The organist librarian

Here is Fr Michael with the Archbishop's chaplain at the musicians party last year on the same terrace! As I had the day off from Coulsdon (open air service for Pentecost in the park) we headed for the cathedral in a laden car. I was cross at Morning prayer and Consecration torch at 10.30 a.m. Mass. The boys sang the sequence "Veni sancte spiritus" beautifully and we had the Palestrina mass Dum complerentur and Tallis motet Loquebantur. Straight into 12 noon confirmation at which I was acolyte and the Archbishop preached a great homily. The 40 youngsters were confirmed on the sanctuary and stayed up there with their sponsors. Liz did the prayers and Fr Swavek went to tell her to get closer to the mike! The chaplain from Westminster school was sitting where the Archbishop of Canterbury sat for the installation! I cleared up and then into the hall for coke and nibbles. Lovely photo of Fr Michael and the 4 catechists then we went up to the terrace for a nice lunch with wine...

Saturday morning and back OK so got up and Liz took me in the car. To my horror I was eating bread and nutella and part of my front tooth came out! This is the tooth broken when I had the fall 2 years ago. I already have a dentist's appointment as a big filling came out last week. So now I look like I did when I played Don Basilio with a blacked out tooth! A quiet day as it was the Cup final and 37 messages on email! Set up a heritage display as the Polish books went back and we now have 2 poetry displays matching the excellent BBC4 series. To vespers (smoke) and Mass with Fr Kingsley. In Veni creator at vespers the 3rd line of plainchant was clearly wrong or a different version! We did not get the sequence at Mass nor did we have the Vigil readings. The problem with using the High altar is no exchange of Peace with the priest and giving communion to the servers seems awkward. There is even talk of not giving us the chalice in case of spillage - there are an awful lot of steps! Th...

Another day at home missing the meeting of senior staff. My back is much better. I watched an old HDD of Sir Simon Rattle conducting Mozart and Debussy at the 2006 proms! Also went through lots of old magazines chucking out a lot of paper and noting dates, interesting London organs, Catenian events, etc. Liz has done a lot of work on the garden.

To swim on Tuesday and staff meetings including a training session for casuals. Liz went to Chiswick and when I left the house to go and pick her up my back really "went". This meant I spent 2 days on a chair watching TV and reading. All movement slow and awkward. The medicine the doctor prescribed last Friday contains opium so had to be ordered specially! It is a powerful painkiller. I caught up on "The Tablet" and watched Covent Garden Prokofiev "Romeo and Juliet" with Carlos Acosta, an odd programme about Jesus in Kashmir, islands with Martin Clunes, The seasons from the Proms and the history of the English Bible. I missed Norman Harper playing at St Michael's, Thomas Wilson playing Dupre at the cathedral (Liz went) and most annoying of all "Peter Grimes" at ENO which Liz went to.

A quiet day after the busy week! Liz got more compost and did lots of work in the garden. She also strimmed Grandma's lawn. I hoovered and sorted out my clothes throwing out nearly everything not worn in the last 12 months and hanging up my summer shirts. Even my 2 favourite jerseys have gone as they have small holes in them! Watched rest of The Apprentice and evensong from Lincoln on Iplayer and "Dido and Aeneas" from Covent Garden with Sarah Connolly in cracking form. Not so sunny today but warmer. Also caught up on the blog!

Interesting to make the connection between lawyer Tim Parsons who serves at the cathedral and Michael Toplis who is a Bromley organist. Both enjoy the footplate on the Bluebell railway! Lots of organists like steam trains. Judging by Facebook they also like Star Trek!

At Coulsdon we sang Praetorius "The Lord ascendeth" and Walford Davies "O King enthroned on high" and Richard Jones "Mass for Hilary". I played Bach prelude for Ascension. Train from Coulsdon South to be at 12 noon Mass at the cathedral to mark Fr Michael Archer's golden jubilee. Eleanor was an excellent cantor (Lourdes setting) and Thomas Wilson on the organ. Bach again! Reception afterwards - nice chocolate cake made by Peter - not many there. Train back in good time to get a wrap at Waitrose and play for marriage blessing at 3.30 p.m. Karen sang Schubert Ave Maria beautifully. Evensong from Lincoln and Songs of Praise from Liverpool. It was hot so I changed from suit into shorts! Garden bits and pieces. Watched BBC "South Pacific".

