IVYBRIDGE Town Council are taking part in Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth next week.

More than 850 Commonwealth Flags will be raised in locations throughout the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries at 10am on Monday, March 14 – Commonwealth Day 2016.

Ivybridge Town Council will be participating for the second year, and on this occasion the ceremony will be held at Harry’s Patch, Leonards Road, Ivybridge with the support of the Ivybridge Branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Mayor of Ivybridge, Councillor Dave Gray-Taylor, will be present and welcomes anyone who wishes to join councillors and representatives of other groups at the short commemorative event.

This unique initiative, now in its third year, is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth.

As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth citizens, young and old, around the world.

A message from His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and a specially written Commonwealth Affirmation, will be read out at each ceremony before the raising of the Commonwealth Flag at 10am.

In a common act of witness around the globe, members of this great family of nations will reaffirm the commitment of all Commonwealth member states to democracy, development, and respect for diversity.

Bruno Peak, originator and Commonwealth pageantmaster said: ‘We also celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday on April 21 this year, so marks a special occasion for the Commonwealth too, especially as The Queen is it’s head.’

His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth said: ‘Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth is a most imaginative way for people in local communities – wherever they live, learn or work – to join together with others throughout the Commonwealth in a spirit of respect and understanding to celebrate the variety and unmatched diversity of our global family. I welcome and commend it.

‘The theme for 2016 encourages understanding and further explorations of Commonwealth collaboration in fields of gender equality and the post-2015 development goals.’