HIGH DAYS AND HOLIDAYS!
NOTTS MINERS’ GALAS – WHEN DID THEY BEGIN?
This report from COAL NEWS is dated 1953 and identifies it as the 4th Notts NUM Gala. If you have information or photos about earlier Notts Galas, we would love to hear about them!
This report highlights the Galas importance to the local communities and the sense of pride and occasion it generated throughout the local coalfield.
“Colliery banners in scarlet, yellow, blue and gold were proudly borne aloft to the park led by coalmining tableaux staged on decorated colliery vans manned by mineworkers and their children.” “Eight colliery bands stirred the hearts of the marchers and spectators alike.”
The 4th Notts NUM Gala was held in Kirkby in Ashfield. The report says “Mineworkers from 42 East Midlands pits, their wives, families and friends streamed in their thousands, into Kingsway Park in Kirkby in Ashfield.” COAL NEWS also reports that, “Colliery banners in scarlet, yellow, blue and gold were proudly borne aloft to the park led by coalmining tableaux staged on decorated colliery vans manned by mineworkers and their children.” “Eight colliery bands stirred the hearts of the marchers and spectators alike.”
