Premier stocks up on carnival goodies

PM catches crowd by surprise

Japanese student Masashi Kato had a surprise on Friday when he visited Finchley Carnival—and bumped into the Prime Minister.

Finchley's MP was making her regular visit to the carnival when she met the bemused Mr. Kato and his four-year-old daughter, Nasako.

Mrs Thatcher chatted to the Katos, who are visiting this country, to learn English, before going walk-about around the carnival attractions.

“I came in tough shoes because of the wet,” joked Mrs Thatcher as she trudged over the damp grass towards the charity tents. She also visited the Barnet Health Authority marquee.

Inside, she took time to wander round the various stalls, chatting to helpers and buying small items, apparently oblivious of the large crowd following her.

Stopping at the Old People's Welfare stall, Mrs Thatcher turned down the offer of a doll. “I've no grandchildren yet,” she said, buying a large shopping bag instead.

Grandchildren

The welfare group are attempting to raise funds for a new old people's centre in Finchley, and Mrs Thatcher said she would make a contribution.

“She was the same as any other customer,” was the verdict of 22nd Finchley Scout Group helper Mavis Crispin after she had sold the Premier some dish cloths.

A giant-sized birthday card was Mrs Thatcher's purchase at the Finchley Memorial Hospital stall, winner of the prize for the best display.

She would not say who the card was for, but commented: “It's a golf one” .

Mrs Thatcher was clearly impressed by the trampoline display by 11-year-old Victoria Allen, taking place in the middle of one of the tents.

Victoria, a member of the British trampolining squad said: “She was really nice. I did not expect to see her.”

Moving on, Mrs Thatcher had a reminder of her past when she met Samantha Hobbs, from Golders Green, mother of youngsters Simon (two) and Sarah (eight months).

“She said she remembered having twins and how big the buggies were,” said Mrs Hobbs. “She said people had to keep getting out of her way.”

By the time she reached the Red Cross stall, Mrs Thatcher's helpers were becoming loaded down with her purchases and she had run out of change.

Inside the Barnet Health Authority tent, Mrs Thatcher looked around various stalls giving in [end p1] formation on all aspects of health care.

“She said she had better pass through my stall very quickly.” laughed Irene Begg, who was looking after the “Know Your Drink” display.

Loaded

After completing her walkabout Mrs Thatcher settled down to chat to carnival organisers and the Princess, nine-year-old Chantel Shafic.

Mrs Thatcher spent an hour-and-a-half at the carnival before moving on to Hamilton Road. East Finchley, to hand over the keys to Gloria Kay the 6,000th person to buy their home from Barnet Council.

Mrs Kay had been sworn to secrecy about the visit and her friend Veronica O'Duffy, who had been invited round for the afternoon, had a shock when the Prime Minister walked through the door.

“I only thought the Mayor was coming.” She said.

Shock

Mrs Kay has lived in the flat for seven years, and Mrs Thatcher was clearly impressed. “It's a lovely flat,” she commented as she was shown round.

Mrs Thatcher stayed for a cup of tea, chatting to Mrs Kay before presenting her with a Crown Derby trinket box.

“She was very friendly,” said Mrs Kay after the Prime Minister had left. “She gave me a few ideas how to improve the layout of the kitchen.”

Mrs Kay said she had been nervous before the visit: “I had a few butterflies. I lay awake last night and I had to put the golf on to send me off to sleep.”

She added: “Having Mrs Thatcher round for tea has not really sunk in yet. But it is a wonderful feeling to own your own property.”

In the evening Mrs Thatcher visited Vale Farm House, a residential home for the elderly disabled people in Long Lane, East Finchley, to join in the home's 10th anniversary celebrations.

And she revealed another of her talents: “I'm very good at wallpapering,” she told home handyman, Jack Lynch. But she had a question: “How do you manage to get the bubbles out?”

“I'm in next time Number 10 needs redecorating,” joked Mr Lynch. “I'll tell her how to get the bubbles out. She said we were both experts.”

Mrs Thatcher chatted to most of the home's 27 residents before cutting the special anniversary cake with 79-year-old Sylvia Smith.

She also gave a donation to the tombola, but refused to accept a ticket. “I don't want a ticket, I might win something,” she said.

The Prime Minister's visit was a great occasion for 77-year-old resident Doris Gould. “I have been a Conservative all my life. I told Mrs Thatcher I thought she was lovely. She is a wonderful woman.” she said.