Everyone at the Durham Miners’ Association is saddened by the passing of Phil Irwin at the age of 66. Phil was a miner at Wearmouth Colliery and an NUM activist. He represented Wearmouth Lodge in a number of union positions, including lodge treasurer from 1985 until the colliery’s closure. Phil also represented the union on the area […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has paid tribute to trade union stalwart David Murdoch. David, who had died aged 80, was a dedicated long-serving official in the NUM’s Cosa section. He was a great friend and supporter of the DMA and the Durham Miners’ Gala over more than four decades. DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum said: […]

The 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) will be celebrated at a special Evensong service at Durham Cathedral. The service will be the culmination of the Lights of the North appeal, which sees the DMA and the Cathedral joining together to celebrate the people and communities of the Durham Coalfield, past and present. The appeal will enable people to remember […]

Jeremy Corbyn will speak at the 135th Durham Miners’ Gala, on Saturday 13 July 2019. Jeremy has visited and spoken at The Big Meeting many times over three decades, including in each year he has served as Leader of The Labour Party. Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association, said: “We are delighted and proud that Jeremy Corbyn […]

Durham University’s new Working Class Students Association (WCSA) will march for the first time at this year’s Big Meeting. The group will attend the Durham Miners’ Gala with their new banner made following their first annual working-class history month. The months of activities and events focused on the history and ongoing work of the Durham […]

Ken Loach  will be the reader at the Miners Festival Service at Durham Cathedral as part of this year’s Gala. The acclaimed filmmaker will speak at the service, which will also include the blessing of the new banner marking the 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA). Ken said: “It is an honour to be asked to […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) is pleased to announce the platform speakers for the 135th Durham Miners’ Gala. The Big Meeting will be held on Saturday 13 July 2019, with the speeches on the racecourse getting underway at 1pm. DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum, who will chair The Big Meeting for the first time, said: “In our […]

With huge crowds expected at this year’s Durham Miners Gala, organisers have launched a new campaign to ensure the event remains a safe and peaceful day of celebration. In its 150th year, the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) is calling on everyone who attends to respect the meaning and traditions of the Gala, the host city, and the […]

A floral display celebrating 150 years of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) is welcoming visitors to the city this summer.  Depicting the DMA emblem, the display on Gilesgate roundabout was unveiled at the launch of Durham in Bloom. The DMA was founded on 20 November 1869 at a meeting at the Market Tavern in the city.  […]

The Durham Miners’ Association is calling on everyone in our communities to vote Labour in the upcoming European elections. Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “I urge everyone to vote Labour in the European elections. Farage and others on the far right do not understand and do not care about the challenges our communities face. […]