Flying the flag for Commonwealth Day

Celebrations to mark Commonwealth Day took on a Fairtrade flavour when the council teamed up with schools and local groups.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Apr 2016, 09:21 BST
Commonwealth DayCommonwealth Day
Commonwealth Day

The Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth event took place outside the council’s Marina HQ in Kirkintilloch and this year’s ceremony focused on the strong local links with Fairtrade countries across the Commonwealth.

Guests attended from East Dunbartonshire Fairtrade Steering Group, Lenzie Fairtrade Town group, The Balmore Trust and Craighead Primary School in Milton of Campsie - who proudly displayed their Fairtrade uniforms.

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The council worked with a variety of Fairtrade champions, including Silver Birch (Scotland) Ltd in Milton of Campsie - a flagship Fairtrade employer in the area.

More than 850 Commonwealth Flags were raised in locations throughout the world on Commonwealth Day this year - Monday March 14.

East Dunbartonshire Council Leader Rhondda Geekie said, “We were pleased to be able to take part in the Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth event again this year.

“As well as reflecting on the importance of Commonwealth links, the local celebration was a chance to highlight the tremendous work taking place to promote Fairtrade in East Dunbartonshire.

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“I was particularly happy to meet the party from Craighead Primary in Milton of Campsie, who told us all about their fairly-traded school uniforms, which look very smart indeed.

“A number of schools across East Dunbartonshire are now using fairly-traded uniforms. As an authority we are committed to the ethos and values of Fair Trade, and will continue to work with local communities, organisations and traders on this important issue.”

The flag was raised in Kirkintilloch by Provost Una Walker and youngsters from Craighead Primary.

Bruno Peek OBE and Commonwealth Pageantmaster, said: “We are only in our third year and the involvement of so many people of all ages and from all walks of life shows the enormous potential of this project and of the Commonwealth.

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“It is a positive and uplifting way for people to link with fellow citizens of the Commonwealth in a family that spans across oceans and continents. There is a real sense of promise, and hope for the future in this current troubled world of ours.

“We also celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday on 21 April.”