Great day at Miners’ Gala

Another year has passed and yet another successful Miners’ Gala in our beautiful city of Durham.

To say that the gala is getting bigger and better as the years roll by is in my opinion something of an understatement.

The reason I state this is, as a regular to “the big meeting” I have witnessed its popularity grow and grow year on year.

I guess one of the reasons for its continuing success is because of the growing number of trade unions that are attending, all across the union spectrum are making their way to the gala in a show of popularity,unity and strength, from teachers, post office workers, manufacturing to name but a few – they were all there to enjoy the occasion.

Of course it is initially a miners’ gala and they were proud people young and old parading with immense pride their banners in a reminder to all that this day each year will never die.

Of course it would be remiss of me not to mention the people who give up their time throughout the year to make this day happen.

Firstly, we as a village and banner partnership are humbled by the efforts of Pat and Bob Melvin, who work tirelessly behind the scenes in order to cater for all who wishes to attend the gala.

Secondly, it has to be said that the band which takes our banner through the village, into Durham and back home again are the complete stars of the show.

Hepworth band are a bunch of musicians with undoubted talent and an abundance of enthusiasm, without doubt they entertained the throngs lining the streets both in and out of Durham and outside the county hotel.

Thirdly, a massive thank you to everyone who made the effort to be there on Saturday, July 14, the mixture of very young children, parents and grandparents was a sight to see and I cannot thank everyone enough for making this day, our day, “The Big Meeting” once again a day to remember.

A heartfelt thank you to all concerned. Garry Wallace, New Herrington Lodge