I have just watched the Commonwealth Service on BBC iplayer. Along with others on here, it was the first one I have watched and I was inspired to do so to up the viewing figures and stick one in the eye to the gruesome twosome.
What an absolutely delightful programme it was! It really isn’t my sort of thing. I only usually watch the big royal weddings. However, it was very touching and powerful. I actually teared up during the Bob Marley songs and Say a Little Prayer. The song words were perfect for what we have all been through with the pandemic this last year and the general message of all the songs was about love and togetherness. My teenager daughter saw me sniffing and watery eyed and backed out of the room slowly!
I loved all the little snippets of people in other commonwealth countries who were doing their bit to help others and protect the planet. The little kids looking after trees in Kenya and the little rickshaw ambulance service set up in Bangladesh. All these people doing wonderful and kind acts for the good of others. Not for any rewards, money, or fanfare. Simply because they saw a need and genuinely wanted to help. It was so touching to see all these other nations mucking in together in their own unique ways with pride and smiles on their faces.
The contrast between what people in these commonwealth countries have been doing over the last 12 months compared to the selfish, bitter, and spiteful acts of the Harkles is staggering. The difference in attitudes and outlook between the ’haves’ and the ‘have nots’ was vast. I sincerely hope the Harkles and their clueless fans watched that powerful programme and it made them sit up and just THINK of others for once in their lives. It would give them a valuable lesson in appreciating that there is far more to life than celebrity, money, and possessions. The people featured from the various different countries were real life examples of the kindness and compassion that that pair lecture us all about but sadly do not demonstrate in their own lives.
Phew! Sorry for the essay. I guess the service touched me and made me feel very grateful to be part of the Commonwealth, something I have taken for granted until now. It has given me a newfound appreciation and interest. The Commonwealth Games are being held in Birmingham next year and I think I will watch that too!