John reviewed two books in our October 2024 issue – Coal and Community In Wales and Day Walks in the Peak District.
Coal and Community in Wales
Battle of Orgreave
Historical accounts of the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike highlight the “Battle of Orgreave” on June 18th, 1984, as the pivotal moment in 20th century industrial history.
The year-long strike throughout England, Wales, and Scotland was undoubtedly one of the most violent and bloody episodes in Britain’s industrial history. About 10,000 miners were involved at Orgreave as they clashed with over 5,000 police officers who the government had drafted in.
Richard Williams and Amanda Powell’s Coal And Community In Wales is a balanced and insightful overview of how the strike affected the social, emotional and financial aspects of Welsh coal mining. The work also uses an excellent narrative of the impact of political-based decisions upon the workers, their families and extended communities.
Dynamics of Comradeship
Many readers may find the vivid range of photographs quite moving. They bring to life the economic, social and emotional implications of political decisions and upheavals experienced by coalfield communities.
The authors highlight how the dynamics of comradeship and togetherness displayed within the communities of the Ogmore, Garw and Llynfi Valleys, embracing towns such as Merthyr Tydfil, Aberfan, Maesteg, Nantymoel, Tondu, Aberkenfig, Bridgend and Porthcawl were crucial factors in promoting defiance and solidarity against the odds of the politically driven state-owned coal board.
These dynamics of resistance were replicated in the North Wales mining communities of Bersham, Rhosllanerchrugog and Point of Ayr. It was a period of confrontation and industrial strife that wrought a permanent geographic, political, and social change in the industrial landscape of Wales.
The implications of the pit closures and unemployment in the area are exemplified in the narrative of “The Last Day at Coegnant Colliery”. That was when miners realised that finding employment within their communities would pose difficulties.
The photographic evidence highlights the collection of food and clothing for re-distribution. Also, it points to the personal conflict experienced by some miners as they endured the derision and exclusion given to strikebreakers labelled as “scabs” or “betrayers” and the emotional frustration and anger of miners’ wives when Margaret Thatcher attended the Tory conference in Porthcawl.
National Coal Board
The political strength of the National Coal Board, supported by the government, meant that miners failed to keep their industrial legacy and communities together. The outstanding journalist Amanda Powell highlights this issue by focusing on Blaengarw’s legacy following the pit closure.
Following these closures, some areas have received a heritage site classification. However, many stand out like unattended graves as faint and overgrown echoes of their past splendour with their engine houses and pit baths.
For example, Penallta Colliery, near Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, was one of the largest pits in South Wales. In 1931, it employed 3,000 men and produced more than 3,000 tons of coal a day. Its closure in 1991 was a disaster for communities’ educational, sporting, cultural and social life. It also had a detrimental effect on local businesses and social enterprises.
This book is an outstanding visual history and sociological insight into the emotional upheavals and financial hardships endured by individuals, families and communities as they faced the struggles of industrial transition, personal training, re-skilling, relocation of family and friendship groups.
Above all, it addresses the communal struggles and hardships that left an indelible mark on the mining communities as they fought to defend their livelihood and the threat of unemployment and social inequality.
Day Walks in the Peak District
The responses of individuals and groups who regularly follow the detailed monthly walks pursued by Adam in this publication indicate their increased confidence, enthusiasm and fitness levels to extend their experience of circular walks.
Norman Taylor and Barry Pope’s Day Walks in the Peak District (20 New Circular Walks) provide the reader with easy-to-follow instructions alongside beautiful photography. This excellently presented pocketbook contains details of an extensive range of public footpaths, tracks and bridleways, all complemented by excellent and, at times, stunning photography.
The walks are divided into three categories: The High Moors, Hills, Tors and Edges, and Limestone Country. Readers will enjoy the southeast circuit of Kinder Scout, the walk from Eyam, and the walk from Hartington, famous for Stilton cheese, to Longnor. The directions include key navigational information, the distance to be covered, time factors, sat nav, and map details. In addition, photographs and local historical and social perspectives give the walks an extra dimension.
This book is an excellent guide featuring a range of circular walks compiled by walkers with many years of experience. The explanatory notes of routes will unquestionably be of great help to walkers of all levels to improve their awareness of the splendour of the Peak District.