Impressions of Durham Miners Gala 1971

Miners Gala

[@jamesduffy1087]

I have fond memories of attending the Durham Miners' Gala with the rest of my family and proudly marching behind the Harton and Westoe Lodge banner where my late father worked. In this 1971 still footage I appear, with my late father, John Duffy, following the Harton and Westoe Lodge banner as we descend from Durham Station at 0.32 seconds. I am carrying the newspaper and my father is on my right. My late father was often referred to as the 'banner-man' because he was frequently chosen to carry the banner at 'The Big Meet' in Durham. The banner is draped in black silk in 1971 in memory of the men who were killed in the colliery that year. I heard all the major politicians speaking at the Racecourse or saw them on the balcony of the County Hotel. Little did I know then, that I would pursue a degree at Durham University several year's later.

[@paulbird3235]

We were ONCE a great nation!. These images prove it, we are a shambles of yesteryear. lets hope for a better future.

[@derekatkinson8807]

Well.done All.stay.safe Still.going

[@Crusader804]

The " salt of the earth". These were men.👏👏👏👏👏

[@engineer7287]

Am I correct in saying if the banner had a black top, it meant there had been a death in the last year.

[@jamesduffy1087]

Yes you are correct. Harton and Westoe Lodge banner had black silk draped across the banner in memory of the three me who had died in the colliery during the previous twelve months.

[@colin4892]

At this time the council were starting to destroy Durham