24 Cobbett Rd, Southampton. - Was 'delighted' to get Trevelyan's 'little collection of poems' [this year's "From the Shiffolds"] again, with his New Year's greetings. Had been reading some of the previous collections recently, and wondering whether there would be another this year. Was pleased this one began with her 'favourite poem, "To Lowes Dickinson"', which 'always transports [her] into the Azalea Wood', and gives her 'some understanding' of Trevelyan's friend, who she regrets she never knew. Was glad to see a new poem from this year, though it is 'a little sad'. Fears he will 'miss Dr [Gordon] Bottomley very much'; last year must have 'tried' him in 'many ways', and she hopes 1949 will bring 'much happiness, and less wear and tear and worry' to him and Mrs Trevelyan. Asks him to thank Mrs Trevelyan for her 'kind postcard' and tell her she was 'much amused' to be remembered by Mr [Tom?] Harrison. The Eggletons are living in Norfolk now.
West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - The producer [of the pageant England's Pleasant Land: Tom Harrison] is 'being somewhat "difficult"'; Forster fears he cannot invite Bessie or anyone else to the dress rehearsal. If she could come 'under some other aegis it would be all right'. Is very sorry.
33 Marine Parade. - Is delighted that Trevelyan liked the Pageant ["England's Green and Pleasant Land"]: thought his idea of putting the Enclosures and death duties together a good one, but says it is due to the Producer [Tom Harrison] and the Recorder [Wilfrid Grantham] that it came across so well. The Producer will be gratified by Trevelyan's praise of his performance.
West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Is glad that Trevelyan will meet Tom Harrison, 'a trying young man, but not so silly as he sounds' [to discuss whether Trevelyan is prepared to take the part of the 'Recorder' for the pageant "England's Pleasant Land", produced by Harrison with text by Forster]; he may find the open-air microphone technique too strange. The Alexandria proofs [for the republication of "Alexandria: a History and Guide"] have come and he is very busy. Is posting the Dutil [?] translation straight on to Bessie.
West Hackhurst, Abinger Hammer, Dorking. - Tom Harrison would like to discuss the possibility of Trevelyan playing the part of the Recorder in the Pageant ["England's Pleasant Land", produced by Harrison with text by Forster]. Forster thinks this a good plan, and hopes Trevelyan will be persuaded; is self-deprecating about his text.