Great Aycliffe Town Council celebrated Commonwealth Day on Monday 9th March, with a short ceremony at St Clare’s Church.
Commonwealth Day is celebrated across the Commonwealth by young people, schools, communities and civil society organisations, promoting understanding on global issues, international co-operation and the work of Commonwealth organisations.
The Town Clerk, Andrew Bailey, read a message on behalf of HM the Queen, and a further message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. The Mayor of Great Aycliffe, Councillor Mrs Wendy Hillary, then read the Commonwealth Affirmation.
The theme for this year’s Commonwealth Day is ‘A Young Commonwealth’ and to mark this, Meghan Cumming, Chairman and Charlotte Kirton, Vice Chairman of Aycliffe Youth Council, helped the Mayor to raise the Commonwealth flag, while the Commonwealth Anthem was played. Announcing the theme, Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma, said “A Young Commonwealth recognises the capacity, contribution and potential of young people, who play a vital role at the heart of sustainable development and democracy,”
The ceremony concluded with a prayer for the Commonwealth, read by Rev. Debbie Loughran from the Parish of Great Aycliffe.
Mayor Wendy Hillary, Rev. Debbie Loughran, Meghan Cumming, and Charlotte Kirton of Aycliffe Youth Council help raise the Commonwealth Flag
