Bowes Railway volunteers marched the new Springwell Lodge banner through the streets of Durham city on Saturday morning, 9th July, as part of the annual Durham Miners' Gala meeting. This was our third attendance at the Big Meeting.
Marching the banner at the Big Meeting is now becoming part of Bowes annual programmeof events. We hope that in future we will be able to involve more of the local community.
Our day in Durham
The Springwell banner was marched with the Murton Colliery Brass Band, who regularly attend events at Springwell and play for our visitors. At 7am the banner was taken to Murton to be marched through the streets with the Murton Colliery banner. After that, everyone went to Durham and assembled in the city's market place. Banners and bands set off for the march to the old racecourse (now the University cricket ground) from 9am, with the Murton and Springwell contingent starting at 9.45am
Durham market place ( © P Norman)
Waiting for the start ( © P Norman)
Wingate banner follows Springwell down Old Elvet (© P Norman)
Marching onto Elvet Bridge ( © P Norman)
Waiting on the bridge ( © P Norman)
At this point, progress was halted as we approached the Royal County Hotel from Elvet Bridge. By tradition, each banner and band stops under the hotel balcony to play for the assembled guests - national and local politicians, and Trade Union officials.
Elvet Bridge ( © P Norman)
View from Elvet Bridge, down to the Royal County Hotel. The band in front is playing for the guests ( © P Norman)
Bands and banners arriving at the racecourse ( © P Norman)
From the County, a short quick march to the old racecourse. Banners were then laid out around the ground and everyone relaxed in the sunshine of a brilliant July day.
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This page last updated 10th July 2005 |