Item 135 - Letter from Norman Peterkin to R. C. Trevelyan

Oxford University Press Music Dept., 36 Soho Square, London, W.1. - Very kind of Trevelyan to write about Peterkin's retirement, and send him his "From the Shiffolds". Will continue to help the Press in various ways, as they have asked, and is 'very glad to do so', but this will be in the 'background' so he will not have the 'heavy responsibility of the lsat few years and... be tied down' as he is now. Is not giving up for reasons of health, though has been told he should take things easier: always thought of himself as 'simply the utility man who had to step in... when Foss dropped out', and keep the department going through the war; now feels the 'post war conditions' should be the concern of the younger men whom he has been training. Wants to take up many interests again, though doubts whether he will want to return to composing: has 'had enough of music' at the Press. '[Donald] Tovey matters are well in hand', and his "Essays" should be published in spring. All the Tovey material Foss had collected was sent up to Dr [Molly] Grierson a while ago; thinks she has found things she wanted. Saw the first chapters of her book [a biography of Tovey] some time ago and liked them, but has no recent news of it. Sends best wishes to Trevelyan and his wife for Christmas and the New Year.