Coal Mining Prints - The Big Meeting, Durham Miners Gala

Coal Mining Prints - The Big Meeting, Durham Miners GalaSigned print 38 x 28cm Also known as The Durham Miners Gala it is a large annual gathering held in June in the city of Durham (Once the centre of the coal industry) it is connected with the coal mining heritage and trade unionism. Its highlight consists of colliery banners accompanied by brass bands and the delivery of political speeches. It can attract three hundred thousand people.

many miners disliked the idea of communal showers

much to the disgust of the observers at he window of the diving pool

freshly washed football strips and liniment hangs in the sharp air

took shelter in a hollow at its foot

forming a tripod

better men Never

Signed print 38cm x 28cm

and some old timers including Hughie Gallacher

The copper boiler would be filled by bucket from the outside tap - if it wasn't frozen - and the fire would be lit under the boiler

This was no picnic

his stick and leather cap with a pencil stuck in one of the ventilation holes lay at his side and he had removed one of his boots

'Much outcry