Emotional regeneration through community action in post-industrial mining communities: The New Herrington Miners' Banner Partnership

Abstract

Despite the pessimistic examples of the social and economic decline of post-industrial mining given in the literature, there is emerging evidence that some of these communities appear to be regenerating themselves using the cultural capital accrued through tradition, and maintained by festival and exhibition. This is being achieved through attempts to ensure that this unique heritage, grounded in solidaristic and inclusive social networks, is not lost to succeeding generations. Through participation in the annual Durham Miners' Gala and the refurbishment of old community banners, some community activists are seeking to use their cultural and traditional heritage as a form of ‘emotional regeneration’.