0:00:02 > 0:00:04This programme contains some strong language
0:00:04 > 0:00:06- Are we ready for the Calypso? - We're ready, Kevin.
0:00:06 > 0:00:08# Eh, Mrs Micklethwaite Will tha feed mi whippet?
0:00:08 > 0:00:10# Daylight comes and I'm still down pit
0:00:10 > 0:00:14# I go down pub and I drink ten pints
0:00:14 > 0:00:16# I think I'm getting plastered
0:00:16 > 0:00:19# And I go home and I beat my wife
0:00:19 > 0:00:22# Cos I'm a big, fat Northern bastard. #
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Hurrah!- Well done, Kevin.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28David Cameron, you might take our jobs,
0:00:28 > 0:00:30but you won't take our sense of humour.
0:00:30 > 0:00:31Too true.
0:00:35 > 0:00:38Half a mile beneath North Yorkshire's countryside,
0:00:38 > 0:00:40a rare breed of men are at work.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- Five strips, Rob, no accidents.- Aye.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46But not for much longer.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54The last deep coal mine in Britain is about to close...
0:00:56 > 0:01:01..burying a once proud industry and terminating the job of every worker.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04They'll be bored stacking shelves, these lads.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07They need some hard graft, it's good for the soul.
0:01:10 > 0:01:14In the final five weeks, they've pushed themselves to the limit...
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Get on, tha's got a job to do.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20It's not that I'm worried, I'm frustrated.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24..overcome breakdowns and kept cutting coal.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27These, here, are the best miners in the world.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29I really want everybody to get as much money as they can.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32But now the men will go their separate ways...
0:01:32 > 0:01:34See you later, Sheldon.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39..and start their lives all over again.
0:01:39 > 0:01:40It's a bit surreal, really,
0:01:40 > 0:01:42after so long working underground.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44There were 600 people when I applied
0:01:44 > 0:01:46and five people got the job.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48It feels like there's no hope. It's draining now.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51Maybe I didn't spend enough time with the kids
0:01:51 > 0:01:52when they were growing up.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54A bit more time for family.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59This is the story of the last miners.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02There's only so many times you can wash the windows, cut the grass,
0:02:02 > 0:02:04hoover the carpet.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08I've hoovered twice today, before 12 o'clock.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35On my sandwich, I've got ox tongue today.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37Who eats ox tongue?
0:02:37 > 0:02:40Everybody eats ox tongue.
0:02:40 > 0:02:42I'll save you a piece to taste.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46Working down the pit, because it's a hot environment,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49if you take cheese, it melts.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54I've got a thing for Monster Munches at the moment, I don't know why.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56I think I bought 'em...
0:02:56 > 0:03:00June bought them for the grandkids and then I got a taste for them.
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- So, how many times have you done this, do you think?- Oh, God.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Thousands and thousands and thousands.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12I won't be doing it much longer, will I?
0:03:13 > 0:03:18Sheldon has had the same routine for 38 years of his mining career...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22..but this way of life is coming to an end.
0:03:22 > 0:03:28Over the years, it's paid for three houses, two weddings...
0:03:28 > 0:03:32Should we say I've had a lovely life?
0:03:32 > 0:03:35It's about... Well, no, that's not right, you shouldn't say that.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38It's not about to come to an end, it's just that...
0:03:39 > 0:03:41..the career in mining's about to come to an end.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52Britain is turning its back on the deep coal mining industry...
0:03:54 > 0:03:58..and Kellingley Colliery in North Yorkshire is the last pit standing.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Its 450 workforce are facing unemployment...
0:04:08 > 0:04:11..and an uncertain future beyond the pit.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17In just one week, Sheldon will no longer be a miner.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21The only place I've ever worked is in the mining industry.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25It's all I'm used to doing.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27You seem in good shape for it.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30I'm overweight.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34But today, he's got a job to do...
0:04:34 > 0:04:36and a long commute.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39Descending over 800 metres beneath the surface...
0:04:41 > 0:04:43..the miners board a train
0:04:43 > 0:04:45that travels a further four miles into the dark.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55This is such a weird way to come to work, isn't it, this?
0:04:55 > 0:04:59It might be weird for you, Wes, but it's what we've been used to.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I've worked in pits for 33 year
0:05:01 > 0:05:04and travelling on paddys is just a way of life, isn't it?
0:05:04 > 0:05:07It's summat that we're used to, we don't know any different.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12Jonesy and his men have shared this journey together for years.
0:05:13 > 0:05:16# It's a working man I am
0:05:16 > 0:05:19# And I've been down underground
0:05:19 > 0:05:23# And I swear to God if I never see the sun
0:05:46 > 0:05:49# In the dark recess of the mine
0:05:49 > 0:05:52# Where you age before your time
0:05:52 > 0:05:57# And the coal dust lays heavy on your lungs
0:05:57 > 0:06:00# It's a working man I am
0:06:00 > 0:06:01# And I've been down... #
0:06:10 > 0:06:14The miners at Kellingley Colliery have battled for the last 18 months
0:06:14 > 0:06:16to work the pit out of debt
0:06:16 > 0:06:19and secure their full redundancy pay.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Well done, everybody!
0:06:27 > 0:06:31For Kev, the miners' dedication has never been in doubt.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35You've got to want it...
0:06:35 > 0:06:37haven't you?
0:06:37 > 0:06:39You've got to want it
0:06:39 > 0:06:41and we want it.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45After a series of breakdowns,
0:06:45 > 0:06:49mounting pressure on the workforce and time running out,
0:06:49 > 0:06:54finally, the men of Kellingley are on track to complete the closure plan.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58It's incredible. Incredible that the guys are working so hard
0:06:58 > 0:07:00to finish this plan.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04Last week was the best week's performance for over two years
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and that just shows the true spirit and how committed.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11They don't want to go out thinking that they've not achieved.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Come on, you little beauty!
0:07:13 > 0:07:16HE LAUGHS
0:07:16 > 0:07:18That's right, isn't it, Jacko?
0:07:18 > 0:07:21- It is, aye.- That were fucking rowy.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25For Kev, completing the plan is a bittersweet moment.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30He now faces the reality of what life will be like outside the pit.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34We're all a bit anxious about finishing.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36It'll be harder for our generation,
0:07:36 > 0:07:39us what's 50 plus, won't it?
