MINERS’ leaders marked the 147th anniversary of the founding of their union by returning to the pub where it all began.

The Durham Miners’ Association began life on November 20 1869, when delegates from collieries across the Durham Coalfield met at the Market Tavern in Durham.

Within 40 years, the union had 200,000 members, organised the annual Durham Miners' Gala and built its magnificent headquarters at Redhills.

Current DMA chairman Joe Whitworth, executive member Barry Chambers, and programme director Ross Forbes, joined landlord Tony Lenaghan at the Market Tavern – where prints of union banners adorn the walls – to mark the anniversary.

Mr Whitworth said: “The delegates who met at the Market Tavern 148 years ago were working-class people with hopes for a better world, and a determination to unite in solidarity to make their own history. They are giants of the trade union movement, and we stand today on their shoulders.

“The DMA is determined to ensure that Redhills and the Gala thrive for the benefit of future generations.

“We are planning now for our 150th anniversary in 2019, and building a bid to restore the Miners’ Hall at Redhills.

“As the motto of the Durham Miners says, ‘the past we inherit, the future we build’.”

Plans to restore Redhills as a heritage and culture for the Durham Coalfield were announced earlier this month.

The DMA is asking supporters to sponsor a seat in the ‘pitman’s parliament’ to pay for its preservation.

  • For details of the sponsorships and to Take Your Seat in the Pitman’s Parliament, visit: www.redhillsdurham.org.