I WILL shortly travel from Ireland to again attend the Miners’ Gala.

Clearly, Mike Cunningham (HAS, June 24) would prefer not to have the inconvenience of visitors like me spending money in Durham, filling the hotel rooms, packing out the restaurants and helping the Durham economy.

Mr Cunningham would prefer that people like me should stay away instead of spreading the word about the beauty of Durham, the hospitality and friendliness of its people, the proud heritage, the fascinating history and the remarkable quality of service.

Mr Cunningham seems repulsed by heritage and solidarity.

He would prefer forlorn empty streets with only a smattering of unfriendly faces and be spared the grace of stirring music.

If this is his desire, I think Mr Cunningham has found the wrong place to live.

Hope is never outdated. The ‘tattered and threadbare’ banners are carried proudly by generations of communities across the decades and across the battlefields of human aspiration.

With its speeches, music, banners and sea of families and children, the Durham Miners’ Gala is the greatest festival of hope ordinary people have and long may it continue.

B Collins, Kell.