One of the most rewarding heritage projects Neil Anderson Media has been involved with recently has also been very personal for Neil Anderson.
On Saturday, September 12, The Hub in Clay Cross will launch ‘Coalfield Battles: The Strikes That Shaped Derbyshire’ – a new book compiled by Neil Anderson and The Hub.
The book traces more than a century of industrial struggle concentrating particularly on the bitter dispute of 1984/85.
Neil grew up in Chesterfield while the Miners’ Strike was playing out around him in real time. More than four decades later, listening to the memories of the people who experienced it directly has brought about a whole new understanding.
These aren’t simply stories about industrial relations or politics. They are stories about families, friendships and communities – many still broken decades later.
The book has been a genuine team effort with former miner Kev Kew providing invaluable support throughout, sharing his deep knowledge and fact-checking.
Lynda Skinner was heavily involved as a woman supporting the strike. Her wonderful interview provides an important first-hand perspective on those events and she also generously shared memorabilia from the period.
Many other contributors have shared photographs, documents, memories and first-hand testimony.
The launch also celebrates the achievements of The Hub’s wider £79,650 National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported mining heritage project.
Visitors will be able to meet some of the people involved in the project, see representatives from Sheffield’s National Emergency Services Museum, purchase the earlier ‘Coal Dust & Community’ book and experience The Hub’s newly opened Amici café.
The free event runs from 10.30am until 3pm at The Hub, Gladstone Buildings, Broadleys, Clay Cross, S45 9JN. Entry is free.
Thanks to National Lottery players.