Lord Weatherill, a former Speaker of the House of Commons in Britain, will take part in events marking the 375th anniversary of Bermuda's Parliament.

He will be the guest speaker at two events planned for July, House of Assembly Speaker the Hon. Ernest DeCouto announced last week.

A joint sitting of the House and Senate is to be held in the Sessions House on July 14, Mr. DeCouto said. It will be followed by a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton.

And the annual Speaker's Dinner, normally held in February, will be moved to July 15 at the Southampton Princess Hotel, to coincide with the anniversary celebrations.

Mr. DeCouto, chairman of the committee planning the events, said he was pleased that Lord Weatherill and Lady Weatherill would help Bermuda mark the birthday. "Bermuda's Parliament is the oldest Parliament in the Commonwealth outside of the British Isles, and it is only fitting that we recognise this achievement with a guest of honour who has had a long association with the British Parliament,'' he said.

Mr. DeCouto was joined at a news conference by Senate President the Hon.

Albert Jackson and House Clerk Mr. James Smith.

Also involved in planning the celebrations are Government Whip Mr. John Barritt, United Bermuda Party MP Mr. Rick Spurling, Progressive Labour Party MPs Ms Jennifer Smith and Mr. Eugene Cox, and several senior public servants.

Bermuda's Parliament first met in St. George's, on August 1, 1620, in the thatched roof building that was St. Peter's Church. To mark that "humble beginning,'' a service was planned for the current St. Peter's on August 1, followed by a walk to the State House where a plaque would be unveiled, Mr.

DeCouto said.

After it left St. Peter's, Parliament met at the State House until the seat of Government was moved to Hamilton in 1815.

Celebrations in St. George's will also commemorate the anniversary of emancipation, which was proclaimed on August 1, 1834.

While the major events would occur this summer, the occasion would also be observed throughout the year with commemorative stamps, a coin, a plate, a booklet on the history of Bermuda's Parliament, and an essay contest for schoolchildren, Mr. DeCouto said.

Parliamentarians would be encouraged to visit schools, and businesses and other organisations might hold events, he said.

The last time Bermuda marked a milestone in the life of its Parliament was 1970, when the Prince of Wales visited Bermuda as part of the 350th anniversary celebrations.

First elected to the House of Commons in 1964, Lord Weatherill served as House Speaker from 1983 to 1992.