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19 May 2025 - The CCL celebrates 100 Years with a Year-Long Centenary Celebration.

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 19 May 2025

The Commonwealth Countries League celebrates 100 Years with a Year-Long Centenary Celebration.

London, UK – May 2025 – The Commonwealth Countries League (CCL), a pioneering organisation committed to gender equality, education, and international unity, proudly announces its centenary year – celebrating 100 years of impactful service from 1925 to 2025.

The year-long celebration will launch with a prestigious Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords on 22nd May, hosted by The Right Honourable Lord David Hunt of Wirral and attended by high-profile guests, including the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and High Commissioners from various Commonwealth nations. The event will honour the CCL’s legacy and highlight some of it’s major tenets one of which being its mission empower girls through education.

Duchess Williams-Alonga, President of the CCL, stated:

“This centenary marks a significant milestone in our journey. We are proud to have supported girls’ education across the Commonwealth and to have built strong partnerships rooted in unity and peace. We look forward to celebrating our shared history and the future we are building together.”

Honey Kalaria, Events Team Member at CCL, added:

“The Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords will be a beautiful beginning to an extraordinary year. From cultural fairs to the International Children’s Peace

Assembly, we’re uniting generations and nations to reflect on our legacy and inspire global progress.”

Further highlights of the centenary year include:

• Patron’s Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords – our 2025 Patron of CCL Dr. Vasi Hollinghurst -Daniel will be leading tributes to CCL members past and present for their longstanding service and commitment to humanitarian and educational causes.

• The International Children’s Peace Assembly (ICPA) – A youth-focused summit on peace and development.

• Alice Hemming Lunch at the House of Lords – An afternoon in celebration of CCL’s founder.

• The Commonwealth Fair – A vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and collaboration.

• Centenary Gala Evening – The grand finale draws the year of festivities to a close.

Follow updates on our centenary events via our website and social media platforms. Together, let’s celebrate 100 Years of Empowerment, Education, and Unity.

About CCL:

Founded in 1925 by suffragette Alice Hemming, the Commonwealth Countries League is a pan-Commonwealth, voluntary civil society organisation championing girls’ education, gender equality, and mutual understanding across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

For Media Inquiries and Invitations Contact: Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) Email: admin@commonwealthcountriesleague.org Website: www.commonwealthcountriesleague.org Instagram / Facebook / Twitter: @cclglobal

#CCLCentenary #GirlsEducation #CommonwealthUnity #100YearsOfImpact

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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 23 May 2025

Commonwealth Countries League Joins River Blitz 2025 to Celebrate 100 Years of Empowerment with 100 Hours of Environmental Action

London, UK – May 2025 – As part of its historic Centenary celebrations (1925–2025), the Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) is proud to announce its participation in River Blitz 2025, a large-scale community clean-up effort organised by Rotary District 1130 on Saturday, 7th June 2025, along the River Thames near Woolwich Ferry and Pier Road.

In honour of its 100-year legacy, CCL aims to contribute at least 100 hours of environmental volunteering throughout the year—starting with River Blitz 2025—by mobilising its members, partners, and youth networks to take part in preserving one of London’s most vital natural landmarks.

Honey Kalaria, CCL Events Team Member and Rotary Environment Chair, shared: “Environmental responsibility is a vital part of the Commonwealth’s future. Through River Blitz 2025 and beyond, CCL is proud to take action, promote sustainability, and honour our centenary with purpose-driven impact.”

This collaborative initiative brings together community groups, local councils, and international partners including Newham Council, the International Children’s Peace Network, and various Rotary Clubs. The campaign highlights CCL’s broader centenary focus on education, peace, environment, and cultural unity.

The clean-up begins at 12:30 PM from North Woolwich Library, 5 Pier Road, Woolwich, E16 2LJ. Volunteers are encouraged to register via Eventbrite and come prepared for hands-on environmental action.

About CCL: Founded in 1925 by suffragette Alice Hemming, the Commonwealth Countries League is a non-partisan civil society organisation championing girls’ education, international cooperation, and social impact across the 56 Commonwealth nations.

For Media Inquiries: Email: admin@commonwealthcountriesleague.org Website: www.commonwealthcountriesleague.org Socials: @cclglobal

#CCLCentenary #RiverBlitz2025 #GirlsEducation #ProtectOurPlanet #100YearsOfImpact

For Media Inquiries: Email: admin@commonwealthcountriesleague.org Website: www.commonwealthcountriesleague.org Socials: @cclglobal

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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 28 May 2025 CCL Launches Centenary Year with House of Lords Celebration

The Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) officially kicked off its Centenary Year (1925-2025) with an inspirational Afternoon Tea at the House of Lords on22 May, hosted by The Rt. Hon. Lord David Hunt of Wirral.

The event welcomed high-profile guests including the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt. Hon. Shirley‘ Ayorkor Botchwey, and dignitaries from across 56 nations. In her keynote speech, the Secretary-General praised CCL’s commitment to girls’ education and gender equality, calling it “a foundation for a more equitable and prosperous society.”

With music by saxophonist Paula Juden and charming hosting by Dale Eaton, the event blended tribute and celebration. CCL President Duchess Wiliams-Alonga reaffirmed the League’s mission: “This centenary celebrates our past and energizes our commitment to empowering girls for abetter future.”

The event also saw the launch of the new CCL Centenary website:

www.commonwealthcountriesleague.org

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Join Us As We Celebrate 100 Years Of The CCL