Im from a Mining town, Merthyr Tydfil. It died when they closed the mines. Same as the Rhondda.
I was just 14/15 when the strike was on. I remember having to look after my brothers and sisters as my mum was the cook in the local high school and she had to open the school during the holidays to feed the Miners kids.
Was an awful time for the Miners and their families :(