The organist librarian

Ciarán woke at 8 a.m. and I got him up - big grins. He coughed and threw up his milk which is very unusual but rest of day O.K. Bicarb on carpet in our bedroom! Played in garden for a while. We all set off for Polesden Lacey - Dennis following in the Skoda. Mrs Greville's day so special things for kids. They went round the house and Ciarán played with the ball and had a run around. Saw the horses and carriage and he loved the jazz trio. Just got to the car before it rained. Nice roast beef lunch sitting outside. Dennis and AnnMarie to Guildford to see Bruce's shop and we drove to Acton and met up at the pub. Great excitement at seeing Mama and Dada again. Pat and Neil, Mark and Stella were there too. Home for Chinese and then drove home - straight to bed exhausted and slept well. Ibuprofen has helped stiff neck and shoulder now back twinging but happy after a lovely weekend.

Monday 27th back to work. Excellent Prom at lunchtime Susan Graham singing French songs - Debussy, Honegger, Rosenthal, Poulenc. On way home Martinu Concerto for 2 pianos and Bartok Dance suite. Tuesday 28th to Redlibbets golf club, Sevenoaks for provincial council meeting. Interesting report and we were all asked to speak which was good! Circles will not like being audited! Bach motets from proms beautifully sung by the Monteverdi choir. Listened to evensong Wed a.m. Eton choral course from Faversham - Parry Great service, Taverner Dum transisset

At Coulsdon we sang Boyce's Alleluia and I played "I know that my redeemer liveth" and Bach chorale preludes for Easter. Had a look at pieces by Avison and Andriessen. Saw a memorial to Charles Avison in Newcastle on Tyne. Took Ciarán to Crystal Palace park - the playgorund very crowded so we fed the ducks and went to Colet Manor farm where there were pigs, sheep, goats, ponies, alpacas, rabbit, guinea pigs and a ferret. The dinosaurs have been restored. Dennis and AnnMarie took us for a meal at Harvesters - Ciarán a bit restive but he went off to bed quite happily. Liz took him to the cathedral for Mass this morning. Spoke to Ann this morning. Watched Antiques roadshow, excellent moving programme on Royal Wootton Bassett and Country house revealed.

Friday to Acton to collect Lou and Ciarán to go swimming at the Virgin health club. I did 22 lengths while he was at his lesson -he loves the small waterslide and we met Sam and Jonah in the cafe. He dropped off on the drive home and was good as gold. I put on the nursery rhyme CD when he woke up. I went to practice and we went through Oxford book of flexible anthems and 6 new ideas of ones we have not done before. Saturday he woke at 8 a.m. having slept very well. Liz went to confirmation walk to Tyburn and I looked after him. After lunch we went out in the buggy but he only slept on return home. Oliver is to be assistant at St Mary's cathedral Sydney.

Martin Neary played Bluesday by Iain Farringdon - a good piece. The Stainer was rather attractive too but the John McCabe Dies resurrectionis did not impress. Thursday had a lie-in and Liz came home having been out for dinner and a film at Westfield which finished late. To Streatham for the interfaith lunch. Had a chat to Jon dal Din afterwards. Phillipe did a good presentation on faith as a resource for dying. Hindus do not mourn as they believe in reincarnation! Met Alvaro on the bus - used to be a Catenian. To Vaughan House for presentation on Caritas in Westminster diocese - well done and plenty of opportunity to comment. Edward Adamus, Bruce Kent, Fr Pascal Ryan, met Fr Peter from St Mary Moorfields and Colette from Camden Town. Interesting.

To music - Ciarán seemed more interested in hiding behind the dustbin during the first part but enjoyed the instruments bit. To Chiswick for Mass where Tom and Louise were married - nice Mass and Ciarán slept right through it. To Chiswick House where we had a lovely lunch outside and Ciarán loved the sand pit. We both wnet round the house with the excellent audio guide - it is English heritage. It was a glorious day again and most enjoyable. Met Lou in Acton for delicious ice cream. Tom came home and I went to Westminster Cathedral for Martin Neary's recital - De Grigny, Bach, Franck No 1, Stainer, Howells, Liszt - McCabe not impressive. Met Paul Moynihan on the way there and he was chatty for once! Saw Andy Scott, Carl Jackson and John Wardle. Watched The Apprentice. Liz had gone to see "Water and elephants" at Westfield.

