Sevenoaks flies the flag to celebrate Commonwealth Day

The raising of the Commonwealth Flag at the Sevenoaks Town Council offices

Westerham Sea Cadets, Deputy Lieutenant Lord Sackville and local veterans were amongst the guests who joined Sevenoaks District Council Chairman, Cllr John Edwards-Winser, to celebrate Commonwealth Day on Monday 9 March.

The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Councillor Nick Busvine, OBE and Town Councillors were also joined by Sevenoaks Air Cadets and Westerham Sea Cadets for a flag raising ceremony at the Sevenoaks Town Council Offices.

The day is an international celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations marked by a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey in London, attended by Queen Elizabeth II as Head of the Commonwealth.

Messages from HM The Queen and the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth were read out while the flags were raised, the Mayor gave an interesting resume of the history and constitution of the Commonwealth.

Leading Cadet Jamie with Junior Cadets Louis and Jamie of the Westerham Sea Cadets

At the Sevenoaks District Council’s offices, the Commonwealth flag was raised by Leading Cadet Jamie and Junior Cadets Louis and Charlie from the Westerham Sea Cadets and the prayers were led by Reverend Anne Bourne.

Sevenoaks District Council Chairman, Cllr John Edwards-Winser, said: “This day is about celebrating the unity and inclusivity of the Commonwealth and I was delighted to be part of a global event that is taking place across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Americas, the Pacific and Europe. It gives us the chance to appreciate the Commonwealth and what it stands for.”