Working miner passing the picket line at Sutton Colliery in April 1984. Source: Mansfield Chad

Unity is strength?

Many people associate the East Midlands with conflict and the miners’ strike of 1984-85, but disputes have always raged within the mining industry. The strikes of 1972 and 1974 which fall within the scope of this exhibition should not be overlooked. Strikes were times of hardship and often left behind bitter memories. 

The memories of 1984-85 cannot be forgotten but surely now is the time to put differences aside, to respect different viewpoints and tackle shared problems that affect former-mining communities today in order to build a better future?

Pickets and police playing football at Warsop Main Colliery. Taken during the 1984-85 strike. Source: Mansfield Chad

National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) rally in Mansfield, May 1984. Source: Mansfield Chad

Working miners’ demonstration at Berry Hill Park, home to the Nottinghamshire NUM headquarters. 1st May 1984. Source: Mansfield Chad

First morning of picketing in the Nottinghamshire coalfield. Flying pickets from Yorkshire at Bilsthorpe Colliery, 12 March 1984. Source: Mansfield Chad

Miners voting in a pit head ballot at Sherwood colliery, prior to the 1974 strike. Source: Mansfield Chad

Miners from Thoresby colliery, serving meals in the soup kitchen at Edwinstowe during the 1972 strike. Source: Mansfield Chad

Young girl coal-picking in Kirkby-in-Ashfield during the 1972 strike. Source: Mansfield Chad