THE LETTERS OF RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS

The White Gates.
Dorking.

Aug: 25. 1942.

Ref: P/RST.

Dear Thatcher,¹

I think that you had better describe in more detail the “special” programme which you propose before Mr Halliwell comes to see me: for if it is anything like some of the programmes about great men that I have heard on the wireless, I would rather not be connected with it.²
Yours sincerely,

R Vaughan Williams

P.S.  I am free Aug: 31 Sept: 1, 3, 4, but not Sept 2, or 5.

1.  Deputy Director of Music at the BBC.
2.  VW had been asked to participate in a radio programme about Gustav Holst; presumably the programme ‘Gustav Holst: musician and friend’ presented by Clifton Helliwell and broadcast on 21 September 1942 on the BBC Home Service. It is not clear if VW took part.