Christmas Day, Boxing Day and St John's Day

To 10.30 at Coulsdon -not many there. To Purley for 12 noon Mass. Canon Jim friendly. Bill plays the organ on one lot of stops - he stopped halfway through "See amid" - what about the story? He plays well but why "O sacred head" again! He needs some of my Noels. Lunch was Wiltshire foods and Christmas pudding. Liz had been at Cathedral and we returned for vespers - Poulenc and Mathias. Boys on great form and excited. Bruce was upset. We headed for Selsdon Park hotel - no champagne in rooms as promised and no soup for Grandma at meal which was buffet. Rooms OK and slept alright and good breakfast but leisure club not open until 10 a.m. Not really worth it and I think we were all tired! Next year Ciarán will be with us - they went to Ireland. We saw them on Wednesday which was a treat - he has grown! Liz had rehearsals for midnight but joined me in Acton. Boxing Day watched Victoria Wood and sang carols round the piano and Flanders and Swann. Small turkey for dinner after we returned from Mass which was not so well attended. We had delicious brandy butter with mincemeat pie.
27th no choir at baptism of South African Toyah at Coulsdon. Liz at cathedral. Bruce set off in afternoon. Watched Songs of Praise from Edinburgh and Weakest link. Listened to vespers from Spanish Place. Dennis and Ann Marie due to visit Ciaran in Doone. Weather not looking good for trip up North.