Durham Cathedral's Lights of the North appeal is giving people a chance to take part in a special service that celebrates the Durham Miners Association (DMA).

The Lights of the North appeal in Durham Cathedral celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Durham Miners Association as well as the people and communities of the Durham Coalfield, past and present.

The Durham Cathedral Lights of the North appeal will raise funds in support of the work of both the cathedral and the Durham Miners Association by inviting people to donate, with a suggested donation of £15.

Donors to the appeal will be invited to join a special Evensong service in Durham Cathedral on November 20 2019, at which those being remembered and celebrated will be represented by a lit candle.

The names of each person and place will also be included in a special commemorative programme, a copy of which will be given to all donors to the appeal.

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Gaye Kirby, head of development at Durham Cathedral, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with the Durham Miners Association to celebrate their 150 anniversary. This builds on the strong links already established through the annual Miners Service on Gala Day and the permanent miners memorial housed in the cathedral.  

"We hope that the Lights of the North appeal will be a fitting way to celebrate the great people and communities of the Durham Coalfield, whose values are so intrinsically linked to those of the cathedral."

The Durham Miners Association was formed on November 20 1869, and had 200,000 members within 50 years, as well as starting the Durham Miners Gala and building Redhills - the Pitmen's Parliament.

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Alan Mardghum, secretary of the Durham Miners Association Secretary, said: "We are proud that our 150 anniversary and the people of the coalfield will be celebrated in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral.

"This will be a moving and powerful way to remember all those who've gone before us, and demonstrate that the communities and values they forged over generations of struggle are still alive and still matter. We honour them by carrying the torch into the future."

People can donate to the Durham Cathedral Lights of the North appeal at justgiving.com/campaign/lotn

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