Barry Wood

Memory of the 1972 "Gormley" miners' strike. Compares to the more antagonistic 1984 strike. Things initially quiet on the picket lines, but gradual shift. Hard as many policement from mining families or had been miners. Had to be careful leaving police vehicle when visiting mother. Increased violence, stress caused by police brough from outside. Trying to rebuild relationships with community. Own opinion on inevitability of strike. Once had to bring dogs to the scene in case they were needed in a riot - but as dog handler was never directly involved. Incident with bus load of miners taking sacks of coal. Still doing normal policing, but had to take extra care. Opinion of the strike. Relations between police and miners before the strike generally very good, examples. First day of strike - caught a miner chopping wood, told him to be gone when he came back, ie started on good terms. Violence came from both sides.

County: Durham
AUD2009-130

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