On behalf of the people of Farnham, the Mayor, Councillor Alan Earwaker celebrated Commonwealth Day 2022 by raising the Commonwealth flag in a ceremony outside the Town Council offices on 14 March.

Councillor Earwaker was joined by local dignitaries, including Deputy Lieutenant Bill Biddell and representatives of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment as well as local community organisations. The Mayor led the Commonwealth affirmation whilst Bill Biddell read the Secretary General of the Commonwealth’s message describing the 2022 theme of Delivering a Common Future, with a special focus on the role service plays in the lives of communities across the Commonwealth, including Farnham.

The Mayor said: “There are over 50 countries in the Commonwealth, found all over the globe. Some of our residents have links with Commonwealth countries, which include Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand and Australia – to name just a few. The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day highlights links between member countries who together are innovating, connecting and transforming in order to reach common goals such as fighting climate change and boosting trade.”

As this year is HM The Queen’s platinum jubilee year, Commonwealth Day celebrated the important role that service plays in public life. Councillor Earwaker said: “In Farnham, we have a strong tradition of local people from all backgrounds serving our community. We see both in tough times and happier ones that our community is stronger and more welcoming thanks to the service of individuals and groups.”

Members of Farnham Voices Together Community Choir attended the flag raising as they will be singing ‘Song for the Commonwealth’ as part of the Queen’s jubilee celebrations in June.