Battle of Orgreave stories to be shared at film premiere

The Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign is seeking a public inquiry into the actions of police at Orgreave coking plant, near Rotherham, on June 18, 1984. claiming that striking miners were assaulted and falsely arrested.

Now the campaign has recorded some of the ‘real stories’ of people involved in the one-year strike, including miners, families, members of Women Against Pit Closures and other supporters – with the film getting its first airing tomorrow, in South Yorkshire.

An OTJC spokesman said: “In these moving accounts, with humour, pride and sometimes anger and sadness, people tell their personal stories from history.”Joe Rollin, OTJC deputy chairman and one of the main organisers of the film and event said: "The OTJC wants these stories to inspire future generations and to encourage people to become involved in the Trade Union Movement today.

“We have had years of cuts, austerity and a low wage, zero hours economy where workers are being denied basic human rights.

“This film will hopefully inspire people to stand up for themselves and know another world is possible"Campaign activist Kevin Horne, one of the miners arrested at Orgreave, said: "Many people who took part in the 1984-85 Miners’ Strike and were deeply affected by it are now dead, or old and will be dead soon. It is so important for those of us who are still around, to capture our social and political history on film and to tell our stories to people who may not be aware of what we endured and how it still affects people's lives today,"Kate Flannery, campaign secretary and a past member of Women Against Pit Closures, said: "We have organised this premiere to take place this week as it is the anniversary of the start and end of the 12-month Miners’ Strike of 1984-85, when miners had no option but to fight to protect jobs and communities.”

Our Miners’ Strike Stories film premiere is tomorrow, Friday, March 6, at 7pm, in the National Union of Mineworkers Miners’ Hall, Huddersfield Road, Barnsley.