Upcoming Events 2022
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 15th from 7.00 pm
I am pleased to invite you to a WSMBA Natter Night/Meeting on Wednesday 15th February 2023 from 7 pm for our Chapter Officers Meeting followed by Natter. This will be an ideal opportunity to have a short meeting to discuss the business in hand, followed by a social get-together.
The venue is The Cock Inn, Old Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Near Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5RX. Telephone 01273 812040 – Please let me know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend.
My telephone number is 07860 490634, my email address is president@wsmbasussex.com.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon. Yours S & F
Agenda
Introduce any new Members and Cornerstones
Apologies
President’s report – KHY
Secretary’s report – AG
Treasurer’s report – MT (Acting)
Charity Stewards report – CN
Fundraising events and raffles – (All)
Charities – Matthew 25 Mission and Sussex SERV and DocBike
Planned rideouts – (All) Lee Rigby Memorial Ride – Sunday 21st
May 2023. Sammy Miller Museum, New Milton – Sunday 25th
June 2023;
Easter Egg Run – Sunday 9th April 2023 to Conquest Hospital,
Hastings and to Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton
Trip to India in 2023
Next Meeting – TBC
It would be much appreciated if you could kindly confirm whether you will be attending by sending an email to secretary@wsmbasussex.com.
Thank you
APRIL
Easter Egg Run, Sunday 9th
8 am – Meet in car park of Sussex Independent Financial Advisers at Downford House, 16 Downford House, Hailsham, BN27 1AE. This is reached through the ASDA car park via North Street, Hailsham. Load up the bikes and any cars
8.15 am – Depart to Conquest Hospital, The Ridge, Hastings, telephone 0300 131 4558 or 0300131 0506 to meet with Jeza the Shift Co-Ordinator and Natalie the Sister on Duty from the Children’s Ward for handing over of Easter Eggs to their children’s ward staff followed by a quick photo shoot, then on to Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, North Drive, Brighton, telephone 01273 696955 to meet with Karen Buss from Level 9 and hand over Easter Eggs to their children’s ward staff and another photo shoot.
11.30 am Depart to the Madeira Drive Café, 15-16 Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1PS which is a very popular biker’s cafe to relive the wonderful events of the day. This shortened route should result in us being able to return to our friends and families by mid-day. Please see directions on next page.
Emergency Number: Should you have any questions or queries, either now or on the day, please ring our President, Karl Hopper-Young direct on 07860 490634
MAY
Lee Rigby Ride of Respect 2023
Sunday 21st May
Set off Point: Nell’s Café (on the A2 roundabout at Rochester), Marling Cross, Watling St, Gravesend DA12 5UD Set off time: 9.00 am. From Nell’s Café (meet no later than 8.30am). We will need to leave Polegate services considerably earlier than in previous years. Travelling via Blackheath and passing Woolwich Barracks to end point Flamingo Park in Chislehurst. Please join me on the 10th annual memorial ride to honour the memory of 25 year old Fusilier Lee Rigby who was brutally murdered on 22 May 2013 whilst off duty outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, South London. I am this year honoured to be part of the admin committee of this ride and will be involved in leading the veteran bikers around the garrison camp followed by non-services’ bikers. The garrison church service which is limited to 100 military members and family members of Lee Rigby is at 11 am and the ride of respect service on the Common which we will be attending is at 11.30am.
Scotty's Little Soldiers Charity
100% of all donations made go to the Charity, which provides long term support for bereaved British Forces Children and Young People aged from 0 – 25. You can donate directly via their website or by clicking on this link Scotty’s Little Soldiers Charity, Should you have any queries before the day, please contact secretary@wsmbasussex.com for assistance. On the day, please contact president@wsmbasussex.com or 07860 490634.
JUNE
JULY
WSMBA National Rally 2023
Fri 28 Jul 2023 10:00 AM – Sun 30 Jul 2023 6:00 PM, Hull Ionians Rugby Club, HU15 1HX
POSTPONED
JUNE
France Trip: 2nd June - 7th June (To be rebooked)
This year it has been suggested that two parties head to France for the D-Day celebrations, one on Thursday 2nd June and the other on Friday 3rd June. The return journey can be made either on Monday 6th June or Tuesday 7th June to fit in with work and family commitments.
Day 1 Travel to Beauchamps in France
Ferry – Newhaven to Dieppe – please click on the following link for ferry times, costs and booking advice nearer to the time as DFDS do not currently provide information for crossings taking place in June 2022. https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger- ferries/passenger-information/timetables.
