THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

St Hostyns,
Chorley Wood Road,
Rickmansworth.

July 9th 1935.

Dear Dr. Vaughan Williams,

I have not been in Finland since 1916, so my advice as to practical things must be taken as being worth very little.  I always made the “Finnia” my headquarters in Helsingfors.  The “Societetohaus” is, or was, the more fashionable but there is one great advantage about Finland that all inns are clean, and most of them respectable.
I wish I could offer your pupil an introduction to Sibelius; I should so sincerely like to do anything in the world for you (or your pupil) that I could.  But I must confess that for many many years I have had no personal communication with him.  He was a great and dear friend, and is, as you say, a Great Man and to be angry with him in a small-minded way is impossible.  Perhaps his nervous affection makes it as impossible for him to write a postcard as to finish his Eighth Symphony; perhaps he thinks I have departed this life – which in a sense is true.  In any case I cannot reopen my old affectionate relations with him and his wife by asking even a small favour.  I believe that Granville Bantock hears from him occasionally.
If your pupil would like to come and spend an hour or two in the garden here, I should be delighted to  see him.  I am nearly always at home, but it is wiser to telephone first. 
Kindest remembrances to you and your wife,
Yours very sincerely

Rosa Newmarch