Flying the flag for the Commonwealth

Pupils from Stranton, Hart and St. Peter's Elwick primary schools will join the Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Paul Beck and Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Council on the steps of the Civic Centre at 9.45am where they will sing prior to the flag flying at 10am.

At the ceremony the Mayor will read out the Commonwealth Affirmation whilst Councillor Akers-Belcher will read out a personal message from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

The Mayor of Hartlepool, Councillor Paul Beck, said: “I’m absolutely delighted local schoolchildren will be participating in the ceremony.

“As a member-country of the Commonwealth, it is right and proper that we join with others around the world in flying the flag for the Commonwealth.”

2017 saw more than 1,000 Commonwealth flags raised at the same time throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Commonwealth and UK Overseas Territories.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, added: “People are very welcome to attend on the day to listen to the children singing and observe the Commonwealth flag being raised.

“The ceremony presents an opportunity for the town to collectively show its commitment to the Commonwealth and show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds.”

Local supermarket Tesco has kindly donated confectionary which will be presented to the children after the ceremony.