Miners' banners to shine in Durham Cathedral exhibition marking 1984 strike
A massive display of 40 miners banners is going on display on Wearside.
Durham Cathedral will host the exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike which started in 1984.
Plenty from Sunderland on show
Silksworth and New Herrington in Sunderland, Houghton, Hetton Lyons and Murton will be among the banners in the display from October 22 to November 7.
The Cathedral’s Chief Officer: Visitor Experience and Enterprise Andrew Usher said: “Durham Cathedral and the local mining communities have strong links dating back to the 1800s and this exhibition not only tells the story of the region's mining heritage but is a celebration of the fantastic local banners representing each colliery and the community spirit that continues in the region.”
Showing solidarity
The exhibition is called Solidarity Forever: Banners of the Durham Mining Community. It is being held in collaboration with the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association and Redhills, Durham.
Patricia Simmons from the Durham Mining Communities Banner Groups Association said: “To have this exhibition in the historical grandeur of Durham Cathedral demonstrates how committed we are in continuing to celebrate the past but looking to the future.”
Strength and resilience in abundance
All of the banners on display have been paraded through the streets of Durham on Gala day, and each as been blessed at the cathedral during the Miners Festival Service which has taken place every year since 1897.
Revd Canon Michael Hampel, Vice-Dean and Precentor of Durham Cathedral, said: “Durham Cathedral has been a feature of Durham’s landscape for over 900 years. It’s strong and resilient and the mining communities of County Durham were also strong and resilient which is why they still come to the Cathedral year after year at the Gala to give thanks to God for the past and look with hope to the future.
‘The people survive and so do their banners’
“The mines have gone but the people survive and so do their banners.”
There is no admission charge to enter the cathedral but a £5 donation is encouraged to help support the work of the cathedral and the care of its buildings for future generations.
The banners on show will also include Glebe (Washington), Horden, Hylton, Washington F Pit, Seaham, Dawdon and Vane Tempest and the Women's Banner Group.