Lib Dems help secure return of Bearpark banner (Durham Liberal Democrats)

Durham Liberal Democrats <info@durhamlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems help secure return of Bearpark banner

August 3, 2010 12:00 AM

Lib Dem Cllrs Wilkes and Crooks with the banner

Your Lib Dem councillors have been successful in helping return one of Bearpark's Mining Banners to the village. The first to be put on display at the Working Men's Club.

Councillor Rev Crooks said "I am absolutely delighted that banner has been returned to Bearpark. We provided money from our local County Council budgets towards a new protective case to help this."

The banner had been stuck in storage for decades at Redhills.

"This is a truly momentous occasion 26 years after the pit closed and as a Bearpark lad I am proud to have helped to achieve this for the village," Rev

added.

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor Mark Wilkes said "With the help of additional funding from the County Council and hard work and effort from the Twelve Villages network the new case and banner are now on display in Bearpark & District Working Mens Club for all to see.

"Having seen how emotional this was for my fellow councillor, I know how important this is to so many miners and their families in Bearpark. I am so happy to have contributed to this success."

We will continue to work with the Twelve Villages network, which does a fantastic job of protecting and promoting our heritage.

The banner can be viewed by everyone in the village during the opening hours of the Working Men's Club. Your Lib Dem councillors will continue to make sure that our mining heritage is protected and remembered.

The celebration event at the Club for the banner return was attended by the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band who were, as always excellent entertainment.