A GROUP wanting to erect a memorial to an anti-slavery campaigner in Weymouth is nearing the halfway stage of its fundraising campaign.

Latest developments in fundraising came as the Thomas Fowell Buxton Society marked Black History Month by inviting a former American serviceman to give a talk.

Lynwood Newman, who moved to Weymouth from Philadelphia in 1989, gave a fascinating talk, entitled Slavery in the USA.

Members heard about how Europeans took advantage of the slavery endemic amongst African tribes to transport millions of men, women and children across the Atlantic.

The audience were also given presentations on 21st century manifestations of slavery by representatives of the society’s networking partners: Elisabeth Orrell speaking for Weymouth and Portland Fairtrade Zone, Joyce Fannon representing Purple Teardrop Campaign and Dave Corbin from South West Dorset Multicultural Network.

There were displays showing the work of the multicultural network and also featuring artwork from Year 5 pupils at Chickerell Primary Academy on the theme of freedom.

This school, and St Augustine’s Primary School, had taken part in the society’s educational initiative of a presentation on Sugar and Slavery, linked to Fairtrade, and offered to primary schools earlier this year.

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

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

John Fannon, from the society, said the Black History Month event acted as another fundraiser and says almost £9,000 has been raised in total so far.

To find out more about Thomas Fowell Buxton Society please visit thomasfowellbuxton.

org.uk