MORE than a thousand cheering, chanting demonstrators took to the streets of Southampton to denounce the government of Margaret Thatcher.

The lunch-time march through the city centre, which took place on May 14, 1980, proved to be a good-natured, boisterous protest in the warm spring sunshine.

The march was part of the Trade Union Congress’ “Day of Action” during which trade unionists declared their opposition to the Government’s entire programme.

After handing in a petition to the city’s mayor, the marchers headed for a rally in Hoglands Park, where local trade union leaders spoke to the crowd.

Another rally took place that morning on Eastleigh recreation ground and included teachers, ambulancemen, engineers, local government officers, metal workers and members of Eastleigh Trades Council.

Many of the protestors went to Southampton in the afternoon to join the demonstration.