Binding Time is a suite of new songs inspired by the formation of the Durham Miners’ Association and performed with musicians from the NASUWT Riverside band. These songs were originally written as a commission for Durham Brass Festival and were due to be performed at Redhills, the home of the DMA (known as The Pitman’s Parliament) in July 2021. Unfortunately Covid restrictions at the time meant that this performance could not take place and the suite was eventually premiered at Durham’s Gala Theatre in the summer of 2022. After that performance Peter and David Brewis set about recording the songs at their studio in Sunderland.

“Growing up in the North East in the 1980s, you took for granted that mining was part of the landscape but I don’t think I really understood what it meant for the region. It’s not just about heritage. The whole area has been shaped by the coal industry; socially, economically, politically, even geographically.” says David, “Once you start to dig into it, you realise that the story of the DMA is basically the story of working class representation. The very first working class MP, Thomas Burt, was a miner.”

Peter and David set about researching and writing back in 2020, tracing the growth and decline of coal mining in the... more credits released March 28, 2025

All tracks written, arranged and performed by Peter and David Brewis and featuring contributions from: Tony Thompson - Cornet Robert McBurnie - Cornet Michael Duncan - Tenor Horn James Beeston - Euphonium Mal Gill - Trombone Barry Scott - Bass Trombone Matt Williams - Tuba Andrew Hunter - Conductor Sarah Hayes - Flute