0:07:39 > 0:07:42I want to work. I've still got a lot to offer
0:07:42 > 0:07:45to society and prospective employers,
0:07:45 > 0:07:51but we're already experiencing ageism with some of the companies.
0:07:51 > 0:07:56People with lots of qualifications applying for jobs
0:07:56 > 0:07:59not even getting through to interview stages,
0:07:59 > 0:08:01it's all about age.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05Middle of January, no job, bags are packed,
0:08:05 > 0:08:07me and Wellard's out on the street.
0:08:07 > 0:08:09Sheldon will be swinging from the rafters.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Come on, Shel, I'm only kidding.
0:08:11 > 0:08:13I'm under no pressure at all to do anything at home.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15June's never said I've got to get a job,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18or I should do this or I should do that.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- It is my life, I live it the way... - No, she's not said it,
0:08:20 > 0:08:24but, next Friday, there'll probably be a solicitor's letter come,
0:08:24 > 0:08:26stating that you'll get a job.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Most of us are scared, scared of what's out there.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36My skills and transferring them out there in the big wide world
0:08:36 > 0:08:40and how I'm going to be taken, how I'm going to be perceived.
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Because it is a whole different world, working in a coal mine.
0:08:48 > 0:08:49So it's scary.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00It's not just the older miners
0:09:00 > 0:09:03who are concerned about future employment.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Jack is just 23 and lives at home with his mum.
0:09:07 > 0:09:10- Jack, what's for dinner? - Just chilli.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- Chilli today.- I'm impressed, Jack, it's nice seeing you cook.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16I always do. I love it.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I think he got fed up of my bland cooking.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Jack knows, to find a job, he has to leave home.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27But with his mother recently diagnosed with cancer,
0:09:27 > 0:09:30it's a tough decision to leave his family.
0:09:30 > 0:09:36With the pit closing and me falling ill, it's just unfortunate, really,
0:09:36 > 0:09:39but, he's got to move on, hasn't he?
0:09:39 > 0:09:42So, make the most of an awful situation.
0:09:44 > 0:09:46I go back in January
0:09:46 > 0:09:51for another endoscopy to see how the tumours have grown
0:09:51 > 0:09:55and if they've grown to the size where they have to come out,
0:09:55 > 0:09:58my stomach's going to be removed.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00It's a rare cancer.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02Fingers crossed...
0:10:02 > 0:10:07once the stomach's out, you know, they don't appear anywhere else,
0:10:07 > 0:10:10but you never know. You never know.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12With your mum saying she's not well,
0:10:12 > 0:10:15does it make it even harder for you to think about leaving
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- when your mum's not well? - Yes. Oh, I can't...
0:10:18 > 0:10:19Just give me a minute.
0:10:21 > 0:10:23It has been hard, has that.
0:10:23 > 0:10:26Um, I know, um...
0:10:26 > 0:10:28he doesn't like talking about me being ill.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33Everything's just come at the wrong time.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35He'll be fine.
0:10:37 > 0:10:38He will.
0:10:39 > 0:10:42- Are you back?- All right, yeah. Yeah, I'm all right.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44- Are you OK?- Yeah.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46Sorry, mate. I know it's...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48Yeah.
0:10:48 > 0:10:50It is, it's hard to talk about.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55- So, Jack, if the pit wasn't closing, would you move?- No.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59No, no, I would've worked there for ever, for me.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02We've prayed and prayed that, you know,
0:11:02 > 0:11:06they're going to come and save it, but it's not going to happen now.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Tomorrow, Kellingley Colliery will close.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21But today, it's business as usual.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46- All right, Sheldon?- Boss.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49Before they go down the mine,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52Jonesy's calling management to find out
0:11:52 > 0:11:55if his men will work underground on the last day.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It will be their final shift together.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Are we cutting tomorrow on us last shift?
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Turn up to work as normal tomorrow, lads, that's it.
0:12:05 > 0:12:09It'd be nice to know at this stage, will we be cutting,
0:12:09 > 0:12:13and all he keeps saying is, "Turn up for work as normal."
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- They've been- BLEEP - for the last 30-odd years,
0:12:15 > 0:12:18they're not going to start being right with us on the last week.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21When you think about it,
0:12:21 > 0:12:25probably it is you start thinking about the pit shutting
0:12:25 > 0:12:30and all your workmates who you're not going to see again and...
0:12:32 > 0:12:35But you try to put that to the back of your mind, don't you,
0:12:35 > 0:12:38for the time being and just get on with what we've got to do?
0:12:38 > 0:12:39I'm going to Benidorm.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43The main thing that we've got to do, over these next two days,
0:12:43 > 0:12:46is make sure we don't hurt nobody and that's of the main thing.
0:12:46 > 0:12:47I think, probably tomorrow,
0:12:47 > 0:12:50we'll come and there'll just be a great big party for us,
0:12:50 > 0:12:52- a free bar and everything.- Yeah.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53And a great brown envelope.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57Even though Sheldon says he's going to delete all us and all that
0:12:57 > 0:13:01off his social media and his mobile and that,
0:13:01 > 0:13:05he'll be texting us and saying, "Are we meeting up for a drink and that?"
0:13:05 > 0:13:08I'm sure I'll be saying, "Funeral Face who?
0:13:08 > 0:13:10"Jonesy who? Never heard of him!"
0:13:14 > 0:13:18One of the oldest miners at Kellingley is Ray.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21He recently suffered a heart attack at the pit
0:13:21 > 0:13:24and has been off work since.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28Today, the men have gathered to give Ray a proper send-off.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37We're gathered here today, it's his second to last shift, penultimate shift,
0:13:37 > 0:13:40and I've asked Ray to come, cos all the lads between us,
0:13:40 > 0:13:42you know, everybody loves him at this pit.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It showed last week when you came out of pit and made a fuss of him,
0:13:45 > 0:13:47didn't you, when he had his heart trouble, like.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Are you getting emotional, Dave?
0:13:51 > 0:13:54A lot of years, Ray. He's been a great bloke, hasn't he?
0:13:54 > 0:13:56Put a lot of effort into this pit.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00And this is what we've had made for him. What it is...
0:14:00 > 0:14:02LAUGHTER AND CHEERING
0:14:02 > 0:14:05APPLAUSE
0:14:10 > 0:14:13INDISTINCT CHATTER
0:14:20 > 0:14:24This moment marks the end of his 47-year mining career...
