Underground sit-in at colliery ends with determination and a raging thirst

ANNE Scargill speaking to reporters yesterday after she and three other women ended their underground sit-in at Parkside Colliery on Merseyside. She was hugged by her husband Arthur Scargill, leader of the National Union of Mineworkers, and cheered by about 700 people attending a rally at the pit gates.

Parkside has not produced coal since last October when it was one of the 31 pits earmarked for closure by the Government. It was not reprieved in the recent review, but Mrs Scargill said the fight to save it and the others would continue. After four nights 1,800 feet underground with Elaine Evans, Doris Barnes and Susan Potts, she said: 'Get the kettle on . . . I'm dying for a cup of tea.' Mrs Scargill added that their spirit had been 'tremendous' and most British Coal representatives had been 'terrific', though some had tried to prevent them from sleeping.

Arthur Scargill interview, page 16

Photograph: William Griffiths

(Photograph omitted)