BRIDPORT celebrated Commonwealth Day with a special service outside the council offices at Mountfield.

Students from Bridport Primary School joined the Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Barry Irvine, for a flag raising ceremony at 10am.

Cllr Irvine said: “I would like to say thank you to everyone for coming and thank you to councillors, staff and particularly children from Bridport Primary School, for taking part in the event and helping me to raise the flag.

“This country will come together today to celebrate the Commonwealth and this year’s theme of delivering a common future.”

He said the aim of the day is to promote the ‘shared values’ of ‘democracy, equality and diversity’.

Cllr Irvine read a message from The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

He said: “On Commonwealth Day we come together to acknowledge publicly and collectively the continuing aspirations of the Commonwealth to build on common traditions and uphold our shared values of democracy, inclusive development and respect for diversity.

“I send my best wishes to all involved, saluting you and wishing you well as you raise both the commonwealth flag and awareness of all that we achieve together through Commonwealth connection, friendship and cooperation.”

Mayoress Carol Irvine then read the Commonwealth message from Her Majesty the Queen.

She said: “On Commonwealth occasions, it is always inspiring to be reminded of the diversity of the people and countries that make up our worldwide family.

“We are made aware of the many associations and influences that combine through Commonwealth connection, helping us to imagine and deliver a common future.

“This is particularly striking when we see people from nations, large and small, gathering for the Commonwealth Games, for meetings of Commonwealth governments, and on Commonwealth Day.

“Such a blend of traditions serves to make us stronger, individually and collectively, by providing the ingredients needed for social, political and economic resilience.”

She continued: “As members of this very special community, on this Commonwealth Day, I hope that the people and countries of the Commonwealth will be inspired by all that we share and move forward with fresh resolve to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence for good in our world.”

Schoolchildren from Bridport Primary School then read facts about the Commonwealth, which they learned in class.

One girl said: “In the Commonwealth people work together by sharing ideas and experiences, knowledge and skills.”

Meanwhile another student said: “It’s about friendship and respect between individuals and nations.”

Revd Peter Stone of Bridport then spoke to the children directly informing them about Canada’s friendship with the UK through the Commonwealth and how Canadian soldiers docked in the town during the Second World War.”

The service finished with the raising of the Commonwealth flag and an impressive cry from Bridport Town Crier John Collingwood, who managed to recite all 54 member countries – you can watch the video on our website.