Page 47 - Phonebox Magazine August 2007

The March of the Abolitionists in Olney, July 7–9
The Marchers apologise. It was a great occasion, matching the fact that the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago had its roots with John Newton in Olney. Seventeen young men and women, black and white, whose ancestors had, in various ways, been involved in the slave trade had marched up and down England in recent months to make and receive apology for what was done. In Lavendon they were met by Malcolm Jones who has spoken of being incredibly moved by the experience of walking with the marchers and who felt privileged to have been their guide. In Olney they were met by some three hundred people led by members of our youth organizations, and accompanied by a group of African drummers and dancers. They walked down Olney High Street to take part in the events at the Market Place, the Cowper Newton Museum, and the Parish Church.
Twenty million slaves today. The March also drew attention to the fact that slavery is still thriving today in the suffering of 20 million people across the world who are still mistreated as were their ancestors two hundred years ago. They include bonded labourers, child soldiers and children trafficked to foreign lands, many into the sex trade. We heard how World Vision, among many other charities, is helping set such
people free, and how we can get involved in today's abolition movement.
A Civic Reception, and the benefits of apology. We were delighted that Olney Town Council allowed us to hire the Olney Centre and that our Town Mayor, Jock Smail and the Deputy Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Jan Loyd were among the dignatories who accepted our invitation. Our Olney Town Queen and Princesses had been in the parade and were very welcome guests at the reception too. After a lovely buffet supper provided by Lindsay Heath we moved to the Long Room where we saw a fascinating DVD about the Lifeline Expedition and the many other walks they have organized in countries all round the North Atlantic. We learned how the scars of slavery are still deep among descendants of the slaves and that we, whose present relative wealth results from the slave trade should join the apology. Several of the marchers spoke eloquently of how the apology had changed their whole attitude to life. And we heard more of the campaign to 'Set all Free' of which World vision is a part.
Overnight in the Church Halls. The marchers slept for two nights on the floor in the Church Halls of the Baptist and United reformed Churches. They worshipped in the various Churches, sometimes speaking to
the congregations. Then they had lunch, followed by a welcome shower and the chance to wash clothes – for they've been on the road for over a month! Those of us involved at this stage found it a significant experience.
Barn Dance in the Parish Church Hall. This was a fun occasion we shared with the marchers. We had hoped that this would provide the money to pay for other events. But unfortunately it proved to have been a bad day as nearly everyone else had other plans. We had a good time together, but the whole week-end, which cost £1193, has left us with a deficit of £704. This is in spite of generous deductions from supporters and sponsorship from Marcus Jordan, Cox and Robinson, Stephen Oakley, and Donzella's Italian Restaurant.
Ousedale School. We were delighted that the Marchers were able to visit the Olney Campus to conduct an assembly and I gather they had a good reception. From there they were going on to Luton, and then to London for a well-earned rest.
Fundraising. We shall be fundraising in coming weeks but meanwhile we invite generous readers to contribute to a valuable cause. If we get more money than we need it will go to the Lifeline expedition which arranges these events. K
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Phonebox Magazine 47