The roar of motorcycle engines could be heard across the region as the gentlemen of the road undertook an important “secret” mission for Easter.
The Northumberland Chapter of the Widows Son’s Masonic Bikers Association made it an Easter to remember for pupils with special needs throughout the region when they delivered Easter eggs to four schools.
Around 30 motorcyclists travelled across Tyneside and across to Hexham delivering more than 350 Easter eggs which were donated by Tesco Durham and sourced by the Widow’s Sons themselves thanks to generous donations from individual freemasons and masonic lodges in the Province of Northumberland.
The Widows Sons is open to all Freemasons who enjoy the sport of motorcycling and together they help to raise awareness of the work of the organisation as well as raising much needed funds for charity themselves. Indeed recently, the Widows Sons have helped many good causes and bought equipment for schools and charities. These have included the Greggs Children’s Cancer Run, IT equipment for special schools, trikes for Hexham Priory School and they have also supported Northumberland Blood Bikes.
The convoy of leather clad freemasons visited Southlands School, North Shields,
Percy Hedley in Jesmond, Hexham Priory and Talbot House, Newcastle
Widows Sons President Mike Ewart said. “We’ve travelled from all over Northumberland and Tyneside to help put a smile on children’s faces this Easter. We must thank all the Freemasons in Northumberland Province who donate funds to us all year round and particularly at this time of year when we buy the eggs. We’d also like to thank all the people on the route who tooted and waved at us. As bikers, we don’t normally show our soft side but when kids are concerned how can you not want to get involved?”
Head teacher of Percy Hedley School in Jesmond Jo Allen said:
“We all look forward to seeing the bikes every year. The children grow in confidence every year when they see the bikes. The visit helps with the children’s social communication skills and also gives the freemasons an insight into their world in a sensory manner.”
Last year, Northumberland Freemasons gave away more than £600,000 to local charities while nationally, The Freemasons’ Grand Charity is dedicated to helping people in need, and has donated over £100 million since 1980.
Freemasons buildings in Northumberland Province can be found in:
Alnwick, Amble, Ashington, Bedlington, Bellingham, Berwick, Blyth, Byker, Cramlington, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Mickley, Morpeth, Newbiggin, Jesmond, Newcastle, North Shields, Ponteland, Seahouses, Seaton Delaval, Shiremoor, Throckley, Wallsend, Whitley Bay and Wylam.