Tuesday was a fascinating day. To the National Baha'i centre in Rutland Gate which is a lovely house given by Lady Blomfield in the 19th century. Malik Gul gave a presentation to the London Interfaith forum about Wandsworth Community empowerment network which was inspiring. When I think back to those early meetings when hardly anyone came! And now the Chief executive is involved! To the cathedral (just missed 52) to serve at Good Shepherd Mass with the Archbishop. Chaotic with kids everywhere and some poor liturgical practice like sitting during the Eucharistic prayer! Liz set off to pick up Ciaran from nursery. I went to the Gossaert exhibition at the National Gallery which was lovely. Met Barbara Wood and David from Battersea Park and his wife. Only £5 on Tuesdays for pensioners! Tried to cook risotto but used wrong rice and misread recipe so abandoned it! Dennis and Ann Marie arrived. To Beckenham Catenians as the Provincial president was visiting - good turnout.

Had a lie-in - still tired from Saturday and back playing up a bit. At mosaic class I carried on with the beackground and made the stars out of clay and painted them - Linda will do 2 more coats and fire them. Tai chi was with Paul, Tony's teacher and he used the ideas Tony and Geoff used to use which helped - some new comers. To Battersea Park using the new entrance at Clapham Junction to collect reserved books. Lovely day but windy. Read Tablet and Ian Bostridge on radio 3. Chelsea flower show on TV. My comment on youtube about Cardinal Arinze has provoked a response informing me that only Catholics have the true faith and all other liturgies are wrong. How blinkered can you be? What of Vatican II and ecumenism? The cardinal told a mother that her daughter should not take part in other church's liturgies even though it was clear that the daughter would attend Mass as normal. I was appalled at his response. With people like him at the top what hope is there of a united Church...

After a nice lunch of burgers and sweet potato followed by apple pie to recital by Charles Cole at the cathedral. He played Langlais Rosa mystica based on Salve Regina and then 3 sopranos sang the phrases of the solemn Salve and we had Olivier Latry's improvisations. Carillon de Westminster by Vierne. At mass Fr Tim and some differences in serving. 3 people asked me why I wasn't serving! David played Stanford postlude in D minor and a fine improvistion on "Regina coeli".

Louise and Bruce came for the Friday practice - our rehearsal finished early but Liz indicated she did not need a lift home otherwise I would have gone to St John's. Now that we are using the Inwood setting every week we do not need such a long practice. Saturday Louise Tom and Ciarán arrived and he loved his new play table in the garden and slide. We rehearsed at 10 a.m. with an augmented choir of Bridget's fellow students from Bristol -one tenor came from York the other from Suffolk. I was transferred to first as Frank lost his voice. The bridesmaids were delayed but all got under way at 12.15 and finished just before 2. Graham Allsop from St Mary Redcliffe played superbly. He has 4 children. I was glad made a super start. Vierne Messe solenelle, Bruckner Virga Jesse and Thomas Hewitt Jones specially written anthem My beloved spake already published by RSCM. At communion Brahms Geistliches lied. O thou who camest, How shall I sing that majesty to Coe Fen and Chris...

Swam 34 and saw Marvin. To Balham library which is looking great - saw Linda, Julian, Chris and David. Jeremy to cafe for cappuccino and carrot cake. Got glue and passport photos for Proms pass. Cleared up garden and hoovering. Watched programmes on Petworth House spring clean, Hasidic Jews and matchmaking, the problem with love and sex about Relate.

Clearing up and cleaning at home after a swim. I need to lose weight - have put on 1 and a half stone. My hearing aid is hurting my left ear and I have occasional tremor in left leg like a muscle spasm. Watched The Apprentice and evensong from St Pancras. To St John's Hill Artisan and Vine for Daphne's farewell on early retirement. Good to see staff again and a warm welcome.

To Brentford in the car for music - I had not been since before we went away. To Gunnersbury Park - Ciarán cried when put in buggy after being on the slide and swings. We had a picnic and headed for Chiswick house but ended up at Osterley and got some grey tiles. To St Mark's Road park where there is an excellent play area and there were nursery rhymes led by a librarian. Ciarán had slept in the car and enjoyed it all. Evensong from St Edmundsbury cathedral. Waited ages for a 70 bus and eventually 607 and tube to Ladbroke Grove and 52 to Chepstow Villas to the Sion centre for Encounter.The 41st Cardinal Bea lecture as given by Archbishop Kevin McDonald and Vivian Whineman president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The Archbishop waffled at question time and did not quote the Gospels! Chatted to Jon Dal Din, Fr Michael Barnes, Dr Harriet Crabtree, Sr Ellen and Sr Margaret Shepherd. Got 52 bus with Jon and Maureen Liddy so many useful contacts made and 3 people added to my...

