The authors behind a book commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1984/85 miners’ strikes are holding a book signing at Deri Library this Thursday 1st May.
Written by Deborah Price and Natalie Butts-Thompson, ‘How Black Were Our Valleys’ contains a collection of memories, stories, poems and events that recall the impact of the 1984/85 miners’ strikes on the Rhymney Valley and Wales generally.
On Thursday 1st May at 6.30pm authors Deborah and Natalie will visit Deri Library, situated in the heart of a community that grew around nearby collieries, to sign copies of the book and to talk to visitors about its stories.
The duo will be joined by guest speakers Ron Stoate, Secretary for the Penallta Lodge branch of the National Union of Mineworkers, and Bedwas Councillor Ray Davies, who has also penned a book on the 1984 miners’ strikes – ‘A Miner’s Life’. The event will also feature original footage from the 1984 strikes and a display of images and memorabilia.
All proceeds raised by ‘How Black Were Our Valleys’ will go to the South Wales Area – Miners’ Beneficiary Fund, supporting ex-miners and their families.
Deri author Deborah said of the book: “The memories and accounts are personal, these are the stories that didn’t get to the mainstream media, but are extremely important regardless, not just to the South Wales mining community, but also to all those communities that were involved.”
Deborah and Natalie are still keen to speak to anyone who was involved in the 1984/85 miners’ strikes, with a view to compiling a second book on the subject.
She added: “Because it’s the 30th anniversary this year we wanted to compile all the stories as quickly as possible, but we know there are still people out there who have tales to tell, and these stories will be lost unless they are passed on.”
The ‘How Black Were Our Valleys’ book signing will take place at Deri Library at 6.30pm on Thursday 1st May.
Anyone with relevant stories or information about the miners’ strikes is asked to contact Deborah on [email protected].
