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When Mercedes de Dunewic first moved to County Durham in XXXX, she was told that she simply must go to the "Big Meeting".

Being a stranger to the region, she had no idea what the Big Meeting was all about. But she was to soon find out.

The Big Meeting started with a massive meeting of miners held in 1831 at Black Fell between Ashington and Eightan Banks.

Mercedes de Dunewic, 'The sense of community is immense'

But the first official Durham Miner's Gala or Big Meet was held at Durham's Wharton Park in 1871. The Durham

Miners Association had been formed two years earlier in 1869.

The communities from around Durham coal mining districts rallied behind the colourful banners.

In the 60s and 70s, mine closures became prevalent, and the Gala diminished in size from an excess of 100 banners to just a handful.

However, today, every year, the former mining communities come together to remember and celebrate the brave miners who lost their lives in generations of mining.

The communities recognise the great debt they owe to their forebears.

Mercedes witnesses the celebrations and is touched by their deep sense of community.

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