The car hire company picked us up and took us to Hexham to pick up a brand new Hyundai. We drove to Meadowfield Durham over the moors and a rather round about way via Bishop Auckland. John Oliver deputy works manager took us round Harrison and Harrisons organ builders and it was fascinating. To Ushaw college which will close in July - very fine rhododenrons. Said evening prayer at Durham cathedral which is unusual for us! Oliver Brett met us at 6 and demonstrated the fine Harrisons organ and then I played - not very well I'm afraid especially the Hallelujah chorus - what a sound! We drove back to Prudhoe for dinner at 8. Tuesday took car to Byker via Quayside and a lift to the station where we left the animal bag and had coffee at St Mary's cathedral cafe and bought cards at St Paul's shop. Had a look at Youcat which the Cardinal had commended. 3 hour train journey to King's Cross and back at Acton by 5 p.m. I bought 2 books "King's speech" and How...

Sunday morning to the Sage Gateshead for the first Mass ever held there. Saw Ann and Peter Tibke (we had met Ann in John Lewis on Thursday) and Lesley was in the diocesan choir. Cardinal O'Brien of Edinburgh gave an excellent homily abiut being a saint amd the music was good. Serving not so great and commmunion was awkward. Still it was a great celebration. To Baltic art gallery for coffee on the 6th floor and some intriguing displays.Jesper Just 3 films "Bliss and Heaven" "Sirens of Chrome" and "A Vicious undertow". George Shaw paints his teenage surroundings using model enamel paints and landscapes in black and white. A fine centre for children and library. The film downstairs was baffling - a book was given out to accompany it but that was equally puzzling! Buses back to Prudhoe and we took Flo and Tom out to dinner at the Keelman where we had delicious bitter brewed there and I had white ice cream profiteroles and toad in the hole.

Saturday I went to the conference in the Newcastle civic centre. The new Grand President Tony Godden and Fr Jim O'Keefe both spoke really well. Willie Britto gave a presentation about Goa. The vote went against a change to the rules about the definition of a practising Catholic. I had a nice walk down Grey street (described as the most beautiful street in England) and visited St Nicholas and St Mary's cathedrals which now has a fine St Paul's shop and new organ. The statue of Cardinal Hume is very fine. Bus to Prudhoe and we returned to the Civic centre in evening dress for the Carnival. The previous day bought a new purple bow tie and cummerbund (my Father's day present in advance) and new short swimming trunks. Liz got some lovely jewellery to match her green and blue outfits. There was a mixup over seating. Against our name in the programme there was no table number. I was assured that this had been fixed and so I ordered wine. When we got there there were not enoug...

Ellie ready for the prom and a Roman head in the museum Thursday we took the same route as I had done to the British library to get the train for 4 hours to Newcastle and then the small train to Prudhoe where Tom met us. I had my hair cut for £4.50 in the village. A warm welcome from Flo and Tom. In the evening we went to Gill's to see Ellie in her fabulous Prom dress and makeup. Good to see them all again and we had a lovely carvery meal at the Swan at Heaton on the wall. Delicious bitter as well. Friday we visited the Great North museum which has an excellent presentation about Hadrian's wall, wildlife of Northumbria, Greek, Egyptian and world collections. Tom picked us up and we went to Lisa and Kevin's lovely home to meet Henry. Shirley, Jim, Katy and Stephen were there and we had mince and chips. Then to the civic reception at the civic centre where we were entertained by the Felling male voice choir and a fine clarinet player. Bus back to Prudhoe.

Tuesday to Vickie's and June music list is now done. She was very upbeat! Homeas Liz had a hair appointment - she had highlights and cut short - looks lovely! To 2 p.m. Hamlet at the Globe. This being a touring production is was a smaller cast and a cut version and it worked really well! Brilliant! Packed up and to Lou's in time for The Apprentice part 1. Wednesday to British Library and 6 of us there including a new lady Rita was is very musical. Jyotsna gave us an excellent explanation of the exhibit and answered many questions. Had soup outside and chatted to Andrew, Colin, Ann and Clare then walked to Coram's fields. Outside Foundling museum and Coram's foundation at first. Ciarán loved the slide and playroom and they gave us tea and snacks for the kids. One small incident with a girl in front of a wheel and he wailed when he could not go in the kitchen bit but he was very good all the way home in the buggy. Liz got us on 267 instead of 266!. She has her rings b...

Another sleepless night and chat to Liz in morning. To mosaic and started new project. Tai chi 10 there! To Post Office for CRB RSCM check. To Catenians - poor turnout. Gave Luke Tope a lift home.

