Community, Welfare and Democracy

Durham Miners’ Hall at Redhills post on Facebook:

We have great news to share. Redhills has been selected as one of eight workers’ assembly halls to be put forward for the prestigious UNESCO world heritage status. The consortium includes similar halls in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Finland and Canada, and is led by The Workers’ Museum in Copenhagen. 

These buildings had the common goals of community, welfare and democracy and the bid serves as an opportunity to preserve this unique heritage and provide a source of reflection for future generations in the shaping of their world.

Although there is still a long way to go before a decision will be made, there were originally 74 applications to join the group, so it is a testimony to the importance of the Durham miners’ history, heritage and culture that it has been chosen to be among those who represent the best in the world.

We are incredibly grateful for all of the support so far, including from Professor Robin Coningham who is the holder of UNESCO’s 2014 Chair on Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage and a brilliant neighbour to have at Durham University.

As the project develops, a steering group for the local community will be formed; if you would be interested in helping, please sign up for our mailing list here. Further details are here.