Representatives from the Farnham community came together on 11 March to celebrate Commonwealth Day.
The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day was ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.
The theme highlights how member countries must harness their strengths by building resilience, unlocking potential, leveraging the ‘Commonwealth Advantage’ and fostering a connected, digital Commonwealth.
With young people being the future of Farnham, pupils from All Saint’s Tilford, Badshot Lea Village Infants, Potters Gate, South Farnham, St Andrew’s Infants and Weydon School played an active role in the celebration along with Farnham Scouting, Farnham Girlguiding and community organisations which included Farnham Royal British Legion, Farnham Weyside Rotary, A Company 4th Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, councillors and staff.
The assembled guests listened as the Town Crier read the Commonwealth Affirmation and participants endorsed the Commonwealth values. The Mayor of Farnham was assisted by students representing the Young Commonwealth in unfurling the Commonwealth flag.
After the ceremony, guests returned to the Council Chamber where the Lord Lieutenant’s representative Bill Biddell DL read the King’s Commonwealth Day message and the Mayor of Farnham read the Secretary-General’s speech.
Councillor Graham White, Leader of Farnham Town Council says: “The Commonwealth has 56 member countries which include nearly 2.5 billion adults and children who make up over 30% of the world’s people. Commonwealth Day is an opportunity to reflect on the Commonwealth’s shared values which include the promotion of democracy and standing against intolerance, prejudice and racism. The Commonwealth is about friendship and respect between individuals and nations.”
Commonwealth Day marked the start of a week-long programme of events and activities happening around the globe. See www.thecommonwealth.org for more information.
