Contact ovation for Mrs Thatcher

Mrs Margaret Thatcher, Conservative MP for Finchley and Friern Barnet, received a standing ovation at an annual dinner and dance at the Torrington, North Finchley, on Friday.

In his speech of welcome, Mr Ron Thurlow described Mrs Thatcher as “a truly remarkable woman, who was indeed the backbone of the Tory Party during the last election.”

Mr Thurlow, chairman of Contact, a cooperative Tory group, added “Her remarkable performances on television—brought her great admiration, not only from her own party.

“Since then, in the new Parliament, when speaking in the Budget debate, her speech had been received with great enthusiasm from the Tory benches.”

Brilliant

Mr Thurlow added that whether one agreed that a woman should lead the Tory Party or not, he was sure everyone present believed Mrs Thatcher had proved without doubt that she would make a brilliant leader and, indeed, a match for Harold Wilson.

He also thanked the founder members of Contact for their work and support.

These included his wife, Sue, toastmaster Bryan McCash, Cara Salmon, secretary; Robin Alexander, treasurer; Ann Alexander, Michael Salmon, Peter Hagon and Jack Young.

Effect

Mrs Thatcher spoke of the problems of inflation and the effect it would have on all of us.

She gave figures showing that if we had 20 per cent increase per year in inflation the astronomical wage demands which would be made would completely price us out of the world markets.

Mr Robin Alexander presented Mrs Ena Constable with an inscribed silver vase in recognition of her long years of service to the community as councillor, and social worker.