Melton raises flag to mark Commonwealth Day

The flag-flying ceremony - acknowledging the commitment of all Commonwealth member states to democracy, development and respect for diversity - was attended by representatives of local service and community organisations as well as members of the public.

Among those in attendance included representatives from the Melton and Twyford branches of the Royal British Legion (RBL), the Melton Mowbray Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) branch, the Defence Animal Centre (DAC), the 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC) and Melton Mowbray Town Estate.

After the raising of the flag, the mayor invited guests to join her inside Parkside for a short commemorative act to mark the sacrifices made by those from the Commonwealth countries during the First World War.

Four lit candles - each one representing a year in the First World War - were extinguished, representing the feeling of darkness that came over Europe 100 years ago.

After the brief period of darkness and silence the Mayor lit two candles, as a symbol of hope, with all four candles to be lit in 2018, representing the four years of the war and how light won through the darkness.

Following the Mayor’s lighting of the two candles the Rev Kevin Ashby said a prayer before the ceremony was closed and dignitaries joined in the partaking of light refreshments.

l Pictured raising the Commonwealth Flag is Mayor of Melton Jeanne Douglas assisted by Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire David Wyrko QPM DL