Commonwealth Day in New Romney 2023
Published: 20 March 2023
Commonwealth Day was celebrated on Monday 13 March 2023 with observances, speeches, exhibitions and cultural events across the 56 Commonwealth member countries. With ‘Forging a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future’ as its theme, Commonwealth Day aims to unite 2.5 billion Commonwealth citizens in celebration of their shared values and principles, and in pursuit of a common future, centred on sustainability and peace. This was the first Commonwealth Day presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth. The day also marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which outlines the values and principles that unify the 56 Commonwealth countries, representing one-third of humanity. In her Commonwealth Day Message, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, paid tribute to Her late Majesty The Queen for her seven decades of service and welcomed His Majesty The King for his first Commonwealth Day as the new Head of the Commonwealth. More than 1000 Commonwealth flags were raised across the globe, in a shared celebration of this amazing family of nations.
The local ceremony took place at St Nicholas Church New Romney. The Right Worshipful the Mayor of New Romney - Cllr Paul Thomas and Deputy Lieutenant – Mr Geoff Miles, together with other VIP guests were joined by members of the public for a short ceremony. Students from local schools read poems and spoke movingly of What the Commonwealth Means to Young People Today. The message from the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, was read by DL Geoff Miles. After the Commonwealth Affirmation, read by Edwin Seabrook-Smith – Chairman of New Romney RBL, the placing of the Commonwealth standard flag on the altar, by representatives of the Royal British Legion and local primary school children was followed by the Commonwealth Anthem, performed by the Hythe Town Concert Band, prayers, and the National Anthem.
In his closing statement the Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Thomas thanked the team at St Nicholas Church, Hythe Town Concert Band and Council Officers for organising and supporting the ceremony. A special mention was made for the students of The Marsh Academy, St Nicholas Academy, New Romney and Greatstone Primary School.
Raising the Commonwealth Flag symbolises the joining together of members of the Commonwealth community. The ceremony publicly renews commitment to the Commonwealth, appreciation of its guiding values and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens of all ages around the world.
Folkestone Mayor Nicola Keen, Marsh Academy Head Girl, Olivia, Mayor of New Romney, Marsh academy Senior Prefect, Jude, Folkestone Deputy Mayor Belinda Walker & Dover Mayor Gordon Cowan
Greatstone School students
St Nicholas Academy students with the Town Mayor
Students assist the Royal British Legion with laying the flag on the alter, watched by the Town Mayor
The Commonwealth flag and ceremony participants
The Commonwealth Flag flying at the Princess Diana Memorial Gardens, Littlestone.