The notice was pinned to the police station notice board, next to a red and yellow poster setting out the Festival programme. Hozeley’s Quintet was billed No. 1, on Saturday at eight at the George V Hall: The Shinglebourne Chamber Music Quartet with soloist Terence Virtue (clarinet). Gently grunted as he read it: let no man programme for the morrow! Some adder had intervened, up there by the heath, with a bite too keen for sweet tea and tourniquets . . . He lingered to fill his pipe before seeking the melting streets once more. He had parked the car, which had become intolerable, and left his jacket locked in the boot. Now, perspiring under a straw hat, he looked like any other casual visitor: an anonymous figure in sports shirt and sandals, hugging whatever shade offered. Puffing, he set out along the pavement towards the town’s end and the river. Despite the heat he passed people busy erecting banners and decorations. Posters appeared in most windows, a few flags were limply hanging; a bookseller was displaying a collection of scores and a draped photograph of the event’s famous sponsor.
