The Durham Big Meeting as most of my era call it is a gathering of not only mineworkers but every working class people in this country, I have been coming to the Big Meeting for over 60 year now , my great grandfather was a miner, my grandfather, Father and uncles and now I'm still coming here with my son and Daughter and my grandsons long may it last.
30yrs a coal miner, 2024 will be my 1st stay in Durham for the DMA. I cannot wait to revisit Durham with the family to our history & futures marching together. Up the Marras.
I'll be honest. It makes me cry when I hear "Gresford" and see the banners. It makes me think of my dad, his brothers (one of whom was killed just 14 years old at Wearmouth Colliery), my cousins and all the many family members who worked underground. It makes me recall the struggles we experienced - 1972, 1974 and the Great Strike of 1984/85 - and the ones that came earlier like 1921 and 1926 when the Durham miners refused to surrender. I am deeply proud to come from a community of heroes: men and women, all.
One of the best days of my life as the daughter of a striking miner from South Wales. Both my mam and dad came and I will never forget the look on their faces as we saw our first banner and heard the first brass band. I don't think I felt that way since the strike in 1984, the sense of togetherness and hope that there are others who think the same.
The Durham Big Meeting as most of my era call it is a gathering of not only mineworkers but every working class people in this country, I have been coming to the Big Meeting for over 60 year now , my great grandfather was a miner, my grandfather, Father and uncles and now I'm still coming here with my son and Daughter and my grandsons long may it last.
30yrs a coal miner, 2024 will be my 1st stay in Durham for the DMA. I cannot wait to revisit Durham with the family to our history & futures marching together. Up the Marras.
I'll be honest. It makes me cry when I hear "Gresford" and see the banners. It makes me think of my dad, his brothers (one of whom was killed just 14 years old at Wearmouth Colliery), my cousins and all the many family members who worked underground. It makes me recall the struggles we experienced - 1972, 1974 and the Great Strike of 1984/85 - and the ones that came earlier like 1921 and 1926 when the Durham miners refused to surrender. I am deeply proud to come from a community of heroes: men and women, all.
The highlight of the day is the blessing of the banners. A truly amazing specticle that it evokes so much feeling inside of me.
My favourite day of the year! ✊
One of the best days of my life as the daughter of a striking miner from South Wales. Both my mam and dad came and I will never forget the look on their faces as we saw our first banner and heard the first brass band.
I don't think I felt that way since the strike in 1984, the sense of togetherness and hope that there are others who think the same.
Nice to see Corbyn. Great to be reminded of the many times I was there. Does our current PM attend? I think not.
That was my first gig with Stanhope Silver Band
how long is the introduction
sorry my impatience
It's Durham big meeting to me not gala or am I old fashioned