Traditionally, March marks the onset of new beginnings. The beginning of Spring, of days that stay lighter for longer, and of Lent. Yet with those spring time novelties looming in the ever- so near future, that the 8th of March is Commonwealth day, is often overlooked.

The British Commonwealth consists of 54 voluntary members which were all previously part of the British Empire. These countries all strive to exist within a ‘frame work of common values and goals.’ Commonwealth countries seek to endorse democracy, individual liberty, free trade and world peace and are all of equal standing, under the head of commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II.

Commonwealth day falls on the 8th March 2010; it will be marked by a speech by Queen Elizabeth II and a multi faith service at Westminster Abbey. Worldwide, the commonwealth countries will celebrate our global partnership and the ideals and values that we share, despite our varying cultures and beliefs.

The 2010 commonwealth theme is science, technology and society, and will endeavour to remind ‘the commonwealth institutions of how science underpins economic and social progress’ and of its relevance to a modern democracy. Furthermore, the commonwealth establishment will collective try to meet several objectives, associated with this years theme. The goals are; to strengthen the commonwealth’s delivery of healthcare, to help countries ‘sustain and utilize their natural resources’, to use IT to help achieve social and economic growth and to help farmers ‘grow more, and loose less.’ In addition, the commonwealth also wants to improve and develop alternative and renewable energy sources, and for every individual of the commonwealth to gain ‘access to higher education, regardless of their gender, age, socio- economic state, or ethnicity.’ So this year, we must not overlook Commonwealth day, in favour of those seemingly ‘more exciting’ spring dates, and there are plenty of ways to get involved. For example, you can compete in the commonwealth essay competition, the cinematography or photography awards, or simply follow ‘commonwealth day’ on Twitter. . .Happy Commonwealth day!