Maggie's Xmas cheers

Crackers, cakes and carols gave a distinctly Christmassy feel to Margaret Thatcher's constituency visit on Friday.

The Prime Minister, looking suitably Christmassy herself in a green suit and scarf, began with a tour of Tudor primary school, Queens Road, Finchley, where the children were making seasonal classroom decorations.

First stop was to teacher Pamela Griffiths' reception class.

Mrs Thatcher sat down with the children and became so engrossed in helping them make fancy party hats, that she had to be gently reminded it was time to move on.

Next visit was to the middle infants and then the top infants, where the youngsters gave a rousing rendition of Little Donkey.

She was also introduced to home beat officer PC Mike Geddlestone, who is on the board of governors. He explained the close relationship between the police and the school.

Mrs Thatcher listened in on juniors practising for the Christmas concert. Younsters from the nursery school were also present.

“They are very quiet. Are you always as good as this?” Mrs Thatcher wondered.

“You are on the news,” called out cheeky three-year-old Shereen Fares, with a huge grin.

The Prime Minister broke for refreshments in the staff room, before dropping in on some of the junior classes.

Next stop on the seasonal tour was a visit to Becker's Bakeries at the Coppetts Centre, Colney Hatch Lane, North Finchley.

Mrs Thatcher stopped and chatted to staff decorating Yule logs and Christmas cakes. Her approaching 30th anniversary as Finchley MP was appropriately celebrated when a plaited bread in the form “1959 to 1989” popped out of the oven.

She was also presented with a 1001b Christmas cake decorated by bakery master Peter Dickens.

Mrs Thatcher said she would give the cake to Finchley Old People's Welfare for its Christmas parties.

Before leaving Mrs Thatcher lined up for a photograph with bakery staff behind one of the benches, which she promptly tidied up.

Mrs Thatcher continued her tour by launching the Rotary Club of Finchley's annual Christmas Appeal in the shadow of the club's Christmas tree at Tally Ho corner.

A few hellos to surprised passers-by and Mrs Thatcher was whisked back to the Finchley HQ for a party.

Finchley Old People's Welfare had nominated 20 guests for the parlour Christmas treat served up by members of the Young Conservatives.

And it was just the opportunity for the busy PM to put down her handbag and kick her shoes off under the table as she sat down for a natter and a few secrets.

Mrs Thatcher admitted her favourite part of Christmas is the carol-singing. “Carols are always my favourites. They remind me of so many happy Christmas' past,” she said.

At the end of it all she promised another mouthwatering treat—the cake donated by Becker's Bakeries. “It'll do for both of your parties, it's so big—and it looks terrific, made with just the right ingredients, lots of love, kindness and happy Christmas thoughts,” she said.