MINERS’ banners will be the subject of a public talk later this month (Sunday, February 16).

Norman Emery will give a talk titled Banners of the Durham Coalfield on Sunday, February 16 – the 132nd anniversary of the Trimdon Grange mining disaster in which 69 men and boys died.

The Durham Cathedral archaeologist, author and miner’s son will speak in Holgate House at Durham University’s Grey College, South Road, Durham, at 3.15pm.

Beforehand, the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band will perform in Fountains Hall at 2.15pm. Several miners’ banners will be on display.

Mr Emery said: “Banners are the miners’ battle-standards, proclaiming graphic messages of hope and calls for social justice; recording more vividly than any other art form the history of the struggle for working-class rights.”

Entry is free and open to all. There will be a question-and-answer session after the talk.

For more information, call 0191-334-5900.