A significant event in the history of Burnhope was celebrated at St John’s Church in the village during a memorable weekend.
The Durham Miners’ Gala dates back to 1871 and was originally a platform for coal miners to join together in solidarity for their trade.
Due to the general workers’ strike of 1926, the government of the day prohibited the event, commonly known as the Durham Big Meeting, from happening.
As an alternative, villagers in Burnhope offered a venue for miners to gather at their local polo field. It was the one and only time the event had taken place outside the city of Durham.
On Friday, 15 May, the Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, was at St John’s Church to bless a new village banner, which had been specially made by the local craft group to mark the anniversary of the landmark meeting.
On Sunday 17, May, the church hosted a service of thanksgiving, with the Rt Revd Frank White, Interim Bishop of Durham, followed by a community meal.
The services were part of a weekend of celebrations which included a parade featuring numerous banners, live music, with pipe and brass bands from the area, stalls, a funfair and other activities. Local MP Luke Akehurst was among the dignitaries who attended.
“It was a wonderful weekend,” said priest in charge, the Revd Lesley Sutherland. “There was a theme of community and identity, which is very significant to Burnhope.
“The Dean brought with him the miners’ memorial lamp from Durham Cathedral, which was very special, while Bishop Frank spoke about the importance of community values.”
Lesley said the community has faced many challenges since the decline of the coal mining industry began in the 1940s. It led to Burnhope being deemed a category D village, facing potential demolition during the mid-20th century, but it survived due to the strong community spirit.
Today, Burnhope no longer has a polo field and St John’s is the only church remaining. The congregation is small but it is very missionally minded, working closely with Burnhope Community Centre to deliver community engagement projects covering an area of high deprivation.
These include holiday clubs offering food and activities for children, as well as a warm space to feed those who are elderly and vulnerable.
Photos
Top: Dean Philip Plyming with the miners' memorial lamp from Durham Cathedral at St John's Church, Burnhope.
Middle: Children with banners marking different eras from the past 100 years.
Below: Dean Philip Plyming and others, including the Revd Lesley Sutherland, who attended the service at St John's on Friday, 15 May. They are pictured with the new village banner which was blessed by Dean Philip.
