What: Tree planting ceremony to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade
Where: Canons House, Canons Leisure Centre, Madeira Road, Mitcham, CR4 4HD
When: Monday 14 May 2007 at 11am

To commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade throughout the British Empire, the Mayor of Merton will plant an olive tree to honour the memory of those whose lives were affected by slavery.

The Mayor will place a plaque by the olive tree, which will read: ‘This tree was planted to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. The past we inherit – the future we build.’

The ceremony, which starts at 11am outside Canons House, will be attended by the borough’s councillors (both past and present), faith communities, BME Groups and representatives of Merton’s heritage groups, including: The Wandle Industrial Museum, Wimbledon Society Museum of Local History and the Merton Historical Society.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Geraldine Stanford, said:

“We commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade and we remember and pay our tribute to those affected by slavery. “

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