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!²

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.
2. The singer was Beryl Pryce.