The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master having appointed WBro.Dickie Bird, a Past Master of the Arthurian Lodge No 5658, as the Provincial Emeritus Lecturer, prevailed on him to produce a special masonic event to celebrate the start of the third millennium.

WBro Bird the author and producer of some eighteen historical ceremonies since 1975, has for this occasion extensively researched the ceremony of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales being initiated into the Grand Masters Lodge of Sweden on the 20th December 1868. Using German and Russian original rituals, he is not claiming that it is exacdy as it happened - "we simply don't know, but we are certain, and history confirms that the ceremony is in accordance with the St. John version of the Swedish rite".

The Long Weekend, a full costume drama, is the result. It will be performed by members of the Arthurian Lodge on the evenings of the 28th, 29th and 30th March 2000 at the Masonic Hall Cosham, Portsmouth. Starting at 6.30pm each evening, the performances will be followed by a special three course dinner with wine, at tables seating up to 10 people. Dress to be dark lounge suit, no regalia. The inclusive cost will be £20.

Members of the Provincial Grand Stewards Lodge have kindly agreed to administer all seating and catering arrangements for the three evenings. A contact name and booking form may be obtained via your Lodge Secretary. Since there will be limited seating, it is recommended that early bookings are made to avoid the disappointment of missing this 'one off' production.

The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master, Ernest F R Moss hopes that lodges and brethren throughout the Province will support this unique production, the proceeds of which will be donated to the 2005 Festival Appeal.