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MINING HERITAGE PROJECT - JULY 2004 |
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OLD ELVET BRIDGE:
The children have been wonderfully patient. Progress from Market Square on to the Old Elvet Bridge is always slow. Here they are taking yet another rest - entertained by the band. |
OLD ELVET BRIDGE:
Though the band are a "marching band" they spend a lot of time playing whilst they wait to move forward. Each band in front plays a tune outside of the Royal County Hotel and it all takes time. The rain has held off but still threatens. |
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OLD ELVET BRIDGE:
Seaham Colliery Lodge banner leads off over the bridge. The children follow behind . Soon they will reach the County Hotel where the band will play "Gresford" the Miners Hymn. |
OLD ELVET BRIDGE:
The band play yet another tune as they patiently wait the next short move forward towards the famous County Hotel. The bridge itself is packed with visitors moving between the County Hotel and Market Square. |
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ROYAL HOTEL DURHAM: Durham
NUM guests of honour at the Gala line up on the balcony of the County Hotel to listen to each band in turn. Centre-stage is Durham NUM President , Dave Guy (a Parkside lad) and to his left Dorothea and Alan Fenwick wearing civic chains. Alan is Chairman of Durham County Council and is a Dawdon lad. To Dave Guy's right is "Mac" Williams who was brought up in Parkside and far left is Alan Johnson, former Secretary of Dawdon Lodge. |
ROYAL COUNTY HOTEL: The children
finally arrive in front of the Councty Hotel with their banner. It has been
a very long wait . They received very appreciative applause from the gathered crowds and from the guests on the balcony. As the band played "Gresford" many former miners and many others stood motionless and remembered marras, friends and family who had worked in the pits but were no longer with us. Some had given their lives at work many had loss their lives and health because of coal-related diseases. |
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DURHAM RACE COURSE GROUNDS:
High noon sees The children and their banner descending the path at the end of Old Elvet down to the Race Course. . |
DURHAM RACE COURSE GROUNDS:
The rain has finally started falling and umbrellas are being raised as the procession enters the Race Course led by the Seaham Colliery banner. It has been a long morning but it has been interesting and exciting being part of such a large crowd on such an occasion. It has been a day the children will not forget and one which teachers and supporters say they want to repeat. |
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