Our Marley Hill Colliery banner is missing, extensive enquiries including a press campaign has failed to locate it. Since the closure of the coal mine the banner has been held at the National Union of Coal Miners H.Q.'s 'Redhills'. It has been loaned out to the community on occasions because it belongs to our community, paid for by Marley Hill miners many years ago.

The last occasion it was back in our community was in July 2000. it was then returned to Redhills. Unfortunately it has now vanished, Redhills Secretary simply states that the banner has vanished. It is one of the few Victorian banners in existence and worth approximately £8000. We are very concerned and can only draw the conclusion that it may have been stolen.

Bearing the words:

Then let us pass our lives in peace, The little time we stay, Nor let our acts of friendship cease, Till life shall pass away.

UNFORTUNATELY WE HAVE HAD NO FEEDBACK FROM ANY SOURCE. THE MISSING BANNER IS NOW BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE POLICE.

Whilst we are greatly saddened by the loss of Marley Hill banner, we were delighted to see Byermoor banner on display at Tanfield Railway Open Day in February.