We sang "O sons and daughters" at baptism and first communion - 2 of the family were baptised and then received. 5 pieces of paper! I played Hallelujah chorus and then headed straight to St John's for rehearsal for THE wedding. Thomas Hewitt Jones was there and his anthem has been published by RSCM. "My beloved spake" and it is excellent. Home for lunch after picking up Liz. To Glyn Close to photograph and measure for Dennis. I just missed the train at Herne Hill to take me to hear Arnfinn play at St Paul's so went to Westminster cathedral instead to hear Martin Baker. He played Resurrection by Dupre, a wierd Saga IV by Guillou and his own stunning improvisation on "O filii et filiae".

Chori last night was shorter as we had done everything. Shostakovich 5 BBC Phil on Radio 3. Saturday to Haymarket hotel for champagne brunch with John Suchet and Gloria Hunniford who are both charming. 50 winners of Classic FM/Flora online competition. Celticana string quartet a delight for the ear and the eye! What a lovely morning. Stayed at hotel as online 4090 in queue for Proms tickets. After 2 and a half hours it was my turn and site would not connect so rang Albert Hall and eventually got through and ordered full season Prom tickets for the gallery for both of us by phone. Liz went to Kings Cross to get train tickets (we had lost our senior railcards again!) and to ENO for MND tickets for June 30th. I went to Streatham liberal synagogue for Faith and gender - interesting questions. Malik and Fr Tom from Corpus Christi there. Confirmation at Mass with Bishop John - felt redundant as George and Anthony were both there plus Michael who asked about the Holy Land pilgrimage.

To Battersea Park library to pick up reserved books and saw 2 readers. To Tate Modern with Malcolm to see the Juan Miro exhibition which was not that inspiring. We all had tea on the terrace of the Friends room. I went to visit David Barrett at St Thomas - Rene was there and he has a splendid view of Parliament. the surgeon came so I head all about his woes. Train to Walton-on-Thames where Liz met me. Excellent river cruise from Walton bridge through Shepperton lock to Chertsey - wine and cheese. Taxi back to b and b run by an extraordinary lady who had worked for BA. To Evans cycles Guildford to see Bruce - lovely shop. Winkworth Arboretum for tea and cake and a lovely walk bluebells, azaleas, rhodos, magnolias all out. To Abinger farm shop and picnic at Box Hill - pork and watercress pies. To Oaks Farm for a short walk. Lovely day!

Tuesday to Heythrop for 2 pm to see Dr Damian Howard. He thinks I am fine to do the M.A. and a stimulating discussion. I popped into the library and had tea at M & S then home. Liz off to babysit. To RSCM committee and 2 new members Ian and Richard and Frances Novillo came which was good. Wednesday to dentist - one gap sealed, X rays taken and 15 minute wait for results - no problems. Cleaning. £17 is the new rate. Left car outside the Callans and to Hinsley Room. Robin spoke without notes on peace and a picture of Road to Emmaus. Arranged visit to Ealing Abbey labyrinth for June 8 at 2 p.m. Served at mass Beatified Martyrs of England and Wales. Boys sang Britten Missa Brevis including the Gloria. Fr Swavek appreciative. To Lyn and Rosemary for a lovely meal of salmon, champagne. They are off to Australia on Saturday.

LIstened to The choir featuring choir of St Thomas New York directed by John Scott and Songs of Praise from Anglesey. Bank holiday Monday Liz to Aylesford for servers Mass. Train and bus via East Croydon to Bromley for Sarah Baldock's excellent recital. Alain, Purcell, JSB, Howells, Vaughan Williams and Whitlock. It was a tribute to her teacher David Sanger. 2 buses back quite quickly. Nearly finished The Monotheists!

Saturday had a lie-in as I was awake in the night again. Dennis came late last night and we went up to Glyn Close. The big surprise was that Susan Parsons dropped in up from Somerset so we had news of all the family. She used to direct the Addiscombe choirs. Then to see Louise. Turned out she had gone to Jo's not knowing Bruce was coming! We had a nice pub lunch at the Cricketers Richmond Green (cricket being played). I had Abbot ale pie and ale. Dennis bought a garden fork. We met Bruce, Louise and Ciarán briefly at Westfield and then went to Mass. Fr Alexander was on. Watched Salisbury cathedral Easter Day broadcast - excellent sermon by the Dean Revd June Osborne and Mozart Coronation Mass. Sunday I played Alan Gray on Parry's "O may we soon renew that song" Douglas Guest on "St Fulbert" and Crown Imperial which was much appreciated. Folk liked the reading and sermon at the wedding and the cartwheeling verger! Watched some of beatification of John Paul I...