It is not known when the colliery first acquired a banner, but it was certainly prior to 1920. The pictures below show the original Springwell Lodge banner when last displayed at Springwell in 1998. The poor condition of the fabric can be seen. Shortly after, a replica banner was commissioned and the original was then returned to Durham for safe storage.
© P Norman
© P Norman
The next picture shows Lodge members gathered around the banner. The background appears to show a line of trees so this is not at Springwell. It is most probably on the racecourse beside the river at Durham. This picture was taken in the 1920s
© Bowes Railway
Source: unknown
Because of the condition of the original banner, Bowes Railway commissioned a new one. In 2001, this was marched through the streets of Durham at the annual Big Meeting in July, and up the hill to Durham cathedral. The new banner was dedicated at the Miners' cathedral service.
Bowes Railway is custodian of the new banner, which is a replica of the oringinal Springwell banner. The original is now kept in store by the Durham Miners' Association as it is too fragile to be used. When not required by Bowes for exhibition or other uses, the new banner is on display elsewhere, most recently at Washington public library.
Springwell Colliery closed in 1930, although winding from the shaft continued into the 1970s. The Lodge survived as the Springwell and Vale Collieries Miners' Welfare until the early 1990s, mainly to support the NCB workers on the Bowes Railway until it closed in 1974, and then as a general welfare facility for the local community. Marching the banner at Durham quickly fell out of use following closure of Springwell Colliery. Bowes Railway is proud to have restored the tradition.
A description of our day out in July 2005 can be found here
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This page last updated 15th October 2006 |