Читать книгу The Life and Death of Rochester Sneath - Humphry Berkeley - Страница 6

Selhurst School, Near Petworth, Sussex

Dear Mr Bernard Shaw,

In view of the long-standing connection between your late wife’s family and Selhurst School I am emboldened to invite you to be present at the tricentenary celebrations of the foundation of the School, which will be taking place during the weekend of the 19-20th June, honoured by the presence of the Minister of Education, Mr George Tomlinson. I venture to hope that you might be willing to address a few words to our boys, and, should you accept, I will be glad if you would take as your text ‘A Clarion Call to Youth’. Incidentally you may remember meeting me in Dublin some years ago.

Yours sincerely,

H. Rochester Sneath

Headmaster

Mr Bernard Shaw has long since been obliged by advancing years to retire from his committees and his personal activities on the platform. He therefore begs secretaries of societies to strike his name from their lists of available speakers. Mr Shaw does not open exhibitions or bazaars, take the chair, speak at public dinners, give his name as vice-president or patron, make appeals for money on behalf of hospitals or ‘good causes’ (however deserving), nor do any ceremonial public work. Neither can he take part in new movements nor contribute to the first numbers of new magazines. He begs his correspondents to excuse him accordingly.

Never heard of any such connection. Too old (91 and a half) anyhow. – G.B.S.

Ayot Saint Lawrence, Welwyn, Herts 29/3/1948