INTRODUCTION

The Redhills Charity was established in 2021 to hold in trust and manage the Grade II listed Redhills Miners Hall in Durham. We are currently seeking to recruit new members to our trustee board.

Trustees will join the charity at a critical point in its development, supporting the multi-million pound revitalisation of a building described by Historic England as one of the nation’s “100 Irreplaceable Places”. In 2022 the charity was invited to join the Arts Council of England’s national portfolio of regularly funded organisations and is playing a central role in a UNESCO World Heritage bid.

The work of the charity represents a significant step for the coal mining heritage and people’s history nationally but is of particular importance to County Durham’s coalfield communities. Redhills is therefore looking to recruit a diverse range of trustees, with a breadth of skills and experience to support this next critical phase of our journey - particularly those with connections to County Durham.

The trustees will ensure that people who are appointed to the Board will receive the training and support needed so that they can play a full part as a trustee as quickly as possible. If you feel you have the skills, experience, commitment and enthusiasm to play a central role in the charity’s work we would like to hear from you.

Redhills opened in 1915 as the headquarters of the Durham Miners Association (DMA). The Hall, which is a Grade II listed building, is also known as the ‘Pitman’s Parliament’. In recent decades, the Hall fell into a state of disrepair. Now, exciting plans for extensive refurbishment and development are underway.

The Redhills project has secured more than £8million in National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and from a range of other sources to preserve the long term legacy of the miners hall. The funding will support the major works to the Hall, for its restoration and renewal as a centre for culture, heritage and education. With the addition of new buildings with modern facilities and improved accessibility, Redhills will offer a wide-ranging programme of activities and community resources.

The renewed Redhills will use cutting-edge audio-visual technology to bring to life the rich history and culture of Durham’s coalfield.

Building work at Redhills is due to get underway in 2023. Business planning and pilot programmes currently indicate an annual turnover of circa £1m will be achievable upon reopening in 2024.