Commonwealth Day was celebrated in Bridport last week, with local schoolchildren joining dignitaries at the town council offices at Mountfield.

Commonwealth Day on Monday, March 13 marked the beginning of a week-long series of events and activities happening around the globe, including faith and civic gatherings, debates, school assemblies, flag-raising ceremonies and cultural events.

The day marked the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on March 11 2013. 

This was the first Commonwealth Day since Her Majesty's death, and the first presided over by His Majesty King Charles III as the new Head of the Commonwealth.

The theme for Commonwealth Day 2023 was 'Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future'.

The theme combined the active commitment of member states to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability, especially through climate action, so as to secure a better future for young people and to improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.

Bridport marked Comonwealth Day by raising the flag outside the town council offices at Mountfield.

Those attending included town councillors and staff, town crier John Collingwood, the Reverend Pete Stone, and pupils from Bridport Primary School who delivered a Commonwealth Day speech.

The speech was read by pupils Rowan, Esme, Delphine, Mabli, Samir and Luna, and said: "Welcome to our Commonwealth speech. We are representatives from Bridport Primary School.

"The Commonwealth is a family of 56 countries spread across the world in every continent. The Commonwealth believes that people have rights, such as the right to education and healthcare.

"As a rights respecting school, we know that children's rights are important and we consider how we can uphold these rights in everything we do.

"The Commonwealth promotes democracy and believes everyone should be free to choose their leaders, just like we do at school with our School Councillors.

"The Commonwealth stands against intolerance, prejudice and racism. Our school value of respect means that we also fight intolerance, prejudice and racism at Bridport Primary School.

"The Commonwealth regards girls and boys and equally important and aims to improve the lives of young men and women. We treat girls and boys equally at Bridport Primary School and everyone is supported to reach their potential, regardless of their gender.

"Commonwealth Day is a time for the countries in the commonwealth to celebrate diversity, strengthen their relationships and recognise their achievements.

Together, the countries of the commonwealth are working to tackle climate change so that our environment is protected. Together, they work to build peace and harmony. Together, they encourage fair trade so that all people can share the profits.

"The theme for this year's Commonwealth Day is 'Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future'. The theme demonstrates the active commitment of the countries in the commonwealth to support the promotion of peace, prosperity and sustainability.

"They are committed to taking action against climate change, in order to secure a better future for our young people.

"Commonwealth Day 2023 is celebrating the 50th year of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. The Commonwealth has a combined population of 2.5billion people, of which more than 60% are under 30 years of age.

"The Commonwealth Youth Programme has been supporting member countries with youth development and this year is dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development.

"Young people need to be empowered to work together to make changes and work towards a fair, secure and sustainable Commonwealth.

"This year is also the tenth anniversary of the signing of the Commonwealth Charter, which was signed by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11th March 2013.

"It is a privilege to be part of this special occasion; thank you for inviting us."

The Mayor of Bridport, Cllr Ian Bark, commented: "Hearing these words spoken by young people made for an even more powerful message to us all."