Everyone at the Durham Miners Association is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Rick Sumner, founder of the National Justice for Mineworkers Campaign (NJMC). A lifelong socialist, trade unionist, and anti-racism campaigner, Rick worked as a miner at Shuttle Eye Colliery in West Yorkshire. He also worked as a trawlerman, a scaffolder and […]

After lengthy consultations with our partners we have, reluctantly, decided that this year’s Durham Miners’ Gala cannot go ahead. The executive committee of the DMA felt we could not ask all of our partners in local government, the police, health services and banner groups to forge on towards our great day while the possibility of […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) is continuing to prepare for this year’s Gala. The Durham Miners’ Gala is due to be held on Saturday 10 July 2021. This would see the Gala return for its 150th anniversary, following the cancellation of last year’s event in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alan Mardghum, Secretary of the DMA, said: “We are […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has paid tribute to Anne Suddick. Anne, who has died aged 72, was central to the efforts to support miners and their families during the 1984-85 strike. With great courage and determination, she made an enormous contribution to communities across the Durham coalfield and beyond. Anne lived most of her life […]

Stephen Guy has been appointed the Chairman of the Durham Miners’ Association. The former miner takes up the position as the DMA continues its work to ensure a vibrant legacy for the region’s proud mining heritage. In the voluntary role, Stephen will support the DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum and executive in their efforts to secure […]

The Durham Miners’ Association is greatly saddened by the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the Labour Party. As the leader and as an MP he has always fought for the interests of working people and has been a staunch supporter of the Durham Miners’ Gala. The party has always been a broad church of political viewpoints, […]

The Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) has paid tribute to union stalwart Harry Dinning. Harry, who has died aged 84, dedicated his life to his family, his community and his union. Born at Wardley in 1936, he began work at the local colliery at age 15, and went on to work at Washington Glebe, Usworth and Wearmouth. […]

The Durham Miners Association has called for a UK-wide review of policing during the 1984/5 miners’ strike after Scotland’s government indicated it would pardon hundreds of wrongly arrested miners. DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum said hundreds of Durham miners were not only arrested in Scotland but also on picket lines in England. He called for a national inquiry […]

The Durham Miners Association (DMA) is asking people not to flock to the city on what would have been Gala day. The 136th Durham Miners Gala was due to take place this Saturday, 11 July. The event was cancelled in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The DMA took the decision to cancel in the early days of the pandemic […]

The Durham Miners’ Gala will be celebrated online next month. The 136th Gala was due to take place in Durham on Saturday 11 July but was cancelled in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The day will now be marked online with a series of new content celebrating the spirit and values of the event. The centrepiece of the day will […]