Discover a rich history of community spirit, solidarity and struggle for Berwick Heritage Open Days on Saturday 20 September.

We will be hosting two events that dig deeper into the themes of our latest Film Library exhibition Miners’ Weekend School (1984). Produced by Amber Films’ Current Affairs Unit and filmed in Ashington, the collective continued engagement with with coalfield communities, anti-nuclear activists, and peace movement groups led to multiple productions – including Can’t Beat it Alone (1985), an exploration of social and political strategies for the Left.

We will be screening this film followed by a discussion, and hosting a drop-in banner making workshop throughout the day.

CAN’T BEAT IT ALONE

Film Screening & Discussion

Date: Saturday 20 September 2025

Time: 1 – 2.30 pm

Location: Berwick Town Hall – Guild Hall, Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1BN

Can’t Beat It Alone (1985) is a documentary produced by Amber’s Current Affairs Unit, focusing on the collaborative efforts of various grassroots organisations in North East England during the mid-1980s. The film brings together voices from groups such as the Easington Miners’ Support Group, Whittle Women’s Support Group, Tyneside CND groups, the Save Druridge Bay Campaign, Billingham Against Nuclear Dumping, and the Greenham Common Women. It examines their collective strategies in addressing industrial decline, environmental concerns, and the broader socio-political challenges of the era.

The documentary emerged from Amber’s engagement with coalfield communities, anti-nuclear activists, and peace movement groups, particularly in the context of the 1984–85 Miners’ Strike. It explores how these diverse groups organised to counter threats such as the proposed PWR nuclear power station at Druridge Bay and NIREX’s plan to dispose of waste in the anhydrite mine under Billingham. The film also delves into the suspicion that the British nuclear industry’s sustenance was driven by political motives to reduce the influence of mineworkers and secure plutonium for weapons.

Produced as part of the ACTT Workshop Declaration, Can’t Beat It Alone was later broadcast on Channel 4’s Eleventh Hour series. The film exemplifies Amber’s commitment to social realism and grassroots activism, providing a nuanced portrayal of working-class life and the importance of community solidarity.

BANNERS FOR BERWICK

Banner Making Workshop

Date: Saturday 20 September 2025

Time: 12 – 4 pm

Location: 22 Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1AQ

What kind of banner will you create for Berwick?

Banners have been a significant part of protests throughout history. They offer a creative representation of places, groups and causes. With eye-catching designs, banners decorate the space above a crowd of people, expressing the solidarity of those who carry them.

Explore the current Film Library exhibition and respond to the images, ideas and interviews. Take inspiration from the rich local history of Miners’ strikes, women’s support groups and anti-nuclear activism to create a banner that expresses the beating heart of Berwick.

Creatively reflect on local history and bring the heritage of community spirit into conversation with the present.

This family friendly drop-in workshop is free and open to all.