THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Dorking

June 5 [1949]

dictated!

Dear Alice
I should love to stop with you if I may.

What I propose is that I should come direct to Cheltenham on Wednesday 29 and after the concert come back with you if you are there or if not, find my own way to you.

On Thursday I will find my own way to Cheltenham since alas! you will not be there and again come back either with you or to you spending my day in Cheltenham.¹

It will be delightful to meet you again.

All love to all yours
RVW

My love to you
AMVW²

Mrs Sumsion
20 College Green
Gloucester.

1. The concert on the 29^th was the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, with a performance by Barbirolli and the Halle orchestra, including VW’s Serenade to Music (orchestral version). On 30^th VW unveiled a plaque on the wall of the house where Holst was born, and spoke at length about Holst. This was followed by a Mayor’s lunch, where Imogen Holst spoke. There was a concert in the evening, for which (as the letter confirms) VW did not remain.
2. Postscript from Adeline VW.