Representatives from organisations in Farnham joined the Mayor of Farnham on 12 March to take part in international celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day.

The Mayor, Councillor Mike Hodge raised the Commonwealth Flag, with help from pupils at Potters Gate, St Andrew’s and Farnham Heath End Schools, outside the Town Council offices on South Street on behalf of the town.

The Mayor read a short address from HM The Queen focussing on how our lives are enriched when we learn from others and how, through exchanging ideas and seeing life from other perspectives we grow in understanding and work more collaboratively towards a common future. Afterwards, a candle was lit at the Town’s war memorial in Gostrey Meadow to remember the 1.1 million members of the Commonwealth forces that died in World War 1.

The flag-raising ceremony recognises the contribution of the UK and member countries to the diversity, unity and values that define the 53 countries of the Commonwealth which between them contain one third of the world’s population in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, Pacific and Europe.

Councillor Mike Hodge, Mayor of Farnham said: “I would like to thank everyone who came along to the commemorative event. Our ceremony in Farnham was one of hundreds that took place around the UK and the rest of the world. Marking Commonwealth Day is about recognising the common purpose of Commonwealth countries for the benefit of their 2.4 billion citizens.”

The Mayor was joined by fellow councillors and representatives of Farnham’s community including teachers and students from Potters Gate, Farnham Heath End, Farnham Sixth Form College, UCA, Farnham Chamber of Commerce, Farnham Rotary, Weyside Rotary and Farnham Lions. Members of The Royal British Legion, The Queen’s Regimental Association and The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment also took part.