The Durham Miners' Association (DMA) provides a range of services for its beneficial members who are former Durham miners. These services include compensation claims, benefit information, tribunal representation and legal advice. We also support community and cultural activity.
The most important event hosted by the DMA is the famous annual Durham Miners’ Gala which, far from dying when the coalfield was destroyed, is thriving as one of the world's the biggest and most colourful celebrations of trade union and community spirit.
The DMA is based at its historic home Redhills – Durham Miners Hall.
Our opening hours are 10am until 2pm Tuesday to Friday.
Please call or email in advance to make an appointment.
Telephone: 0191 384 3515
Email: admin@durhamminers.co.uk
Secretary: Alan Mardghum
A former miner, Alan became the Secretary of the DMA in 2019 and is responsible for ensuring the provision of high quality advice, support and representation for DMA members.
Alan worked as a miner at Wearmouth Colliery from 1977 until its closure in 1993, and was active in the Wearmouth Lodge of the DMA throughout. He joined the lodge committee in 1979, before becoming the financial secretary in 1981, and then lodge secretary in 1985. He has served on the executive committee of the DMA, and as the union’s delegate to national conferences.
Following redundancy as a miner, he became a welfare benefits advice worker. He then served as a probation services officer for 12 years.
Chairman: Stephen Guy
Stephen was appointed to the voluntary role of Chairman in 2020.
A miner at Woodside and Middridge Drift collieries, he has served the DMA in branch and regional positions for 33 years. Following the closure of the collieries, Stephen worked in local government representing the unemployed and people with disabilities, and as a service development manager in the charity sector. He currently works as a trade union official for the North East region.
Stephen supports the efforts to secure the future of both the Miners Hall at Redhills and the Durham Miners’ Gala, as well as the vital work to provide advice, support and representation for former miners.