Torridge Council has joined others across the world in flying the Commonwealth flag for the first time since the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, as part of Commonwealth Day. 

Commonwealth Day is an annual celebration observed across 54 member countries from every corner of the world. Its current membership represents more than 2.5 billion people or about a third of the world’s population, and almost a quarter of the world in size. It remains a voluntary association of independent and equal sovereign states constituted by the London Declaration of 1949 as the Commonwealth of Nations but continues to be open for any country to join.

This year’s celebration (March 13) centred around the theme of ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’, the first Commonwealth Day since the passing of the late Queen, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as King and Head of the Commonwealth at national events.

The raising of the Commonwealth flag at Torridge Council offices was presided over by the Chair of the Council – Councillor Doug Bushby and Mayor of Bideford and District Councillor Jude Gubb, they were joined by other district and town councillors and officers. 

Councillor Doug Bushby, Chair of Torridge District Council said: “The theme of forging a sustainable and peaceful common future shows the commitment of member states as they work together to collaborate on climate action, and encourage the development of free and democratic societies.

“The Commonwealth has evolved over the years but its foundations are rooted firmly in the shared values of prosperity, democracy, peace and respect for each other. This core foundation stone of the commonwealth has never been more poignant as we recently recognised the milestone of a year of conflict in Ukraine. We stand in solidarity with other members in our call for peace and in our condemnation of violence and aggression wherever it is found and invite others to join us in this pledge.”