Mining history back on display (From The Northern Echo)

Mining history back on display

8:46am Monday 7th July 2008 in

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AN exhibition of mining memorabilia that closed early because funding ran out is due to re-open after securing new support.

Tomorrow, the Durham Miners' Heritage Group will welcome the first visitors to its revamped display at Nevilles Cross Social Club, in Durham City.

The original display opened in April last year, in an upstairs room at the club.

It had been due to run for a year, but was forced to close at the end of February because the group lacked the funds to buy insurance.

Now it is expected to run until next June - and the group is hoping that, in the meantime, it can find a venue for a permanent display.

Group secretary John Kitching said: "We got £9,800 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, £1,000 from the Barbour Trust and £500 from the executive of the Durham Miners Association.

"I'm delighted, absolutely delighted. I am very grateful to The Northern Echo because you highlighted the situation and this is how the trust saw our plight.

"Without that we would have been finished, without a shadow of a doubt.'' Mr Kitching said the exhibition had been altered slightly from its original layout and now included exhibits relating to miners' homes.

It features implements that colliers used in their working lives, posters from past Durham Miners Galas and pitrelated artwork.

Schools are also being invited to apply for visits from the group.

Mr Kitching said he felt it was important that the story of mining was told.

"There are people who would like it to be buried with the mines, but it is our heritage and it is how our communities started,'' he said.

The exhibition is open at the club, in Nevilles Cross Bank, from 11am to 4pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and between 11am and 3pm on Saturdays.

On Friday, the eve of the Durham Miners Gala, it will be open from 6pm to 9pm, and on Saturday from 11am and 3pm.

Admission costs £1 for adults, 50p for children and pensioners and is free to the unemployed.

For details, call 07950-430334 or visit durhamminers.com