Jim Comerford: Working Class Warrior

Cessnock Library will host an Author Talk with Historian Barbara Heaton this Thursday 12 September from 5-7pm about her upcoming Biography on Jim Comerford, titled Working Class Warrior.  

In our local area and in the mining industry, Jim Comerford was a larger-than-life figure, but who was he really? Barbara's biography delves deep into the life of this contradictory man.  

Jim Comerford had a long and eventful, sometimes controversial life. He was a long time official in the Miners' Federation: one of the strongest, most militant unions and was present at two of Australia's most important industrial relations events.  

Jim was best known to the general public for his writing of book reviews and stories of life on the coalfields over several decades for the Newcastle Herald. Barbara Heaton's biography of Jim Comerford also describes the social history of the community and cultural life of the Northern coalfields which was unmatched in its heyday.  

Library Services Co-ordinator, Rose-marie Walters said, “Some figures have a larger-than-life presence in a community and Jim Comerford was one of them. Coal miner, Rothbury Riot veteran, union organiser who then became a mining historian, author of the definitive book on the ‘northern lockout’ and then for decades, a correspondent on industrial matters for the Newcastle Herald.”  

“We are thrilled that Barbara Heaton will be at the Library to talk about her forthcoming biography of Jim. Her talk here at the Library will give everyone a chance to hear the result of years of research and for locals who knew and remember Jim well to share their memories of him,” added Rose-marie.  

Bookings are essential and refreshments will be provided. Book your spot today via Eventbrite https://bit.ly/2NBePcT, online at libraries.cessnock.nsw.gov.au under 'Events & Bookings' or by calling Cessnock Library on 4993 4399.

 9/10/2019