Helen Skrine No. 2

Helen Skrine clearly recalls the wonderful musical evenings in her home, and her own involvement in the origins of the Festival. She was appointed to the job of engendering interest in the Festival among the county people. She was given this responsibility by Dr Tom Walsh, a great friend of the family. She got little enough response, apart from Col David Price. She was also instructed to write the programme notes for the early operas. She speaks about her marriage to the late John Skine in 1952. They spent 25 years in Malaysia and she recalls working as private secretary in the King’s house in Kuala Lumpur.