David Jennings, Anglia TV
To start the day it was a case of the PM, the RSPB and BR. Yes, the Prime Minister—who rarely uses trains—chose British Rail to get to Sandy, headquarters of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. The journey was spent discussing conservation issues with RSPB officials. At their Sandy headquarters a chance to see conservation at the grassroots. First Mrs Thatcher was recruited to help members of the Young Ornithologists' Club build nesting boxes for birds and bats. Back in January Mrs Thatcher launched the RSPB's “Action for Birds” campaign. Today she was keen to share with reporters her enthusiasm for the group's work.
MT
It's very impressive. And the awareness of the importance of birds in the whole ecology and the whole environment has gone up and up. And they have gone from … [words inaudible] … raising both members and money to enable us to do far more conservation here than anywhere else in Europe.
David Jennings, Anglia TV
Lunchtime found the Prime Minister at Ely Cathedral where a successful £4m appeal has made possible a major restoration programme. Mrs Thatcher seemed particularly impressed by the famous painted ceiling of the nave. Then to the Lady-Chapel, which has been re-roofed and re-glazed. The Prime Minister was no doubt pleased to see private enterprise finding an unusual promotional opportunity. Work in the chapel will be completed at Christmas. A craftsman here heard the Prime Minister's own song of praise.
MT
[speaking to Mason] I think it's a joy that we still have the stonemasons, you still have the people who can do the glass …
Mason
Yes.
MT
… who can clean that marvellous painting in the nave.
Mason
That's right. [end p1]
MT
Thank you very much indeed.
David Jennings, Anglia TV
Outside the Cathedral tourists who had come to marvel at its architectural marvels were instead treated to the no less memorable spectacle of another of the Prime Minister's walkabout.
[cut to film of walkabout]
David Jennings, Anglia TV
Prime Minister, impressed by what you've seen today?
MT
Yes. It's beautiful. And when you think that it's been raised … all the money has been raised to do it, over four million, and it really … it's beauty is being restored, and we've got all the craftsmen to do it. They're doing a marvellous job and I think it is involved a lot of people and been quite a rebirth of spirit.
David Jennings, Anglia TV
Mrs Thatcher has the government contributed to this? [film ends]