A SUPPORT group which provided meals to striking miners is to reunite to mark the 30th anniversary of the industrial action.

Atherton and Tyldesley Miners’ Support Group and miners from local collieries will mark the anniversary at The Atherton Arms on March 14.

The former Labour Club was the headquarters for the group during the 12-month dispute, which started at Corton Wood pit in Yorkshire on March 5, 1984.

Former Bickershaw miner Mick Shaw, who now lives in Tyldesley, said: “We are inviting everyone who was involved in the strike in the Lancashire area to come and join us.

“Thirty years may well have passed, but to some of us it feels like only last month.

“We want to look back and commemorate the stand we made, to thank all those who supported us and to reminisce and enjoy each other’s company once again. If people bring memorabilia from the strike then even better.”

The group provided daily meals to miners and their families in addition to collecting and distributing food parcels in support of National Union of Miners’ members involved in the union’s fight with the National Coal Board (NCB).

The NCB was strongly backed by Margaret Thatcher’s Tory Government and, despite the efforts of the strikers and their supporters, it ended in a defeat for the union, leading to closure of pits and the demise of the coal mining industry.

There will be a free buffet courtesy of Leigh branch of the Unite union. Call 07807 521337 if you want to come along.