THE role women played in the year long Miners' Strike will be relived at the beginning of December.

Each of the local communities in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area had strike committees and these were strongly supported by the women folk.

WEA Fife Local Association are delighted to have been asked to host an event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of Miners’ Strike, with a showing of “Here We Go: Women Living the Strike”, on Friday December 4 at 6pm at Lochgelly Centre, a documentary filmed and produced by Maggie Wright.

This powerful documentary highlights not only the role women played during that difficult time but also explores the solidarity and class struggle which underpinned the day to day events.

The women in the film reveal with honesty their personal experiences and the triumphs and tragedies of what was a very difficult time for all.

The event which is free and open to anyone of any age to come along to, will include the film show, an exhibition of memorabilia, and a range of speakers who will share their recollections, and reflections on what was learnt during and from that period in history.

This event promises to be interesting, emotional and educational – all in equal measures.

Crosshill woman, Caron Hughes, Educational Development Manager for the WEA, said: “We are delighted to have been asked to host this event and we believe that it will be of interest to a wide range of people of all ages, some of whom may have been involved in, or affected by the strike, and others who weren’t but are aware of the power of the State once again in undermining the most vulnerable in society.

"The key message for me here is the one of unity – the power of what people can achieve to effect survival during difficult times. I see this as being an immensely important event at this time”

Cath Cunningham, who starred in the film said: “I am immensely proud to have been part of the strike in 84/85 and to have learned so much from the experience.  

"The solidarity between women across the UK and the wider world made it possible for ordinary women to do extraordinary things and to learn about power and class and of the importance of that solidarity.

"Our stories in the film are varied but in many ways are the same. We hope that in making the film we have contributed to the recording of the trials and triumphs of that time from women's perspective.  

"Our stories are often untold in conventional history.  I hope that women and men and young people will join us to celebrate and share the richness in our stories”.