UNITE Feature
n By Keith Hatch BANNER BRIGHT Unite South West keeps them banners flying high
Unite South West has been cataloguing the region’s banners for a digital archive, and the results offer a fascinating insight into the history of the union.
Banner processions are a major part of trade union events like the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival, the Burston Strike School Rally and the Durham Miners' Gala, as well as being a regular sight during disputes and on picket lines.
Unions have used colourful banners for hundreds of years to highlight their presence and values at marches, parades and demonstrations.
They usually contain a mix of symbolism and images linked to particular trades, local landmarks or inspiring union heroes from history.
They offer a rallying point for branches and often show the work that members carry out day to day, but no one really knows how many banners exist across the country.
The region has recently commissioned a new banner from Durham Bannermakers, who say, “A hand painted banner is a working piece of art, catching attention and inspiring conversation. They work to spread your values while strengthening the lasting, living story of the labour movement.”
So a team from Unite’s Bristol office decided to find out more, by cataloguing Unite’s banners across the region. And at the last count they had documented over 30.
These range from banners from legacy unions including the GPMU’s Wessex Branch and the T&G’s Cirencester Branch to the most recent regional banner that was delivered in January this year.
The images vary as much as the workers who once carried them, from the horse and plough of the agricultural unions to the presses of the printing unions.
With the South West being one of the hotbeds of rural trade unionism, the majority of the banners are from old agricultural branches – mainly in Dorset and Somerset.
Unite membership services administrator, Kyle Macdonald has been working with regional administrator Stevyn Nethercott on the project, contacting offices and branches. This has unearthed many new and old banners alike.
Kyle said, “When we started pulling this together we weren’t too sure what we would come across. We knew that some of the regional offices had old banners in their basements, but sometimes we’d hear about a member that would have an old banner in the attic or one that had been donated to a local museum.
“It’s been fascinating to see the history of the union come to life with banners that would have led demonstrations and pickets decades ago.”
Banners galore – Unite South West team and their colourful collection
The regional team would love to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of an old banner from Unite or any of its legacy unions. Contact the Bristol office if you can help on 0117 923 0555.
44 uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2025
Keith Hatch
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