Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Finchley Chamber of Commerce ("there’s only one way up and that is to work")

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Alexandra Palace, North London
Source: Barnet Press, 27 June 1980
Editorial comments: Between 2000 and 2200. The Finchley Times has additional material. "Mrs Thatcher ... said she had been in trade and industry for more than 21 years. "I was born into it", she said - a reference to her upbringing as a grocer’s daughter in Grantham. "If you are in business on your own you work all day and can’t pass the buck" Mrs Thatcher, defending her monetarist policy - "it means sound money" - admitted that the country was going through a difficult period and added that no one could opt out. The Conservatives had to restore Britain’s prestige in the world and she went on: "I think we have achieved that". Government policies had sorted out the Rhodesian problem by exchanging the bullet for the ballot and they had tackled the question of Britain’s payment to the Common Market budget. "I don’t think we have lost", she said. "I believe we have got a fair deal. When you travel on a British passport thes
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 789
Themes: Conservatism, Monetary policy, European Union (general)

‘Hard work is the only way’—Premier

Prime Minister Mrs. Margaret Thatcher has admitted that life under the Tories will not be a bed of roses.

But the sooner we all work harder the quicker Britain's problems will be solved—and the Tories will hang on until they are.

That's the message the Premier delivered in a rousing speech at a traders' dinner on Friday to honour her 21 years' service as their president.

The Finchley and Whetstone Chamber of Commerce threw the ball at Alexandra Palace and invited Sir Freddie Laker and his wife to attend.

Mrs. Thatcher, dressed in Tory blue, told her audience that she had been “born and bred in trade” and talked again of the virtues of private enterprise.

She said that the road to self-satisfaction was by working all day and making a living by one's own labour.

She said in this way, “the luxuries of the few would be brought to the pleasures' of the many.”

She stressed that no one would get a better standard of living by voting in a government to do it, but only by achieving it personally.

“There are those who will disrupt their way down—there are those who will strike their way down—there's only one way up and that is to work.”

She said that the Tories had had their first year in office occupied by trying to solve the problems left by other governments.

But she spoke of successes in Rhodesia, “where the bullet was exchanged for the ballot,” and Europe.

She admitted there would be “problems” in the future but promised that the Tories would keep on until the end of the road.

Mrs. Thatcher was presented with a bouquet of flowers by ex-chamber vice-chairman Joe Parry.

During the six-course entrecote steak dinner Mrs. Thatcher was also presented with a silver medallion and thanked by chamber chairman John Garrett for her dedicated work over the last 21 years.

Sir Freddie Laker and the Premier chatted throughout the dinner and it came as no surprise when he launched into a speech congratulating her on her achievements.

He said the chamber was “well served” by her selection as president.

He said if Mrs. Thatcher was the Iron Lady he must add that she was “finished in the finest Sheffield.”

“For 40 years we have had price exchange control and we have had our air transport regulated.

“It seems to me that in one year Mrs. Thatcher did away with all of it.”

In urging Mrs. Thatcher to be tough he said: “Turn the screw until it bleeds then turn it again. We want you forever and please don't go away.”

Chamber vice-president and Finchley Press editor Haden Blatch, in a toast to the guests said it was Mrs. Thatcher and Sir Freddie 's appearance that “set the seal of success on the chamber's evening.”

He congratulated Sir Freddie on last week's news that a new Skytrain service to Hong Kong had got the go-ahead.

Vice-President Hendon Times editor Dennis Signy welcomed past chairman Mr. Peter Wedd and past vice-chairmen Mr. Parry Mr. Bob Hallam and Mr. Roger Barclay to the evening.

Other guests at the evening included Mr. Ted Chapman, of Pontinental, Mr. and Mrs. Arliss Rhind and a variety of Tory councillors.

After dinner there was music and dancing from the Barry Alan Music Men and a cabaret with a performance of magic by Magic Circle vice-chairman Michael Balley.

But undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening was a special prize donated by Sir Freddie and his wife—two return tickets to Los Angeles.

That was won by Bob Hallam 's guest and Perrys of Finchley trade consultant Mr. Pat Farrow and his wife.

The grand draw prize of two weeks' winter holiday in Torremolinos, donated by Pontinental, was won by Cr. Mary Phillips.

But no guest went away empty-handed. On each table was a selection of key rings and other items as gifts provided by Perrrys.

Mrs. Thatcher left the evening before its end to attend a cocktail party thrown by the St. Mary's branch of the Finchley and Friern Barnet Tories.

The evening, which was attended by some 120 people at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mack Chayier, of Kingsgate Avenue, Church End Finchley, raised over £200 for funds.

Mrs. Thatcher made a short speech about Parliament and chatted with the guests, including Mrs. Colinne Martyn, branch chairman.