THURROCK Council joined institutions and groups across the world today (Monday, 13 March), to raise the flag for Commonwealth Day.

The annual celebration of Commonwealth Day unites 54 countries – almost a third of the world's population – in recognising and honouring the values that the Commonwealth upholds.

The event at the Town Hall in Grays was attended by Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr James Halden, and Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Deborah Arnold.

Reflecting on the event, Cllr Halden said: "The Commonwealth is one of the cornerstones of this country's identity, and is one that unites us as part of an international community that's united by a deep sense of affinity and kinship.

"Thurrock is proudly linked with many countries across the Commonwealth. For example Tilbury in Ontario, Canada has connections with the Port of Tilbury in Thurrock, with a number of roads in our Tilbury being named after Canadian cities. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Empire Windrush arriving from Caribbean islands to Tilbury Docks carrying many West Indian's who came to the UK in the period after World War II.

"We also mark Commonwealth Day this year with King Charles III as the Head of the Commonwealth, continuing the great work of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who sadly passed in September.

"As we celebrate the theme of 'forging a sustainable and peaceful common future' for 2023, I send my best wishes to those across the world proudly flying the Commonwealth flag and Thurrock residents with ties to those countries, as we strive towards creating a more equal and equitable future for all of humanity." 

Stanford Air Cadets and Mayor Cllr James Halden at Purfleet-on-Thames museum

On Saturday Cllr Halden hosted an event celebrating the Commonweath at Purfleet-on-Thames Heritage and Military History centre.

Civic representatives from across the region joined him for a Commonwealth afternoon tea and tour of the museum.