Towns and villages join 53 member states to mark special day

Leiston-cum-Sizewell raise the flag for the Commonwealth - (l to r), Town Clerk John Rayner, President of Leiston Branch of the Royal British Legion Tony Hawkes with Chairman of Leiston-cum-Sizewell Town Council David Bailey.

Leiston, Woodbridge, Felixstowe and Framlingham all took part in Commonwealth Day alongside more than 44 towns and villages in Suffolk and Norfolk thanks to support from enterprise agency Nwes.

Before the ceremonies, a message from Kamalesh Sharma, Commonwealth secretary-general, along with a specially-written Commonwealth Affirmation, was read.

Felixstowe hoisted a flag for the first time – using a flag pole on the seafront opposite Arwela Road.

Mayor Doreen Savage said: “The town council is delighted to join in this collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, to show appreciation for the values it upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens of all ages around the world.”

Mayor Doreen Savage raised the Commonwealth flag for Felixstowe. (Image: Archant)

Lesiton last year flew its flag over the Long Shop, while this year chose to fly it at Sizewell Beach. In Framlingham, the ceremony was held on Market Hill and in Woodbridge in Elmhurst Park.

Bruno Peek, Commonwealth Pageantmaster of Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth, said: “I am amazed how quickly this event has caught the public imagination in so many Commonwealth countries and are delighted to be involving The Royal Commonwealth Society in the project this year.

“We are only in our third year, and the involvement of so many people of all ages and from all walks of life shows the enormous potential of this project and of the Commonwealth.

“It is a positive and uplifting way for people to link with fellow citizens of the Commonwealth in a family that spans across oceans and continents. There is a real sense of promise, and hope for the future in this current troubled world of ours.”