The word spinners is actually spitters, Joe. Working alongside chemical dust, (similar to when I worked down the pit with coal dust,) you did a lot of spitting. Chewing tobacco often helped keep the mouth wet and prevented some getting to your lungs. Not that tobacco could be generally seen as a public health measure! Ron Angel was a man I knew from my visits to Stockton Folk Club and having booked the fettlers a few times years ago. A grand man and a grand "say it like it is" song. I include it now in a tribute set I do to honour our old friend Vin Garbutt, who gave the song a worldwide audience.
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