It is four decades since working pitmen downed tools in the ultimately doomed attempt to prevent widespread colliery closures across the County Durham coalfield.
With hungry mouths to feed, women played a vital role in strengthening the resolve of the striking miners, who were torn between putting food on the table and the long-term struggle to maintain their livelihoods.
Yesterday (Saturday, March 2), activists young and old took to the streets of Durham City to remember the rich history of the county’s coalfield – and the women who helped sustain it.
Thousands lined Durham's streets to watch the procession of colourful banners remembering the mining pride in collieries from County Durham all the way to German, France, and the US.
Miner's daughter Heather Wood organised free cafes for striking men and their families in Easington, where she lived with her husband, John.
Alongside other lynchpins of the Miner’s Strike of 1984-85, Heather led the Women’s Rally down the cobbled streets of the historic city.
Heather said: “I’m here because I want women to be heard! The strike changed these women.
“I am not saying what they were doing previously was unimportant - homekeeping is very important - but they learned that they could, if they wanted, do so much more.”
Co-organiser Maureen James added: “It’s all about female empowerment. We’ve had people travel over from America, Germany, Holland, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales.
“I’m really surprised at how many younger ones have turned out too – I was amazed at how many were aware of the struggle the women had during the strike. They have come out in their droves.
“I still remember a man coming back from Orgreave. I have never seen fear like I saw on that man’s face - lest we forget. Never forgive, never forget.”
Heather, Maureen, and other members of the National Women Against Pit Closures group have worked to organise the event for over a year – fundraising, rallying, and getting the word out amongst communities.
They led the march from Palace Green, down Saddler Street, to the Swan and Three Cygnets, and then onto Durham University's Student Union.
Joined by the bombastic sound of the NAS/UWT Riverside Brass Band, and followed by men from the Durham Miners’ Association, the procession danced, sang, chanted and cheered themselves through the cobbled streets.
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