Anna Maria Vassa was the elder daughter of Olaudah Equiano, a leading abolitionist, and his wife Susannah. Anna Maria died on 21 July 1797, when just 4 years old, and she is buried in St Andrew’s Churchyard. For many years now, St Andrew’s has held an annual memorial for her when as a church and community we remember and celebrate her life and that of her father, Olaudah Equiano. It will take place this year on Sunday 23 July.

Our main service at 10am will last about 50 minutes, and this year includes a baptism of a child from within our congregation, alongside our ‘Vassa Day’ theme. At the end of the service, the congregation will process outside to the churchyard beside the plaque on the north wall of the church that commemorates Anna Maria. The poem on the memorial will be read and a wreath of white flowers placed below the plaque. 

All are welcome to the Service and the refreshments that follow our time outside.