Everyone at the DMA was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Doreen Henderson.
Doreen, who has died aged 94, was a legendary figure in folk music. The daughter of Jack Elliott, she was a member of the famous Elliott family of Birtley.
Her musical talents were match by her passionate commitment to her community, the heritage of the Durham Coalfield and to building a better world.
She travelled widely in support of the trade union movement and was a stalwart supporter of the miners.
“Her words were matched by deeds,” her nephew Bill Elliott recalls. “She was a woman of indomitable spirit with a brilliant sense of humour. She really cared and always had time for people.”
Doreen is pictured in full voice at what we now know was her last Durham Miners Gala in 2019.
The sympathy of everyone at the DMA goes to Doreen’s family and friends.
Her funeral will take place at 11am this Wednesday 30 March at Birtley Crematorium, followed by a gathering a Birtley St Joseph’s Social Club. Everyone is welcome to celebrate Doreen’s life.