Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech opening Finchley primary school

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Holy Trinity Church of England School, Market Place, East Finchley
Source: Finchley Times, 30 May 1975
Editorial comments: 1500.
Importance ranking: Trivial
Word count: 443

Row as Mrs Thatcher opens new school

The Leader of the Opposition, Mrs Margaret Thatcher, MP for Finchley and Friern Barnet, opened a new school on Friday—to a background of discord.

While Mrs Thatcher, wearing a striking blue outfit, was addressing the VIP guests at Holy Trinity C of E School in Market Place, East Finchley, a small group of demonstrators carrying placards gathered outside.

They were complaining because the infants were sent home Before the ceremony. Some parents felt that this was unfair to working mothers, and unfair to children who wanted to watch.

The infants left early because the ceremony was timed for 3 p.m.—shortly before their normal home time.

Ceremony

Guests at the offical opening and dedication of the school included the Bishop of London, the Right Rev. Gerald Ellison, the Mayor and Mayoress of Barnet, Councillor and Mrs Norman Hirshfield, alderman and councillors, members of the religious community, and the architect, Mr P. Smith.

Mrs Thatcher directed her remarks at the older children who filed in to watch the ceremony.

She told them: “You are making a fresh start in a new school—and not many are lucky enough to have that opportunity. You will have to live up to the standards set in the old building and strive to do even better in the future.”

The MP said that while she was Minister for Education she received a letter from her former junior school headmaster.

“He told me they still had the entry of my name in the register—and didn't fail to mention that they still used the outside toilets they had when I was there,” she added.

Mrs Thatcher told the children she could remember more of what she learnt at primary school than at any other stage in her education even the names of all her former teachers.

Before she unveiled the commemorative plaque, she told pupils: “You are making history for other children who will look back on your achievements.

“Holy Trinity, as a school, has existed for over a century, and you have quite a lot to live up to.”

The Bishop of London blessed the new school and wished parents and children well for the future.

Prayers for the school were conducted by a pupil, parent, teacher and a school manager.

Cantata

The choir ended the ceremony with a performance of Michael Hurd 's pop cantata, Swingin Samson.

Mrs Thatcher, the Mayor and many other guests congratulated the children on their performance.

The site of the old Holy Trinity School in East Finchley recently was sold to a school of English, and there are plans for an all-year nursery there.