The south Wales valleys were certainly changing by the end of the 1980s. It seemed that not only did most of the pits close, leaving thousands to claim unemployment benefit or incapacity allowance, but the new technology factories began to find cheaper employment in eastern Europe. This left many families with no bread-winner.
Communities were facing an un certain future and I believe the whole ethos of the next generation would be transformed from naturally finding work in the mines or factories, to either moving away from the area or facing long term unemployment.
The valleys, in a short period of time, were becoming alien to me. Some argue that the pits were dangerous and the coal tips left a shadow over valley communities, but the villages were vibrant. The pubs and clubs were full; the corner shop was still in existence and the many activities supported by miners' contributions were no longer.
Communities were facing an un certain future and I believe the whole ethos of the next generation would be transformed from naturally finding work in the mines or factories, to either moving away from the area or facing long term unemployment.
The valleys, in a short period of time, were becoming alien to me. Some argue that the pits were dangerous and the coal tips left a shadow over valley communities, but the villages were vibrant. The pubs and clubs were full; the corner shop was still in existence and the many activities supported by miners' contributions were no longer.
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