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I was at this years TUC and bought a copy of Dole not Coal, and it brought it all back, i think all shop stewards/union members should watch this true account of what Maggies Goverment done to the Miners and then to all Trade Unionists and are still doing it to us today, how long will we talk but not take actions as the proud miners did. Strength Through Unity Stand UP and Fight Back NOW!!!!! Brian Hewitt Shop Steward Unite the Union

A bit of history,I missed it on e bay but I wonder what a WWII POW was writting to the Durham Miners Assoc about, there were 2 pre-printed postcards, printed addresses to DMA, unfortunately no scan of message side, just front.Many POW camps had printing facilities Did DMA assist ex miner POW's?

I have noted the pensions petition as to set up a labour select committee to protect and ensure our pension scheme is on course for future protection of our pensions. Would it not be better to set up an e-petition to bring this to the attention of everyone, bearing in mind there are other mining pension schemes with members ready to sign.

Regarding the article about miners pensions, why has it taken so long to realise that the 50% premium we paid to the Gov`t; was in fact underwriting our own scheme ?. The Cannock Chase Retired Miners and Officials Association spent years telling Gov`t; Ministers, M.P`s, Trustees and UnionRepresentatives this. We had the figures to back up this ` Legalised theft of our money `, we had the `Parliament written replies ` to our questions that PROVED the intention of Gov`t; to `steal` at least £8 BILLION of Miners Pension money.We told EVERYONE that we were paying for our own guarantee... YET NOBODY WOULD BE PREPARED TO REALLY DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT....Why ?... Because it was a Labour Gov`t; who had been stealing our money since 1997,,,, the very Gov`t; who said in 1994 that the `Guarantee ` was a "RIP - OFF, and we will do something about it when in power ". Well they did, - they made it worse and they stole from the very people who put them in power.It stinks lads,it really does.

After following news over the last couple of days, and the tragic news coming out of South Africa and loss of lives. You look back and think / see , just what money and damage the deviding of a union/miners can do! This is not what Nelson Mandela fought for ! R.I.P South African Miners. Im not a fan but give me South Yorkshire Police anytime ! ( If the same tactics had been used at Orgreave a lot of us would`nt be around today !!!!!!!!

Does anyone know what has become of James T Tuck the author of "Collieries of Northumberland".

It is with great sadness that we hear of the death of David Guy a true commrade to all that knew him and a tireless worker for the NUM but most of all a Great Ambassador and Fighter for all Miners, Rest in Peace Davy

Arthur Scargill was correct we are now paying the price for action a evil woman did to this industry & to mine steel fuel prices will continue to rise where the rich can pay & the poor cant so we rely on other countries for it . we need to start mining again costly it may be but long term it would pay back triple fold the Politicians know this but got no bottle to admit it the consevatives are evil they have made the uk a massive warehouse thats this country is we need coal production back for gods sake

I am sad to announce the death of my father David Guy, President Durham Miners Association, after a long term illness. Dad was a man who took his role very seriously and served the mining communities with tenacity in pursuit of justice for working class people. He was a truly inspirational individual and will be sorely missed. keep your timber in Dad! Stephen

I am trying to trace any information on my Grandfather Donald (Don) Fowler who worked primarily at Tilmanstone Colliery, although I know he moved to the Lichfield area of Staffordshire to avoid the WW2 bombings in Dover at one point, but then moved back to Dover once the war had ended. He was also a Union Official at Tilmanstone, and I have newspaper cuttings of him meeting parlimentary candidates at the colliery, but alas they have no dates on them. Any information would be gratefully recieved.

Hafod Colliery, Ruabon. Three generations of my family worked on the coal face at Hafod. My father from the age of fourteen in 1929. I am currently writing his biography at the request of his grandaughter from anecdotes. I would like to know more about the history of Hafod 1930's - 1960's when it closed. Would be grateful for any advice.

thatcher one, No 'state' funeral http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/2979

I have been trying to locate and contact my uncle, Pete Pavlovic, who worked in the Coventry area many years ago (70s/80s?). Any help on how to go about this would be greatly appreciated, I'm sure he'd like to get back in touch with me too, it would be a shame if we didn't meet again. Thanks for you help. Mike

I am a teacher. Some years ago I was privileged to be given a tour, with pupils, of the Longannet Colliery. A great day, and we were shown the reality of mining at first hand. This country should never have sacrificed the industry: we need energy, coal can and should supply it.

please help is there an online map of all the coal mines that were closed by the conservatives please?

Thanks for help spanish miners.

Thnaks for support and solidarity wiht spain and northspain miners

I want to thank all fellow miners in the county of Durham for the support of many of its neighbors in the strike that we are living in the mining regions of Spain. Thanks to all who've sent via twitter your solidarity.

Any South Wales ex Miner that worked in Taff Merthyr Colliery, I have made a Photo Video and put it on Youtube, just type in Taff Merthyr, or thomassamuelphoto and it should take you to my Channel. Cyril Henry Jones (Hank)

Worked in Taff Merthyr Colliery from 1963 to 1989.Ten of these years were spent on the Screens. In 1973 I became a Banksman and worked on both shafts, ending up on Skip winding. Now, my Question is , can I claim for Dust for the 10 years I worked on the Screens. A few years ago I went for a Spiro test and was diagnosed with Chronic Bronchitis and at that time was told I could not claim because I was a Surface Worker. Any advice would be very grateful. Thanking you, Cyril Henry Jones (Hank)