Jon Dale, Mansfield Socialist Party
Mansfield Socialist Party member, Rob Smith, has sadly died aged 62. He was a retired miner, who went through the 1984-85 strike. He suffered a serious injury when underground that affected him for the rest of his life, although he returned to underground work after the injury.
Rob grew up in a strong trade union and socialist household. His father was an active member of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Bolsover Constituency Labour Party, at a time when most of its members were miners and other trade unionists, and its MP was the left-wing Dennis Skinner. Rob said if his dad had still been alive, he would also have joined the Socialist Party.
Despite poor health, Rob attended our meetings and came to Socialist Party campaign stalls on his mobility scooter. He enjoyed the Socialism 2024 weekend, and had booked his ticket for Socialism 2025 this year.
Rob had no family. Socialist Party members send condolences to all his friends.
