THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates
Dorking

September 12th 1953

My dear Alice

We had such a lovely time at Gloucester both in the Cathedral and out of it. In the Cathedral the choirs were the best I have heard at any Three Choirs Festival and the L.S.O.¹ were right on their toes.
Outside the Cathedral you introduced me to all the prettiest girls in Gloucester, except one, and for that there was no need!²
Love to you and John, R.V.W.

It was lovely of you to let us be so much at home in your house, and that made it quite perfect, and so easy to manage, I mean for all Ralph’s sartorial com[p]lications and so forth. And the weather was perfect. We shall think of you all walzing [sic] and samba-ing and so forth, tonight, and hope that the clearing up won’t be too horrible.
John junior: love to all the Langstaffes please, Pat & Peter & Penny. We hope to see you all in London.
Love to you all, Ursula

1. London Symphony Orchestra
2. The VWs had been in Gloucester for the Three Choirs Festival, staying with Herbert (“John”) and Alice Sumsion