Friday July 28th saw the opening day of the Widows Sons National Rally. The rally, originally planned to be held in 2019 but disrupted by Covid, was organised by the Parisi, Lincs Imps, and Ridings Chapters, and was held at The Hull Ionians Rugby Club, Brantingham, Hull.
A grand total of 460 tickets were issued; 350 bikers from across the United Kingdom pitched up on Friday, with a further 110 setting up camp on Saturday. Apart from a very brief shower on Saturday morning we were blessed with sunshine for the two days of the rally.
Traditionally at our rallies, Friday is the day where folk who may not have met up for a year can catch up with old friends and swap memories, but also make new ones, whilst generally relaxing and being well fed and watered by our kind hosts from the rugby club. There was a “Widows Sons” beer on tap all weekend with 10p from every pint sold being donated back to us. The traders on site also donated a part of their profits.
Saturday saw our numbers swell, with many visitors arriving to attend the 7th regular meeting of the Widows Sons Lodge No 10011. (Could this have been the best attended regular lodge ever for the province of YNER!) The day started with a ride out of 68 bikes, organised by W Bro Paul (Bully) Bull. All those that went on the ride remarked how much they enjoyed it; many thanks to all those who helped with marshalling and making the ride such a success. The guys and gals were back just in time for those that were attending the Lodge meeting to get themselves refreshed, ready, and seated. A grand total of 275 masons attended the meeting, which was honoured by the presence of RW Bro Dr David Chambers, the Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire North and East Ridings; the Provincial Grand Master of Yorkshire West Ridings and the Assistant Grand Master for Durham were also in attendance.
After the meeting, Charters were handed out to the new Chapters that have formed over the past year. Entertainment was provided by two excellent acts; Staying Alive, who entertained the crowd with a well-balanced selection of covers, followed by the Soul Brothers Blues Brothers tribute. Both acts had the dance floor seeing action - we were delighted to see our Provincial Grand Master and his wife Maureen cutting a rug alongside the chapters too.
Unfortunately Sunday morning brought rain, and many a damp but happy camper packed up their tents, already looking forward to next year’s event, which is to be held in Devon. Overall the event raised a remarkable sum close to £9000, which will be donated to charity.