Current details, correct as at 6 5 2021 are: Outbound sailings from Newhaven at 10 am, 5 pm and 11 pm. Return sailings from Dieppe are at 11 am, 6 pm and 11.59 pm. These are Monday to Friday only. Weekend times might vary.
Current costs are between £40 to £60 depending on which crossing and what day.
Please allow at least 1 hour for check-in. I suggest we meet at the port and enjoy a big breakfast together before boarding the ferry, which departs at 9 am.
4 hours on ferry
2 hours by bike to Beauchamps
Days 2/3/4 To be decided on the day. As this is the weekend of the D-Day celebrations, a visit to Arromanches is planned.
Day 5/6 Travel to Dieppe for ferry crossing to Newhaven and home
As I will not be taking a bike recovery trailer this year, please make sure that you have sufficient travel and recovery insurance on your bikes. I have a kit to take nails out of tyres and plug holes, and will take spare bulbs, fuel and Tyre Weld.
Please remember to take your V5 log book, especially when travelling through Caen, as the authorities there can be extremely officious and seize your bike if you cannot provide evidence of ownership.
Please take your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) with you, which following Brexit and at the time of writing, are still valid until their
expiry date. You should also obtain an International Driving Licence, this can be purchased from your local Post Office.
Would you please remember to provide us with details and contact details of your next of kin on the attached form should the worst happen (which we sincerely hope will not).
Accomodation and Meals
The address of my house is 4 La Forge aux Balais, Beauchamps, 50320, France. There is a Normandy flag depicting the three lions on in the garden by the side of the road.
I have 5 bedrooms with double beds and 1 room with bunk beds at my home in Beauchamps. I also have camp beds should you wish to stay on a shared room basis. You are of course welcome to camp in my garden, or alternatively you can pitch in my stables which is completely dry and you have room to stand up. Please bring your own camping equipment.
I will supply the beer, and also breakfast every morning, and would suggest and appreciate a minimum donation of £50, limited only by your generosity, to go to our chosen charity.
On Friday we will have a BBQ at my home at La Forge aux Balais. As Tracy and her mother will not be joining with us this year, it would be much appreciated if someone would kindly volunteer to cook breakfast each morning and to help keep ship! We need willing helpers to volunteer. No deductions will be made for breakfast which will be provided.
On Saturday we can perhaps eat out at the wonderful restaurant Le Citadelle in Granville.
The remaining days are free to do as we wish. A few suggestions are:
Le ferme de l’hermitiere – Saint-Jean-Des-Champs. Cider Factory, approximately 3 km from Karl’s home. Tours and tastings offered. infos@ferme-hermitiere.com
Arromanches-les-Bains – Beaches, cliff walks, museums, memorials to D-Day. info@musee-arromanches.fr
Festyland amusement park, rides, restaurants, 3D cinema. https://festyland.com/discover-festyland/
Zoo de Champrepus near Granville https://www.zoo-champrepus.com/?lang=en
Le Souterroscope, Caumont l’Eventé, abandoned slate mines and museum https://www.souterroscope-ardoisieres.fr/en-fr/
Mont-Saint-Michel – historic island abbey. http://www.bienvenueaumontsaintmichel.com/en
Bayeaux Tapestry (if still there as plans are afoot to transfer it to the UK). This is a historic tapestry depicting the epic adventures of William the Conqueror in 1066. https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/
Pegasus Museum, Ranville – the story of the 6th Airborne Division info@memorial- pegasus.org
D-Day Experience – Climb aboard an authentic C-47 aircraft converted into a dynamic high tech flight simulator, also see Dead Man’s Corner, the historic House Museum of the German paratroopers. www.dday-experience.com
Normandy Victory Museum – www.normandy-victory-museum.com
Overlord Museum – www.overlordmuseum.com
Colleville-sur-Mer – the Normandy American cemetery overlooking Omaha beach
containing 9,388 graves from the Second World War. This American Cemetery is fittingly pristine and serene and just as it appeared in the opening/closing scenes of Saving Private Ryan. At the memorial’s centre is a bronze statue entitled Spirit of American Youth Rising from the Waves.
• Canoeing at Pont d’Ouilly – I have spent many very happy hours here, it is a beautiful spot as shown in the photo’s below. We could have a day canoeing 17 kilometres down this lovely wide river and then return to Beauchamps. There is a canoe centre at Pont d’Ouilly where canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards, together with the appropriate safety gear can be hired. I also have several canoes which I will bring with me in a van and trailer which we can load up at the end of the paddle and drive back to the start. I am a qualified canoe instructor and will be delighted to give instructions and assistance to anyone who requires it.