0:14:25 > 0:14:28..and he will miss out on the last shift tomorrow.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Come on, then, all aboard!
0:14:31 > 0:14:33LAUGHTER
0:14:57 > 0:14:59The closure of Kellingley Colliery
0:14:59 > 0:15:02has caught the attention of the national press.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09It's a change of industrial landscape and the end of UK coal.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15They're here to witness the end of deep coal mining in the UK.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19You're going to be like weird celebrities today.
0:15:19 > 0:15:21We'll soon be forgotten.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25They've shut loads of pits up to now and nobody's been bothered.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Nobody...hardly anybody about who wants to keep it open.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- Nobody were bothered, were they?- No.
0:15:36 > 0:15:37Away from the press,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41assistant manager Pete clocks on for the last time.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45It's the end of his 32-year career.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48I feel sad that this day's come,
0:15:48 > 0:15:51but I feel happy that we've hit the plan.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53So, when you look at emotions,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56how do you put happiness and sadness together?
0:15:56 > 0:15:57It's very difficult.
0:15:59 > 0:16:04By the end of today, I will be sad that we've come to an end.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07I'll be sad that I don't see a lot of these people again,
0:16:07 > 0:16:08other than socialising.
0:16:15 > 0:16:18It's been decided the day shift will be the last miners
0:16:18 > 0:16:20to cut coal at Kellingley.
0:16:21 > 0:16:23Are we ready, lads? Come on.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28It's a big thing for them, being the last shift to cut the face,
0:16:28 > 0:16:30but it's also going to be the last cut for Kellingley,
0:16:30 > 0:16:32but it's also going to be the last cut
0:16:32 > 0:16:34for the last deep mine in the UK.
0:16:36 > 0:16:41This historic moment is something Jonesy, Kev and Sheldon will miss.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44They aren't due to clock on until this evening.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53DISTANT SINGING
0:16:53 > 0:16:55# I saw the flickering shadows
0:16:55 > 0:16:57# Of love on her blind... #
0:16:57 > 0:16:59Has he come back?!
0:16:59 > 0:17:01LAUGHTER
0:17:01 > 0:17:04# She was my woman
0:17:10 > 0:17:14# My, my, my, Delilah!
0:17:16 > 0:17:21# Why, why, why Delilah?
0:17:24 > 0:17:29# I could see the girl was no good for me... #
0:17:33 > 0:17:35CHEERING
0:17:38 > 0:17:43# I saw the light on the night that I passed by her window
0:17:45 > 0:17:49# I saw the flickering shadow of love on her blind
0:17:51 > 0:17:56# She was my woman... #
0:17:56 > 0:17:59It's an end of an era and it's the beginning of an error.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I don't understand exactly how this happens,
0:18:03 > 0:18:06why it is not possible just to keep the mine alive.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10# Why, why, why, Delilah? #
0:18:10 > 0:18:14It is a shame that we couldn't have the same level of interest
0:18:14 > 0:18:17when we were trying to keep the mines open
0:18:17 > 0:18:20as the same level of interest now the mines are closing.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Fucking media circus run by clowns over fucking road!
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- Can we get a quick chat outside, is that all right?- Yeah, fine, yeah.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- It's a bit nippy, are you all right? - I'll be all right, yeah.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- All right, you're northern.- Yeah.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35I don't mind the publicity because they're fantastic lads,
0:18:35 > 0:18:38but I think the publicity is for the wrong reason.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40We should have been fighting to keep the pits open,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44rather than celebrating the pits shutting.
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- # So before they come to break down the door...- #
0:18:48 > 0:18:51Pit men are not shy. Whenever there's a camera available,
0:18:51 > 0:18:55they do try their best to get on it, so they're certainly not shy. Hello.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59INAUDIBLE
0:18:59 > 0:19:01MAN SHOUTS
0:19:01 > 0:19:03Let's start again.
0:19:03 > 0:19:08# I just couldn't take any more! #
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- Right, is that it, mate?- Yes, all the best.- All the best, mate.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- All the best. - Yeah, look after yourself...
0:19:17 > 0:19:21Jack's taking the opportunity to say goodbye to his workmates.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24The men who have trained him from his first day are his last stop.
0:19:25 > 0:19:28When I first got here, Jack was just coming out his time
0:19:28 > 0:19:31as an apprentice, you know, so he was a good lad.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34I mean, he's only a young whippersnapper at the minute.
0:19:34 > 0:19:38He's only a greenhorn, so he's nearly a clean piece of paper,
0:19:38 > 0:19:40for an employer to work with him.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And he's like a sponge, is Jack.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45Sometimes he needs wringing out though
0:19:45 > 0:19:49cos he does take some shit on board an' all!
0:19:49 > 0:19:53As soon he gets up there, Geordies will look after him.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56I've looked after him for the past, all these years,
0:19:56 > 0:19:58so I may as well continue doing it.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59Don't aim too low.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- No, no.- Don't underestimate what you do know.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05Sell your positive traits, mate.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07Your commitment, experience,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10in a very arduous industry.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16200,000 when me and him joined and we're now the last of the last.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's the best job I've ever had, it's ace.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Right, so that's it, never mind.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24- Crazy, innit?- Hm.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33The day shift have been cutting at the coal face for four hours.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46The end is here, the end is here.
0:20:47 > 0:20:50And for their manager, Bonner, it's sinking in
0:20:50 > 0:20:54that this will be the last chance to work alongside his men.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59You're never experience it in any other industry, never, never ever.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03They've got a bond what can't be broken, honestly.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05It's unbelievable.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27As the shearer powers down...
0:21:28 > 0:21:31..centuries of deep coal mining come to an end.
0:21:49 > 0:21:51Last piece of coal.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59That one there, see that one there?
0:22:11 > 0:22:14What happens to all this stuff underground?
0:22:14 > 0:22:16We're just leaving it, it's getting left.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19We've just turned the power off,
0:22:19 > 0:22:22they'll seal the shafts up and that'll be it.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25Millions of pounds of equipment just left.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30- Well done, lads. - Cheers, old love.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33It's easier to describe it as a family.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36You're all one, you help each other, they'll give you anything,
0:22:36 > 0:22:38they'll do anything for each other.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40They have their little tiffs and fall-outs,
0:22:40 > 0:22:42but it's a family, it is really a family.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Everything you experience at home,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46you'll experience with these men here.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07Numb, numb is the only words I've got.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10Er, desperately sad...
