Saturday

Spoke to Ann. After a damp August this was the sunniest day we had had for some time. To New Addington to see Mr Shannon the optician who has looked after us all for many years. I am to have new glasses costing over £400. I get the eye test free on NHS once every 2 years so no need to claim from the council. Present glasses have lasted since 2000! He was delighted to see the wedding photos. With Liz to Iceland and then to St Edmund's Beckenham to play the brand new Wyvern organ which is splendid and it passed the Howells Saraband for the morning of Easter test with flying colours. Pity there is no 8 foot reed on pedal but 3 manuals and plenty to choose from. Played pieces on "Veni creator" and finished with Suite Gothique of Boellmann. Picnic lunch in garden. Watched HDD from Proms - Boulez conducting Janacek Sinfonietta, Barenboim conducting Brahms 4, interesting programme on bones and muscles (Dr Alice Roberts). To town early to get phone extension checked. Victoria came so went through being an acolyte with her and Philip before vespers. Simon played. 3 extra priests at Mass 2 from Rome and Fr Hubert forgot to get gospel book from altar. He apologised. Jerry the overzealous sacristan had put cross and gospel book out beforehand and I suggested that he did not do this. At least then the gospel reader might not forget to get the book! On return home listened to Prom - Oslo philharmonic Rachmaninov Piano concerto 3, Sibelius 1, Grieg Peer Gynt as encore. Excellent playing. Meantime recorded Vaughan Williams Prom and Last choir standing final.