TRIBUTES have been paid to an inspirational Barnsley woman who co-founded the national Women Against Pit Closures movement during the miners’ strike who died last week.
Anne Harper, better known as Anne Scargill, died last Thursday at the age of 83 having battled against dementia.
Born in Barnsley in 1941, she was the daughter of a miner at Woolley Colliery where her future husband - National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) president Arthur Scargill - also worked in later years.
The couple were married from 1961 until 2001 and had a daughter, Margaret, in 1962 who became a GP.
Soon after the miners’ strike began in 1984, Anne began to organise with women in her community, catering for people at the local welfare hall, travelling to cities like York to fundraise, and speaking at protests.
The Barnsley Women Against Pit Closures group was formed when local women published an advertisement in the Chronicle for a meeting to decide how to best support local striking miners.
This led to the first meeting of the group and to a national, all-women rally through Barnsley 20 days later on May 12, 1984, attended by an estimated 10,000 women.
Anne continued to appear at picket lines throughout the 1984/85 strike and to speak at rallies and protests against pit closures.
NUM secretary Chris Kitchen said: “It is with deep sadness that we heard of the passing of Anne. She was a founder member of the Women Against Pit Closures in the 1984/85 strike.
“It was a movement that was instrumental in supporting those on strike and our mining communities.
“Anne was a strong-willed person who stayed true to her principles supporting the NUM and communities since the strike until her illness cruelly robbed her of them. The NUM would like to express our condolences to her family and many friends at this sad time. She was a genuine, decent, caring person a true socialist and was committed to helping others.”
A spokesperson from the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign hailed Anne for devoting her life to the cause she was passionate about.
“As a prominent figure in the Women Against Pit Closures movement, Anne was arrested during the miners’ strike and she travelled round the world speaking and fundraising for the strike,” they added.
“Her unrelenting commitment to the struggle made her a formidable force.
“Anne continued the dedicated fight to prevent pit closures in the early 1990s. With her close friend and activist Betty Cook, they were a dynamic duo.
“They were regularly together on rallies, demonstrations, picket lines and many other events.
“Anne’s support for the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign meant that she was able to use her many contacts and connections to encourage support for an inquiry.
“Before her illness, Anne came along to most of our rallies and events. Anne’s enthusiasm and passion for fighting for a better world will be sadly missed we have lost a comrade, a sister and a wonderful friend.”
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock praised Anne’s contribution both locally and nationally.
“I was sad to hear of the passing of Anne.
“She dedicated her life to fighting for mining communities.
“I am sending my condolences to her friends and family.”
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis said: “Anne Scargill was Barnsley born and bred and a true working class hero.
“She was a force of nature, and as a co-founder of the Women Against Pit Closures movement, fought for the livelihoods and the pride of miners across our borough and our country.
“I know she will be much-missed by many, and my condolences go to her family and friends.”
Anne’s funeral will take place on May 20 at 2.10pm and Barnsley Crematorium, Ardsley, followed by a wake at Worsbrough Bridge Miners’ Welfare where she began her political career.
