‘We're getting it right’ PM tells loyal Tories

Premier Margaret Thatcher gave faithful Finchley Tories a Britain's on the right track message—before doing some early Christmas shopping on Saturday.

Opening her constituency Conservative Association's packed bazaar, she proudly boasted of the country's achievements—but they claimed they were not being high-lighted in the news.

“Output and the number of things we produce are at an all-time high. They're record breaking.

“And it is not really detailed that the amount being put back into building, equipment, machinery is at an all time high,” she told the crowd at St Mary's Church Hall, Hendon Lane.

Mrs Thatcher, who wore an elegant tweed suite, patterned blouse, and high-heeled black suede court shoes, also claimed Britain's standard of living was better than ever.

“So is the number of people being treated by the National Health Service. And we have kept all our promises to the pensioners,” she said.

“In our seven years in government there has not been a financial crisis, defence has never been better and we are making tremendous efforts on law and order.

“And when these stronger sentences are backed by the courts then I'm very pleased indeed.”

“I believe the economy is doing well.

“There is a great deal to be very pleased with.”

She warned; “Unless we all create more wealth we do not get the money to run the extra social services we need.”

Mrs Thatcher, who said she was worried about unemployment as everyone else—hoped more new jobs would follow next year's budget.

Before stocking up with Seven carrier bags full of gifts and goodies, she revealed exactly how much she values her loyal Finchley supporters.

“When I go overseas I'm given a tremendous welcome, not just because I'm MP for Finchley although that has a lot to do with it,” she said.

“Because this is where I get my strength and my courage to go on.”

The shy Samantha Houghton, two, presented the Prime Minister with a bouquet. And the Iron Lady laughted gently as she tried to take it away again.

Mrs Thatcher's first stop was the soft toy stall—where she brought a furry glove puppet and a cuddly black cat.

then she bought a book, bubble bath, kitchen cleaning cloths, groceries and earrings, and silver and gold chains for daughter Carol, she stopped for long chats about the goods with each stallholder.

As the buying spree—at every stand—went on. Mrs Thatcher ran out of cash.

She twice had to borrow from her detectives.

Mrs Thatcher autographed a cake, which was later raffled for party funds, won a miniature bottle of Vimto at the bottle tombola and bought from more stalls before lunch.

After she left, Dad's Army star Frank Williams, who played the vicar in the hit tv comedy, drew the raffle.

Mrs Thatcher and the other good customers helped the bazaar raise at least £2,000.