Davey Hopper, who died aged 73 in July 2016, was an inspirational Durham miners’ leader who held firm to his deeply held socialist principles throughout his life.
In 1984, Dave was the leader of the Wearmouth NUM Lodge, which was among the first to strike against pit closures. Throughout the year-long strike, which became a defining struggle between Margaret Thatcher’s government and the organisedworking class, Dave remained dedicated to achieving a successful conclusion.
When the strike ended, Dave was elected General Secretary of the NUM (Durham Area). Under Dave’s leadership, the Durham Miners’ Gala grew and developed into Europe’s largest celebration of community and trade union values.
Dave was a passionate internationalist and anti-fascist. He read avidly about Irish history and attended the Easter Rising celebrations in Dublin last year. He also regularly attended the Mother Jones Festival in Cork and the Jim Connell Festival in Crossakiel, Co Meath. Dave was instrumental in the production of a replica of the famous Durham Miners Association Follonsby Colliery banner bearing the portrait of James Connolly, who was one of Dave’s greatest heroes.
