Speeches, etc.

Margaret Thatcher

Speech to Belvedere North Conservative Club

Document type: Speeches, interviews, etc.
Venue: Masonic Hall, Belvedere, Kent
Source: Dartford Chronicle, 28 April 1950
Editorial comments: Evening.
Importance ranking: Minor
Word count: 594
Themes: Autobiographical comments, Conservatism, Conservative Party (organization), General Elections

‘BE EVER WATCHFUL’

Liberty and Freedom Above All Else

Miss Roberts' Charge to Conservatives

The Conservative cause was the most vital of all, because it was the one that put English liberty and freedom above all else, said Miss M. Roberts, B.A., B.Sc., prospective Conservative candidate, at the dinner of Belvedere North Conservative Club on Saturday.

It was necessary for them to be ever watchful and take their lead from “the greatest living exponent of the cause for which they stood—Mr. Winston Churchill,” she continued, and advised them to be ready for another election.

In the absence of Colonel the Hon. Angus MacDonnell, C.M.G., C.B. (president), who is taking Queen Mary's carpet through the United States and Canada, the chair was taken by Mr. J. Cash.

The dinner was held at the Masonic Hall, Belvedere, and among the visitors was Mr. H. Wyatt, on holiday from South Africa, who spoke of politics in the Union being far more bitter than anything ever known in England.

Mr. A. Hawes (treasurer) having briefly praised the club as being “a very good crowd,” Mr. A. D. Ward (auditor) said he could perhaps, take a more detached view than a committees man. He could vouch for the soundness of their finances and that evening's function was evidence of the club's success.

Remarking that she was the only woman present, Miss Roberts doubted whether at that stage of her career any shyness was left. especially in such congenial company. They might well lend a few of their committee men to Sir Stafford Crippsthe Chancellor of the Exchequer (Laughter.)

When she went into the last campaign it was with the help of them all and she would soon be calling on them again. The next election would be most important and she hoped it would be as cleanly fought as was the last one.

Having spoken of the need to be watchful and ready for the fight when it came, Miss Roberts said that above all else Mr. Churchill was a grand fighter— “one man who will never be too old to fight.”

“L” Candidate

The reply came from Mr. H. Winn, prospective Conservative candidate for Abbey Wood Ward in the forthcoming municipal election. He thanked Miss Roberts for her challenging call, but remarked that whereas she had got rid of her “L” plates, his were well and truly fixed.

Mr. J. Culley said their visitors that evening were helpers and leaders rather than mere guests, and Miss Roberts was certainly a fully-fledged driver now.

Mr. D. Cornfoot congratulated Miss Roberts on her excellent fight and looked for her success next time.

Mr. F. Bryant submitted “The Press,” to which Mr. C. Fred House, F.J.I. (Editor, Erith Observer) responded.

Mr. F. O. Howell paid tribute to the chairman, who had piloted them through a tiresome, troublesome, but most notable year with success.

Distinguished Medal

Mr. A. Hawes was presented with the A.C.C. Distinguished Medal, for five years' conspicuous service by Miss Roberts, who remarked that his service extended over a far longer period.

A concert followed, music being provided by a band drawn from club members.