Commonwealth Day 10 March 2025
Another great success was the view of BCA Chairman , Keith Stokes-Smith, in relation to Birmingham’s Celebration of Commonwealth Day 2025.
The morning service at St Philips Cathedral flowed very nicely incorporating music by the B: Music Work place choir and the Nishcam School choir with words from the Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham, Chair of the BCA . Keith Stokes-Smith, Students from BCU, UoB and Aston University, Faith leaders and of course a number of Hymns. The event also benefited from the support of cadets from the Military Preparation college who processed into the Cathedral carrying all of the flags of the 56 Commonwealth nations as well as the flags of British Overseas Territories. Amongst the audience were also members of the diplomatic Corps, the Chief Constable for the West Midlands, representatives from the military, charitable organisations, community groups, general public and BCA members.
The theme of the service was ‘Together we Thrive’; working together to uplift citizens and build a future defined by opportunity and resilience.
‘Our thanks must go to all those who participated in the service” said Keith “both as contributors and those attending it”. One of those attending wrote to us after “ We enjoyed it very much. We thought the service was very well put together with some excellent musical contributions and a thoughtful selection of scriptures; a super setting for such a prestigious service such as this. Birmingham is fortunate to have people motivated to promote the Commonwealth in this way”
One of the students taking part in the service said “This was a truly humble and great experience for me; I want to convey my sincerest gratitude to yourself and the BCA for this opportunity”.
We must also thank Rani Gundhu from West Mids. Police for her support of the event and Ray Walker who only recently joined us as our events manager.
Later in the day the BCA partnered with the Register office in our annual Commonwealth Day Citizenship event ; the granting of UK citizenship on behalf of the Home Office by the Register office to only Commonwealth citizens which on this this occasion spaned some 10 countries mainly from across the continent of Africa and Asia. For the first time arrangements were made for 25 children from the Colmore Junior School to commence the event singing a specially composed song – Come Together Everybody – written by Birmingham music teacher Sarah Baker, Composer in Residence at Services For Education. The song includes the words of the late Queen Elizabeth II in her messages of family, friendship and togetherness given at the opening ceremonies of recent Commonwealth Games.
Also attending the event was the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Sir David Thompson DL, representing King Charles, head of the Commonwealth, members of the Birmingham commonwealth society, Keith Stokes-Smith, Wade Lyn CBE, Ray Walker Nura Alli and Imrul Hassan, the later two giving a short talk about two key commonwealth values, gender equality/women’s rights and democracy. The BCA also gave each new British citizen a recently published BCA booklet providing information about the Commonwealth.
The day concluded with a three-course dinner; wine included. at The Hyatt Hotel in Broad St, Birmingham . Again, the entertained flowed with songs sung by the ‘Smile Community’ choir, a project delivered by BCA member ‘Bright Young Minds,’ providing safe spaces where young people enjoy sporting fun, art activities and adventure , followed by three songs by the Tiverton Academy School Choir led by Claire Vaughan, celebrating hope, diversity, friendship and togetherness.
The dinner was attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Birmingham, Deputy Lieutenant, Ms Dawn Ward CBE and The Police and Crime Commissioner together with other VIP guests.
Speakers included the Chair of the BCA, Keith Stokes-Smith, who reminded guests that Commonwealth Day was being celebrated throughout the 56 commonwealth member nations in pursuit of a common future centred on sustainability and peace.
He noted that over 150 young people had contributed to Birmingham’s Commonwealth Day events recognising the need to promote one of a number of commonwealth values, ‘the importance of young people’. He concluded by thanking its main sponsor, Birmingham City University for its belief in what the BCA does as well as the UoB and BCA members for their support.
After dinner guests heard an uplifting speech by the Rt Hon Mr Andrew Rosindell MP, Chairman of the Commonwealth All Party Parliamentary Group and Shadow Under Secretary ( Foreign, Commonwealth and Developments Affairs) the title being “The role of the Commonwealth and how more significant it can be” . It was a well-received speech with the speaker subsequently confirming that he thoroughly enjoyed himself.
“We were very pleased with the feedback from the dinner”. said Keith
“It was an excellent evening which brought together old friends and new joining together for one common purpose, to value and celebrate the diversity and strength of the Commonwealth” said one guest.
Another “. Congratulations on an uplifting and joyous evening”.
‘Another 6 months and we will need to start planning next years Commonwealth activities-9 March 2026. Meanwhile, we will continue to pursue our agenda across trade, education and communities/diaspora,’ said Keith
Keith Stokes-Smith 11 March 2025