Jesus College Kuhn and Sutton organs. Friday back to the pool and after the Lord Mayor's show! Set up small book sale. To doctor about pains in right leg and back - he checked me over and gave me powerful painkillers as ibuprofen can affect stomach lining. To choir practice which was more relaxed - Ella was pretty hyper again. Saturday May 23rd Liz took me to Shirley for 7.15 a.m. lift with David and Sheila. We reached Robinson college staff car park early - around 9.30 a.m. Daniel Trocme Latter gave an excellent demonstration of the Frobenius organ and we enjoyed playing it. A lovely walk across the Backs to Trinity college where the organ scholar Michael Waldron played Bach. Bromley and Croydon organists played first so East Surrey group had to wait! Very awkward stop jambs on the Metzler. A stunning chapel. To Little St Mary's where Christian Rutherford greeted us and the scholar Sebastian Smallshaw played Howells and Parry very well. This is a fine Tickell beautifully const...

Photos MMazur/CCN Up early and parked at Selhurst where we met Vincent Liu's Dad who still goes to St Chad's, South Norwood. Arrived at 10 a.m. and got ready. Greeted by Archbishop of Southwark who is limping and Bishop Tripp. We set off at 11.10 a.m. leading the clergy. All went well and it was a wonderful ceremony with stunning Mawby fanfares and MacMillan pieces. The Mawby Ave verum was a highlight. Our movements as 6 consecration torches went perfectly. The Archbishop spoke so well and is so human. I was particularly impressed by the way he gave communion to the deacons. The Cardinal spoke well too - we shall miss him. What a joy to see Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of York, Bishop of London, Dean of Westminster and Salvation Army president of CTE on sanctuary behind the cardinals and warmly greeted. The chief rabbi was in Archbishops house and there were many faith representatives in the congregation. Fantastic Widor Marche pontificale with added brass. I helped cle...

Photos MMazur/CCN I was honoured to carry the cross! Liz is in the middle of the row of servers. Wednesday 40 lengths. Cleared up garden and took the wheelbarrow back to Kathy's. Liz went up early to clean crosier, thurible and boat. I watched a touching programme about orphaned South African children singing in the U.K. Arrived at the cathedral at 2 p.m. for the full dress rehearsal. We now have a big monitor to watch and the colours are terrific. Fantastic Widor at the end with brass and organ. We rehearsed the consecration torches again! Good thing interfaith group was cancelled. We had a call from Louise to say that the scan was fine and the baby is due December 6th St Nicholas day. We are delighted and at last we can tell everyone! We had a delicious meal at a Turkish cafe in Wilton Road and returned for Vespers attended by the Cardinal from Los Angeles. I was crucifer and it was a long slow procession. Choir superb and a long litany to come in. Thomas sang really well especia...

This would have been my dear Mum's 90th birthday. She understood so well the joy of a shared meal and would invite a stranger she saw at church back for Sunday lunch. As a result we made many new and interesting friends! She had no time for people being anti-social! She would have loved Facebook!

Monday 30 lengths and my right leg twinging. I went to tai chi and that helped. David joined the class so Tony went over the moves more slowly which helped. Left at 6 to get to first rehearsal and explanation from Paul. We are first acolytes leading the clergy of the diocese in from either side and consecration torches. Home early and caught up on Channel 4 programme on male beauty. Tuesday 40 lengths. Did lots of posters including book sale and reading group. Saw Zia about training and IIP. Left at 6 and this was a long rehearsal. The servers are in the Blessed Sacrament chapel which means we can see nothing and there is no TV monitor. The BBC were there and Thomas and Paul went over several things twice. The new MacMillan antiphons were sung by the boys. The beautiful consecration torches (black wood and silver) borrowed from the Oratory are quite heavy and tall. The actual move up into the sanctuary doesn't feel right at the moment. We are doing a fan movement and we might be be...

At Coulsdon we sang Bairstow in E flat, Peter Jones Gloria, Celtic alleluia and Tallis's "If ye love me". I played some Bach Easter preludes and Healey Willan on Vulpius. Fair trade stall at coffee and Karen went through Ave Maria of Schubert for next Sunday. I picked up swim stuff from the pool (left since Friday as Liz could not there as she went to meet Jeanette Fishwick from Hobart) and back to church for 3 p.m. memorial service for Friends of the elderly. Played Vierne Berceuse and Mendelssohn Andante and 3 hymns - rest was CDs. To garden centre to get compost. Liz was at WC and meeting Jeanette again so out all day. To St John's for evensong. Roisin snag the solo in "Blessed be the God and Father" really well (although she needs to work on breathing - she is doing Bronze award exam). Walmisley in D minor and that splendid Wesley hymn "O love divine how sweet thou art". Finished June music list. Saw in Churches together in Upper Norwood leafle...

Two Arts festival events at the library. The reading group welcomed Dennis Kelly and Ann. Only 6 came but all enjoyed it. I was quite honest and told the author "The ornament book" was difficult to read because of the short sentences and Italian English. The truth is one did not care what happened to the heroine as the author does not like plots! He was formerly a lecturer so had us doing readings and discussing elements of the novel! At 2 p.m. the big band from Battersea Park school played outside despite light showers and wind and was very well receieved especially the steel band. Their teacher Andrew was pleased. Fr Tim celebrated Mass and my librarian's red tie with the books was much appreciated. I must be doing something right as I not only got a ticket for the big Mass on the 21st but am also serving with Liz so I will give the ticket back to Canon Christopher. The arrangements are incredible and the Westminster diocese has a good blog about it all. Watched Charles...

Thursday lunchtime to the revived meeting of the Battersea community forum. It is so sad to learnt that so many agencies in the area have closed. Battersea Mission with its proud record is closed and the CAB are no longer in North Battersea despite the enormous demand. Yvonne Carr centre is awaiting reopening. The Garfield centre has closed. All that are left are the libraries, Katharine Low settlement. the Wilditch which has changed and South Thames college which now teaches building crafts and ESOL which is so badly needed is no longer provided. I made useful contacts with outreach workers based in schools. Sarah suggested that yet again the library might fill the gap! Liz went to Gill's to work on maths. I watched the rest of "The Apprentice" - there do seem to be some impossible people this time - some I could never work for like Debra who just does not listen! Friday to practice and I felt more relaxed. We looked at some new items in Oxford book of flexible anthems n...

Father Timothy gave an excellent lecture in the "Silence in the city" series to a packed cathedral hall (400 there and a queue outside for seats). He spoke about hope. He said the Church's main role was to give people hope and the Eucharist is the sacrament of hope. In John's Gospel, hope is expressed by living in the moment. Eternal Life is now! The Bible continually stresses Today and This is the day. "Don't worry about today, it's already tomorrow in Australia!" Points about living in the moment. 1. To be with who is there. 2. The disabled teach us to take time with them. 3. Listen to what people say to you and do not think about what you want to say. 4. Open your eyes and look! The problem of secularism is the desire for control which leads to people being locked up. He spoke of the monastic rhythm with the Nunc Dimittis for the evening ( a song of hope) the Benedictus at dawn and almost any song at midday. We all like routine but the dawn brings...

To Unison committee meeting - quite short this time. I reported on asbestos and swine flu under health and safety. To St Michael's for organ recital by Peter Wright. Muffat, Bach Prelude and fugue in C, Hollins Song of sunshine which is a lollipop, Vierne Feux follets and Demessieux Te Deum (she used to play in high heels!). Liz was there having had her haircut. Grandma OK. Had coffee and cakes with Peter, Adrian and Graham. Passed on compliments to the Dean for yesterday's sermon. I have finished Jill Dawson's remarkable novel about Rupert Brooke "The great lover". This explores many themes especially sex and death. Not for the easily shocked!

