Alan R. Griffin (1924-1996) began work as a clerical officer at Cinderhill Colliery after leaving school. He attended Miners' Welfare Day Release courses arranged by the Nottingham University Extra-Mural Department, the National Union of Mineworkers and the Workers' Educational Association. This led to him attending Nottingham University in 1952, and in 1955 he achieved a B.A. honours degree under Professor J.D. Chambers of the Department of Economic History. In 1957, Griffin was appointed as Area Manpower Officer in the No. 7 (Leics. and South Derbyshire) Area of the East Midlands Division of the National Coal Board.