WHILE reading about the Durham Miners' Gala, I learned there was a banner representing the old Browney Colliery (Echo, June 29).

I lived at Brandon and started work at Browney when I was 16. Two-and-a-half years later, the pit closed, in August 1938.

I am almost 83 now and I am wondering if I am the last man to have worked there. Most of the men lived locally and, if there is anyone who worked down that pit and is still with us, I would like to know.

After just three weeks without a job I stared work at Bowburn Colliery. I left in 1965. The pit closed two years later.

I worked in a furniture factory for 17 years. I have been on a low pension from the 29 years I worked down the pit. - Miles Harker, Seaham.

THE NORTHERN ECHO

WAS this really The Northern Echo, the great daily of the North-East, which I was reading?

I could not believe my eyes at the caption to a photograph depicting an event at South Church.

Since when have the children in this area ridden on swingboats? Come on Echo, given that you have Mike Amos, a proselytiser for all things Northern on your staff, you should know that the correct term is shuggy boat, using the broad U and O of the Northern counties.

It was so in my youth, in my parents' youth and for as long as anyone can remember and it continues so today. I have no doubt that it will continue so after we are all gone.

I beg of you, please don't pander to the southerners' way of speech. This is our heritage and we don't want to lose it. - Ken Orton, Ferryhill Station.

Richmond

YOUR article (Echo, July 17) said the controversy over the Richmond Farm and Garden Centre building split the community.

On the contrary, it united this community in support of the proprietors of the centre.

This building, the former station, is a Grade 2 star listed building and needs permission from English Heritage for any alterations, inside or out.

When considering new tenants for it, thought must be given to the fact that it is in a residential area, some of the houses being no more than 50 yards away. - W Delf, Chairman, St Martin's Parish Council, Richmond.

EURO

E WHITTAKER states: "There is no threat to democracy, independence or freedom in this country if the UK also adopts the euro." (HAS, July 20.)

What about:

1) Darlington council having to close four care homes because of the amount of money needed to bring them up to EU standard?

2) France being fined for not selling our beef?

3) "Harmonized taxes" have been mentioned several times, and once we are "in" they won't be long in coming.

4) The Conservatives put VAT on power bills and, because of the outcry, said they would take it off, but were unable to go below the five per cent? - M Richardson, Darlington

HOGWARTS

THE other day my wife and I made the journey from York to Scarborough and back on board the Hogwarts Express steam train. What wonderful nostalgia and very enjoyable too.

I would like to compliment the staff at York station for their helpfulness, especially Walter who insisted on helping us with our wheelchair, and accompanying us through the ticket procedure and on through the lift and tunnel to the appropriate platform of departure. I can't speak too highly of our day out on the steam railway. - John Philip Lassey, Thirsk.

GALA THEATRE

I AM sure Jim Tague, chairman of Bishop Auckland Conservative Party, was looking to score political points in offering his comments on the Gala (HAS, July 11). As it happens, he could not really have got it more wrong.

The Gala is at the heart of the County Durham cultural strategy and has the full backing of Northern Arts. It was built following extensive consultation with local people who expressed a keen desire to have a community theatre.

None of the tickets for the opening night were free, all were paid for and there is on-going scrutiny by the council's review panel and the Millennium Commission.

I wonder if Mr Tague would have taken any interest were there not an election next year.

For anyone who has yet to experience Gala, why not give it a try? We would be pleased to welcome you in Durham. - Mick Bennett, Durham City Labour Group.

RABY CASTLE

LAST week my daughter, grandchild and I decided to call at Raby Castle for coffee.

We were told we would have to pay an entrance fee, even though we were only going to the coffee and gift shop - not the castle and grounds which we have visited over the years. Needless to say, we did not bother to stay.

We would have paid for coffee, which is usually accompanied by cakes and which is usually followed by a purchase or two in the gift shop. They lost out on the lot. - M Elliott, Ingleton, Darlington.

ULSTER

GERRY Adams declares that he was never a member of the IRA. Well, God did not make the little green apples and it don't rain in Minneapolis in the winter time. - Jim Ross, Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear.