116. Thursday November 8th, 1984.

I spent the morning helping out in the kitchen, then headed off up to Newcastle to meet the Redskins in the Tyne Tees Television studios in City Road. I watched the band rehearse, then we got together to plan what I should say tomorrow. Chris reckons it’ll only take 20 to 30 seconds for them to work out what is happening so we worked out exactly what I could say in that time. I was thrilled to meet Rik Mayall because I loved ‘The Young Ones’ but I was a bit disappointed that he talks quite posh and is not like his character. Daft I suppose but there you go.

This evening we went for a lovely Chinese meal in Newcastle and I got to know Martin and Nick better, and Adrian, the bands manager. Chris said that I’m welcome to spend some time at his flat in London after I told him Kath and me have split up. I think that’s what I’ll do because it will get me away from Kath, and I can perhaps do some fundraising when I’m there. Xmas is only a month away and we need to give the kids a good time if we can. I really enjoyed myself tonight.

I spent the night on Paul McGarr’s couch in Newcastle.

115. Tuesday November 6th, 1984.

I really enjoyed the Redskins gig tonight at the Bunker Club, a miners benefit, and the band were brilliant. They played with passion and the lyrics were excellent. I loved the music as well, great brass section. My favourite was ‘Keep On Keepin’ On’ because I can really relate to the line, ‘I’m not down but I’m feeling low’. Kind of sums me up just now. Mind you, I did feel a little out of place amongst the fashionable Sunderland crowd.

Afterwards Chris told me the band are appearing live on TV on Friday, on the ‘Tube’ and asked me if I would make a brief appearance. I didn’t need to be asked twice and I’m visiting them for rehearsals on Thursday in Newcastle. I’m excited.

114. Monday November 5th, 1984.

Well, the strain has finally caught up with Kath and she has suggested that we split up. I didn’t argue because home life has become unbearable and it was starting to affect the girls. We’ve agreed that a seperation will be best for all of us and I’ll leave as soon as I can find somewhere to live. 12 years down the pan! Thank you Thatcher! Perhaps when the strike is finally over we can get back together, though I doubt it because there is no way I am ever going back down the pit again. I’ve been saying it for months, win or lose, and I can’t really see Kath wanting to be with me when I’m unemployed. Que sera sera.

Chris Moore phoned to say the Redskins are playing the Bunker club in Sunderland tomorrow night and has invited me and Kath along. Kath doesn’t want to go so I’ll go on my own. I need something to cheer me up.

Kinnock has refused to attend a series of planned rallies. Just proves where his true loyalties lie, and it aint with us miners!

The Delegate Conference has voted unanimously to continue the strike, which is heartening in the light of concerted efforts by the NCB to bribe men back to work. The bastards are trying hard to get NUM funds but they aren’t finding it easy. Let’s hope it stays that way.