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Inquiry urges miners to share Orgreave stories

Joshua NicholLocal Democracy Reporting Service
Press Association A black and white image taken from behind police lines at Orgreave coking plant on 18 June 1984. Police in helmets and carrying riot shields are walking in a line stretching across a road and the grass embankments either side. In front of them, walking in the same direction, are a smaller and more spread out group of miners, many shirtless. They appear to be heading towards another police line in the distance, as if they are being kept in an enclosed area. In the background there are fields and a few trees and bushes.Press Association
The Orgreave Inquiry is investigating the events of 18 June 1984 during the Miners' Strike

A member of the inquiry panel investigating the infamous Battle of Orgreave, which saw police and striking miners clash in 1984, has urged the workers who were there to share their stories at an event later this week.

About 5,000 miners and 6,000 police officers were at the Orgreave coking plant in South Yorkshire on 18 June that year.

Many miners were injured in clashes broadcast to the nation on news bulletins but, despite 95 arrests, no prosecutions resulted.

Orgreave Inquiry member Baroness Mary Bousted said significant numbers of County Durham miners travelled to picket the plant and she urged them to share their experiences at a listening event at Redhills Durham Miners Hall on Thursday.

"We do hope that it will provide an opportunity for people who maybe haven't had such an opportunity before to tell their story," she said.

"Lots of people there haven't told their story. They couldn't talk about it even to their families."

The inquiry stressed nobody attending would be required to speak publicly and people could share their experiences in a group or privately on a one-to-one basis, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Redhills Miners Hall is a two-storey building dating back to the early 20th century. It is made of stone and has a pale green dome at its top and another one at its entrance. Sun is shining on the building, which is surrounded by trees and grassland. There is a wooden wagon parked nearby.
Two "listening events" will take place at Redhills Durham Miners Hall on 12 November

Legal proceedings against miners arrested at Orgreave collapsed when the prosecution offered no further evidence.

Blackhalls and Hesleden councillor Rob Crute, who was on strike at Easington Colliery at the time, said: "I have asked governments of all colours to open an inquiry into what happened at Orgreave.

"There were 95 people arrested and the trauma they went through was immense.

"What actually happened on that day in Orgreave needs to be uncovered and justice needs to be served."

Durham County Council deputy leader Darren Grimes said: "Orgreave wasn't just a fight in a field in South Yorkshire, it was the day the state decided the men who powered this country were the enemy and then tried to fit them up for it.

"If you were there, or your dad was, or your grandad was, go and tell them. Don't assume someone else has said it.

"Your memory is evidence, and it won't be around forever. Forty-two years is long enough to wait for the truth."

Two listening events are planned for Thursday, one at 10:00 to 13:00 GMT and a second from 14:00 to 17:00.

Anyone wishing to attend has been asked to register at the Orgreave Inquiry website.

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