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Post by Steve Austin on Aug 13, 2018 20:51:43 GMT
The village I grew up in and the surrounding area was historically a mining area. That ended in 1959 when the mine that supported the villagers was closed by the NCB. Over the following 4 years or so, documentary film maker Jack Parsons embarked on a project to capture the story behind the closure and the miners efforts to lobby the coal board and find alternative sites for mining in order to continue to survive and provide for their families and the local community. What is remarkable is that this film survives today and that it was made at all. The film is narrated by my Dad's next door neighbour who worked at the mine all of his life. Many of the locations shown have changed beyond recognition. The Sink has been knocked down, The Community Centre (where the film got its premiere) is now home to the local Rugby Club and the Miners Arms is now a residential House. I remember watching many weddings at the Church, a few years ago I buried my dad there, as it happens next to Joiner, the narrator of this film. This film won't mean much to anyone but is a glimpse into the world of yesteryear and may mirror the decline of other regions of the country that used to be reliant on local industry for survival. You can watch The Blackhill Campaign here
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Bojan Scores
Cameraman
Terry you’re very devious when a bird’s involved...
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Post by Bojan Scores on Aug 13, 2018 21:24:51 GMT
I’ll take a look at that later. I’m from a mining area too (Newcastle under Lyme/Stoke on Trent), and I collect documentaries and books about the coalfield communities, especially during the 84-85 strike. The first job I ever accepted was a YTS trainee at Hem Heath super pit in Stoke, near to where Stoke City play. My Dad intervened and I never started the job. Feelings were still running high after the strike and it was a sure fire way to ruin your health. I’m sure this film will be right up my street 👍
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Post by Steve Austin on Aug 13, 2018 21:46:02 GMT
I’ll take a look at that later. I’m from a mining area too (Newcastle under Lyme/Stoke on Trent), and I collect documentaries and books about the coalfield communities, especially during the 84-85 strike. The first job I ever accepted was a YTS trainee at Hem Heath super pit in Stoke, near to where Stoke City play. My Dad intervened and I never started the job. Feelings were still running high after the strike and it was a sure fire way to ruin your health. I’m sure this film will be right up my street 👍 I should have mentioned in my original post that the village is in North Northumberland, making it more remarkable that it was made, being as it is in the back end of nowhere.
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Cartman
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Post by Cartman on Aug 13, 2018 21:52:46 GMT
I'm going to give this a watch too, I like anything from the north at this period.
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