German reporter visits Grantham to gauge local opinion on Margaret Thatcher
Carsten Volkery in the Mayors Parlour, with Ray Wooten. 882C
A German journalist researching the life of Grantham-born Margaret Thatcher was so taken aback by Grantham’s lack of tribute to her that he plans to write all about it.
Carsten Volkery, UK correspondent for German newspaper Spiegel Online, was shown around Grantham this week by Councillor Ray Wootten for a story on how local people view the former Prime Minister.
He was taken to her birthplace in North Parade, Grantham Museum to see a permanent exhibit to Baroness Thatcher, the Mayor’s Parlour, Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School where she was educated, and to the home of a schoolmate.
Coun Wootten said Mr Volkery could not understand why the town has no statue of Baroness Thatcher, nor a street named after her.
Coun Wootten said: “The people of Grantham should be proud of Lady Thatcher’s achievements; as our first woman Prime Minister she sent the message out that anyone, regardless of their background, could achieve their aspirations in the world.”
Mr Volkery said he understood why the former British leader still attracted interest that sees hundreds of tourists visit Grantham every year to see where she grew up.
He said: “At home, whilst her time in office was viewed quite critically because she was against reunification in Germany, I think there was a certain level of admiration for her. She was a major figure of the 20th century and last year’s film meant there was interest in her career from new generations.
“She’s a huge name that was right at the top of world politics and was one ofthe most important personalities of the last century and for that she deserves recognition.”
Email to a friend
Print this page- Ex-police cadet from Grantham who filmed himself raping a child is jailed for 16 years
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Alan Hardwick says he has no intention of resigning and has a good relationship with Neil Rhodes
- Lincolnshire Police commissioner and crime panel chairman under fire from MPs in Westminster
- Grantham Journal Letter: ‘Poor political performance triggers cynicism’
- UPDATE: Seven-year prison term for Grantham man who slashed victim’s face with a knife
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Grantham
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 7 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North
