Workers and trade unionists march through Durham for gala

It was the 138th Big Meeting in the north eastern city on Saturday (July 13) and it attracted hundreds of thousands of workers and trade unionists to march through Durham.

The year-long miners’ strike, which began in March 1984, saw miners and their families across the country fight to preserve their jobs, their industry and their communities.

Taking to the platform this year were trade union general secretaries Christina McAnea (Unison), Matt Wrack (FBU), Mick Whelan (ASLEF) and Daniel Kebede (NEU).

Further speakers included Ian Lavery, a former miner and president of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), Alan Mardghum, secretary of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) and Heather Wood, who played a leading role in the women’s support groups throughout and beyond the strike.

Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn at the gala (Image: Ian Duncan)

Heather Wood, the of the National Women against Pit Closures organisation which was formed during the industrial dispute, said she was both very proud and excited because the then Tory government had wanted to “wipe them from the face of the earth”.

She added: “But you can see from today the spirit is here and we are all together and it has grown because all the trades unions are now coming, it is not only mining banners that come, it is all the trade unions.

Crowds at the gala at the weekend (Image: Ian Duncan)

"So, it is exciting and [there is] pride, we weren’t beaten, we are still standing.”

She said the event kept them going and once every year it was like a “fix” to keep them going for the rest of the year.

She added: “We lost the battle in ’84 but we did not lose the war, we are still fighting.”

Heather Wood (Image: Ian Duncan)

Matt Wrack, the general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU), said he loved the event and said it was inspiring for people involved in the trade union movement.

He added: “But I think any ordinary person who comes along can’t help but be moved by this amazing event, the music, the crowds, the banners and the messages on the banners, it is inspiring to see and I would urge anyone who has never been to come, bring family, bring friends, it is a fantastic day.”