Miners’ toast to their history
UNION PREPARING TO MARK ITS ANNIVERSARY
formed to mark that occasion.
As the DMA builds for the future, with plans to secure the Gala and Redhills for the next generation, chairman Joe Whitworth, executive member Barry Chambers, and programme director people with hopes for a better world, and a determination to unite in solidarity to make their own history.
“They are giants of the trade union movement, and we stand today on their shoulders.” Earlier this month, the DMA announced an ambitious plan to restore its 102-year-old Redhills headquarters, and establish it as a hub of heritage and culture for the Durham Coalfield.
Its council chamber – or Pitman’s Parliament – is in poor repair and needs urgent conservation work.
Some of the county’s banner groups and parish councils have already pre-booked their seats and now the of- fer is open to the public. All funds raised will go towards the restoration of the room.
The DMA has also established the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala, to help secure the future of the Big Meeting, founded in 1871.
For details of the sponsorships and to Take Your Seat in the Pitman’s Parliament, visit: www.redhillsdurham. org and for more information of the Friends of Durham Miners’ Gala, and to become a “Marra”, visit: www.friendsofdurhamminersgala.org/ join_us.
For more on the DMA, visit: durhamminers.org.