MARGARET Thatcher is sent birthday greetings today - by the man who accompanied her around York on her first visit to the city as Tory leader.

Baroness Thatcher has turned 80, and celebrates with a lavish reception in London tonight attended by Jeremy Clarkson, June Whitfield and the Queen.

No doubt the Iron Lady's thoughts will drift back to July 1, 1977, when she paid her first visit to York after ousting Ted Heath as party leader

On that day she snatched four hours' sleep at what was then the Royal Station Hotel. Later she embarked on a tour of Terry's - citing Chocolate Neapolitan as her favourite - met the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House and talked to people in St Helen's Square.

Her escort was Douglas Craig, at the time chairman of the York Conservative Association.

"She was an impressive lady then," the former York City chairman told the Diary.

"It was very clear she was going to be Prime Minister and she was going to be the greatest Prime Minister this country had that century apart from Churchill.

"I only wish we had somebody like her in charge of proceedings now instead of the fool we've got."

Mrs T sorted Britain out, he said. "We were going down the swannee before she became Prime Minister and she restored us to some form of greatness."

At 76, Mr Craig is "a mere young boy" compared to the former PM. His message for Maggie: "I wish her all the best for her future life and happiness."

SO what does York council really want for Coppergate II? The planning brief is meant to be tipped in favour of an open space around Clifford's Tower, in line with the recommendations of the public inquiry inspector - not to mention most York residents' wishes.

However, an analysis of the wording of the Castle Piccadilly planning document may reveal a subliminal message emanating from the Guildhall.

The word "culture" appeared 12 times, "heritage" 18, "community" 21, "consultation" 33 and the phrase "open space" a heartening 58 times.

But that pales in comparison to "retail" which storms in front with 103 appearances. A not-so-hidden agenda?

FIRST the dog on the tomb, and now this. "Hello, I am in Australia and I am trying to find out the history of the York Minster Fiddler," emails Eve Sadler. "I have in my possession a very old door knocker which appears to have been hand made, and has a fiddler on the front with the words York Minster."

She speculates it was possibly brought to Australia by an early pioneer, but would love to know more. Can anyone help?

"SCHOOLS Out" said the front page headline on later editions of the Evening Press yesterday. The report detailed how Lowfield School was to be closed and bulldozed as part of a major education shake-up.

Turn to page 31 and the biggest advert stated: "Lowfield School: the staff, pupils and governors will be pleased to welcome you to our annual Open Evening".

And the school's motto? "Learning & Success".

Updated: 08:54 Thursday, October 13, 2005