Dear Fergie,

I left you soundly sleeping and so could not say goodbye. And I got back to find that Joy had a surprise for me by way of the attic completely ready for me. She had spent the two days in clearing the books and had been at the job from about 7 in the morning! She sends her love and thanks for your care of me - Pu of course included (bless her). I do hope you're not exhausted! Good luck with the new work [H.F.'s Partita, Op.5] and let's see you soon. Thanks for the fine time. G. If [Alan] Sinclair [H.F.'s brother-in-law] is still with you, my greetings.

[Dear Fergie]

John [Herbert Sumsion] and I have been spending a few days in these parts. Back to Beech Knoll on Saturday. Hope the work's flourishing. We climbed (or rather walked) up Snowdon, but alas, found we were not the first. John sends his love, too, G.

Dear Fergie,

We tried to get through a personal call to you last Friday or Saturday evening, just to give you a surprise, see how you were, and hear all the news, but you were out. I expect you've had a stiff time with Nunky's Bach Week.

Here we have no news. I had five days with John [Sumsion] in Wales and have got over the Jubilee celebrations and am now getting down to work. The OUP have definitely taken those ‘Children's Songs', but I can't say that it has moved my pulse or raised my temperature! Now, if it had been an Octet it might have been exciting.

You'll have to clamber over chairs and tables to get to your spare bed, but the bed's comfortable when you get there.

We may be up next Monday (or Tuesday). If I stay the night(s) may I put up with you? If you see Cedric Thorpe would you remind him that he still has ‘The Heritage of Music'? Give him our love. And love to all at No.8. Ever, G.F.

Dear Dave,

Do come on Monday night, and Tuesday too if you can manage it. We shall be delighted to see you.

I am so pleased to hear that the OUP have taken the ‘Children's Songs'; you are, I know, rather sniffy about them.