The 2020 Durham Miners’ Gala has been cancelled due to the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis. The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) took the decision today despite the Gala not being until July. The reasons for taking the early action are: 1: To relieve the public services (police, local authority, medical and fire services) from the detailed planning and preparation in the months […]

County Durham is mobilising a huge community response to support vulnerable people through the coronavirus crisis. Supported by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), a local charity is stepping up effort to mobilise a huge community response to support vulnerable people through the Covid-19 crisis. East Durham Trust (EDT) is recruiting additional volunteers to take their services to the next […]

Durham Miners Association (DMA) today (21/01/2020) clarified its position on invitations to the annual Gala. DMA secretary Alan Mardghum said all people were welcome to attend the Durham Miners’ Gala regardless of their voting choices in the general election. He said newly-elected Tory MPs would not be invited as guests of the DMA as they […]

The DMA has welcomed the announcement that a Labour government will guarantee vital health support for former miners on the Durham coalfield. Shadow Health Secretary Jon Ashworth announced the plans during a visit to The Spennymoor Settlement – home of the Pitman Academy where artists including Norman Cornish and Tom McGuinness developed their talents. An incoming Labour […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has paid tribute to long-standing member Norman Henderson, who has passed away aged 77. Norman was a union activist all his life and served as the Secretary of the DMA’s Eden Lodge. He was also a member of the DMA Executive Committee and an active participant in the DMA’s educational schools. […]

A crippling condition known as ‘miner’s claw’ will finally be recognised as an industrial disease after a five-year campaign led by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA). Dupuytren’s Contracture (DC) causes the fingers to curl over into a claw-like state, and can lead to amputation. The incurable condition is common among former pitmen, and other industrial workers. In May […]

A traditional festive brass band concert returns the historic home of the Durham Miners Association (DMA) this Christmas.  For many years, the Christmas concert at Redhills: Durham Miners Hall was a highlight of the festive season for DMA members and their families. Last year, the much-loved festive tradition was revived – and opened to the public for the […]

The 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners Association has been celebrated at a special service at Durham Cathedral. Marking 150 years to the day since the founding of the DMA, the Evensong service was a moving and powerful celebration of the people and communities of the Durham Coalfield, past and present. Attended by representatives of the […]

Director Ken Loach is coming to the home of the Durham miners for a screening of his acclaimed new film. Sorry We Missed You is a powerful exploration of the contemporary world of work, the gig economy and the challenges faced by one family trying to hold it all together. The two-time Palme D’Or winner will take part […]

The Pelton Fell Colliery Disaster claimed the lives of 24 Durham miners on 31 October 1866. The three youngest victims were 11 years old. The community will come together for a memorial service marking the anniversary of the disaster. People are asked to gather at the Old Pit Head opposite The Brockwell Centre (DH2 2NH) at 9.20am on Thursday 31 October to […]