The 8-week course, currently taking place at Kincardine Community Centre, is led by WEA tutor and stained-glass artist, Keira Mclean. It was launched to engage the community and encourage local people to record their thoughts, feelings and impressions through a creative medium to mark the historical event.
The group of learners, made up of locals with a mining family background, have created their own unique pieces by finding inspiration through exploration of the history of the strike. This has been achieved using personal memories, listening to guest speakers and visiting Kirkcaldy Museum and Gallery to view the “Before and After Coal” photography exhibition. Learning outcomes include increased social interaction, learning of new skills and a better understanding of local knowledge.
WEA CEO and General Secretary Simon Parkinson said “Mining is a huge part of Fife’s heritage and it was a pleasure to talk to our learners and to hear them share their own personal stories about the strike. I saw some great examples of their work and the text they are using to remember and tell the story.”
Although still a work in progress, the group are in the midst of creating personal stained-glass pieces and will work towards a larger collaborative piece to be displayed publicly in a location yet to be confirmed.
February 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the beginning of a yearlong miners' strike which was longer and tougher than any other and brought real hardship to Fife. The lengthy and bitter dispute saw the development of 10 strike centres and soup kitchens, as well as support from Fife Regional Council in the form of free school meals for the families of striking miners. Its impact is still felt today.
