Oops!

Came across this interesting tidbit on one of my mailing lists today:

In the field of one of my other interests, the world renowned Victorian organist and all-round musician W T Best, perhaps best remembered today outside the organ world for his performing edition of Handel's Messiah, remained plain Mr. W T Best throughout his life. He held no musical or academic qualifications, because he steadfastly maintained that there was no institution in the country that was fit to examine him!

And - despite a justly deserved reputation as a master of his instrument - he also remained unadorned by public honours. That lack is perhaps not least due to an occasion when he was practicing for a private performance in Buckingham Palace, and noticed a somewhat short middle aged lady standing in the background listening to him. Best abruptly stopped his practice, and in fairly forthright terms told her that she was disturbing him, and sent her packing. Her Majesty was not amused.

Oops indeed!
Keep your sightglass full, your firebox trimmed and your water iced.
KJ