HAMPSHIRE County Council held a flag-raising ceremony in Winchester on Monday to mark Commonwealth Day, writes James Wild.

The Great Hall saw the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, read the Commonwealth affirmation before the Commonwealth flag was raised outside in the courtyard by county council chairman, Councillor Keith Chapman, and the Mayor of Winchester, Councillor Jane Rutter.

The county council’s staff choir, the Castle Singers, sang Jerusalem and other songs to mark the occasion.

Cllr Chapman said afterwards: “This event in Hampshire has been a positive and uplifting opportunity for us to reaffirm our commitment to the Commonwealth, and show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, as well as the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens, young and old, around the world.”

To mark the day, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland QC, has said: “At a time of increasing instability and uncertainty in the world, the Commonwealth family of nations in its rich diversity become an ever more needed source of strength and hope for all its members.

“A ‘peace-building Commonwealth’ is a natural follow-on from our previous theme of ‘An Inclusive Commonwealth’, and reaffirms the Commonwealth Charter principle that international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all.”

Throughout the British Isles local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups, and charities carried out local flag raising events and ceremonies of dedication to mark Commonwealth Day.

More than 950 Commonwealth flags were raised across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries.