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Posted by: David Leslie Urion at time: 05/03/2010 07:28
I´m a poet and I used to live in Hoyland, Barnsley but now live happily in Spain with my Spanish family, and seem to be having great success lately with the publication of poetry in the UK and Spain, especially haiku and photo collections in English and Spanish, although my longer poems seem to be influenced to a greater degree by issues I feel more passionately about. Hence I hope you don´t mind me sending you this poem (although the lines endings run over due to lack of space in this posting box) as I know we are kindred spirits on this theme. It´s my version of the famous poem that you will no doubt know by W H Auden called Funeral Blues that starts Stop all the Clocks and is the one that John Hannah reads in 4 weddings and a funeral when his boyfriend carks it. I have written it ready for when she pops her clogs so that I can send it off to every newspaper, website etc. the day she goes and the party can begin.......soon I hope haha. Best wishes David Pop all the Corks! Pop all the corks, ring all your mates´ homes, Send round-robin texts to everyone’s phones. Explode firecrackers, and bang on the drums, Crack open six-packs and get steaming drunk. Let Red Arrow jets loop the loop overhead, With vapour trails screaming - Thatcher’s dead! Throw eggs at her cortege, flick coffin the `v´ s, Hang those who’d defend her from lampposts or trees Destroyed all our pits, crushed The North and razed Wales, For the past twenty years we´ve wished her health fail. Shout loud from the rooftops and burst into song, Send out the message, her vengeance was wrong. For knifing the miners, stamping on workers´ rights The news of her demise will bring great delight. So march with proud banners, salute with clenched fist, Daub on her grave – “This infamous bitch won´t be missed!” © David Leslie Urion 3rd March 2010
Posted by: Retrospective Plan for Coal at time: 04/03/2010 18:02
The Real Plan Copy and paste http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/mining/6931.shtml
Posted by: Clean Coal Technology at time: 04/03/2010 10:14
A video from Panorama of a variety of Collieries in the Barnsley Area including the fluidised bed producing Clean Coal 25 years ago how much C02 would that have prevented in creating a low carbon economy take note John Prescott on your visit 5th.March 2010 http://www.bbc.co.uk/archive/mining/6933.shtml
Posted by: Eddie Gouthwaite at time: 05/03/2010 14:36
Well John Prescott did mention clean coal at the Lifestyle Centre in Grimethorpe today. It is also true what he said about the money that has been targetted at Northern Mining communities far more than any tory government would have done.
Posted by: Terry Grass at time: 03/03/2010 21:38
Rip M/Foot.25 years ago .lets hope the tories dont get in again.or we all know what will happen.dont we !the country need reminding these young kids cannot remember what these people called tories do to us working people.
Posted by: Terry Grass at time: 03/03/2010 21:28
Well 25yrs ago we had done our first shift back at Ollerton Colliery.we held our heads high as we had to mix with these so called miners who had worked through the strike.we still hold our heads up high and walk tall. where are they now nobody knows.they have just dissapeared.I will never forget the men who stood at my side on the picket lines all over the country.God bless you all.But neither will i ever forgive the scabs.
Posted by: albert at time: 13/03/2010 09:48
maybe the so called scabs weren't on the sick. like the majority of the so called loyal strikers.
Posted by: albert at time: 13/03/2010 09:49
maybe scabs as you call them weren't on the sick.
Posted by: Gary Cox at time: 14/03/2010 20:03
I was in Norwich during the strike and invited a striking miner from Ollerton to come over and speak at a meeting. I cant remember his name but I do remember he came over on a 50cc moped and arrived about 5 mins before the meeting started, put me on first he said, so I did. The first question that he was asked was” how many men were on strike in Nottingham” and he replied all of them, the place went quiet for a while then he said, all the men were on strike, whatever you want to call the scabs that are still working is up to you but they are not men”
Posted by: Ron Curran, formerly Rising Sun Colliery Wallsend at time: 03/03/2010 17:01
I am enquiring on behalf of a neighbour who's grandfather, born about 1870 and is called Charlie Allen worked first as a hewer at Hazelrigg Colliery, Northumberland and became a weighman. (I would think a checkweighman) Is there anyone out there that knows anything about him please. And Oblige Ron Curran
Posted by: Ron Curran, formerly Rising Sun Colliery Wallsend at time: 03/03/2010 16:53
I am appealing to all disillusioned and disenchanted Labour Party members to join me in a campaign to bring democracy back to the Labour Party. After thirteen years in office, the Government now tell us they cannot afford more grit on the roads. Not only is it because of over budgeting but there isn’t enough left to go around. That is what they are saying to a nation surrounded by sand and salt water. Have you ever heard anything so daft, but so potentially dangerous. They also use words like transparency, but tried to prevent the press publishing the guilty names of MP’s who were at the slush bucket of expenses including ALMOST all New Labour MP’s and many of other parties. Our erstwhile Speaker of the House of Commons Michael Martin led their protest. And the word ‘democracy’ has now led to a national enquiry as to whether the invasion of Iraq was Lawful and was there therefore a conspiracy? That relates to former Prime Minister Tony Blair of course. Now let us come to democracy at home and in the party. We have an un-elected ‘Prime Minister’ in Gordon Brown who signed the Lisbon Treaty binding us further within European Laws without reference to ANYBODY ELSE. That is undemocratic and un-lawful. It was not challenged by ANY party in the House of Commons, individual or group of MP’s from any party. Nor was a referendum called for, NOT JUST on the Lisbon Treaty but on entering Europe on a pretext of this being a natural progression from the Common Market. We and the public have been conned on a massive scale. Within the New Labour party itself, candidates can be removed, replaced or inserted by national level. Forums, practised by the Romans and the Greeks now takes the place of resolutions at conferences, with the same end result as the forums, a decision is made at the top without a vote. We have been well and truly high-jacked. I appeal to the disillusioned and the disenchanted not to let New Labour get away with it. However, if they sink we drown, Labour will follow the Liberals into political No-Man’s Land. Our pioneers who have fought against Tory political domination for over 300 years will have worked in vain. Bring back sanity and real values. Get back into the party and let them know “Their Experiment Has Failed”. That would be the message from our pioneers, but they would also say - “please don’t sell us out to the Tories. We must bring democracy back into the party NOW or all our battles will have been in vain, also that of your parents and their parents”. Let the battle start now within the party. This we must win! Tory Butchers Down The Ages In their coats of many colours, Red, White and Blue - whatever, Progressive, Independent, or even moderately Moderate - never! Tory policies remain the same - a wolf by any other name, Conservative "values" are a sham, ancient mutton dressed up as lamb, Hoping to deceive and to deliver - tripe disguised as tender liver. (Ron Curran - 2000)
Posted by: Eddie Gouthwaite at time: 03/03/2010 18:59
Well Ron where do we start? No point going back on our own or even if we do will we be accepted? Look at all the other competing political partys' what a true shambles. I am not a member of any political party since Dec 2009 I thought I would let the vultures sort it out themselves this year once the shit has stopped hitting the fan from the expenses scandle I might consider it. Alternatively if nominated I would consider a challenge
Posted by: Ron Curran, formerly Rising Sun Colliery Wallsend at time: 12/03/2010 21:36
I quite agree Eddie, where do we start? Well I started at the Berwick Labour Party branch meeting and told the few members there exactly where I stood and said they were responsible for our current position. Unfortunately I believe I was talking to fudge (very pale pink) Labourites but nevertheless I think they got the message. I then wrote to the local press and I have asked the Scottish TUC to allow me (as a former president) a few words at their conference about the possibility of a humiliating defeat if New Labour don't radically change direction. Taking a liberty perhaps, but at least I feel I am doing something. And it is a real posibility that the Tories may clinch it. My worry is that we The Labour Movement could be in a wilderness for years. Any better suggestions are welcome?
Posted by: Project 2000 at time: 14/03/2010 15:20
Ron my views have not changed since the above project neither has the reformed Labour Party so I feel that it would be pointless to cross the divide. We are already in the phase of 'Off Loading' people over 50 from public employment. The TUC and Numpty MPs have failed big time over the last 25 years but cannot seem to grasp the basic arithmetic what has gone wrong. People are becoming 'Battery Hens' with the development of Information Systems over the past 3 Decades but the TUC and MPs Globally have not addressed this.The capitalist solution was to outsource the work to less organised employees. As someone said the Political partys are fighting each other about cuts not the real problem. In other words they cannot see the wood for the trees. Why did the man from the 'Pru' buy into the Asian market? Start thinking 21 hour week work for everyone globally no point trying to fight someone who is working for nothing they will always take your job look at the solution our local Aeroplane company is coming up with to beat the Union.Eddie
Posted by: Ron Curran, formerly Rising Sun Colliery Wallsend at time: 04/07/2010 14:23
Eddie, I have been away for some time but I have read your latest summary with interest. Your identification of the real problem is no different to that which faced the pioneers one hundred and fifty years ago. In fact this was reinforced by Karl Marx in his scientific approach to capital and Monopolies. This identified all the problems we now face, and which prevailed at that time. If our pioneers however, had said, nothing more can be done, we would never have arrived at the point we did in 1945 with the first post war Labour Government, after a devastating world war. I will keep on fighting! All the best Ron
Posted by: Info@theheartbeat Question sent today what was the answer at time: 03/03/2010 16:25
Was Ian Macgregor a liar? and who was he misleading. Statement in 1984 I have been accused of trying to butcher the industry. I have no such intention or desire. I state that categorically and solemnly. You have been deliberately misled.
Posted by: Tatey Hash at time: 03/03/2010 15:31
Sorry Just a reminder 'WE Lived on Potatoes' http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/witness/march/12/newsid_3498000/3498166.stm
Posted by: On This Day 25 years on at time: 03/03/2010 15:09
Today 25Years ago End of Miners Strike 1985 from the BBC Link http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/3/newsid_2515000/2515019.stm On This Day RIP Michael Foot
Posted by: 25 years on at time: 03/03/2010 14:28
Cycled 25 years ago to the picket caravan at Grimethorpe Colliery,Barnsley then up the Hill to Brierley along the top road to Middlecliffe and down to Houghton Main a lot easier today on the by-pass. A bit ironic that Michael Foot passed away on the same day and John Prescott will visit Grimethorpe on Friday. What happened to the 'signing in book'at the caravan. Eddie Gouthwaite.
Posted by: Mick Westwood. at time: 02/03/2010 19:15
Miners Pensions - The so called " Government Guarantee ". - The more you look at this, the more you realise that our pension schemes have been sold a guarantee by `Del boy.` " Yes we`ll give you a guarantee on your pension guv`nor, it will cost you £8 BILLION QUID, - and by the way, - we won`t honour it when it`s needed."! I bet somebody got a knighthood for swinging that one across us.
Posted by: Mark Green at time: 02/03/2010 18:32
Hi, I am researching a colliery that no longer exists and that I live near, Wharncliffe Woodmoor 1,2 & 3 in Athersley/Carlton. The research is purely for my own interest although I have written an article on the colliery and posted that on Wikipedia. The article is OK but lacks substance and ironically the archive department in Barnsley library only as limited information. It seems Donacster, Sheffield and Wakefield has much more information on the subject, particularly the John Goodchild collection. The question I am asking here is, do you have a resource area that is open to the public or by prior appointment? I’m not or never been a miner, however like most people from Barnsley I have had immediate family members who have been. The sacrifice that the miners made on the 6th August 1936 at Woodmoor deserves more than just a few lines in a book although the new memorial at the entrance to the new Wharncliffe Business Park is a fantastic piece of work. And a great tribute to the miners.
Posted by: Wharncliffe at time: 02/03/2010 22:07
Some who have worked there are still alive. Why not visit the Carlton WMC and ask a few questions.
