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North-east Miners’ Banners

23 October 2024 7:30pm THERE’S NO NEED TO BOOK

North-East miners’ trade union banners are an important part of the heritage of the former pit communities of the Northumberland and Durham coalfield. Painted across their fabric are images and mottoes which reflect the history of the pitmen and their values.

Despite the closure of every deep mine in the north-east, new banners are still being made to represent the former colliery communities as well as the pitmen. Our October talk will throw the spotlight on these icons of trade unionism which are paraded at the annual Durham Miners’ Gala and other events.

Our Speaker

Our speaker, Ken Smith, is a retired Newcastle journalist who has authored or co-authored more than 20 books on various aspects of North-East history. These include ‘Echoes of the North-East Miners’, ‘The Great Northern Miners’ and ‘Splendour of the Gala’. 

Ken has also written extensively about north-east shipping and shipbuilding and has produced a short biography of Lord Armstrong of Cragside.

Our Venue

This event will take place at St George’s United Reformed Church on Newton Road, High Heaton NE7 7HP. It is on the corner with Boundary Gardens, the same block as Heaton Stannington’s football ground, Grounsell Park.

There are excellent public transport links including the numbers 18, 38, 52 and 553, which stop right by the church.

There is car parking on the surrounding streets. 

Booking 

There’s no need to book. Just turn up on the night.

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