The Commonwealth flag was raised outside Fenland Hall in March yesterday as part of a national initiative.

Cambs Times: Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall.Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall. (Image: Archant)

Fenland District Council joined with local authorities all over the country in staging a flag-raising ceremony to demonstrate its commitment to the Commonwealth and its values.

Cambs Times: Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall.Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall. (Image: Archant)

Freddie Grounds MBE, one of Cambridgeshire’s Deputy Lieutenants, read out a message from the Queen sent to all those taking part in the “Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth” initiative.

Cambs Times: Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall.Commonwealth flag raising at Fenland hall. (Image: Archant)

Councillor Ken Mayor, FDC’s chairman, then read out the Commonwealth Affirmation, which speaks of friendship, development, democracy, respect, understanding, exploring new ideas and rising to fresh challenges.

Councillor Mayor said: “The Commonwealth is a true family of nations and a powerful influence for good in the world. We are proud to share in this unique celebration of all that it stands for.

“It is a concrete way of demonstrating our commitment to upholding the values of tolerance, understanding and respect for all people that are set out in its Charter.”