‘HER EXAMPLE INSPIRED US’

Tribute to Mrs. Thatcher at Conservative Dinner

Further tributes were paid to Mrs. Denis Thatcher, formerly Miss Margaret Roberts, at the second annual dinner of Barnehurst North branch of Dartford Conservative Association at the Bull Hotel, Dartford, on Friday. Mrs. Thatcher contested the seat for the Conservatives at the last General Election.

Mr. A. E. Allsopp (Divisional agent) said, “Her example, Keenness, charm and endeavour inspired us all.” On behalf of the branch Mrs. Gommer presented Mrs. Thatcher with a tablecloth.

Among others present included Mr. Thatcher, Mr. J. L. M. Miller (chairman of the association) and Mrs. Miller, and representatives of all the areas of the division. Mr. R. A. Gommer presided.

In welcoming the guests, Mr. Gommer said that at the General Election they had all realised that the only salvation for England was the return of the Conservatives to power. An American journalist had said, “There will always be an England, because there was once a Churchill.”

The increase in the local poll had depended much on the work of the candidate and Mr. Miller. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher every happiness.

Great Progress

Mr. Miller congratulated the branch on putting on such an ambitious dinner with such success. The association had made tremendous progress in the past four years. They were going to see many changes among their officers, but they would not lose sight of those who had done the jobs.

Mrs. Thatcher, had shown them a great example and had inspired all their work.

In a toast to the Government, Mr. Allsopp said that they would need the support, the faith and belief of the branch. The Government would be facing an Opposition, well versed in their job, because they had had many years practice.

He felt that Mrs. Thatcher should be in Parliament. From her inspiration had come 28,000 votes. He had gone back over the records for many years and had not seen its equal.

Mrs. Thatcher said that when she went away she would not remember the politics so much, but the friendship and loyalty and the way all had worked together.

Difficult Time

It was a difficult time for the party to come into power. If she had been a Member of Parliament her thoughts would have been that the line taken by the Government had been firm and absolutely honest, but could they rely on the people to understand the position and not take small party advantage of the decisions made.

The greatest thing she would like to feel was an understanding of the problem by the ordinary elector and a putting aside of party politics. The task of getting the confidence and faith of the elector in the sincerity of the Government fell to the ward branches.

“Although a number of people have voted against us, they have confidence in the ability of our statesmen to do the job,” she continued.

The present design was to take the country right through its troubles.

Mr. J. Dove (chairman, Belvedere South Conservative Club), proposed the toast to the branch, and said that their activities had been considerable. It had been in existence for two-and-a-half-years, with Mr. Gommer as chairman, and the success was visible.