There are many other attractions in the area, we can decide the night before or even each morning what we wish to do and where we wish to go. If you have any suggestions, please do let me know. Hopefully the weather will be more pleasant than during our last visit, although even the rain could not deter us from having a good time.
Hopefully David Oakenfold and Bob Lewis will join us. This will give them the opportunity to sell Widows Sons merchandise.
Past Events
DECEMBER
Toy Run, Saturday 10th December 2022
MTSFC (Masonic Trout & Salmon Fishing Club)
Having become involved in the MTSFC, our President, Karl Hopper-Young, was keen to co-opt other seasoned fishing enthusiasts from within the Sussex Chapter. He invited 3 of us, VP Dan McClusky and his father Jon Sewell plus Comms Officer, Roger White to Chalk Springs, Arundel for a spot of fly fishing with children from two special needs schools.
As with the last few events, the elements were not on our side. Torrential rain and floods accompanied the 50 mile trek for homes to the venue arriving at 7.30am to help set up for the day. Fortunately the weather improved as the morning progressed and was fine by the time the children arrived. The children were paired with casters and a good number of trout were caught after which the children were provided with lunch and presented with medals and certificates. What a great, rewarding experience.
NOVEMBER
WSMBA Sussex Chapter Natter Night/Meeting
Thursday 24th November 2022, 6.00 pm
OCTOBER
Sussex Chapter WSMBA Sunday Rideout, 2nd October 2022
Sussex Chapter WSMBA Sunday Rideout, Sunday 30th October 2022
Come and join us on a ride to the world famous Ace Café, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London, NW10 7UD, 0208 961 1000
SEPTEMBER
NATTER NIGHT: THURSDAY 22ND
Dear Brother and Cornerstone
I am pleased to invite you to a WSMBA Natter Night/Meeting on Thursday 22nd
September 2022 from 6 pm to 9 pm for our Chapter Officers Meeting followed
by Natter.
This will be an ideal opportunity to have a short meeting to discuss the
business in hand, followed by a social get-together.
The venue is The Cock Inn, Old Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Near Lewes, East
Sussex BN8 5RX. Telephone 01273 812040
Please let me know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend.
My telephone number is 07860 490634, my email address is
president@wsmbasussex.com.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Yours S & F
AGENDA
Introduce any new Members and Cornerstones
Secretary’s report – AG
Treasurer’s report – MT (Acting)
Fundraising events (All)
Charities – Matthew 25 Mission and Sussex SERV and DocBike
Planned rideouts
Next Meeting – TBC
It would be much appreciated if you could kindly confirm whether you will be attending by
sending an email to secretary@wsmbasussex.com.
Thank you
Sussex Chapter WSMBA Sunday Rideout, 18th September
Come and join us on a ride to the Kent Museum of Freemasonry, St Peter’s Place, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2DA. Tel: 01227 785625.
Open to all and located in the heart of Canterbury’s tourist route, you will find the Kent Museum of
Freemasonry close to the Westgate Towers and a five minute stroll from the Cathedral.
The museum is a hidden treasure which boasts a rare collection of exhibits of national and
international importance. Our collection of Masonic material is probably the finest in the UK outside
of London. The vast collection of regalia and books covers all Masonic orders through the ages.
OUR HISTORY
The history of the Kent Museum of Freemasonry can be traced to the latter end of the 19th Century. Speculative masonry has been present in Canterbury since 1730 when the city’s first lodge began meeting at the Red Lion Tavern which adjoined the old Guildhall in the High Street. According to Lanes Masonic record 1717-1894, no fewer than 3 private and 6 military lodges were consecrated in the city. In 1878 the Canterbury lodges, that until then had met in different public houses in the city such as the Kings Head and Brewers Arms, joined together to purchase their own premises near to the Westgate Towers at 38 St Peter’s Street. It was in the garden of this building that the Canterbury masonic temple was subsequently constructed in 1880.
CLAY PIGEON SHOOT, FAMILY ACTIVITIES AND BBQ: SUNDAY 11TH
Location: In the field opposite the Custom Café, Barnhorn Road, Bexhill on Sea, East Sussex TN39 4QR
AUGUST
Dan's BBQ August 14th, 1PM
JULY
BBQ: Sunday 10th July, 2 pm
We are delighted to invite you and your friends to a barbecue being arranged by and held at the home of Andy Brown, a fellow biker and Cornerstones member.
The address is 14 Mare Bay Close, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, TN38 8EQ.
This is a cul de sac with parking on the road on a first come, first served basis. There is also space for one car on Andy’s driveway.
Please email secretary@wsmbasussex.com if you will be attending to enable numbers to be calculated.
