On Monday 13 March, The Mayor, Councillor Simon Waugh, led Elmbridge Borough Council Councillors and guests in a Commonwealth flag raising ceremony at the Civic Centre. This initiative took place all over the United Kingdom and in Commonwealth countries across the world.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 March 2013. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 is ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’.
The Chief Executive, Adam Chalmers, read a special message from The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Mayor read a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation before the raising of the Commonwealth flag at 10am.
The Mayor said, “This year, which marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, was a wonderful way to recognise Commonwealth Day. Elmbridge Borough Council is delighted to have been involved once again and acknowledge publicly the continuing shared values around the Commonwealth.”