Coal mining in the UK is not completely dead yet - Kellingley, Thoresby and Daw Mill mines still active, Welbeck on the run down but Harworth may be reopened, Hatfield also still coaling. Unity in Wales also doing well.

I work for a company that supplies ventilation ducting and gas detection equipment to them all, plus other mines in the UK and beyond.

Each time I hear of another mining disaster, I sing Jez Lowe's "Weave and Worry" for the wives.

I first watched Brassed Off at the local cinema, not long after moving to the area. The reaction of the audience was heartfelt as they had lived through the strikes and I found it quite intimidating at first.