Hunt for missing 1984 mining strike women's banner

The banner needs to be found before the 40th anniversary of the strike next year

An appeal has been launched to find a missing miners' strike banner carried by women from south Wales.

The flag, which shows "a strong militant Welsh woman", was waved by the Women Against Pit Closures group at rallies and protests during 1984.

Former MP Sian James said the group needed to find it before the 40th anniversary of the strike next year.

A rally is being held in Durham next March by the National Women Against Pit Closures 40th anniversary group.

Its aim is to celebrate the "magnificent role of women" in the strike by gathering strike banners from across the UK.

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In 1984 Women Against Pit Closures (WAPC) was formed to support the miners when it became evident that the strike was going to be a prolonged dispute.

They picketed, marched and ran soup kitchens in their communities to help feed the miners and their families. Many led rallies and protests and some helped turn back lorries. 

The south Wales banner was used in every conference and every demonstration the women attended

The south Wales banner was used in every conference and every demonstration where the women went, according to former Labour MP Sian James who was a leading figure in the women's support group during the strike.

"If there was any chance, we would march behind it or stand in front of it in public meetings and rallies," she said.

"We took it everywhere. It is an emotive banner. We were very proud to march behind it. It was a tangible demonstration that the Welsh women were there."

After the strike, paperwork from many of the women's groups was lodged at local archives for safeguarding. But the banners were very large items and difficult to preserve.

Women Against Pit Closures (WAPC) was formed to support the miners

"The aim now is to get the original banner back and into marching mode," said Ms James.

"We have thought of a replica. Ours was a painted banner, not a sewn banner, so that would be possible.

"But the truth is we would like to find the original banner if possible because that is the best, with all that history and love invested in it."

'Our last chance'

At the time, Ms James joined other miners' wives in trying to win support for the mining communities.

"During the strike we were everywhere, and a lot of women across south Wales did like I did and went here, there and everywhere talking about how we needed support and help.

"Many areas had their own local banners. We had one in the Neath, Dulais and Swansea Valley Miners Support Group. But we are talking here about the the women's banner.

The flag was waved by the Women Against Pit Closures group at marches, rallies and protests during 1984

"It was made for us and it represented us. It was special. This was the first time, in our memories, that we as women had our own banner and we were really really proud of it."

Looking ahead to the rally next year in Durham, Ms James said the group's presence there would be crucial, to show and remind people of the important role women played in the strike.

"This event in Durham will be our last hurrah I think. We are none of us getting any younger!" she said.

"This really will be our last chance to get that banner and unfurl it with pride. I can't imagine not having south Wales women represented in this rally."