promote community led charitable events and causes
Promote Masonic values and awareness within the world of motorcycling
Support our regular Masonic Lodges and Chapters through regular attendance and assisting with and/or supporting their events
Partner with and support other WS MBA groups, and other motorcycling organisations where appropriate, on ride-outs and charitable events
Organising regular rides and social get-togethers

All the above being done with an overarching aim of having fun, contributing to society in a positive way, keeping safe and promoting good road craft whilst riding.  

Whilst most of the membership is made up of active Freemasons, it is important to acknowledge that although we adhere to our Masonic Constitutions, we are not a Lodge in the traditional masonic sense and are open to all subject to acceptance based on our strong moral values.

WS Surrey MBA has a Founders’ Committee, comprising of a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary and Road Captain, which is primarily responsible for all policy making decisions, as well as enacting all votes and resolution duly passed by majority of the membership.

A formal AGM will be held annually each April, where the activities and running of WS Surrey MBA is discussed and Committee members for the ensuing year are elected.

WS Surrey MBA is a member of the British Motorcyclists Federation which provides a level of insurance when holding our own or attending other events, as such all members are required to provide information about a next of kin in case of emergencies.

WS Surrey MBA strives to make all events inclusive affairs in order that members, their families, friends and guests may be involved, wherever possible.  

To fully participate in the WSMBA you need to own and ride a motorcycle, however if you do do not ride you can still partake in the fun, however it is a requirement that members' wives, friends and guests who do ride ensure that they are suitably qualified to ride and that their machines are fully roadworthy, road legal and can maintain the relevant speeds for all UK road types.  

Note: Responsibility for road worthy compliance (which also includes compliance with WS Surrey MBA's By-Laws) rests solely with the member host when inviting others to join us.
Note: New and learner riders will be accommodated for, and rides adjusted to suit the ability of the newest rider.

CORNERSTONES

To further promote and facilitate inclusivity, WS Surrey MBA has its own affiliated membership known as the 'Cornerstones' (a term used within Masonic ritual to signify the first or foundation stone supporting the erection of a structure, or building).  Cornerstones represent the social support group of WS Surrey MBA.  

Cornerstones are invited to all WS Surrey MBA meetings, ride-outs, charitable events and social gatherings even if they have no desire if eligible to join freemasonry.  
Note: As a Cornerstone your ideas and thoughts for developing the group are welcome however this membership level does not allow for formal voting and balloting during the AGM.

WS Surrey MBA is not affiliated to a specific motorcycle or manufacturer.  However, in all cases, only riders with roadworthy, road legal machines, with sufficient engine capacity to be able to hold its place on a ride on all grades of roads, whilst complying with national speed limits, are eligible to ride with the Widows Sons.

Classic motorcycles owners and new or learner riders are welcome, and rides can be adjusted to suit those riders whilst they develop their road craft.

Full WS MBA Membership:

Only Master Masons and above may apply for full membership of the WS Surrey MBA.  

Cornerstone Membership:

Membership is open to family, friends, guests, as well as Freemasons who are starting their masonic journey and may wish to progress to full WS MBA membership.

To apply, please complete the application form found at the end of this document.

For applicants meeting either membership criteria, the application will be put before WS Surrey MBA Committee members for consideration.  If all appears in order, the applicant will be called for a brief interview by the Committee, where a final decision will be made as to whether the application has been successful, or not, and the individual notified accordingly.

All parts of the application form must be completed (incomplete forms will not be progressed) and applications must be formally proposed and seconded by two fully paid-up members of WS Surrey MBA.

Where the applicant is a Freemason, the Secretary will reach out to the applicant's Lodge Secretary to obtain a 'Clearance Certificate'.  Upon confirmation of 'good standing' or otherwise, the Secretary will progress the application accordingly.

PLEASE NOTE: All new members will be expected to demonstrate their support and contribution to WS Surrey MBA through attendance at ride outs and get togethers and their membership status will be updated accordingly.

Upon demonstrating your support as described above and full acceptance into the WS Surrey MBA members receive the relevant patch(s).

The patch(s) remain the property of the WS Surrey MBA and strict rules apply in relation to the displaying of the patch and must be adhered to (as stated in the WS Surrey MBA By-Laws).  Patch(s) are to be returned upon resignation, or in the event of membership being terminated.

The patch(s) along with a certificate certifying their membership will be formally presented to the individual, as appropriate.

Additional Widows Sons regalia, patches, badges, stickers etc. are also available for purchase from time to time, and subject to availability.  Any profit made from the sale of the merchandise will be donated to charity.