Council to mark Commonwealth Day with Ceremony

Join us for a Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony at the Memorial area outside County Hall on Monday 9 March at 10:00am.

This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, highlights the importance of cooperation among member nations to create equitable, transformative, and high‑impact opportunities for all citizens. The theme reflects the commitment of Commonwealth Secretary‑General Shirley Botchwey to fostering shared prosperity and addressing global challenges collectively.

The ceremony will open with a prayer delivered by the Minister, Revd Ruth Lownsbrough of Dorset South and West Circuit, followed by a performance of All Over the World by St Osmund’s School Choir.

The Affirmation will be presented by the Chair of Dorset Council, Cllr Stella Jones MBE,  followed by the reading of The King’s Message by HM Lord‑Lieutenant, Mr Michael Dooley LVO.

The Commonwealth Flag will be raised by Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, ACF Aggy-Su Jamie, and the High Sheriff of Dorset, Mr Callum Bremner JP, will deliver the Message from the Secretary‑General.

This year, the ceremony will also include a special address from Mrs Sivo Ratulailai, Dorset Council Officer and Commonwealth descendant. Mrs Ratulailai will speak about her 22‑year career in the British Army, during which she became the first Fijian female to complete full service, as well as the service of both her husband and her father—one of 212 Fijians recruited in 1961—who are Commonwealth Veterans.

St Osmund’s School Choir will perform Many Nations, before Revd Lownsbrough delivers the closing prayer.

The ceremony will conclude with the playing of the National Anthem, performed by Mr Fred Slade of the Durnovaria Silver Band.

Commonwealth citizens, councillors, staff and members of the public are warmly invited to attend.