| Durham Miners GalaThe organisers of the Durham Miners’ Gala have launched an appeal to keep the event alive after being served with a £2m legal bill. Run by the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA) since 1871, the Gala is one of the largest trade union events in the world. This year’s event, with speakers including ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan, GMB general secretary Paul Kenny and NUT general secretary Christine Blower, takes place on July 12th. But now its future is in doubt after the DMA received a bill for £2m as the final settlement of the legal costs incurred in its six-year fight for miners suffering from osteoarthritis of the knees. DMA general secretary Dave Hopper said: “Many of our members are severely disabled by this crippling industrial disease and we were desperately disappointed when a judge in the High Court refused allow their case to be heard. “Our case was watertight. Lawyers on both sides agreed that the injuries to our members was caused by their work in the mines and we had compelling evidence that the National Coal Board (NCB) knew that miners working in certain conditions and doing jobs which involved heavy lifting were at risk of developing this painful disease. We were confident therefore, that given the chance, our lawyers could have proved that the NCB were liable for the damage our members have suffered. “We were so determined to get them the justice they deserve we appealed the judge’s ruling in the Court of Appeal, but to no avail. “It is a sad day for British justice when a judge can decide that men who have given a lifetime of service to the economy of the country, working in hard and dangerous conditions underground, can’t have their day in court. “Paying this bill will have a serious effect on our finances, which means that our ability to continue with the Durham Miners’ Gala will depend largely on donations to The Friends of the Durham Miners’ Gala.” Dave Hopper is encouraging trade unionists to donate as little as £2 a month to help keep the Gala alive. He said: “We believe that this is a people’s Gala and if we have thousands of people giving a little each year the Gala will be safe. Of course, we will be more than happy to receive bigger donations from trade union organisations but it was the people of Durham that saved the Gala and in the long run it will be the people of Durham, and our many well wishers who attend from all over Britain, who will keep it going.” * You can make a donation here or by writing to this address: Friends of the Durham Miners’ Gala, PO Box 6, The Miners Hall, Durham, DH1 4BB. http://durhamminers.org/Friends%20of%20The%20Durham%20Miners%20Gala.html |