THE people of Stratton St Margaret will come together for a special ceremony to raise the Commonwealth flag.

On Monday, March 13, communities from 52 countries will mark Commonwealth Day 2017, and councillors in Stratton are eager to play a part.

The intent is for hundreds, if not thousands, of Commonwealth flags to be flown in significant, eye-catching positions across the Commonwealth, the United Kingdom and beyond.

Joe Tray, chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said: “We will be joining in with raising the flag of the Commonwealth. We even have a brand new flag pole being installed, at the request of people in the parish. Everybody is welcome to attend.

“I think things like this are important because they are a matter of identity. As a parish we are very proud of Stratton St Margaret and recognising events like this is very important to us.”

Last year more than 900 Commonwealth flags were raised in unison at 10am on Commonwealth Day by local authorities – including more than 200 parish and town councils – throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.

It was the largest single raising of the Commonwealth flag in the history of the Commonwealth, and residents of Stratton are hoping to take part in what will be an even bigger event.

The parish council will be inviting schools, members of the guides and the scouts, groups of sea and air cadets, charities and community groups and Commonwealth ex-serviceman, to get involved with the event.

It will link the community of Stratton St Margaret with people from all across the Commonwealth, spanning oceans and continents.

The parish council has chosen the Peace Memorial on Ermin Street as the location for the unveiling, which is fitting as the Commonwealth theme for 2017 is peace-building.

Starting at 10am, everyone is welcome to attend.