Challenge
Former miner Kev Kew set out to preserve the stories of Derbyshire’s pit communities in the book Coal Dust & Community he helped compile. The challenge wasn’t just publishing the book — it was ensuring the voices of miners were heard, celebrated, and valued by a wide audience before those memories faded.
Approach
As the PR consultant, I built a campaign that combined:
- A launch event strategy designed to bring former miners together.
- Community-driven storytelling in press releases and interviews.
- Local and regional media coverage highlighting both the book and the cultural legacy.
- Partnership working with Kev and The Hub to ensure the project resonated with funders, families, and the wider public.
Results
Packed launch event: Scores of former miners gathered to reminisce and secure copies of the book.
Media impact: Press coverage across Sheffield and North East Derbyshire celebrated the community’s resilience and heritage.
Community legacy: The project created an intergenerational conversation around mining history — reinforcing how PR can drive cultural impact, not just book sales.
Testimonial
“Neil’s PR campaign gave the project real visibility. The launch was more than a book signing — it was a reunion of a community that had been waiting to tell its story.”
– Graham Jones, former miner.
Why it matters
This project shows how heritage PR can deliver more than column inches: it can reunite communities, increase funding impact, and keep memories alive. It’s a reminder of why I’m trusted as a Sheffield PR consultant who delivers measurable results in the heritage sector and beyond.
- Looking to bring your heritage, cultural, or community project to life? Get in touch today to see how PR can turn stories into results.