The best fish and chips ever - followed by "The Big Meeting"!

The weekend started on Friday when we caught the 9:43 cross-country train from Leamington Spa to Durham, it was a pleasant enough journey but Mr Branson is going to get a stiff email as the air conditioning was on all the way to Durham and it was rather chilly! The reason for the visit was the 127th Durham Miners, Gala which was taking place in Durham City the following day, and which has become something of an annual pilgrimage for David.

We arrived on time and David's mam & dad (Rose & Stan), were waiting on the platform to pick us up, the first stop was the Sunderland Stadium of Light and then we headed along the coast to South Shields for my first treat of the day (thank you Rose), fresh fish and chips from Colmans of South Shields. And not just any old fish and chips, these were from the official No 1 fish and chip shop in the UK, cooked fresh to order as soon as you walk in the door.

They were delicious, and we ate them while sat on a bench in Marine Park (even though it was a little chilly). Then we paid a quick visit to the slot machines and managed to get rid of a couple of pounds worth of 2p's in double quick time, before wandering along the sea front to Minchella & Co. where we enjoyed one of their delicious ice creams. 

Fresh fish & chips from Colmans - delicious!

The next stop was a sports shop to get a new pair of football boots for Bradley, I'll be five minutes said David ... nearly an hour later they both emerged with one new pair of boots (sexy boots according to Bradley), and the new Sunderland away shirt, courtesy of grandma! Then it was off to the Bannatyne Hotel in Durham to check in for our stay (just the one night), and probably the biggest hotel bed I've ever seen!

We called a taxi (thanks Stan), and after a quick stop at Tesco for some liquid refreshment, we went round to see David's mam & dad, where we were joined by Peter (David's brother|), and Chloe (Peter's daughter), for a pleasant evening of banter and old photos. We left at a reasonable time as we wanted to make an early start the following morning and I needed a good nights sleep.

We were up bright and early, although slightly disappointed that there wasn't the option of a cooked breakfast (oh well, Greggs it is then!), but that is a minor quibble and I would definitely recommend a stay at a Bannatyne hotel. We made use of Stan's taxis (yet again) and we were soon in Durham Market Place, which was filling up rather nicely, with the sun was trying to peep through ... I did ask if it was too early for another fish!

We walked along Saddler Street to the steps at the top of Elvet Bridge, as most of the bands stop to play here as they make their way through the winding streets of Durham towards the old Racecourse. We watched a few bands from this vantage point, and then made our way on to Elvet Bridge where we were joined by Peter & Chloe (who had also been to Greggs for breakfast). By now the bands were backing up as each one stops to play to the officials and guests who are assembled on the balcony of the Royal County Hotel, and with over 40 bands, and over 70 banners it is quite a sight!

Boldon Lodge banner - click on images for larger photo

Esh Winning Lodge banner - 

Wheatley Hill Lodge banner

Browney Lodge banner

Boldon Lodge banner

Lumley 6th Pit Lodge banner

We crossed the bridge into Elvet, and our next stop was outside the Royal County Hotel, just in time to see the Murton banner with it's usual rowdy (but good natured) following. The bands are converging from three different directions here and you really get a flavour for what it is all about, especially when you look back up towards Elvet Bridge and see the bands and banners streaming over it. This year, as well as the officials, MP's and and trade union leaders, there was a special guest, Chilean miner Carlos Bugueno, who was one of the 33 miners trapped underground for over 2 months last year.

You can see the Chilean flag draped over the balcony in the photograph below

Looking back from Elvet to watch the bands & banners streaming over Elvet Bridge

We had been joined by Stan so we carried on towards the Racecourse, and despite the fact that my feet were starting to hurt, I maintained a dignified silence (for the time being), and sat on the grass to watch Bradley & Chloe on the big wheel. The weather took a real turn for the worse with the glorious sunshine being replaced by an almighty downpour, and even though we had umbrellas, Stan was soaked to the skin and made a quick dash home to Gilesgate to get changed! Within 20 minutes the rain had stopped (but not for long), and we made our way back up to the Market Place behind the bands that were marching out to the cathedral - for the service at 3pm.

However, my mind was now on a rather nice fish and chip shop in Durham Market Place, Bells fish and chips, and we quickly secured a table for 3 and sat down to our second portion in 2 days. They were delicious, and we washed them down with a nice pot of tea before going back out to watch the bands and banners that by now had started their "march out". It was, as they say in this part of the world "hoying it down" again, but that has never been a deterrent and the bands played on, cheered every step of the way by the crowds that still thronged the streets (tough folks up here).

South Hetton Lodge - the band play on despite the rain!

The Gala was far from over but we had to leave as we were booked on the 4:47pm train back to Leamington Spa. It was an enjoyable day, and it was great to catch up with the family, however, it was over all too quickly and David has vowed to book in for the Saturday night as well next year, so it is not so much of a rush, and we would also like to go up to the cathedral for the service. 

So, we waved goodbye to the beautiful City of Durham but we'll be back again soon ... well, we'll have to come back as I will need a portion of fish and chips!

Day off tomorrow and I will be back on the plot as this blog is supposed to be about my allotment after all!

Cindy xx