Fitting tribute is planned for union boss Davey after sudden death
Up to a thousand mourners are expected to attend the funeral of miners’ union stalwart Davey Hopper.
The details have been confirmed for the humanist service at 9.45am on Friday, July 29, at Redhills, the head quarters for Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), the organisation he helped head as its general secretary.
Scores of politicians and union chiefs paid tribute to the 73-year-old after he had a heart attack just a week after the 132nd Durham Miners’ Gala, where Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn helped attract one of its biggest ever crowds.
It has not yet been confirmed if Mr Corbyn will attend the service, which will see a marquee and sound system set up to accommodate the crowd.
It will be led by Rodney Bickerstaffe, a well-known figure in the Labour and trade union movements and a former general secretary of Unison.
Speakers will include Alan Mardghum, who took on the role of lodge secretary of at Wearmouth Colliery from Davey, Geoff Shears of Thompsons solicitors, and Alan Cummings, chairman of the DMA.