Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Finchley Young Conservatives (AGM)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Finchley
Source: Finchley Press, 3 February 1961
Editorial comments: Item listed by date of publication.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 630
Themes: Conservative Party (organization), Conservative Party (history), Economic policy - theory and process, Local elections, Trade, Social security & welfare

Y.C.s hear stimulating talk from M.P.

Urged to Take up New Ideas

Mrs. Margaret Thatcher, M.P. for the constituency, told Finchley Young Conservatives at their annual general meeting last week that one of their most important tasks ahead in support of their Party was to “keep going with new ideas” . This was one of the reasons why the Party itself had stayed in the ascendancy, because they faced up to conditions always with a modern outlook.

Mrs. Thatcher went on to speak about economic conditions today. At the moment, what would be good for the economic situation at home would be bad for the overseas balance. What was needed is a compromise, or an external change.

The situation could be bettered by an export drive. She went on to urge that anyone who had contact with a firm, who at the moment only dealt in home trade, should do their utmost to persuade them to take up export. Only through export could the country's economic balance be restored.

Mrs. Thatcher then asked the YC's for their full support during the forth-coming county elections. Last time, she reminded them, three years ago, the Conservative Party lost that election. It was now up to Conservatives to win back.

Mrs. Thatcher quoted figures about national expenditure which disproved the Socialist idea of a ‘poverty-stricken nation” . More money was being spent on drink and tobacco than in the home—by a nation that prided itself on its housing situation.

“1961 is going to be a difficult year by all reports, and that is why I am asking you to come out in full support this year” .

Mr. C. H. Blatch, Divisional Chairman, in his address spoke of the change that had come about since he had first joined the YC's.

In his days, the work was tough. There was, in the East End of London, a hatred of the Conservative Party and it took a great deal of courage to canvass for votes. Now, that prejudice had disappeared but the work still had its responsibilities.

Other parties were now beginning to think about their younger members, and it was this trend that the YC's must meet.

New Officers

The meeting was primarily called to elect a new committee for 1961, and to hear the reports for 1960.

Graham Elsom was elected for another year as President, and a new committee were elected: they were Andrew Hill, Barbara Hall, Peter Hagon, Muriel Wainwright, Celin Smith, Keith Klean, Diana Coldrick, Colinne Martyn, Michael Levison, Margaret Child and Valerie Grumbar.

The hon. treasurer's report was very favourable and showed a profit on most sections, and a balance of £86–5–6 was brought forward to 1961.

The Chairman's report also was favourable and Derek Phillips was able to say that once again they were able to look back on yet another successful year, both politically and socially: A year that has been inspired by the great efforts of the Member of Parliament, Mrs. Thatcher, at Westminster.

The Gibson Cup this year went to Margaret Childs, the new member who had advanced the most in her first 18 months. The committee felt that the most suitable candidate was Margaret, who since she had joined the YC's had become an active committee member, supporting all the club functions unfailingly.

The cup was presented by Cr. Frank Gibson, who had given it last year to be presented to the most successful new member.

The President closed the meeting with the thought that the YC's must think seriously about the future.