THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

From R. Vaughan Williams,
The White Gates,
Westcott Road,
Dorking.

March 15 [1949]

Dear Mrs Thomson

I have delayed making up my mind till the last minute – but I have now reluctantly come to the conclusion that in view of all I have to do & the fact that my cold is still not well I ought not to risk that journey.¹
I feel the less grieved because of my extraordinarily satisfactory experience last week.  – I know it is going to be a splendid performance & I shall think of you all Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Please give my love to
 Mrs Page  }
 Mrs Ford   }
 Mrs Quickly*}
 Anne Page }

& my greetings to Falstaff Ford & all the rest of the cast too numerous to mention – but all in my fond remembrance.

Also to the orchestra & to Tom Harrison and Anthony Lewis & please take a large share of greetings for yourself & my admiration and thanks for all you are achieving.
Yours very sincerely

R. Vaughan Williams

* What a pity that that pretty young girl has to make up as an ugly old woman!

1. To a performance of Sir John in Love by the Clarion Singers at the Birmingham Midland Institute. It was directed by Tom Harrison and conducted by Anthony Lewis.