Thatcham pupils join Mayor in flying the flag for the Commonwealth

Thatcham Town Council joined over 1,000 local authorities on March 14 as it observed Commonwealth Day and flew the flag in celebration.

The ceremony, held at the Council Offices in Brownsfield Road, was led by the mayor, John Boyd, who welcomed keen children from schools across the town.

Along with deputy mayor Jeff Brooks and former chairman of West Berkshire Council Graham Pask, the pupils from Francis Baily School, Spurcroft Primary School and Parsons Down School watched the mayor raise the flag at 10am – coinciding with other organisations across the UK and beyond.

Mr Brooks read the Commonwealth Day message from the Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland which focused on the Queen's service to the Commonwealth, rebuilding communities post-pandemic and climate change.

The attendees were then invited into the council chamber for refreshments where the children could show off their Commonwealth flags which were specifically designed for the event.

The students, who all serve on their own school councils, then spent time with the civic leaders asking questions about council life.

Both the mayor and deputy mayor then presented each student that attended with a commemorative certificate and Commonwealth badge.

Mr Boyd said: “I enjoyed meeting students from Francis Baily, Spurcroft Primary School and Parsons Down this morning.

“They seemed to have a really good understanding of the values of the Commonwealth and asked lots of pertinent questions."

He added: “I think there may be a future mayor or council leader amongst them!”