JUNE
Natter Night: Wednesday 15th June, 7pm
Dear Brother and Cornerstone
I am pleased to invite you to a WSMBA Natter Night/Meeting on Wednesday
15th June 2022 at 6.30 pm for our Chapter Officers Meeting followed by Natter.
This will be an ideal opportunity to have a short meeting to discuss the
business in hand, followed by a social get-together.
The venue is The Cock Inn, Old Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Near Lewes, East
Sussex BN8 5RX. Telephone 01273 812040
Please let me know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend.
My telephone number is 07860 490634, my email address is
president@wsmbasussex.com.
I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Yours S & F
Karl Hopper-Young
President Sussex Chapter
AGENDA
- Introduce any new Members and Cornerstones
- Secretary’s report – AG
- Treasurer’s report – MT (Acting)
- Fundraising events (All)
- Charities – Matthew 25 Mission and Sussex SERV
- Planned rideouts
Next Meeting – TBC
It would be much appreciated if you could kindly confirm whether you will be attending by sending an email to secretary@wsmbasussex.com.
Thank you
Location
The Cock Inn, Old Uckfield Road, Ringmer, Near Lewes,
East Sussex BN8 5RX
This is part of a small local chain of family-run pubs in East Sussex. The Cock Inn Nr Ringmer is run by the Ridley family. Parking is available.
“We pride ourselves on both our range of good pub food that is home-cooked and our wide selection of drinks. Here at The Cock Inn we usually keep three cask conditioned real ales and you will always find Harveys Best Bitter, together with regular guest beers – usually from some of the excellent local microbreweries and we are on the CAMRA Ale Trail. Take a look at our entry in the 2021 Good Pub Guide. We have also attained Cask Marque accreditation.
We have a good choice of lagers, ciders and wines by the glass or bottle plus prosecco and champagne together with a wide choice of soft drinks, teas and coffees.
Whatever your taste in food and drink, The Cock Inn has a dish and a beverage for every occasion and budget. Check out our menu and let us know if there is anything that you would like to see included. We are always happy to cater for special dietary requirements, please contact us before your visit so that we can discuss your requirements.
Our regular menu has several vegetarian dishes, one of which is vegan and we also have a vegan dessert on the menu. Our staff will be happy to check with our chefs and advise about ingredients for allergies and food intolerance’s. Please ask when ordering or ringing to make a reservation.
Whilst pre-ordering of food is not required, their menu is linked below for your information.
Natter Night: Wednesday 25th May, 7pm
Location
Fox & Hounds, Fox Hill, Haywards Heath RH16 4QY.
Agenda:
Introduce any new Members and Cornerstones
Secretary’s report – AG
Treasurer’s report – MT (Acting)
Fundraising events (All)
Charities – Matthew 25 Mission and Sussex SERV
Planned rideouts
Next Meeting – TBC
It would be much appreciated if you could kindly confirm whether you will be attending by sending
an email to secretary@wsmbasussex.com.
Thank you
MAY
Six Bells Bike Night – 17th May 2022, 6pm (alternate Tuesday evenings)
Location
The Street, Chiddingly, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6HT.
The Lee Rigby Ride of Respect : Sunday 22nd May, 9:30am
Set off Point: Nell’s Café, Marling Cross, Watling St, Gravesend DA12 5UD
Set off time: 9.30 am From Nell’s Cafe Travelling via Blackheath and passing Woolwich Barracks to end point Flamingo Park.
Please join me on the annual memorial ride to honour the memory of 25-year-old Fusilier Lee Rigby who was brutally murdered on 22 May 2013 whilst off duty outside the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, South London.
100% of all donations made go to the Charity, which provides long term support for bereaved British Forces Children and Young People aged from 0 – 25. You can donate directly via their website or by clicking on the link below.
Should you have any queries before the day, please contact
secretary@wsmbasussex.com for assistance.
On the day, please
contact
president@wsmbasussex.com or 07860 490634.
APRIL
Operation Thunderbolt, Rolling Thunder: Friday 15th April
Easter Egg Run: Sunday 17th April
We are arranging to deliver 100 Easter Eggs to children in both the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton, and to the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.
If you would like to help to spread a little joy by donating or contributing to the purchase of Easter Eggs, then please contact: president@wsmbasussex.com or drop them into Sussex IFA, Downford House, George Street, Hailsham, BN27 1AE.
All contributions will be gratefully received and faithfully applied.
Natter Night: Wednesday 27th April, 6:00 PM
FEBRUARY
Rock House Trio Gig : Sunday 6th February 4.00 pm – 7.00 pm
Eddie Webb is a Sussex Cornerstone. His band ‘Rock House Trio’ are playing at the venue shown below on Sunday 6th February, the gig is from 4 – 7pm (free entry) – maybe some WSMBA members would fancy getting out & seeing some live music?
