The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #168524   Message #4071272
Posted By: GUEST,Mike Yates
09-Sep-20 - 03:57 AM
Thread Name: Vaughan Williams Library head in 1993?
Subject: RE: Vaughn Williams Library head in 1993?
I am not surprised that Malcolm helped. He was a wonderful librarian who would help anyone. It didn't matter if you were a visiting Professor of folklore or a young would-be singer who could only play three chords on your guitar. Malcolm was there for us all.
I think that my best memory (apart from frequent lunches in a near-by pub) was of an early afternoon when the two of us were alone in the VW Library. A man came in and asked about a collection of Scots Gaelic songs. 'You mean this book,' replied Malcolm. 'Could I borrow it?', the man asked. 'Yes. if you are a member.' So the man paid his money, joined the EFDSS and took the book home with him. 'Didn't you recognize him?' I asked Malcolm. Malcolm looked mystified until he looked at the newly completed membership application form. The man was the then Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes.