Woman honoured for leading role in pit closure fight

A WOMAN who played a leading part in the regional and national fight against pit closures during the Miners'

- TONY HENDERSON

Heather Wood's book Just a Pit Lass

Strike is to be awarded an honorary degree by Durham University.Miner's daughter Heather Wood, who has dedicated her life to serving communities across County Durham and beyond, told her story of growing up in the Easington pit community in her 2023 book Just a Pit Lass.

She said: "It's always been a goal of mine to write my story, which in so many ways is the story of many working class folk. Our history is not often written by those who lived it. I have no doubt it will never win any great place in the literary world but it's there, it's down and it's all true.

"It's my story but it's also a story that is representative of the strong mining families of the British coalfields. My hope is that those reading it will get a sense of the community spirit and the friendships that made mining villages special."

Heather will receive her Honorary Master of Arts degree during the university's winter congregation ceremonies at Durham Cathedral today and tomorrow, January 8 and 9.

She said: "I am deeply honoured to be receiving an honorary degree from Durham University. I thank those who nominated me, for recognising the work I have done in my community and beyond.

"But nothing I have achieved has been mine alone, it has been built on the love and support of so many others. This honour is for me, and for working-class women in colliery villages across Britain."

During the Miners' Strike of 1984-85, Heather founded Women's Support Groups to provide food and care for affected families. Her commitment to social justice later led to election to Durham County Council, where she championed the interests of older people, the preservation of local heritage, and the protection of public services.