Coal miners urged to come forward for research project

Former coal miners from the 1984-1985 strike who crossed the picket lines of their collieries are being asked to come forward and share their accounts for an audio and photography project looking at the men that worked during the infamous strike.

Photographer Vanessa Short, who comes from a coal mining family, has embarked on a personal project. The project entitled ‘Other Side of the Line' will document those men who returned to work before the bitter year long strike ended.

Vanessa said: "Over the years there has been a lot documented on the strike but no one has yet looked towards those that returned or given them a voice".

Vanessa is hoping to attract the interest of coal miners who crossed the picket lines of Age Croft and the surrounding pits during that time.

Vanessa believes these accounts of the strike are important and need to be preserved for future generations to hear and remember our rich industrial heritage.

Anyone wanting to share their experiences of the strike as an ex-miner or partner whose husband worked down the mines is being asked to contact Vanessa through the projects website: http://www.othersideoftheline.co.uk/get-involved/ or to call 07580 506 287.