Widows Sons - Masonic Bikers
Guernsey Masonic Centre Open Day
Mental Health Awareness Talk with Lisa & Louisa
Fancy a fun family event this Summer?
The Christmas Toy Run: Spreading Joy on Two Wheels
In 2021, COVID restrictions loomed large, but the Privateers were undeterred. With some members working as medical staff at Guernsey’s Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH), they collaborated closely with the Frossard Ward team to create a safe, joyful event. Only two members could deliver gifts to the ward, but the island’s biking community rallied. On a crisp Sunday, engines revved from Vistas Café to the PEH, where a convoy of bikers delivered a sleigh’s worth of presents. The smiles of the children, even though hospital windows, made every moment worthwhile.
The Son
Widows Sons Quarterly magazine:
The First Ride: 2021
Freemasons live by a simple creed: charity fuels every action. For the Privateers, a group of Guernsey Freemasons and biking enthusiasts, this spirit of giving merges with a passion for community and the open road. Born in the heart of the COVID pandemic, the Privateers set out to bring light to the neediest in our island home—especially the children spending Christmas in hospital. What better way to lift their spirits than with the roar of motorbikes and the magic of gifts? Thus, the Christmas Toy Run was born.
Braving the Storm: 2022
The following year, COVID lingered, and the weather turned fierce. Rain poured, but the Privateers and Guernsey’s bikers showed up anyway. With the frailty of some children in mind, hospital staff met the riders outside the PEH to collect another mountain of gifts. The turnout was impressive, the spirit unshakable. Each toy handed over carried a spark of happiness, lighting up the festive season for kids facing tough times.
Past Provincial Grandmaster K Read, with fellow members of the Privateers
A Tradition Grows Stronger
Fast forward to today, and the Christmas Toy Run is a highlight of Guernsey’s Christams season. With COVID in the rearview mirror, the Privateers now bring the celebration right to the Frossard Ward. Picture this: Santa-suited bikers, decked out in festive gear, striding through the hospital under the watchful eyes of ward staff, handing out gifts to beaming children. Last year, nearly 50 motorbikes roared through the island, with riders in everything from elf costumes to glittering tinsel vests. For Masons and non-Masons alike, there’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up with a smile, even in the midst of illness.
The Christmas Toy Run isn’t just about gifts—it’s about community, heart, and the joy of making a difference. Whether you’re a Freemason, a biker, or simply someone who believes in spreading cheer, this is a tradition that welcomes all to join the ride.
Everyone is welcome to meet with us and join us on rides, have a spot of breakfast, coffee and chill out.
Membership of Widows Sons however is restricted to Freemasons. If you aren’t a Freemason, we will be more than happy to discuss this over a coffee too.
