Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey
Wednesday 15th March 2017On Monday 13 March, BB members from across the UK joined 800 children and young people from across the UK at the Commonwealth Service in Westminster Abbey, in celebration of Commonwealth Day.
Her Majesty The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, attended, accompanied by TRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Henry of Wales, The Duke of York and The Earl of Wessex. High Commissioners, dignitaries from across the UK and around the Commonwealth, senior politicians and faith leaders were also present.
Representing the BB were: Tom Baird from 1st Legacurry, Cabrini Brown from 1st Ballygowan, Lucy Mawhinney from 1st Lylehill, Daniel and Michael Akintoye from 2nd Bermondsey, Cameron Stein from 1st Kirkliston and Jon Rogers from 28th West Kent.
The Service celebrated the 2017 Commonwealth theme of ‘A Peace-building Commonwealth’, reaffirming the Commonwealth Charter principle that: ‘international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all’.
Jon Rodgers, member of 28th West Kent company, said:
“It was an honour and privilege to attend such a service, see the Queen and appreciate what the Commonwealth does and what it represents.”
Bill Stevenson, CEO, The Boys’ Brigade also attended the service. He said:
“The group of BB young people from across the UK did a super job representing the organisation at such a prestigious event.
“We have a lot in common with the Commonwealth, as The Boys’ Brigade is itself a worldwide organisation. Whether a member in Kenya or in the UK, we hope that our young people recognise that they are part of a worldwide family.”
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, DBE and Ms Fadumo Olow, a young Muslim woman from the Youth Sport Trust, processed The Queen’s Baton to the High Altar with Commonwealth athletes Anna Meares OAM and Kurt Fearnley OAM. The audience enjoyed performances by Australian musician, Cody Simpson, British spoken-word performer, George the Poet, and Canadian Soprano, Measha Brueggergosman. The event was broadcast live on BBC One and relayed live on BBC World Service.
Tags: commonwelath day
