The Durham Miners Association (DMA) is encouraging banner groups and trade unions to attend with their banners and for the public to turn out in numbers in honour of Hepburn.
This year’s memorial address will be delivered by Matt Wrack, General Secretary of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
Alan Mardghum, Secretary of DMA, said: “We are proud and delighted Matt will give the address at this year’s service. He follows in the footsteps of a Tommy Hepburn as an inspirational trade union leader who works tirelessly in the interests of his members and their communities. Matt has long been a great friend of ours, and a tremendous supporter of the Gala and the effort to secure the future of the Miners Hall at Redhills in Durham, making a positive impact in the life of the North East.
“It is vitally important that we keep our history alive and that we remember people such as Tommy Hepburn. We thank Matt and everyone else who is taking part in the service.”
FBU General Secretary Matt Wrack speaking to the 2024 Durham Miners Gala
The service will also feature music from North East folk singer Bill Elliott, grandson and the legendary Jack Elliott and member of the famous ‘Elliotts of Birtley’ and from the children’s choir at the nearby XP School, who will perform their own composition inspired by their mining heritage.
MP for Jarrow and Gateshead East Kate Osborne will give a reading, as will Mayor of Gateshead Cllr Kath McCartney. Following the service, wreaths will be laid at Thomas Hepburn’s grave.
The Durham Miners Association Brass Band will play during the service, before performing Gresford, the miners’ hymn, at the graveside.
A new banner marking the upcoming 200th anniversary of Hepburn founding the first miners union will also be unfurled at the graveside. The banner has been produced by the Follonsby Wardely banner group.
Saturday 12 October, 11am
St Mary's Church
Heworth, Gateshead
NE10 0PA
Following the service and laying of wreaths, guests are welcome to join the DMA and the Follonsby–Wardley banner group for refreshments at:
The Wardley Club, Palmers bank, Sunderland Rd, Wardley, Gateshead, Newcastle NE10 8AU
In 1825, he founded ‘The Colliers United Association of Durham and Northumberland’ - the first miners union - and became its leader.
In 1831, the union led a successful strike - winning a reduction in the working day for children under the age of 12 from 18 hours to 12 hours.
Hepburn remained an active Chartist throughout his life, and dedicated himself to working-class education. He died in 1864 and is buried at St Mary’s Church, Heworth. His portrait features on several Durham Miners’ Association lodge banners. He is pictured (above) on the Sacriston banner.