Still seen as one of the most bitter and divisive industrial disputes in the UK, the year long miners' strike, that began in March 1984, dominated the news for 12 months. It’s been described as “a site of contested memories,” and it continues to evoke strong feelings in those who lived through the strike and had direct experience of it.

Chris Jackson, in his very first job as a young radio reporter in South Wales, found himself covering the dispute that scarred a generation and more. Now, 40 years after the start of the strike, he’s meeting people from different sides of the difficult and controversial industrial dispute, and together they return to a place that holds some very personal memories.

In this episode, Chris returns to South Wales to meet Ann Jones, whose husband John worked at Tower Colliery in the Welsh Valleys and was on strike for the full year. Ann’s life took a turn during the strike, taking her all over the country, speaking at large rallies and public meetings to raise money for the families of the striking miners and raise awareness of the issues they were facing. She became an organiser, supporter, protestor and was a regular on the picket lines, along with many other women.

Presenter: Chris Jackson
Producer: Jo Dwyer
Executive Producer: Rosamund Jones
A Loftus Media production for BBC Radio 4 Show less