A CAMPAIGNER for social justice and former Weymouth MP has been remembered at two high profile events this summer.

Events organised by the Weymouth-based Thomas Fowell Buxton Society have helped to raise the profile of the society aims and raise money for the cause.

The society was set up to celebrate the achievements of Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton, a great social crusader of the nineteenth century and former Weymouth MP who led the campaign to abolish slavery as an economic system.

As well as carrying out educational work, the society hopes to erect a monument at Bincleaves Green in Weymouth which will cost around £20,000.

(TFBS). The first was a Dinner and Auction at the renowned Brooks's Club in London on the evening of 22nd July. One hundred diners enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal. The guest auctioneer , Nicholas Bonham, oversaw the auction of 19 lots, ranging from two tickets to the Opera to 10 days in Kenya for two. Thomas Fowell Buxton memorabilia also featured, generously donated by the Buxton family. The proceeds of the evening went to help fund the proposed Buxton Monument to be sited on Bincleaves Green, Weymouth to commemorate the achievements of the abolitionist and prison reformer, Thomas Fowell Buxton, MP for Weymouth (1818 - 1837). James Buxton, Society Trustee, and his enthusiastic team worked very hard to make this a such a memorable and successful evening.

This was followed by a visit to Westminster Abbey on a sunny August 1st by society members and civic dignitaries. The coach left Weymouth at 7.30 am. The party included the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Cllr Christine James. At the Abbey the Weymouth party joined some members of the Buxton family and the High Commissioner Her Excellency, Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, for a short Memorial Service for Thomas Fowell Buxton. This took place at his statue. Canon David Stanton of the Abbey led the service. Rev Edward Tyldesley (Weymouth) read the Psalm and Dr John Fannon, Society trustee, gave the address entitled, "A Life of Heroic Virtue". Then the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland laid a floral tribute on behalf of the Borough and Sir Crispin Buxton, 8th Baronet, laid one on behalf of the family. The Mayor addressed the audience as the President of the TFB Society. The beautiful service ended with a prayer and a Blessing.

The fifty people attending the service then joined almost 150 descendants of Thomas Fowell Buxton at a Picnic in the Park, held in Victoria Tower Gardens at the impressive Buxton Fountain, named for the famous MP. The date 1st August 1834 was significant as emancipation, freedom, became a reality for 800,000 slaves in the British Empire. The Act of Parliament had been passed the previous year in 1833.

The Weymouth party was made very welcome. At one point £5 notes were flourished; on the back is the portrait of Elizabeth Fry, prison reformer and sister-in-law of Thomas Fowell Buxton. He features in the group picture standing on the most left hand side. The £5-notes were then donated to the Buxton Monument Fund. Everyone agreed that this had proved an inspiration and most enjoyable day out.