Coalville joins 1,000 others in flying the flag for the Commonwealth

North West Leicestershire District Council will join 1,000 organisations, authorities, groups and charities across the globe by flying a flag for the Commonwealth in a shared celebration of this amazing family of nations that encompasses the globe.

The Commonwealth flag will be raised at the Council Offices in Coalville on Commonwealth Day – Monday 12 March. Members of the public are welcome to attend the ceremony, which will start at 9.50am and lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Now in its fourth year, the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth initiative will again celebrate the great family of nations brought together by the Commonwealth, welcoming participants from all walks of life.

The ceremony will begin with the reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation by Councillor Virge Richichi, Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council.

This will be followed by a special message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC, which will be read out by the Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire Major R D F Bream.

The Commonwealth flag will then be raised outside the main entrance to the Council Offices.

Councillor Richichi said: “This is an important event that unites the Commonwealth and links the people of North West Leicestershire with others across the world. It’s a great event that we’re very proud to host and I’d like to encourage members of the public to join us at the Council Offices for the ceremony.”

The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland QC, said: “Fly a Flag is a wonderful opportunity for local communities to come together to celebrate the remarkable diversity and inclusiveness of the Commonwealth, and the many ways in which the lives and livelihoods of its 2.4 billion citizens are enriched through Commonwealth connection and cooperation. By working together locally and globally we learn from one another, and make progress for the good of all.”