Hybrid 3 Studios is commemorating 40 years since the UK Miners’ Strike with an evening of stories, poetry and music.
On Monday 2 September, the studio will host a programme of speakers and performers committed to preserving the legacy of one of the most climactic moments in working-class history. Created by folk musician Ray Hearne in collaboration with Hybrid 3 Studios and Flux Rotherham, the event will focus on the pit communities of Cortonwood, Silverwood, Wath & Manvers and Maltby.
Organisers and speakers have crafted four unique soundscapes to capture the voices and thoughts of generations past, present and future, which are now available to listen to on Spotify The event evening will showcase the project in celebration of its release, and will also feature live folk music from Rebecca and Emily Horne, as well as a discussion accompanied by light refreshments.
Owner of Hybrid 3 Studio, Matt Ritchie, spoke about the importance of commemorating and sharing these stories and recognising the long-term impacts of the events of 1984.
“As union after union was broken, everything changed nationally,” Matt said. “To understand the Miners’ Strike is to understand our shared history. The first-hand accounts that we have gathered from the miners, their wives and contemporaries shed a unique light on this time, while the thoughts and reflections of subsequent generations show how these communities have suffered as a result.”
Matt expressed the importance of seizing this unique opportunity, as many accounts are already fading into history: “40 years since the strike, many of the miners involved have already passed away, and in another 40 years, the chance to hear their stories will be gone. As part of our work, we interviewed the descendants of the miners and their children. We have witnessed how this history is either being lost or turned into folklore.”
By championing the voices of ex-miners who are keen to speak their truth, the event aims to highlight the reality of struggles for working-class people, both historical and present-day. Matt said: “During the recording of this series, we were surprised at how freely many of the ex-miners gave their time and were happy to recount their stories. We asked them why this was, and they explained their determination to get their stories out to as many people as possible. It means a great deal to them to have their stories told and their struggles commemorated.”
The significance of many of these struggles and the experiences of working people can be felt throughout history, and Matt explained the political similarities between battles fought in 1984 and issues still faced by working-class communities: “Witnessing the way in which the establishment rallied together to destroy Corbyn and his Labour movement had many parallels with the miners’ struggle. For the last fourteen years of Tory rule, we have witnessed the same wreaking power of free-market oligarchy further hollow out the fabric of our country. These stories are important as they show us exactly how the societal shifts of the time still impact us today, and in knowing how and why these changes happened, we can better see what needs to be set right.”
Matt added: “Championing the cause of working people, showing solidarity with each other and refusing to be divided and controlled by the powers that be, is what our society needs – just as it was needed 40 years ago.”
‘Miners’ Strike 40 Years On – A Commemoration’ takes place on Monday 2nd September, 6-8pm, at Hybrid 3 Studios. Tickets are available here via Eventbrite.
Words: Ruby Deakin
Top image: Hybrid 3 Studios