The first time I can recall seeing a vast array of Mining Banners was at the Miners' Picnic in Bedlington, Northumberland. It was 1959 or 1960.
Hundreds of people lined the streets and watched as the colliers, and some of their family, marched behind their own colliery banners. Leading the procession was a colliery brass band, with other colliery bands spread out at intervals along the procession.
The use of banners by colliers can be traced all the way back to 1831 when banners were carried at a meeting in Jarrow.
Thanks go to Michael M Martin for sending me 3 photo's.
1. Ashington Mineworkers federation.
2. Pegswood Branch. National Union of Mineworkers.
3. Northunberland Area the National Union of Mineworkers.
Mick has a brilliant web site and is well worth a visit.Click here to visit The Kingdom of Fife.
Thanks again to Roy Lambeth for the use of his pictures.
1. Shotton Banners.
2. Springwell Banner.
3.Washington 'F' Pit Banner.
See Roys selection of Photographs.Click here.
