PM Gives Shopping Surprise

It's not every day you go shopping in Woolworth's and end up chatting to—and receiving Easter eggs from—the Prime Minister.

But that's exactly what happened to three children as they did their shopping in North Finchley on Saturday morning.

First to bump into Mrs Thatcher was two-year-old Claudia Bicen, of Wentworth Road, Barnet, who posed with the PM for the corps of press photographers.

Mrs Thatcher asked Claudia if she had been given an Easter egg, and her father. Ali replied he had just bought her one in Barnet.

The Prime Minister then met four-year-old John Paul McGloughlin and Jennifer McCann (8), both of Friern Park, North Finchley, who were looking at the array of Easter eggs on display.

After chatting with the children, the PM handed over an Easter egg to both of them before carrying on with her shopping and chatting with other shoppers.

Mrs Thatcher had come to North Finchley on Saturday morning to present a giant Easter egg and take tea with eight old folk from the Lonsdale Home in East Finchley.

Mrs Thatcher sat down and chatted with each of the residents and remarked on the giant egg.

She said: “It looks so shiny—you probably won't want to eat it.”

During an informal half-hour, the PM told residents her children were visiting her for Easter and she had a lot of work to do.

Mandy Oliver, the assistant manageress at the Lonsdale Home, told the PM about the home and its residents, and said they were delighted she had made the effort to meet them.

Remarking on the abundance of food for the eight residents, the PM told Woolworth's staff they had probably laid on too much food.

And she had some advice for the old folk: “It's not good to eat too much as it will only give you indigestion.”

While the old folk chatted, the PM took it upon herself to clear up the cups and plates.

“It's just like being at home,” she quipped.

After receiving flowers and posing with some of the residents by the giant Easter egg, the PM went downstairs to the store.

The PM bought two sets of light bulbs, and in the rush to meet her, another two boxes fell to the floor.

She called the manager over and asked him to check they were working before they went on sale to the public.

After 20 minutes the PM had completed the shopping to the tune of £24.07, rung up by checkout girl Helen Breen, who was surprised to find herself serving the PM.

Once outside, the PM chatted to some more onlookers before being whisked off.

Mike Buffham, the store manager, said he was delighted the Prime Minister had taken the time during the Easter weekend to call in to the store and present the giant egg to the Lonsdale residents.