COUNCILLORS gathered in Romsey to raise the Commonwealth flag and celebrate the history of the 56 countries that remain part of the Commonwealth.

The second Monday of March marks Commonwealth Day, this year falling on March 11. Members of Romsey Town and Test Valley Borough Councils attended a ceremony, outside the Former Magistrates Court in Church Street, led by Cllr Gordon Bailey, deputy mayor of the Test Valley.

Cllr Bailey said: “It is a pleasure to be carrying out the duty here in Romsey together with the past mayors and mayor of Romsey. I thank them all for coming along. The Commonwealth of Nations as we know it has been in existence for a long time so it’s important to keep it all together.

“I used to work in the Marines so I have been around a few of the countries. It’s been a pleasure to work in these countries, I have never found a problem in any of them. We should respect that and live up to the standards of the Commonwealth.”

READ MORE: Mayor of Romsey's concert raises almost £5,000 for local charities

Jane Horne, 81, of Love Lane, decided to attend the service after seeing it in the Test Valley newsletter. She said: “I thought I’d bring my iPad to take some photos. Commonwealth Day is worth celebrating, it’s been sort of hidden but it’s good to remember our history.”

Hampshire Chronicle: Commonwealth Day in RomseyCommonwealth Day in Romsey (Image: Adele Bouchard)

SEE ALSO: New 20mph proposal for town centre splits opinions

Cllr Alan Dowden, previous Test Valley mayor, was pleased to be back in Romsey for the ceremony this year, with the mayor traditionally leading the service in Andover. He said: “It’s very important because with all the countries within the Commonwealth. It was always very important to the Queen and to King Charles.

“We owe a lot to the Commonwealth as it unities people and we need more of that unification. It brings us together. Romsey and Andover have always raised the flag on Commonwealth Day.”

Cllr Bailey read out The Commonwealth Affirmation before the blue and yellow Commonwealth flag was raised to full mast. He was joined by Cllr John Ray, mayor of Romsey, and his wife Rose, Cllr Mark Cooper, Cllr Janet Burnage, Cllr John Parker, Cllr Celia Dowden, Cllr Alan Dowden and Romsey resident Jane Horne.

This year’s theme for Commonwealth Day is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth’, highlighting the significance and strength behind the union of the 56 member countries.