Posted by: Chris Skidmore at time: 12/03/2010 12:49
Why not ring 01226 215555 ext.210 ask for Phil Thomson Yorks Area NUM Archivist & ask for an interview.
Posted by: Peter M. Kenifeck \ at time: 27/02/2010 15:17
I just happened across this site and thought I would post a note :O) I started at K in 1971 and got expelled August 1986 just after the strike. :O( I loved working there even it had a loada Poms & Pols. It took me about 2 years before I could understand what a word a geordi said, and every body took the P*** out me coz of the way I spoke. But that said I still loved the pit life. That was up to the 1984 strike, then the S*** hit the fan :O( But without doubt being at the K was the best years of my life and I met the best men ever. Justa few names that may bring back some memories: Bobby Gregg, Eddy Laverick, Mario Pater, Billy Boyle, Billy Dimmock, Keith Boldy, Eddy Hargeaves, Joe Green, Percy Simpson, Banger Lang, Bill Barkley, Dave Heslop, Ralph Heslop, Billy Dixon, Roy ( fish plate face) Cusworth, Jeff ( foreskin neck ) Cook. The Snaith Raper, Oh I could go on forever "Hey" Great days Thanks Yours KIWI :O) Ps: Regards to Shit Fly Kev, Foot block head Al, Wobble Gob Willi and our Kid Tomlinsnon
Posted by: Peter M. Kenifeck "Alias" KIWI at time: 27/02/2010 15:15
I just happened across this site and thought I would post a note :O) I started at K in 1971 and got expelled August 1986 just after the strike. :O( I loved working there even it had a loada Poms & Pols. It took me about 2 years before I could understand what a word a geordi said, and every body took the P*** out me coz of the way I spoke. But that said I still loved the pit life. That was up to the 1984 strike, then the S*** hit the fan :O( But without doubt being at the K was the best years of my life and I met the best men ever. Justa few names that may bring back some memories: Bobby Gregg, Eddy Laverick, Mario Pater, Billy Boyle, Billy Dimmock, Keith Boldy, Eddy Hargeaves, Joe Green, Percy Simpson, Banger Lang, Bill Barkley, Dave Heslop, Ralph Heslop, Roy ( fish plate face) Cusworth, Jeff ( foreskin neck ) Cook. The Snaith Raper, Oh I could go on forever "Hey" Great days Thanks Yours KIWI :O) Ps: Regards to Shit Fly Kev, Foot block head Al, Wobble Gob Willi and our Kid Tomlinsnon
Posted by: TO WILLIAM SMITH at time: 26/02/2010 17:48
Dear William, you will see from the fact that your entry is on the Guest book that you do not have to login. Editor
Posted by: Shaun Davey Reply at time: 26/02/2010 17:25
MPS began if you read the information in here it contracted out of SERPS 1978 http://www.mps-pension.org.uk/general-info.htm#courtorders
Posted by: william smith at time: 26/02/2010 16:12
do you have to login
Posted by: Sam McKay at time: 26/02/2010 12:44
can anyone help please, I have a relative who is interested in collecting badges struck for the 1984 miners strike, he is particularly interested in ones made for the scottish mines I beleive he has some from Monktonhall and Bilston Glen but any information regarding other areas would be appreciated. Thank you
Posted by: colin at time: 27/02/2010 05:57
get brian witts book badges of the national union of mineworkers it excellent, just google brian witts book it will find details.
Posted by: BRIAN WITTS, EX LITTLETON at time: 28/02/2010 11:39
HELLO SAM, I HAVE DONE A BOOK ON NUM BADGES, YOU CAN CALL ME ON 01543-425743.
Posted by: Sam McKay at time: 01/03/2010 14:13
Thanks Brian, what I will do is pass your tel no. onto my relative who would be able to explain exactly what he's looking for, and thanks again.
Posted by: shaun davey at time: 25/02/2010 19:33
making enquiries as to when did the mine workers pension scheme begin. can anyone assist.thankyou
Industrial Action
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