0:23:11 > 0:23:14..to have something so important taken away from you.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19It's, er...it's been an emotional shift, that's all I can say.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30All the best, lads.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46BLOWS WHISTLE
0:23:46 > 0:23:50- Last whistle.- That's it, let's go.
0:23:50 > 0:23:52Done and dusted.
0:24:44 > 0:24:46MEN CHEER
0:24:46 > 0:24:48LAUGHTER
0:24:54 > 0:24:59Today we witnessed the last miners to come out of the last shift
0:24:59 > 0:25:02at this, the last deep coal mining pit in the country.
0:25:08 > 0:25:12It's also a sobering thought that we will never see these miners again.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14This is it, this is the end of the industry.
0:25:16 > 0:25:20- Lads, now, how do you feel? - Sad.- Devastated.
0:25:20 > 0:25:24We'll give you the full story at 6.30 on Look North tonight.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27Can we have a bit more from everybody this time?
0:25:27 > 0:25:29- Yeah, we'll do it again. - Exactly the same but really...
0:25:29 > 0:25:33How do you all feel collectively? Sum it up in one word.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- Devastated.- Gutted. - Do you want to go for devastated?
0:25:35 > 0:25:38- Yeah.- All say the same thing, yeah?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Right, OK? And this is the miners who've done the last shift.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43How are you feeling, lads?
0:25:43 > 0:25:47- Devastated.- We'll have the full story in Look North at 6.30 tonight.
0:25:50 > 0:25:52Perfect, right.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54Brilliant. Just stay there.
0:25:59 > 0:26:02It's not just the men underground who will lose their jobs today.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07In the boardroom, colliery manager Shaun has already begun
0:26:07 > 0:26:09saying his goodbyes.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11First of all, I'd like to say thanks,
0:26:11 > 0:26:14you know, for supporting me.
0:26:16 > 0:26:18And, as a team, we've all worked together.
0:26:22 > 0:26:23We've all believed in each other.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25We've had us fall-outs,
0:26:25 > 0:26:27you know, but like miners do,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30we have a fall-out and then we get back on horse.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34But unfortunately, guys, you know, we've come to the end of the road.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37And, um, I'd like to thank everybody,
0:26:37 > 0:26:39we can all have a sandwich together.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Right, tuck in, lads. Let's get wrappings off.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46So we're all in the same boat really,
0:26:46 > 0:26:49whether you're management or mineworker,
0:26:49 > 0:26:52it's still the end of deep mining
0:26:52 > 0:26:54and still the end of all our careers.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01I thought today the underground... but it's for the lads themselves,
0:27:01 > 0:27:02so I'll leave them to it.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07I'm not very good at the soft skills, as they say!
0:27:07 > 0:27:09HE CHUCKLES
0:27:13 > 0:27:15The commotion of the day is over
0:27:15 > 0:27:19and the last piece of coal has been cut.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27But, as instructed by management,
0:27:27 > 0:27:30Sheldon and his workmates arrive for their shift.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33You all right, boys? Ey-up there, Sheldon.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35All right, boys?
0:27:35 > 0:27:40- What's the story, lads?- We've come in, swiped on and swiped off,
0:27:40 > 0:27:42so we get us last day's pay.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- We'll just wait.- Wait till we're told that we're not required,
0:27:45 > 0:27:47and then we'll all shake hands and go home.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50That's it.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54We were cutting, we were last shift cutting, we want to go down.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56That's how you're treated.
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- It's sad enough as it is. - Aye, bad enough as it is.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08Says it all, doesn't it? That could be a pile of workers on scrapheap.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20All right?
0:28:20 > 0:28:23- Jonesy, what is going on? - "What's going on?"
0:28:24 > 0:28:26It's the end, we're here.
0:28:26 > 0:28:29They're going through the procedure
0:28:29 > 0:28:33of closing everything down, afternoon shift.
0:28:33 > 0:28:36As soon as the deputy manager who's in control
0:28:36 > 0:28:39gets confirmed that everything's been done what he wants doing,
0:28:39 > 0:28:41he's going to let everybody go home.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43It doesn't really feel like a proper end
0:28:43 > 0:28:45to about a 40-year career doing this job.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48What did you think would happen? A gold watch engraved?
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Somebody waiting in the concourse from management to shake your hand?
0:28:52 > 0:28:53It's done, isn't it?
0:28:53 > 0:28:57We can't keep saying, "We'll go down tomorrow, we'll go down tomorrow."
0:28:57 > 0:28:59There's got to be a final point, hasn't there, at some time?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02It would have been nice of them to be able to tell us last night,
0:29:02 > 0:29:04"This is your last coaling shift"
0:29:04 > 0:29:06And it would have meant a lot more to us, I think, cos we'd have
0:29:06 > 0:29:09all been there in our own environment to say ta-ra.
0:29:09 > 0:29:11It would have been a lot better,
0:29:11 > 0:29:13even if were we had to do it tonight,
0:29:13 > 0:29:16it would have been a lot better for us, just to get through shift,
0:29:16 > 0:29:19not get hurt, all go meet up at train,
0:29:19 > 0:29:23shake hands and it would have been a lot better that way.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25It would've been right, wouldn't it?
0:29:25 > 0:29:28But this, we're going to be in and out, in and out, and...
0:29:29 > 0:29:32It's just, like, put a bit of a damp squib on it.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36You know all the times I've said it?
0:29:36 > 0:29:39Now I can finally do it.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41There's a bag - empty your fucking locker!
0:29:41 > 0:29:43There you go.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46I thought I'd have had that years ago.
0:29:47 > 0:29:49Andy, empty your fucking locker!
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Anyone else?
0:29:52 > 0:29:54Empty your fucking locker!
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- Are these out of her cupboard? - Yeah.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59- Aye, I knew it'd be out of cupboard, these.- Personal.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01Empty your fucking locker, cock!
0:30:04 > 0:30:07- All the best. - Do you want one, Chris?
0:30:21 > 0:30:25One of Pete's final tasks before he clocks off
0:30:25 > 0:30:27is to terminate the underground air supply.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32The first set we know I stopped, but we just need to make sure
0:30:32 > 0:30:35that the air doors are in the correct position
0:30:35 > 0:30:37and then very shortly we'll be stopping
0:30:37 > 0:30:40the last of the booster fans underground.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43This is the end of Kellingley and it's the end of coal mining.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48That's the thing what sort of...
