Mrs Thatcher meets a former opponent

Conservative supporters—both old and new—met Mrs Margaret Thatcher at two socials on Friday evening.

The first was a joint event by Tudor and Trinity branches of the East Ward and was held at MacDonald 's headquarters in the High Road.

She was met by Tudor chairman Laurie Chivers and his Trinity branch counterpart, John Larkin.

Mrs Thatcher mingled with the guests at the buffet—many were familiar faces but others were new recruits.

They included a former opponent of the Tory Party, De Leah Hertz, who stood for the Social Democrats in in the 1982 Barnet Council elections.

Dr Hertz who was considered as a prospective Parliamentary candidate by that party became disenchanted with the SDP leadership after a national tour.

She clashed with them on the subjects of private medicine and education and decided to quit the party.

She retired from politics for a year before joining the Conservatives in East Finchley.

But neither party controls the ward—East Finchley is represented by three Labour councillors.

Mention of that fact was made by Mr Chivers, who said following the Euro elections in June that the local party would work hard to ensure the removal of Socialist councillors “who have done so much to disrupt the harmonious life in East Finchley since their election” .

Mrs Thatcher spoke of the importance of the rule of law and democracy but said they would not work unless everyone was prepared bear their share of responsibility.

She said the police would receive our full support and people should say they do not see crime, violence and intimidation as acceptable in our society. [end p1]

“Each and everyone of us has got to condemn them whenever they occur,” she said.

The number of nationalised industries had to be reduced and value for money had to be achieved in public spending.

She said: “It seems to me we have seen during these last few months relief and a totally different attitude on the part of people.

“It is that this country is not run by unions, that the ordinary, decent men and women have said no, we prefer to go to work and do a good day's work for a good day's pay”

She described the opening of a hydrotherapy pool at Oakleigh School as representing the Tory way of life. “On top of a reasonable level of public expenditure, well-administered, for which a reasonable level of service was provided people were prepared to give a little extra for the children.

Of 1984 Mrs Thatcher said: “We shall find it a challenging year in which, if we take our opportunities, we can steadily improve our standard of living and our reputation in the world outside”

Mr Larkin wished her well and thanked MacDonald's managing director Bob Rhea and public relations officer Annette Alien for the use of the building.

Mrs Thatcher then left to attend a New Year's buffet at Friern Barnet County School, in Hemington Avenue.

It was staged by the three Friern Barnet Ward branches—north, east and central—whose chairman, George Pearce, Tam Hartley and Trevor Renouf, welcomed her.

On stage were the Friern Barnet County School Wind Band, joined by education adviser Alan Johns and conducted by Martin Steele.

Mrs Thatcher told the pupils the staff were doing everything they could to give them as good a start in life as possible.

She said the Government thought that not enough attention had been given to bringing everyone up to certain standards and giving everybody a broad education. They aimed to rectify this in 1984.

Mrs Thatcher then referred to attacks on the Government's financial policy. “It has always amazed me when people say it is Tory Right-Wing reactionary to live within one's budget and cut your coat according to your cloth” .

She spoke of defence, law and order and the Health Service. “We have improved that service, there are far more doctors and nurses and there is more expenditure.

“More expenditure does not necessarily get you any better service.

“There is no such thing as a free Health Service. It is paid for by every single taxpayer regardless of whether people use it or not … we have a positive duty to ensure that money is used wisely and well” .

Mrs Thatcher referred to the Government's ratecapping Bill which in effect will limit the increase in rate set by local authorities. [end p2]

“There are 18 big over-spending local authorities and every single one of them is Labour. They are spending other people's money” .

She said their ratepayers looked forward to the Bill being introduced and so do commerce and industry.

She added: “I believe our general policies are in tune with the hearts and minds of the British people because they make sense, they are sound, they have a reasonable level of public service, they realise that people want more of their own money in their own pockets” .

A painting of Friern Barnet Town Hall by local artist Timothy Johnson was presented to Mrs Thatcher.

Before she left, the wind band played Land of Hope and Glory, which was met with applause as guests rose to their feet.