Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Remarks visiting Finchley (St Mary’s School)

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: St Mary’s School, Regents Park Road, Finchley
Source: Finchley Press, 19 June 1986
Journalist: Hilary Lewis, Finchley Press, reporting
Editorial comments: 1500-1600.
Importance ranking: Trivial
Word count: 368
Themes: Primary education, Sport

Premier's Progress

Mrs Thatcher went back to school on Friday, but her visit was more than just a chance to meet some of her youngest constituents—she went to learn about the school's overcrowding problems.

After a thorough tour of St Mary 's School in Regents Park Road, Mrs Thatcher said that the need for a replacement was obvious.

Temporary classrooms have had to be added to the 130-year-old school and children, teachers and parents alike want a new building on school land at the end of Dollis Park.

Mrs Thatcher spoke to many of the children who calmly got on with their lessons as the Premier looked round.

She even got the chance to try out some of the school's computer equipment.

She keyed in her name with a little help from Jonathon Martin, aged 11.

The computer then spoke to her with its synthesized voice. “Please will you help us to get our building,” it said.

She discussed football with eight-year-old Liverpool supporter Peter Tinkler, and said what a good season Liverpool had had.

“We were very relieved when England won their match and got through to the second round of the World Cup,” she added.

In the playground, Mrs Thatcher had a chance to meet some of the parents and sign a few autographs.

Jacqueline Chase, who has two children at the school, asked Mrs Thatcher why the children should have to put up with Portakabins in the playground.

“Mrs Thatcher did seem to sympathise, but said she couldn't make any promises,” said Mrs Chase. “The condition of the school is awful, but the standard of education is very good here.”

Toni Beck, who also has two children at the school, said: “The education here is very high but it is rapidly going downhill. There are simply too many children in too small a space.

“Perhaps Mrs Thatcher would have stepped in to help before an election but I am not as hopeful now.”

But while Mrs Thatcher wasn't making any promises, headmistress Sheila Lumsden, said afterwards: “She was able to get a first hand picture of the school's accommodation problems.”