We unveiled the new South Moor Miners Banner display case, celebrate our mining heritage and officially reopened our hall at our Gala event on Saturday 25th September 11-5pm. This was an exciting opportunity to come together and enjoy the first large family event in our newly refurbished hall following the lifting of Covid restrictions, The Gala event, supported by the Durham Miners Association and the Marras, included a picnic*, a display of local mining banners and mining information. Entertainment was provided by a local brass band, inflatable play equipment and a colourful mini march through the town. The march featured banners from local community groups and schools, made and designed by children to represent their community identity. We were delighted that the raffle and tombola raised a fantastic £xxx. which will be invested back into our community

We have recently become the new home of South Moor Miners Banner and are in the process of having a new cabinet made to display it in the reception area of the village hall. A fairly new banner, it was commissioned by a group of local people in 2017/2018 who were keen to replace the damaged banners of the past. On its first outing to the Cathedral to be blessed and the Miners Gala 2018, it was accompanied by around 100 people. It was previously housed at St Georges Church, South Moor however this has recently closed and with the cancellation of the Big Meeting for 2020 and 2021 due to Covid restrictions, the banner has not been on display for quite a while.

Thanks to the generosity of the National Lottery Communities Fund, County Durham Community Foundation and the Stanley Fund, we have a lovely, shiny new hall. As well as decoration throughout, the sports hall has been refurbished, we have a new bar area and partitioned meeting room and new equipment. Our outdoor space has seen a considerable improvement with children's play area, seating, grass and attractive planting. We are extremely grateful for their generous support.