SIR – I have many recollections of the old Worcester Civil Military Bands marching on Mayor Sunday and remember Sir Edward Elgar.

My earliest recollection was in the position where his statue now stands.

As a child I was standing with my father and assembling cathedral bellringers near the war memorial when a whisper went around that the famous Sir Edward was approaching.

As he came by he stopped and spoke to the ringers addressing them by Christian names and showing a familiarity with their art that might not be suspected of the famous self taught musician who was reputed to regularly have chimed the curfew at St Helens.

On this occasion he was visiting the home of Sir Ivor Atkins and as a member of the Cathedral Voluntary Choir I knew later of his friendship with the late Edgar Day, who was my choirmaster and assistant organist.

In years to come Edgar taught my son the organ.

On one occasion there was a performance of Mendelsohn’s Elijah at Worcester Cathedral and Edgar presented Phil, my son, with a copy of the score he had received from Elgar when, as lads, they visited a performance at Gloucester. In the top corner is Elgar’s pencilled signature to which Edgar Day then added his own.

I still hold this copy for my son who has himself achieved considerable fame in the musical world and now lives in Florida.

JOHN HINTON,

Worcester.