From RHQ
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Sir James Spicer
WEST Dorset’s former MP Sir James Spicer died on Saturday 21st March 2015 at the age of 89.
He was the Tory MP for Beaminster from 1974 until 1997. He was also a member of the European Parliament from 1975 to 1984. As well as his stellar political career, he counted Margaret Thatcher as a personal friend. He was proudest of being a member of The Parachute Regiment and remained a life-long supporter.
Sir James Spicer at the launch of Beaminster Seniors ForumDorset Echo: He was also a tireless fundraiser locally, donating proceeds from the sale of his autobiography, printed in 2004, to the Joseph Weld Hospice. Sir James had originally written the book for his grandchildren, but was persuaded to order a bigger run. The 200-page book detailed his deep desire to join the army as a child, leading to the lies that helped him enlist early, then his meteoric rise though the ranks before embarking on a distinguished career in politics and business.
Elected as MP for West Dorset, Sir James went on to become the Vice-Chairman for the Conservative Party. As Chairman of the international office, he had face-to-face meetings with many world leaders including Saddam Hussein, Robert Mugabe and the late Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
The former Para Major sold the first 50 copies of his autobiography at a Regimental Reunion in Dover.
"They all bought a copy," he said. "I insisted."
__________________________________________________ ________________________
Sir James Spicer
WEST Dorset’s former MP Sir James Spicer died on Saturday 21st March 2015 at the age of 89.
He was the Tory MP for Beaminster from 1974 until 1997. He was also a member of the European Parliament from 1975 to 1984. As well as his stellar political career, he counted Margaret Thatcher as a personal friend. He was proudest of being a member of The Parachute Regiment and remained a life-long supporter.
Sir James Spicer at the launch of Beaminster Seniors ForumDorset Echo: He was also a tireless fundraiser locally, donating proceeds from the sale of his autobiography, printed in 2004, to the Joseph Weld Hospice. Sir James had originally written the book for his grandchildren, but was persuaded to order a bigger run. The 200-page book detailed his deep desire to join the army as a child, leading to the lies that helped him enlist early, then his meteoric rise though the ranks before embarking on a distinguished career in politics and business.
Elected as MP for West Dorset, Sir James went on to become the Vice-Chairman for the Conservative Party. As Chairman of the international office, he had face-to-face meetings with many world leaders including Saddam Hussein, Robert Mugabe and the late Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.
The former Para Major sold the first 50 copies of his autobiography at a Regimental Reunion in Dover.
"They all bought a copy," he said. "I insisted."
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