0:30:48 > 0:30:51is a bit choking.
0:30:55 > 0:30:57We've just put coffin lid on
0:30:57 > 0:31:00and every one of us in here is putting a nail it.
0:31:00 > 0:31:01What we're doing now is the end.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05It is.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31I am 100% convinced, going forward,
0:31:31 > 0:31:34Britain will regret the day they closed their coalmines.
0:31:34 > 0:31:39But, God forbid, if we have three or four months of real harsh winter...
0:31:39 > 0:31:42er, Britain would be struggling to power.
0:31:44 > 0:31:47You just cannot replace quickly
0:31:47 > 0:31:51the capacity of not only closing the coal mines,
0:31:51 > 0:31:53but now closing all the coal-fired power stations.
0:31:53 > 0:31:58Again, the country's not ready to take up this...
0:31:58 > 0:32:00this gap in the energy market.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23# At the age of 16 years
0:32:23 > 0:32:26# With my father close to tears
0:32:26 > 0:32:30# When he swore to God never to send his son
0:32:30 > 0:32:33# To the dark recess of the mine
0:32:33 > 0:32:36# Where you age before your time
0:32:36 > 0:32:40# And the coal dust lies heavy on your lungs
0:32:40 > 0:32:43# At the age of 55
0:32:43 > 0:32:45# I thank God I'm still alive
0:32:45 > 0:32:49# When the wheel above the hole no longer turns
0:32:49 > 0:32:52# And they finally close the hole
0:32:52 > 0:32:55# Where we clawed for years for coal.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00# Never again will I go down underground. #
0:33:00 > 0:33:01Thank you.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:33:09 > 0:33:10PHONE RINGS
0:33:10 > 0:33:12It's Mr Wordsworth.
0:33:14 > 0:33:16MEN CHEER
0:33:16 > 0:33:17Hello.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20Just tell 'em we're off down pit cutting, see what they say.
0:33:20 > 0:33:22Right, lads, get changed.
0:33:22 > 0:33:24He's changed his mind, we're cutting.
0:33:24 > 0:33:27LAUGHTER
0:33:27 > 0:33:28- MAN:- Fuck off, Wordsworth!
0:33:32 > 0:33:35Right, tell them they can go. OK, thank you.
0:33:35 > 0:33:36Mates... Yeah, they can go.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39They're happy with everything they've done for close down,
0:33:39 > 0:33:41so he's letting them all go.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48BRASS BAND PLAYS: Nimrod by Elgar
0:33:53 > 0:33:54All right?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57Right, Shel.
0:33:57 > 0:33:59- See you, Bob.- On your way.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13See you. I'll come round and have a beer with you.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15Thanks a lot for all your work, Alan.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18All right, Dave, thanks a lot.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20There you go, see you later.
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- All right?- See you again.
0:34:37 > 0:34:39That's it, Wes.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42- Are you all going? - Yeah, in a minute.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47See you later, Sheldon.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59- See you tomorrow.- Yeah.
0:35:00 > 0:35:02See you in morning, yeah?
0:35:12 > 0:35:15They're a fantastic bunch of lads what we've got on our shift,
0:35:15 > 0:35:17- aren't they?- Yeah, Oh, yeah.
0:35:17 > 0:35:18Yes.
0:35:19 > 0:35:23- We've been together a few years, haven't we?- Mm.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Gone through thick and thin,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27as well as good times and bad times.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08While the Kellingley miners face an uncertain future outside the pit,
0:36:08 > 0:36:12at this time of year, some things never change.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14# Merry Christmas, baby... #
0:36:14 > 0:36:16Is that recording? I can't see, me.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18Merry Christmas!
0:36:21 > 0:36:22# Merry Christmas, baby... #
0:36:22 > 0:36:25- So what's this, then, Dad? - Stuffing. Caramelised stuffing.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- Caramelised or burnt?! - Caramelised Christmas stuffing.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Oh, you've pulled his head off!
0:36:34 > 0:36:37"Kev, it's been a pleasure, a privilege and an honour
0:36:37 > 0:36:41"to have had the opportunity to work with you and to become your friend.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45"Never will I go underground again." Well done, Ross.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Oh!
0:36:51 > 0:36:54Oh, that's a big meal for a little boy.
0:36:59 > 0:37:01It's 2016 now.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04Here we are. Onwards and upwards.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06It's that warm, it's melted chocolate.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09Look forward to the new opportunities
0:37:09 > 0:37:12that's arising for me and...
0:37:12 > 0:37:14let's get on with it.
0:37:17 > 0:37:20# Tonight's going to be a good night
0:37:21 > 0:37:24# Tonight's going to be a good night
0:37:24 > 0:37:27# Tonight's going to be a good night... #
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- RADIO:- 'The day Monday, the year 2016,
0:37:38 > 0:37:41'the mood, ah, fantastic!
0:37:41 > 0:37:44'Optimistic, full of vim and vigour.
0:37:44 > 0:37:46'I hope you had a brilliant Christmas.
0:37:46 > 0:37:48'A fabulous, sparkling, dazzling...'
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Smells nice. - Diesel. Only The Brave.
0:37:53 > 0:37:57I wonder how many people are getting up this morning, doing this.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03It's a new year for Sheldon.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06After years of security in the same job,
0:38:06 > 0:38:10he's now one of Britain's 1.7 million unemployed.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13I don't want a new start.
0:38:13 > 0:38:15This isn't what I want.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18I'm not being all enthusiastic
0:38:18 > 0:38:20about ending my mining career because I'm not.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22This is not what I wanted.
0:38:23 > 0:38:26But it's what I've got, so it's what I've got to do,
0:38:26 > 0:38:28it's what I've got to get on with.
0:38:28 > 0:38:32I always thought I'd retire a miner, to be quite frank.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38At the age of 54, he's going back to school.
0:38:38 > 0:38:41The course that we're starting this morning
0:38:41 > 0:38:46is a copper cable and fibre-optic jointing course.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49As much as I don't want to let go of the past and...
0:38:52 > 0:38:55It's something new. It's a new door opening.
