The Coal Anthology, a powerful collection of poems, prose and photographs marking the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike, is being launched at the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
Readings from the anthology, by editors and contributors, will offer a fascinating insight into the voices and stories showcased in the new book, at the museum near Wakefield on Saturday, November 9, 2pm to 3.30pm.
Poet Sarah Wimbush, author of STRIKE (Stairwell Books, 2024), worked with the NCMME and The Poetry Business, a leading writer development agency and independent press organisation, to produce the anthology of poetry and other creative responses that encompass the years leading up to the strike, the strike itself, and its aftermath.
It was edited by Sarah, Ann Sansom, and Peter Sansom with contributions by established poets, including Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, ‘Bard of Barnsley’ poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan, former national poet of Wales, Liz Berry, Gillian Clarke, Helen Mort and Paul Bentley, alongside new voices and younger poets writing about mining and the communities that mean or meant so much to them.
Work by the photographers John Harris, Keith Pattison and Ken Wilkinson, who captured some of the moving images of the strike, is also included in the anthology.
Sheffield based The Poetry Business was instrumental in the project, not only publishing the anthology but also engaging with communities through workshops and events which have allowed these stories to be gathered and preserved for future generations.
They have nearly four decades of experience in nurturing the writing and developing the careers of hundreds of poets.it publishes books, pamphlets and The North, a twice-yearly literary magazine, with poetry workshops across the UK, plus intensive residential courses and an advanced writing school for published poets.
Lynn Dunning, CEO, National Coal Mining Museum England, said: “The COAL Anthology is a moving and impactful tribute to the resilience and spirit of our mining communities.
“This collection not only commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike but also brings to life the voices and stories that shaped this pivotal moment in history. We are honoured to launch this anthology at the National Coal Mining Museum, where we share the memories and the stories of the miners through our collections and incredible underground experience.”
The Museum is currently marking the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike, with its latest exhibition 84/85: The Longest Year.
The exhibition considers the strike through memories and stories of miners and their families, addressing the broader picture of the strike and gives a voice to those who experienced it. The almost year-long exhibition dates coincide with the anniversary and ends 40 years after miners returned to work, on March 3, 2025.
VIEW THE TOUR: Take a look around the free 3D virtual tour – click on the image below – also visit the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85.
The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.
National Coal Mining Museum’s attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more. There are many more events tunning throughoout the summer holidays – for more, click here.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-4pm (winter hours until March 24) and 10am-5pm (summer hours from March27).
Entry to the the museum is free but, as an independent charity, donations are appreciated.
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