I FEEL compelled to respond to Mike Cunningham’s tirade about the Durham Miners’ Gala (HAS, June 24).

Reading his description of the event I find it difficult to believe he has ever been.

I have attended the Gala almost every year for the past 30 years and have never witnessed any “sub-moronic marchers staggering their way to the racecourse”, never heard their “hate-filled rantings” nor noticed any boarded up shop windows.

What I have seen are thousands of people enjoying a great community atmosphere, heard lots of great music from smartly-presented marching bands and some very inspired speeches from the platform.

The union banners on display are not “tattered and threadbare” but lovingly cared for and treasured works of art which are symbols of our industrial heritage and carried with pride.

Yes, the city is extremely busy and it’s not the best day to choose to go shopping in Durham. Yes, there are people drinking alcohol, but in my 30-years' experience there has been relatively little trouble.

Mr Cunningham makes no mention of the Cathedral's annual participation in the event. I am not a church-goer but have been moved to tears by the blessing of the banners during the afternoon service.

Finally, I would say that the police do a great job on the day – and to suggest the sort of event happens that Mr Cunningham refers to is an insult to them.

Long live the Durham Miners’ Gala. The "hate-filled rantings" do not come from the marchers, Mr Cunningham.

Anne Alderson, Sadberge.

ON behalf of the Durham Miners Association we respond to the letter from Mike Cunningham who criticised the Durham Miners' Gala.

The day is a political and family day out enjoyed by thousands of people from the United Kingdom and all over the world.

It is a celebration of a rich cultural heritage and still attracts the giants of the trade union and Labour movement.

His comments about drunks and threadbare banners are an insult. The communities of Durham have worked tirelessly to restore and renovate their banners including many new banners since Thatcher destroyed the industry.

The DMA work hard with agencies, including the County Council and Police, to ensure the event passes off safely.

Last year’s Gala passed off with only five arrests – all after 5 pm. The police informed us that the crowds were well behaved and more arrests are made in the city on a normal Saturday evening.

The DMA has represented the finest people on earth and it has been a privilege to do so.

The views of Mr Cunningham are ignorant and mischievous. The Gala will continue as long as our people want it and we can afford to fund it.

David Hopper (Secretary), Alan Cummings (Chairman) and the Durham Miners Executive Committee.