0:38:55 > 0:39:02It's a new career and, hopefully, a new start in life.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06I've got a puncture, I think.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11I'm going to have to pull over or I'm going to knacker the tyre.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21You wouldn't believe it. Brand-new tyre, three or four weeks ago.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23You watch how fast I can change this.
0:39:24 > 0:39:26You wouldn't believe this, very first day.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28It's not an omen, is this?
0:39:30 > 0:39:31Is it?
0:39:34 > 0:39:35What a thing to ask me!
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Yeah, it's broke, mate.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43I don't fucking believe this.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00It's not a bad 'mobile this, is it?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06Jack has lived with his family all his life...
0:40:07 > 0:40:10..but now he has to leave home to find a new career.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Here, look, give that to Uncle Jack for his new house.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- Give it to Uncle Jack. - Is that for me?
0:40:16 > 0:40:18Ta. Give us a kiss.
0:40:18 > 0:40:19Give kisses.
0:40:19 > 0:40:22Mwah! A bit of snot there, cheers(!)
0:40:22 > 0:40:24LAUGHTER
0:40:24 > 0:40:27"This is my hand, my hand will do a thousand loving things for you
0:40:27 > 0:40:29"and you will remember, when I am tall,
0:40:29 > 0:40:31"that once my hand was just this small."
0:40:31 > 0:40:33- Oh!- Bless her.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45All right, love?
0:40:56 > 0:40:58Give me a kiss? Yes.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00Give Uncle Jack a kiss.
0:41:00 > 0:41:02- Give me a kiss.- Say bye.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04Say bye-bye.
0:41:04 > 0:41:06Right, have a safe journey.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- Right, see you later on. - See you later, love.- Bye!
0:41:12 > 0:41:13Wish me luck.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15See you later.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21We could have done without me being ill,
0:41:21 > 0:41:26which has just added, bless him, to it, you know, to his worry.
0:41:26 > 0:41:27- He's gone now.- He's gone.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34I just wish he were at home because I think I need him at home with it.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37But, as a mum, you can't stop 'em.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40You know, you've got to try and be brave and, you know,
0:41:40 > 0:41:42not put how I feel on him.
0:41:49 > 0:41:51We're seven minutes late.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55The fact that I'm late on my very first day, I'm mortified.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Unbelievable.
0:42:00 > 0:42:03Sheldon finally makes it to his fibre-optic course.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07Happy New Year.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- Happy New Year. You wouldn't believe it.- What's up with him?
0:42:10 > 0:42:13You want to see state of...boof!
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Back at class, back at class.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17No, I thought of copying off you.
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Right, guys, just sit down wherever you want.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24Sheldon's not the only miner from Kellingley on the course.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28He's training alongside some of his old workmates,
0:42:28 > 0:42:31all of them trying to get into a new industry.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33That's a fibre-optic fibre.
0:42:33 > 0:42:38There's enough fibre within this to probably do Sheffield.
0:42:38 > 0:42:40"Cordless power tools are recommended
0:42:40 > 0:42:43"for use where the environment is...?"
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- Noisy?- No.- Wet.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52Wet, that's right, yeah.
0:42:53 > 0:42:5415, please.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57"A safety sign which warns of a hazard
0:42:57 > 0:42:59"has a background coloured...?"
0:43:00 > 0:43:02A, red.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03- No.- Oh.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05- Yellow.- Yellow.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09Red, remember, is don't do something.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11Right. And blue's mandatory, yeah.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13Question three, please, Tony.
0:43:13 > 0:43:16"The earth connection to the metal case..."
0:43:16 > 0:43:19It's been a long day in the classroom
0:43:19 > 0:43:21and now Sheldon has homework.
0:43:22 > 0:43:28"If a 60-watt lamp is left switched on for five minutes,
0:43:28 > 0:43:30"the energy used is...?"
0:43:33 > 0:43:34Don't you know?
0:43:35 > 0:43:38It's 18,000 joules, actually.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41Sheldon, when you're told you've got to learn all these things,
0:43:41 > 0:43:43does it make you have second thoughts
0:43:43 > 0:43:45that you should be getting into a new industry?
0:43:45 > 0:43:47No, not at all.
0:43:47 > 0:43:51Just cos Kellingley Colliery is shut and gone and it's history,
0:43:51 > 0:43:53all the people that worked there aren't.
0:43:55 > 0:43:57I don't want to grow old
0:43:57 > 0:44:02and I'm not ready to sit down and be old and...
0:44:02 > 0:44:03not do anything.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08It's very, very important for me to get back to work.
0:44:08 > 0:44:10Get back into it.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13Get back in...into a career.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26It's a fresh start for Jonesy.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29He has a new job and a new uniform.
0:44:29 > 0:44:32This looks how it's going to be now.
0:44:35 > 0:44:36You look very smart, mate.
0:44:36 > 0:44:40Yeah. I brush up well, don't I?
0:44:42 > 0:44:46Keep looking at time. Don't want to be late, do we, Wes?
0:44:47 > 0:44:50- See you.- Have a good day.- I will.
0:44:57 > 0:45:01Jonesy's new job is for a prestigious car dealership.
0:45:03 > 0:45:06Having spent the last ten years in management,
0:45:06 > 0:45:07he's having to start again.
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- Morning.- Mate.- This is our...
0:45:12 > 0:45:14- Hiya.- Nice to meet you. - She's our key account manager. OK?
0:45:14 > 0:45:18- She's going to go through understanding the A Class and C Class with you.- Yeah.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22So I'm going to leave you in Charlotte's capable hands.
0:45:22 > 0:45:24So, shall we take you over to the A Class
0:45:24 > 0:45:27and we'll have a little look around it?
0:45:33 > 0:45:36The main thing for me is show the main controls.
0:45:36 > 0:45:40So, your gearbox, which, on an automatic, is on the steering wheel here.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43And then your handbrake, funnily enough, is not down there.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44It's down there. Can you see?
0:45:44 > 0:45:47I mean, if there's anything you're not sure of,
0:45:47 > 0:45:50it's not the end of the world if there's something you can't answer.
0:45:50 > 0:45:52But I do want some of them manuals to take home to read.
0:45:52 > 0:45:56Yeah, no, yeah, I can give you one on each model.
0:45:56 > 0:45:59Once you've learned one, you jump into the next car...
0:45:59 > 0:46:03It'll be nice driving them up and down, won't it?
