THE annual memorial service for the founder of the region's first mining union will be held tomorrow.
Thomas Hepburn, who lived from 1795 to 1864 and started the Northumberland and Durham Pitmen's Union, will be remembered at St Mary's Church, Heworth, Gateshead, at 11am.
Hepburn was born at Pelton, near Chester- le-Street, and started work at the nearby Urpeth Colliery, aged eight. He founded the first mining union in 1825, became its leader, and organised a strike in 1831 that led to a reduction in working hours.
North-East Labour Euro MP Stephen Hughes will give the address and there will be readings by Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry and a pupil at Thomas Hepburn School, Gateshead.
The NUM (North-East Area) Colliery Band will play at the service and colliery banners, some bearing Hepburn's portrait, will be displayed.
NUM North-East Area secretary David Hopper said: "It is very important that men like Thomas Hepburn are remembered because in the few remaining collieries in Britain, private owners are attempting to lengthen mineworkers' shifts."
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