My place on the fence during the dispute was always a bit precarious and given that I know, on this subject at least, memories are long and hard fought opinions rarely die, it probably still is.
30 years on my views have not altered, if anything I am more inclined to believe that powers far above the common man and the ever turning wheels of change cannot be fought with any realistic ideas that you might win. The world has changed too much for anyone to try and re- enact the peasant’s revolt, though in 1984 I’m sure there were those who thought they could.
One of the biggest changes I have witnessed since 1984, apart from the decimation of an industry, is the decline in union membership. It’s highly unlikely that the likes of the all- powerful NUM will ever be seen again.