HAVE never felt the need to write to HAS before, but feel that I need to respond to Mike Cunningham's letter about the Durham Miners Gala (HAS, June 24).

What a narrow-minded view of a long standing tradition, celebrating a proud history of mining in the North-East.

As a child, mother and now grandmother, I have very happy memories of brass bands, banners, fun and laughter, without the need to have ever been drunk.

Listening to the political speeches isn't compulsory. We find plenty of other things to fill our day.

It's obviously many years since Mr Cunningham has been in the city centre on Gala Day, as I cannot recall boarded up shops in recent times.

His reference to tattered and threadbare banners seems a little ignorant, as most have been lovingly restored by the communities they represent.

He seems to be using our Gala to have a political swipe at the Labour Party.

Maybe if he took off his blinkers and ventured down into the city on Saturday, July 11 he might actually enjoy himself.

If not, let others celebrate and give thanks to our hard working miners.

Janice Watson, Durham.