Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Finchley Rotary Club (first year in Parliament)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Finchley Press, 21 October 1960
Editorial comments: Item listed by date of publication.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 198
Themes: Autobiographical comments, Parliament, Foreign policy (Western Europe - non-EU)

First Year Impressions

In an impressive first session in Parliament, what was Mrs. Thatcher's most memorable experience? Speaking to the Rotary Club of Finchley last week on the subject “My first year in Parliament” she described the visit of General de Gaulle as the outstanding event. Invited to address both Houses of Parliament at a colourful ceremony General de Gaulle gave what Mrs. Thatcher described as “the finest piece of oratory I have ever heard” .

The distinguished audience had been supplied with a copy of the speech to be delivered, but because the General has an eyesight defect, he scorned notes and proceeded to deliver his speech unaided. Mrs. Thatcher said that in a long and impressive oration there was hardly a word that varied from the transcript.

At this Rotary Club meeting the highest attendance for weeks was recorded, including a number of visitors from Friern Barnet and elsewhere, Rotarian V. Shilton proposed the vote of thanks to Mrs. Thatcher.

Following the meeting, Mrs. Thatcher went on to Friern Barnet where she spoke to the Womens Fellowship of the Parish Churches on a similar subject.