I have a feeling that it is not the closing of the mines as such that is the sad part but the destruction of the communities that went with it. People working in such conditions are brought close together by the very danger and adversity they face everyt day, and not just the miners but their wives and families too. I am only a newcomer to Wales (22 years ) but I have seen the change from small friendy communities to commuter dormitories. The people are the same but the community spirit was cruelly ripped apart with the decimation of the coal industry. T%hank God it's gone but, as the previous post said, what a tragedy it wasn't replaced by suitable industry.

Oh, and with my slightly tongue in cheek earlier post, I certainly wasn't implying that no-one else should sing this song; all songs should be sung. Rather though that Dave is a hell of an act to follow. Andy