THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates,
Dorking, Surrey.

17th Septr. 1952.

Dear Herbert

As regards the dinner on October 6th.  I see from the Music Journal that it is at the Trocadero, but no time is given.  Perhaps someone could tell me this?  Also I understand it is white tie and tails.  Is that so?  Also, are there to be any speeches, and if so shall I be expected to speak a piece?¹
Now there is another point.  I have had a letter from a man called Wilkinson, an ex-pupil of yours; he encloses a testimonial from you.  He asks me to help him with work. I doubt if I have any but I should like your confidential opinion as to whether he is worth helping.
Yrs  RWV

(R. Vaughan Williams).

Dr. Herbert Howells,
3, Beverley Close,
Barnes, S.W.13.

1. A dinner to be given given by the Incorporated Society of Musicians in honour of VW’s 80th birthday. See R.V.W.: a biography, p.325.