Producer Sarah Julian says the story alone is a very powerful one:
"Of all the stories I came across in making the Sense of Place series, the story of the Ollerton banner really moved me."
"It was not only the remarkable history of the banner, but the strength of feeling about the place which I really noticed - I hope the programme will be a tribute to that passion." The Ollerton Banner was a colliery banner created in the 1940s to celebrate unity across the globe.
It disappeared mysteriously during the 1984/85 miners strike and wasnt rediscovered until very recently, in a shed in Southampton.
The programme tells the story of the banner, and at the same time, the story of Ollerton, a town divided by strike, destroyed by the loss of its pit - but now back on its feet again. Arthur Jackson was one of the people instrumental in bringing the banner back to Ollerton. He sees it as a symbol of the town.
Listen to Arthur Jackson, instrumental in bringing the banner back to Ollerton, describe it and explain it's importance (28k).
The people of Ollerton tell us how the town was built and grew from a colliery village to a town, housing people from Wales, Scotland and the North East. Colin Gibson came from the North East and like so many others he made Ollerton his home. Colin thinks Ollerton is a special place due to it's isolation.
Listen to Colin Gibson explain why he thinks Ollerton is such a special place (28k). The banner was rediscovered only recently, in a very poor state, and the people of Ollerton set about restoring it. At the same time, the pit site was being redeveloped by the community, into an energy village.
Listen to Stan Crawford, Development Co-ordinator for the energy village, explain how it came about (28k). The former pit is now a site of much activity as its becoming the energy village. Sarah Julian says its a site with much meaning.
"I took one former miner to the site to look at its redevelopment, Ill always remember the emotion in his face as he described to me what a significant place it is for him." Listen to Eddie Jackson, former miner, reminisce about the old pit site (28k). It was also important for the programme to reflect the younger generations hopes for the town. Sarah says:
"The youngsters of Ollerton performed a play to celebrate the renovation of the banner. I knew the older residents were passionate about their place but I was quite surprised that the teenagers felt the same. I suppose that says a lot about Ollerton, as one interviewee told me it gets under your skin, you cant live here without feeling something for the place." Listen the thoughts of the young actors and part of their play (28k).
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