0:46:03 > 0:46:07It'll be different from riding about four or five mile
0:46:07 > 0:46:10into bowels of Kellingley Colliery on a little paddy train,
0:46:10 > 0:46:12like I've done with you, Wesley.
0:46:12 > 0:46:17It's a bit surreal, really, after so long working underground and that,
0:46:17 > 0:46:20in, like, a male-dominated environment...
0:46:21 > 0:46:23..to be coming
0:46:23 > 0:46:27to work at a place like Mercedes-Benz for JCT 600.
0:46:27 > 0:46:28It's unbelievable.
0:46:30 > 0:46:31Is this the new you, then?
0:46:31 > 0:46:33This is the new me, Wesley.
0:46:33 > 0:46:35Onwards and upwards.
0:46:43 > 0:46:44Just them for me, please.
0:46:44 > 0:46:46I'll have a bag of them, as well.
0:46:48 > 0:46:51Jack has moved further north and is living with his girlfriend.
0:46:51 > 0:46:55So far, he's been unable to find work.
0:46:55 > 0:46:58There's not much up here, but it's same for the steel lads, as well,
0:46:58 > 0:47:00you know, they're just in the same boat as I am.
0:47:02 > 0:47:03It's just competing, I think.
0:47:03 > 0:47:05I feel like you're competing for a job...
0:47:05 > 0:47:08in my own mind. That's maybe why I'm not hearing owt back.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15Not a thing on jobs in this paper today.
0:47:15 > 0:47:16What kind of job do you want?
0:47:16 > 0:47:18Something like before, you know,
0:47:18 > 0:47:20just engineering, mechanical maintenance, you know.
0:47:20 > 0:47:22What I've applied for...
0:47:23 > 0:47:25..it comes up with a service engineer's job,
0:47:25 > 0:47:27which I applied for this morning, mechanical.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30I've done this plenty of times. You apply and hear nothing.
0:47:30 > 0:47:32It's just demoralising for me. I enjoy working,
0:47:32 > 0:47:35I enjoy giving summat, you know, give and get back.
0:47:35 > 0:47:38I like to earn my own money, I like to be a bit independent.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41It feels like there's no hope. It's draining now.
0:47:41 > 0:47:43I thought, "Give it a month, I should be all right."
0:47:43 > 0:47:47And I'm here, jelly frogs, chocolate orange and papers and me phone,
0:47:47 > 0:47:48just trying to find a job.
0:47:56 > 0:47:59I thought life was meant to get easier once the pit closed.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01It's been more hectic than ever...
0:48:01 > 0:48:05doing jobs what I've...put off and put off.
0:48:06 > 0:48:08And put off and...
0:48:09 > 0:48:11Now I'm getting an opportunity.
0:48:13 > 0:48:15After 37 years of mining,
0:48:15 > 0:48:19Kev is taking some time out to consider what he should do next.
0:48:19 > 0:48:22I have applied for several jobs.
0:48:22 > 0:48:23I will retrain.
0:48:23 > 0:48:27But I do know, whatever I do, whatever I end up doing,
0:48:27 > 0:48:33the hours and the way it takes over your life, it won't happen again.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35It can't. You know, there is other things in life.
0:48:35 > 0:48:38Too late for me now, but you don't spend enough time with your mum,
0:48:38 > 0:48:40you don't spend enough time with your dad,
0:48:40 > 0:48:43you don't spend enough time with your grandparents.
0:48:43 > 0:48:46Maybe I didn't spend enough time with kids when they were growing up.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48Hopefully, they both still love me and think...
0:48:48 > 0:48:49I've tried my best for them,
0:48:49 > 0:48:51I always provided for them, I still do.
0:48:51 > 0:48:54When they ring up, I'll answer phone and they'll say,
0:48:54 > 0:48:56"Is my mam there?"
0:48:56 > 0:48:58They always naturally go to their mam,
0:48:58 > 0:49:01probably because I'm a moany old scrote, like,
0:49:01 > 0:49:04and she's daft to them. But they always ask for their mam.
0:49:20 > 0:49:23Come on, then, good girl, good girl. Come on.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27Jack still hasn't given up on his search for work away from home
0:49:27 > 0:49:30and his mother is never far from his thoughts.
0:49:30 > 0:49:32We speak every day, near enough, so, you know,
0:49:32 > 0:49:35it's not like I'm not hearing from her, or we've lost contact.
0:49:35 > 0:49:38But she's doing all right.
0:49:38 > 0:49:41She had another endoscopy and a colonoscopy and it's come back promising, actually.
0:49:41 > 0:49:43There's less tumours than what there originally were,
0:49:43 > 0:49:46so that's promising, as such, now.
0:49:46 > 0:49:48I suppose I just worry, like anybody normally would
0:49:48 > 0:49:50when they've got a poorly mum, you know?
0:49:50 > 0:49:52The world's laziest dog!
0:49:54 > 0:49:55She's actually nodding off.
0:49:55 > 0:49:58I've come from hundreds and hundreds of miners
0:49:58 > 0:50:01to a creature who just doesn't want to walk at all,
0:50:01 > 0:50:03or falls asleep stood up.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06Hey, what's up, are you tired? Are you tired?
0:50:07 > 0:50:09I still miss him.
0:50:09 > 0:50:10I don't miss the mess
0:50:10 > 0:50:14and I don't miss his washing, but, yeah, I miss him.
0:50:14 > 0:50:16I suppose it's always hard,
0:50:16 > 0:50:20your child leaving home for the first time, as a mum,
0:50:20 > 0:50:22and when you've been so close,
0:50:22 > 0:50:25but then you just get on with it.
0:50:25 > 0:50:26Oh, come on.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31Patience, that's what it is.
0:50:33 > 0:50:36It's a new year, a new start, so keep plodding on.
0:50:36 > 0:50:40You just take every day as it comes, so I'm all right.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42Yeah, I'm fine.
0:50:42 > 0:50:44Come on, then.
0:50:44 > 0:50:46Come on, then.
0:50:46 > 0:50:50I hope he does find a job up there because, like I say,
0:50:50 > 0:50:52there's nothing around here for anybody now.
0:50:52 > 0:50:55So, yeah, he's better off up there.
0:50:55 > 0:50:57I think there's more chance.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02Make sure it's even.
0:51:05 > 0:51:06Do you want to reach and do it?
0:51:06 > 0:51:08No, you're all right. I'll supervise.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10Shut your face, then.
