Annual Thomas Hepburn Memorial Service

Gaynor and I were honoured to represent the Blackhall Banner Group at the annual Thomas Hepburn Memorial Service in Heworth at the weekend.

Born in Pelton in 1795 Hepburn was a Durham miner and Primitive Methodist lay preacher and became leader of the Colliers’ United Association of Durham & Northumberland in the 19th Century. He was also an active Chartist and a champion of working class education. He died in 1864 and is buried at St Mary's in Heworth where the memorial service is held every year.

Tommy Hepburn’s lifelong commitment to public service, our mining communities and the labour and trade union movement stand to this day as an example to us all.

‘The time will come when the golden chain which binds the tyrants together will be snapped. When men will be properly organised. When coal owners will only be like ordinary men and will have to sigh for the days gone by.’