Each year on the second Saturday in July, brass bands gather in the city of Durham to celebrate as well as remember the mining industry and those who worked in it at the Durham Miners Gala or ‘Big Meeting’ as it is locally known as.

Mining industry

For anyone not familiar with the 129 year old event, it is a wonderful experience for bands, which are or have been inextricably linked to coal mining and mining trade unionism.

Bands lead the parade proudly playing in front of the iconic miner’s lodge and union banners.

President

Emblazoned on Coxhoe’s banner this year was a portrait of David Guy who was the President of the Durham Miners Association for 27 years until he passed away last year. During the Miners Strike he fought tirelessly for the miners rights.

Bands lead the parade proudly playing in front of the iconic miner’s lodge and union banners4BR

New march

For the tenth year in a row North Skelton Band paraded into the city leading the people of Coxhoe and playing a march specially written for the occasion in memory of David.

It was composed by his friend and past conductor of the band Rob Collinson, and has been supported by the Durham Miners Association.

Presentation

The band also presented Bob and Jenny Robinson and members of Coxhoe Banner Group with a framed copy of the manuscript aptly entitled, ‘Coxhoe Banner!’ at a concert to kick off the proceedings.