| Description | Tracks 1 - 25
This is the second part of what seems to be a production quality version of the 'Collier Laddie' with Charles Parker, Dave Rogers and others performing. Through song and spoken word, this production described mining work and mining life and made reference to 'the Big Hewer', regarded by many as a mythical figure in the mining industry.
The songs 'Collier Laddie' and 'Go Down' provide a thread through this and the preceding recordings. At some point during this second recording, Charles Parker, Dave Rogers and others from Banner Theatre feature more directly in the performance, possibly from Track 13 onwards. This may reflect an updating of the original 'Big Hewer' radio ballad format to take account of political developments, such as the electoral defeat of Edward Heath's Conservative government and the introduction of the 'Social contract' by Harold Wilson's Labour government (Tracks 23 -24).
The recordings begin with a description of anthracite as 'a beacon of light and life'. Track 2 contains a song 'The Peacock Seam' and tracks 2 -3 feature a discussion of the the geology of South Wales mines and the impact of machines on miners' employment prospects. The song 'Women on the Waste Tips' continues this theme (Track 3) and views about collier militancy and experiences of the 1920s and 1930s are given (Tracks 4 - 5). Tracks 6 - 8 record comments about the importance of humour to miners. Tracks 9 - 13 consider the dangers of coal mining, with much attention being given to the risks from dust. The post war pattern of pit closures is described and the impact of such closures on mining communities is considered (Tracks 12 - 14). Reference is made to Shire Oak Colliery, Derbyshire in the 1930s and the development of Betteshanger Colliery in Kent during that decade is also described (Track 14).
Tracks 19 - 25 consider contemporary issues facing miners and mining communities. Experiences of the 1972 miners' strike are recorded and a description of Fred Matthews' funeral is given (Track 20). (He was a striking miner who ws killed whilst picketing Keadby Power Station in 1972.) The role of miners' wives in supporting the stirke is recorded (Track 20) and the workers' solidarity displayed at Saltley Gate is noted (Track 22). Keresley Colliery, Warwickshire is described a 'village of immigrants from all over Europe' that united during the 1972 strike (Track 22). Tracks 23 - 24 consider relations between miners and politicians before and after the two 1974 general elections and the importance of miners and mining communities becoming politically active. Track 25 considers the mining tradition, its role in supporting the mining industry and the threats to that tradition.
Total: 36:11 minutes
Dubber's reference number: PLA KF565D0434880 |