The Story of Strike

Merthyr-born Jonny Owen shares his favourite clips from his podcast series about the 1984-85 miners' strike.

A teenager at the time, Jonny reflects on what the strike meant to him, and to Wales, with his producer Clare Hudson. They hear from ex-miners describing what it was like to work underground.

Former NUM research officer Kim Howells tells the story of how he and other activists got the strike started in South Wales. Plus Jonny and Clare also reflect on the role of women in the strike, with a contribution from Jonny’s mam, Carol.

Meanwhile, former coal minister Lord David Hunt tells Jonny that the strike was doomed because the NUM never held a national ballot, and former Labour leader Neil Kinnock criticises Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and NUM leader Arthur Scargill for the way it all played out.

Presenter: Jonny Owen
Series Producer: Clare Hudson
Episode Producer: Meic Parry
Executive Producer: Steve Austins
Assistant Producer: Ffion Clarke
Development Producer: Branwen Davies
Sound Designer: Adam Whalley
Composer: Richard Llewellyn
Series Consultant: Dr Ben Curtis

Strike is a Bengo Media Production for BBC Sounds