Jubilee Mark Installation
2nd October 2026
 
The most daunting task facing any Worshipful Master is probably the occasion when all eyes are upon him as he is called upon to install his successor. The resultant stress and nerves can affect even the best of ritualists. When you are under the watchful gaze of not only our own PGM R.W. Bro. Keith Beardmore but also the head of the order in Cumberland and Westmorland R.W. Bro. Barry Kirkbride then some display of nerves can, quite rightly, be expected.
Geoff Bury, Keith Beardmore, Reg Wilkinson, Paul Johnson and Barry Kirkbride
Quite remarkably that in fact was most assuredly not the case at Jubilee Mark Lodge No 375 as Reg Wilkinson installed Paul Johnson as his successor in magnificent style.
Lodge members with the distinguished guests
Referring to Reg’s work Keith was later to remark, “ it was undertaken in immaculate fashion and was as good as I have ever seen.” High praise indeed. I can bear witness that there were no notes or crib sheets and there was no need for any prompts. Well done Reg.
Masters in office  Alan Hilton, Geoff Bury, Paul Johnson, David Shaw, Mort Richardson and Dave Sear
Paul was presented for installation by his father-in-law and lodge director of ceremonies David Smith. The fact that David then went on to proclaim Paul after he had been placed in the chair was another pleasant personal touch.
The contingent from Cumberland and Westmorland
Adding further lustre to the evening at Ulverston Masonic Hall were several grand officers including APGM Geoff Bury, provincial D.C. Arthur Robinson along with provincial secretary and Grand Steward Kevin Chicken. Provincial officers junior warden Paul Smedley and senior overseer Bob Stafford were also present. Paul and Bob were recruited by Arthur to act as provincial deacons and escort the PGM during the formal processions of entrance and egress. I can report that they did alright!
The grand officers
There were five visiting masters in office observing proceedings namely Alan Hilton of The Furness Mark No 36., David Shaw of Morecambe Mark No. 716, Mort Richardson of Duddon Mark No. 1481 (C&W), Geoff Bury of Adoniram Mark No. 552 and myself from Bootle Mark No. 478.
Bob Stafford and Paul Smedley
Paul is a member, and the D.C., of a craft lodge in C&W which attracted a very good representation from our neighbouring province. Paul was later to welcome them “to the posh part of Cumbria.” Although the responses to that suggested that they might not totally agree with that sentiment!
Barry Kirkbride and Keith Beardmore
Of course although the bulk of the work falls on the installing WM others too were called into action during the course of the ceremony. The address to the WM was given by Stuart Brackstone, that to the wardens by Alan Jones and the overseers were instructed as to their duties by Paul Smedley. Lodge secretary Brian Benn presented the working tools of the degree and  I chipped in with the presentation of the keystone jewel. Keith orated the address to the Brethren in his own inimitable style.
David Smith and Paul Johnson
To mark the event Paul presented Keith with a cheque for £375 in favour of the West Lancashire Mark Charity.
Following the ceremony it was time to go from labour to refreshment. The menu for the meal was chicken followed by fruit trifle, it seemed to be very well received.
 
The buzz and craic at the dining tables was all you would expect from a meeting in this degree.
There was a candidate proposed on the evening so Paul, and his new team, can look forward to being gainfully employed during the coming year.
 
Words and pictures Dave Sear