THE MARCH OF TIME.......

Saturday's Durham Miner's Gala was a first for me but the 126th "Big Meeting" to be held. It was a great day.

The banners which were once proudly held aloft by local lodges of the NUM are now in the care of their local village communities but the day still serves as a reminder of the endurance and commitment of the socialist movement to building a better world.

I got my spot under the County Hotel balcony at 8.55am and was still there as the march ended at 13.35. Each banner is accompanied by a brass band and they played everything from the Internationale and Red Flag to Sex Bomb and Let Me Entertain You!

Watching from the balcony were stalwarts like Tony Benn , Bob Crow, and Jeremy Corbyn.

Despite advancing years, Tony Benn joined the march in honour of the banner (pictured) which bears his image- along with Nye bevan and Keir Hardie. But what a blip we all are in the march of time.

The most moving part of the day was at Durham Cathedral, where new banners were blessed and the building resounded with the magnificent sound of the bands marching them out. The stirring rendition of Jerusalem at the end moved many, including me, to tears.

Contingents from UNITE, the GMB, PCS and RMT, added their presence also to the march. I hope next year to be back - with the Labour Representation Commitee banner.