£500 FOR HANDSHAKE

Evening Star, Issue 20983, 23 December 1931, Page 6

£SOO FOR HANDSHAKE

MUSIC CRITIC'S BEQUEST How a handshake earned a handsome legacy for a member of the staff of the 8.8. C. at Savoy Hill, W.C., is revealed in the will, proved recently, of Mr Abraham John Sheldon, of Hagloy road, Birmingham. Mr Sheldon, who was for some years musical critic of the ‘ Birmingham Post,’ and had taken a prominent part in the musical life of Birmingham, left £SOO and his effects at 443 Hagley road, Edgbaston. (including books, M.S.S., files,' gramophone records, and music), to llhoda Maud Sawley (now or late with the British Broadcasting Corporation, Savoy Hill, W.C.), whose handshake in a time of terrible need was a succour, and who, with myself, was a victim of the same wrongdoing. Miss Sawley, who is still on the staff of the 8.8.C.’s music section, told a representative of the ‘ Sunday Times ’ that she had a vivid recollection of the matter to which Mr Sheldon’s will refers. She preferred, however, not to make any statement on the matter. Mr Sheldon’s will was sworn at £2,746 gross, with net personality £2,679. :