Monday to neighbourhood librarians meeting at Earlsfield which is looking good. To Catenians - 13 of us and 9 visitors. Kevin Ingram is a granddad for the first time, Eric for the 7th time! Some good jokes. Tuesday 12th staff meetings about Investors in People. To St Paul's cathedral. Lerone and Frank did not take up the spare tickets and Philipe got the time wrong so missed it! This was the 355th Festival. Exeter and Salisbury cathedral choirs joined St Paul's under Andrew Carwood's direction. It was great they both brought girls and boys. The tinnitus was not so bad this time. The Purcell Hear my prayer from the combined choirs at the back was stunning - those marvellous clashes and as we were at the back we got the full impact. Of course the procession is always magnificent with the Lord Mayor of London, Sheriffs and Aldermen. The magnificent sword and mace and the city marshal is splendid uniform. Great hymns "All hail the power" "Breathe on me breath of ...

Barefoot of course being South African!

We sang Statham in D and Mendelssohn "O for the wings of a dove" and took photos at the end for recruitment purposes. I played part of Mendelssohn 3. The new folders and copies had arrived and the choir processed from the back during the first hymn. Enjoying Mendelssohn all day on radio 3. John Sessions was hilarious pretending to be interviewed as Mendelssohn and taking sideswipes at other composers. We had delicious trout for lunch. Evensong at 5 p.m. went really well with Adrian Adams at the organ. We sang Murrill in E and O for the wings again. The introit was "Good Joseph had a garden" to the Cherry Tree carol and the responses by John Sanders. I wonder if Mendelssohn would have enjoyed the Wagnerian aspect of them being based on the Dresden amen much used in "Parsifal". At the end we all sat and listened to Sonata No.3 in A.

Baptist Church organ, Maidstone Saturday had a hot bath in the hopes this might help my right leg twinges which seem to come and go. Liz took me to Kent House to get train to Bromley South and then train to Maidstone East. Reading "The Tablet" as we traversed the garden of England. Arrived at the Baptist church on the dot of 1.30 p.m. The Walmsley organ has a fine decorated case and may have been in the Brighton Pavilion. Andrew Cessana and Lucie Prior demonstrated it and as it is 100 years since it was installed in the church I marked another centenary by playing Murrill's "Postlude on a ground". David put a major chord at the end of Mendelssohn 6 fugue - yuk! His slow movement was far too loud. We then moved to the fine Parish church of All Saints where Lionel Marchant demonstrated the Lewis organ by playing Alan Ridout Canticle of the Rose movements. I played Richard Proulx and Andrew Moore Nobilmente. The organ is sadly at the side losing much of its effect...

To chorus on Thursday at 7 p.m. Edward quite rightly insisted on silence and no talking. We worked on 2 Mendelssohn motets both new to me and the Kodaly Laudes organi. Swam 40 lengths both days. My right leg twinging, left hip bruised but O.K. A fall certainly shakes you up! Friday left 4.30 and was acolyte with Liz at solemn vespers with combined choirs of Westminster Abbey and the cathedral. Splendid David Beavan Magnificat, Ave maris stella setting and Mendelssohn Ave Maria. Congratulated Ian on his marathon success. He was sun burnt from watching cricket! To church and practised Mendelssohn 3. I got annoyed during practice over arguments about Murrill's tempo settings - if I'm conducting I set the speeds! Also a dismissal after one sing through of a Hildegard of Bingen item. Music must be given a chance! Why do we dismiss things so quickly? In any case such discussions should be at meetings not at practices! Altos stayed to rehearse Murrill and I kept reasonably calm. Louis...

