AN ANNUAL memorial service dedicated to a Weymouth social crusader will be held this weekend.

The Thomas Fowell Buxton Society will be holding its annual memorial service at the Buxton Monument on Bincleaves Green, Weymouth, on Sunday, September 8 at 3pm.

This service will honour the memory of Thomas Fowell Buxton, who as MP for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, led the parliamentary party in the abolition of slavery in the British Dominions.

The Act of Parliament abolishing slavery was achieved in August 1833 and came into effect on August 1, 1834.

It was in September 1834 that the news was received that emancipation has passed off peaceably.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Caroline Nickinson will open the proceedings and Dr Carl Whitehouse will lead the service.

As in previous years there will be a small merchandise stall selling copies of recent presentations (off-prints), together with Monumental Marmalade and seasonal preserves – damson jam and crab apple jelly.

Members of the public are invited to attend the service.