FORMER miners turned out in force to hold their annual reunion in Grimethorpe last Thursday - marking the 40th anniversary since they left their jobs to strike against the government.

The popular pre-Christmas event, which was started by Jack Howell in 1993, was taken on by Johnny Wood following the former’s death.

The reunion saw scores of people pay their respects at the memorial outside St Luke’s Church to local lives lost before they regaled about their respective stories.

Johnny told the Chronicle: “What Grimethorpe went through shouldn’t be forgotten about - that’s why we all come together, year after year, to remember.

“Last year’s anniversary was special because it was the 30th anniversary since Grimethorpe’s colliery closed, while this year’s was the 40th since the miners’ strike.

“Respect, pride and togetherness is what’s Grimethorpe’s miners’ reunion is all about.”

On March 1, 1984 the National Coal Board (NCB) unexpectedly announced the closure of Cortonwood Colliery, giving just several weeks’ notice.

Less than a week later the Cortonwood miners walked out on strike, initiating one of the most significant industrial disputes of the 20th century.

The strike rapidly spread through the coalfields, polarised the country, and left a legacy in the former mining communities.

Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, also attended last week’s reunion.

“I laid a wreath at the memorial - we remembered those men who went to work and didn’t return home,” she added.

“Thank you to Johnny and everyone who helped to organise this important annual event.”