Up early and Cambridge visit is now finalised - just got to do the programme sheets. Chat to Ann. Moved the logs and branches of the rowan tree from the back lane to the front garden for recycling using the wheelbarrow. While I was on Skype Liz disappeared. It turned out Katy had taken her up to No.19! I set off for the Hinsley Room and the spirituality day wondering where she was and left messages on her mobile which of course was at home! Jill Benet spoke about relationship - there are 3 elements between 2 people - you, me and the space between. The theme was "Rising to new life" and after the silent meditation and lunch she gave us a bunch of leaves. She spoke about the new child and how we ever new and the music of the dance between us. I chose to try and draw a leaf and was interested how scientific this was rather than artistic. We also were encouraged to touch and smell the leaves and really look at them. I noted soft, gentle, pure, simple structure, united, all the ve...

Tuesday to Investors in People training session - the department is trying again to keep this - it is 6 years since the last time and in fact Battersea PArk library staff were excellent at the briefing (I was on holiday!) We had a lovely comment form from Trudy Harpham who is moving to Switzerland complimenting me! Met Liz at West Norwood to get car to go to RSCM committee at Adrian's. Open evening in autumn 2010 at Southwark cathedral is planned. Picked up Liz from East Croydon - she had been at Chiswick rehearsal. Car in to get back seat sorted. Up early Wednesday and worked on Cambridge organists day.

Just watched excellent play about the negotiations to end apartheid on Channel 4 starring William Hurt whose accent was just right.

Bank Holiday Monday woke early. To 10.30 a.m. Mass for migrants. The Cardinal was unwell but Bishop Thomas of Brentwood and Bishop Pat greeted us warmly. Also say Fr Adrian now at Streatham Hill, Bill Saunders, John O'Toole, Allen Morris, Alan McLean conducting the Southwark diocesan choir, deacon Kassa - big turnout of ethnic chaplains. Could not hear homily at all and the psalm was too long. Lots of Marty Haugen including "All are welcome" at start and end! We were consecration and communion torches. Met Deacon Joe Parsons from Purley, Sr Sheila was also there. I delivered Cardinal's present to Archbishop's House. Did not go to Strangers into citizens rally at Trafalgar Square - I prefer meetings to such big gatherings. Met Deacon Jon Dal Din from Battersea and went for tea with him at Marks and discussed interfaith in Westminster - very good to share ideas. Bought meal for 2 for £10. To Grandma's to cut back shrubs and watched snooker and Celebrity Cash in ...

We took advantage of the fine Sunday weather to do work in the garden and brought the numerous pots and hanging baskets full of growing begonias from Louise's room down to the garden presuming that frosts are now over. I got the water feature going again and sorted out the bird bath and feeding things. Sadly we do not see many birds - 2 large doves and a blackbird and a robin, the occasional starling and sparrow. Next thing is to get the bits of rowan tree round to the front ready for recycling. Watched 3 episodes of "The Speaker". I enjoyed the final very much and Duncan was a worthy winner at only 14 but the other 2 were also very good. Kaykay reminded me of Junior who I met on Wednesday and Yvonne was just so passionate and warm. Have written a card to the Cardinal with 2 of our CDS the Coulsdon and Addiscombe ones to present to him. Watched the video of David Hill preparing "O for the wings of a dove" and redid the 10 pin RSCM bowling poster. Frank and Lero...

Back on form with 40 lengths on Friday having done 30 earlier in the week. Saw Humphrey, Tay and Lexa on the train Friday - Lexa's birthday on Saturday.

Choir sang Bob Chilcott's "The Lord is my shepherd" beautifully accompanied by piano. Nicolai was baptised by Teresa - she used to teach his Mum! We sang "The king of love" and I played Vernon Griffiths and Healey Willan's voluntaries on "Dominus regit me". We also sang Brother James Air. I practised Mendelssohn 4 beforehand and played "Worthy is the Lamb " at the end. I came away quickly as there is a football match - coaches in Whitworth Road causing chaos! Watched "All the small things".

