West Rainton has a rich mining heritage with Adventure Colliery and Cocken Drift Mine being located nearby. Unfortunately the village’s original banner was lost in the 1970s and as a result they have been unrepresented at the Durham Miners gala since. The West Rainton Primary School led by Head Teacher Alison McDonough who is a Freeman in the Plumber’s Company embarked on a project to produce a replacement. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund enabled the banner to be produced by Bearpark Community Arts working closely with the children. The banner, which is small enough to be carried by children, is double-sided with an image representing the past on one side and a more forward looking child-led image on the other side. We were able to assist in funding a band to lead them at the unveiling ceremony in West Rainton and for its first Gala and blessing at the Cathedral.