0:51:12 > 0:51:15Kev has been spending more time with his family.
0:51:15 > 0:51:19Today, he's hard at work renovating his son's home.
0:51:20 > 0:51:26We've had him wallpapering, fixing walls, boxing in,
0:51:26 > 0:51:29a bit of gardening, and now this.
0:51:33 > 0:51:35I think now that he's got more time on his hands to do a job,
0:51:35 > 0:51:39whereas before it would be just like on weekends or weeks off
0:51:39 > 0:51:40that he'd be able to do things.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44Like, when I've had my days off and my dad's been here,
0:51:44 > 0:51:47I've been able to do jobs with him, so that's been good.
0:51:47 > 0:51:49At 26, I've got a different dad
0:51:49 > 0:51:53that's doing more and is out and about more
0:51:53 > 0:51:57and he's enjoying his life, so...yeah.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00Not that I've got my dad back, I've got a different dad now.
0:52:01 > 0:52:04So all your time was swallowed up mining.
0:52:04 > 0:52:06I'd have loved to have carried on, I'd have loved to,
0:52:06 > 0:52:09but I'd have probably done it till I dropped.
0:52:09 > 0:52:12Do you know we used to do the tape of life at work?
0:52:12 > 0:52:14If you start at 70...
0:52:16 > 0:52:18..I've got that left.
0:52:19 > 0:52:20Grandad died at 71, were he?
0:52:20 > 0:52:22Well, I'm glad you're being cheerful(!)
0:52:22 > 0:52:26So I've got that left, if I live to 70.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30That's what you've got left - 15 years.
0:52:30 > 0:52:33I think maybe we'll stretch it a few more years.
0:52:33 > 0:52:34We might be all right, yet...
0:52:36 > 0:52:37..hopefully.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44Hiya, Robert. I'm Russ Jones, Mercedes-Benz.
0:52:44 > 0:52:47Jonesy's got used to his life above ground
0:52:47 > 0:52:51and, in his new career, he's become an expert.
0:52:51 > 0:52:54When you've got your foot on your brake, when you shove it in,
0:52:54 > 0:52:55you'll feel it take your foot away.
0:52:55 > 0:52:57Here you've got your heated seats.
0:53:02 > 0:53:03Cool, innit?
0:53:05 > 0:53:07That's it. I hope you enjoy your new car.
0:53:07 > 0:53:09- I'm sure I will, thank you very much.- All right.
0:53:17 > 0:53:20Russ Jones from Mercedes-Benz.
0:53:20 > 0:53:21It's not Russ Jones from Big K.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26Oh, dear.
0:53:26 > 0:53:27What a life.
0:53:32 > 0:53:35Sheldon has successfully completed his fibre-optic training,
0:53:35 > 0:53:38but it hasn't guaranteed him employment.
0:53:38 > 0:53:40My bluetits are back.
0:53:41 > 0:53:45Highlight of my life, two bloody bluetits in my box.
0:53:46 > 0:53:48I need to chill out.
0:53:49 > 0:53:54Today, he's waiting to hear if all his hard work will land him a job.
0:53:54 > 0:53:56What do I think's going to happen?
0:53:56 > 0:53:59You had a great interview, you had a fantastic...
0:53:59 > 0:54:02Everything you've done, can't fault you, but unfortunately,
0:54:02 > 0:54:05there's nothing available at this moment in time.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07I've got friends, they just...
0:54:07 > 0:54:10fall in cow shit and come out smelling of roses
0:54:10 > 0:54:12and it just never, ever happens to me.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15You know, I am, in a way, a kind of
0:54:15 > 0:54:18a cup's half empty guy and I wish I wasn't.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Why am I stood staring at a phone?
0:54:22 > 0:54:24Fuck the phone.
0:54:26 > 0:54:27I want to bin it.
0:54:36 > 0:54:37Look, mate, eh?
0:54:38 > 0:54:40What?
0:54:40 > 0:54:44It gets pretty tedious and boring when you're used to going to work.
0:54:46 > 0:54:50It's how you fill your day. It's just... You become numb.
0:54:50 > 0:54:54There's only so many times you can wash the windows, cut the grass,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56hoover the carpet.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59I've hoovered twice today, before 12 o'clock.
0:55:08 > 0:55:10PHONE RINGS
0:55:12 > 0:55:14Hello.
0:55:15 > 0:55:16It is, yes.
0:55:19 > 0:55:21Never!
0:55:21 > 0:55:22Wow!
0:55:22 > 0:55:24Fantastic!
0:55:27 > 0:55:29Oh, right.
0:55:33 > 0:55:34Yeah.
0:55:35 > 0:55:39All right. Thank you very much. It's been a pleasure.
0:55:39 > 0:55:40Cheers, bye.
0:55:47 > 0:55:48Well?
0:55:52 > 0:55:54I am...
0:55:54 > 0:56:00a telecoms engineer, for Linbrooke, on the rail division.
0:56:02 > 0:56:05I honestly thought I wouldn't get anything.
0:56:05 > 0:56:06I didn't think I'd get...
0:56:06 > 0:56:08I did not.
0:56:08 > 0:56:11I don't know why, I just... I didn't think I would.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13It's me.
0:56:14 > 0:56:15I've got a job.
0:56:18 > 0:56:21With them as a telecoms engineer on the railways.
0:56:29 > 0:56:31Well done, mate.
0:56:35 > 0:56:37HE SIGHS
0:56:42 > 0:56:44You're no longer a miner, you're a telecoms engineer.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47No, no, I'm not. No.
0:56:47 > 0:56:48I'll always be a miner.
0:56:48 > 0:56:51You'll never take the coal dust out of my lungs.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56As long as I live, I'll always be a coalminer...
0:56:58 > 0:57:00..that's now a telecoms engineer.
0:57:33 > 0:57:35# To be your lover
0:57:35 > 0:57:37# If you get cold, yeah
0:57:37 > 0:57:39# I will be your cover
0:57:39 > 0:57:41# Don't have to worry
0:57:41 > 0:57:43# Because I'm here
0:57:43 > 0:57:46# Don't need to suffer, baby
0:57:46 > 0:57:48# Because I'm here
0:57:48 > 0:57:50# Just hold on
0:57:51 > 0:57:53# I'm coming
0:57:54 > 0:57:55# Hold on
0:57:55 > 0:57:57# I'm coming... #