Chairman’s events help celebrate Commonwealth Day

Monday 12 March marked Commonwealth Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the unique family of nations across the globe that make up the Commonwealth.

To mark the event, in Aylesbury town centre, Buckinghamshire County Council Chairman, Patricia Birchley raised the Commonwealth flag and then went on to host a Big Lunch event for invited guests at the Judges Lodgings.

The Commonwealth theme for 2018 is ‘Towards a Common Future’ and explores how the Commonwealth can address global challenges and work to create a better future for all citizens through sub-themes of sustainability, safety, prosperity and fairness. The same theme will be discussed at the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London being held this week.

Patricia Birchley was joined by Buckinghamshire County Council members, senior managers, district council colleagues including Councillor Sue Renshell, Chairman of Aylesbury Vale District Council, Councillor Dr Wendy Matthews, Chairman of South Bucks District Council, Councillor Tom Hunter Watts, Mayor of Aylesbury Town Council and the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher.

Over 60 guests (representing 13 of the Commonwealth countries) attended the Big Lunch event in the Judges Lodgings where they were served with a variety of recipes from all over the Commonwealth.

Speaking after the event, Patricia Birchley said: “Here in Buckinghamshire we are proud to show our support for Commonwealth Day. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of the nations that make up our Commonwealth and to raise awareness of the way we are working together to tackle important issues affecting us all and helping to improve the lives for all our citizens both now and in the future.”