Up early and long chat to Ann on Skype. A lovely day so enjoyed picnic in the park - lots of young families. Gillian's husband brought Laurence to the library - he is a lovely little boy. To Vespers and Mass - Liz was cantor and Fr Denis celebrated. An excellent talk about vocations from Andrew Gallagher which unusually followed the homily. John Thing in the prayers. We had 7 servers. The Challenor choir murdered Messiah "Since by man came death" Widor Tantum ergo was better and the Terry mass setting was passable. On the way out through the small choir school car park I tripped on the iron fitting in the paving for the gates and knocked my head against the iron gate. Ended up on my back. My left hip is now sore but head is OK. Woke early Sunday and took Ibuprofen and put on arnica and heat - stairs are tricky - it's like a dull ache. Watched Henry VIII part 3 and The Apprentice first part - had seen the rest on Wednesday.

To rehearsal and worked on Faure requiem and Kodaly Laudes organi. It seems a pity we are not to do the Rachmaninov in Salisbury on July 4th. Edward sang a hilarious Hungarian round at the end and one about Czech composers too! Friday the young auditor from Deloittes came and seemed happy with everything. I enjoyed the park at lunch time. To choir practice and at one point said "Ladies and gentlemen we do not need a 5 minute chat about this!" Sorted out future programme and decided no evensong in June and said service on Ascension day. Deanery evensong looking positive and social events too. Ella and Molly doing well. Worked on Murrill in E for evensong and the Mendelssohn for May 10th. At the end I said the altos would practise Murrill but Janet walked out!!! Carried on without her with Audra and Monica! It is Murrill's birth centenary on May 11th.

Up early and put on suit to get bus to Balham for interviewing help session at Chestnut Grove. Security very obvious with gates and checks to get in and out! 3 of the 6 students turned up - where were the others? Very impressed - 2 of them had been in a group of 11 who had visited Cambridge. One described himself as a comforting guy and a kind person and wants to be a football pro after training in the USA. The third could become an M.P. or journalist - he is keen to change his own Black community view of gang and knife crime and has influenced others for the good - such people give one hope for our divided society. I mentioned him to the M.P's helper on Saturday. Home and then to St Michael's for Sarah Kim's recital. Alfred Hollins, Schumann, Mendelssohn Serious variations arranged for organ, Alain and Joseph-Ermend Bonnal Cloches dansle ciel. She grew up in Sydney and is now based in Paris - plays very well and a good audience. Saw David Dibbs, Ken, Howard and Adrian. The...

Tuesday April 28th. In the morning to Eland House opposite Victoria station for the Boroughs interfaith network meeting which was most interesting. Particularly impressed by the 3 faiths forum educational work. Made useful contacts with Board of Jewish deputies and Haringey and Lambeth. In the evening to Rocket riverside Putney for the launch of the Wandsworth Arts festival. Met various artists working with scrap materials and Putney choral society folk who know Sr Stella White. Also the deputy head of Sutton libraries who used to work at Westminster college library! The library has 2 events this time both on the same Saturday May 16th. Good white wine. Liz was at Chiswick rehearsing for their festival performance of Harmoniemesse and saw Louise.

Thanks to Godsdogz for this delightful photo of Dominican bear attempting to light the Easter candle in Oxford. Just listening to Durham cathedral evensong on Iplayer.

Monday April 27 to Prince of Wales pub, Drury Lane - Liz decided not to come and John Thing had rung to say that he has prostate cancer which is a big shock and he needs our prayers. Richard Peregrine and Mike Strong at the pub which was very noisy. Conversation was really hard. Christopher Dane's older brother was there but hard to hear - Christopher is in New Zealand. It was hard to even get names - a Greek name who played Cassius in 1960. Mike was recounting the story of the fart at a dramatic moment in "King Lear" and how Dame Flora Robson performed for us in 1961! I can't remember that. Roger and Ann Cameron the headmaster were there and it was good to see them but a private room was definitely needed. No sign of Kimon the local contact!! I had forgotten that Mike was at Russell Endean's funeral with me and Bruce. Also met a Deloittes partner who has lived in USA, Belgium and France and had little time for the French school system! Richard and I headed for Wa...