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Programme Note

I have long been fascinated by Betjeman, who took part in what came to be seen as the official revival of the work of Lord Berners, put on by the PLG on December 8, 1972 (BBC Radio 3 12.12.73 and 20.4.75). His Summoned by Bells (1960) is a touching verse autobiography. I have selected some passages where his mother rebukes him to create a portrait of her. Summoned by Mother was commissioned by David Watkins with funds from Yorkshire Arts.

© Peter Dickinson