Fig 1: Ian McGregor (3rd left) in the control room at Bentinck Colliery during an official visit in early September 1984. Photo Credit – Coal Authority

Ian McGregor visit to Bentinck Colliery

NCB Chairman, Ian McGregor, made a surprise visit to Bentinck Colliery, NCB South Nottinghamshire, in September 1984. The visit was kept secret until the last moment, originally it was believed to be a Indian coalmining delegation who were visiting.  In this post, Jack Cheese, Bentinck Control Operator, recalls an amusing story when being told of Ian McGregor’s visit by a member of colliery management. 

Fig 2: Report on the McGregor visit to Bentinck Colliery in the Notts Free Press, 7th September 1984, p4.

Fig 3: Bentinck Colliery Control Room, September 1984, Left to Right – Jack Cheese (Control Operator), unknown, David Crisp (Colliery Manager), Ian McGregor (NCB Chairman), and Eddie Martin (Control electrical and IT). Photo Credit – Coal Authority

Fig 4: Ian McGregor at Bentinck Colliery during a surprise visit in early September 1984. Photo Credit – Coal Authority 

Fig 5: Ian McGregor (right) and Jack Hand (centre), Hucknall Colliery manager and ex Bentinck Colliery Undermanager, at Bentinck Colliery in early September 1984. Photo Credit – Coal Authority 

“He thanked the men for their loyalty but we told him we were not doing it for loyalty, but democracy,. The important thing we kept saying was to restart talks”.  Neil Greatrex, Bentinck NUM Branch President.