Monday, May 04, 2009

The May 1979 Meme

Paul Burgin of the Mars Hill blog has tagged me in this May 1979 meme.

How old were you?

Sixteen.

What are your personal political memories, if you have any?

I was in the Lower Sixth at Saffron Walden County High School. The school decided to have a mock election, and I romped home with a 27% majority. It's still the only election I have ever won! It was slightly marred by the National Front candidate coming second. Labour came fifth, behind the Liberals and Greens. I don't remember a single thing about the real election, I'm afraid.

Political Views Held?

Up until the autumn of 1978 I had been a Liberal - even being a member of the party. But I then heard a speech by Margaret Thatcher in the autumn of 1978 which made me realise I was a Conservative. It was that speech which inspired me to get involved in politics.

Where did you live?

Ashdon, near Saffron Walden in Essex.

School/College/Workplace?

Saffron Walden County High School.

Favourite TV Programmes?

Multi coloured swap shio, Grange Hill, Within These Walls and Bouquet of Barbed Wire.

Favourite Band/Music/etc..?

Abba, Cliff Richard, as if you needed to ask.


I now tag Bob Piper, Mike Denham, Charles Crawford, Jonathan Calder, Nadine Dorries

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Up until the autumn of 1978 I had been a Liberal - even being a member of the party.

NOOoooooooooooooooooooooo!

At least you saw the light and ditched them! A vote for the succesor party the LD's is a wasted vote! If you cannot elect a Tory MP locally you can at least increase the Tory national vote share thus deminishing the socialist Euro fanatic Liberal Democrats the supporters of Labour!

Old Holborn said...

What, exactly, is a 27% majority?

From where I'm sitting almost three quarters of people voted against you.

"Romped home"

Ye Gods

Paul Halsall said...

27% is a decent plurality for a gay boy in a four way race at high school :)

Anonymous said...

When did you open your restaurant in Padstow?

Newmania said...

A Liberal ?!

Drew said...

Within These Walls and Bouquet Of Barbed Wire had both finished by 1979.

someday said...

How old were you?

Twenty-five.

What are your personal political memories, if you have any?

Couldn't vote because I wasn't registered.

Political Views Held?

Would have voted anything to get the Labour candidate out - same as today. Plus ca change...

Where did you live?

Hounslow.

School/College/Workplace?

Insurance clerk.

Favourite TV Programmes?

Didn't have a telly.

Favourite Band/Music/etc..?

Blondie.