The set list will be classic Rock tunes, we are all seasoned players & been on the circuit for many years – promises to be a good gig !
The Nightingale, 53 Carshalton Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4LG
Natter Night: Thursday 24th 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm
The Venue:
The Bulls Head, Boreham Street, Hailsham, East Sussex
This is at a new venue, the Bulls Head, Boreham Street, Nr Hailsham, East Sussex. ‘We are a Harvey’s Pub serving traditional Sussex Ales. The Bull’s Head is an unspoilt rural inn and set in the splendid Sussex countryside nearby to many great historic sites –
Battle Abbey and Battlefield, Herstmonceux Castle, Pevensey Castle, Batemans… plus there are many fine walks in the neighbourhood.
We have a large shady Garden, plenty of Parking and 8 acres of Fields…. so you can always camp!’
JANUARY
Natter Night: Wednesday 19th January, 6:30 pm
The Widows Sons Masonic Bikers Association Sussex Chapter held their monthly Natter Night on the 19th January at the Fox & Hounds, Haywards Heath. The members present, and those who joined by Zoom, were delighted to welcome representatives of both Matthew 25 Mission and SERV Sussex.
Andrew Walker of the Eastbourne based charity Matthew 25 Mission spoke of the very serious work they do with homeless people, helping them rebuild broken lives. Michael Hepworth and Neil Hayward both Trustees of SERV Sussex spoke about the lifesaving work they do by providing transportation for blood and other urgent medical items. A very humbling meeting and admiration for the selfless work these guys do.
The members of WSMBA Sussex Chapter agreed to provide regular monthly donations to each of these organisations and to set up, and to promote an Electronic Raffle to be drawn on 15th June 2022 with all proceeds split between these two organisations.
2021
DECEMBER
Widows Sons Sussex Chapter Family/Xmas meal
The Venue:
The Fox and Hounds, Fox Hill, Haywards Heath, RH16 4QY
01444 413342
Christmas Toy Run: Sunday 19th
These bins are currently located at the following sites
- Eastbourne Masonic Centre, 15 South Street, Eastbourne BN21 4UJ
- The Custom Cafe, Barnhorn Road, Bexhill on Sea TN39 4QR
- East Grinstead Masonic Centre, St James’s Road, East Grinstead RH19 1DL
- Sussex Independent Financial Advisers, Down ward House, 16 George Street, Hailsham, BN27 1AE
- Masonic Hall, East Ascent, St Leonards on Sea TN38 0DR
- For details of how to make a donation of toys to the relevant collection point, call 01323 441788
NOVEMBER
Natter Night: Wednesday 24th
Dear Brother and Cornerstone
I am pleased to invite you to a WSMBA Natter Night/Meeting on Wednesday 24th October 2021 from 6pm. This will be an ideal opportunity to have a short meeting to discuss the business in hand, followed by a social get-together.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you will be able to attend.
My telephone number is 07860 490634, my email address is president@wsmbasussex.com.I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Yours S & F
Karl Hopper-Young, President Sussex Chapter
The Venue:
The Fox and Hounds, Fox Hill, Haywards Heath, RH16 4QY
01444 413342
If you’re looking to tuck into great quality pub food near you in cosy and comfortable surroundings, catch up with friends, or enjoy a quiet mid-week drink, The Fox and Hounds in Fox Hill should be your first port of call.
This local pub in Fox Hill is a great spot for good quality pub food and family gatherings. Located close to the A272, this welcoming pub near you is the ideal place to relax and refuel in front of the fire after a long day exploring South Downs National Park, Borde Hill Garden, or Mid Sussex Golf Club.
With a spacious beer garden, this local pub is the ideal location for good quality pub food with a warm welcome, all year round. Take your pick from a wide selection of delicious dishes on our fixed price lunch and dinner menu, as well as buffet choices, kids menu, vegetarian & vegan menu and our special Sunday menu.
Near Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, with plenty of free car parking on site, The Fox and Hounds is the ultimate place to eat, drink, and relax, no matter what the occasion.
We’re just a 7-minute drive from Haywards Heath train station. Head southwest on Market Place towards Bannister Way then continue onto Boltro Road, take a slight left onto Munster Green North/B2272 and then turn right onto The Broadway/B2272. Use any lane to turn slightly left onto South Road/B2272 and, at the roundabout, take the fourth exit onto Sussex Road/B2112. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto Fox Hill/B2112.
