Remembering the 1926 Miners’ Strike in the Forest of Dean

It is 100 years since the General Strike and Miners’ Strike of 1926. The 1926 General Strike was a nine-day nationwide walkout in the UK from 3-12 May, called by the TUC (Trades Union Congress) to support over one million coal miners facing wage cuts and longer hours. Although the TUC called off the General Strike, the miners continued striking for seven more months before they had no choice but to return to work or starve.

Forest of Dean miners fought hard for better working conditions and pay. Miners and their families faced severe poverty and hardship but managed to survive several months through determination and community solidarity. We will hold a day of talks and discussion exploring the impact of the Miners Strike on the Forest of Dean and the wider context.

Speakers:

• DHC Collections Officer Nicola Wynn
• Nigel Costley, current editor of Forest of Dean Local History Society journal & former Regional Secretary South West TUC
• Tony Conder, historian & former curator Waterways Museum, Gloucester
• Matt Jenkins the curator for the Working Class History project organising mapping the 1926 General Strike
• Graham Morgan, former Labour County councillor, Cinderford councillor & hugely knowledgeable on the Forest of Dean
• Maggie Clutterbuck, well-known Forest poet & novelist

For more information and booking

See also the BRHG pamphlet on the miner’s lockout in the Forest: Ashes of Defiance