The organist librarian

Have I got news for you with William Shatner was hilarious followed by Room 101. BAFTA awards OK - lots of things I've never seen! Simon Reeve on the Indian ocean excellent. Sent off second longer draft of the Jesus and Muhammad essay. Did not go to Hyderi mosque for the film - too much to do, hot and tired!

Liz to morning prayer and preparing for confirmation. I worked on the essay up to 3200 words which is good! I missed playing Wyton and Thiman on Veni creator! To 12.15 Confirmation with Archbishop Vincent. It was hot and long. Sad that the sequence was again said! I got the food from the kitchen to Vaughan House for the simple party which was pleasant especially as the outside area was available. I went to 3 p.m. recital by Thomas Trotter at Methodist Central hall where the organ has been rebuilt. He played from memory Handel concerto, Schumann and the Elgar sonata. Stephen Disley was there and met a man from Madras! Liz to evensong and took plates back. I had a shower and listened to 2 items from the choir book for the Queen with the score. Church Music by Julian Philips sung by Truro and Sincerity by Michael Finnissy sung by Wells. Both difficult but beautifully done. Wells also sang Skempton and Howard Goodall's Love divine.

Liz to college. A hot day. To St Ethelburga's for the start of the Westminster Interfaith and then by train to Manor Park  - a very good turnout and good to see familiar faces and new ones including Heythrop students and young people. To Sri Muragan temple (Sri Lankan Hindu) which was pretty chaotic but we did get some food and drink then walked to Froud centre for lunch and St Michael's church. Good to see the Anglican priest who was at Muslim/Christian forum and impressed by their Bible/Qur'an joint study. Bus to Imamia mission which is Iraq/Syrian Shi'a then bus to Mile End with Melanie from Liz's class and to Bloomsbury Baptist for Marilyn Harper's recital. She wore a short dress 70s style!  She played Reinken, Sweelinck, Jane Joseph and Guilmant - left after first movement of the first sonata. Smoke vespers and Pentecost Vigil Mass with Fr Michael - me lending him an arm on the stairs. TV programme on Northern ballet.

Watched Felicity Kendal in India about Shakespeare and Songs of Praise about spirituals with Robert Beckford. Michael Wood on Britain's story.

Swam 26 despite the pool being like Piccadilly Circus! To Lambeth Palace to join the St John's tour of the lovely garden (gorgeous irises) and the house with a good guide finishing in the chapel. Particularly liked the film with Rowan Williams and the portrait of Michael Ramsey.We once saw him at Dirham cathedral.  Lunch at the garden museum cafe which was excellent. Sat in the garden and then to the excellent exhibition in the great hall from the library on the Prayer Book and Royal connections. Amazing to see Richard III's writing and many treasures with an excellent guidebook. Decided not to go to evensong at the Abbey and worked on the essay. Sent off first draft then realised it was only 2000 words instead of 4000! Watched excellent programme on Delius.

Swam 26. A very hot day so shorts on! Worked on essay on comparing Jesus and Muhammad. Several students replied to email and confirmed Damian did not explain the coursework or if he did it was very brief. Luciana also not happy with her marks. Spoke to Ann. Watched The Apprentice last night and the second programme on Chatsworth. Liz served at a funeral and went to confirmation rehearsal.

No trains running so tube to Brixton and buses home. Emails to catch up on and furious to find I got 48 for second coursework essay. Not a good piece of writing says Damian. I eventually found the original brief and I feel that we all needed guidance - I do not recall being given any! Why do we only get tutorials for the big essay. This coursework counts for 20% of the module so this puts a lot of pressure on this final essay when we are essentially working alone. I do have a tutorial on 29 May which I am not looking forward to. I have asked the others how they got on. Did not sleep well.

Ciarán had a great day. The weather turned hot and we went on the bus to Kensington gardens to what must be one of the best playgrounds in the world. He loved the sand, the musical chimes, slide and especially the pirate ship. In fact unwillingness to share the steering wheel was the only barney of the day. He did go on the potty but produced nothing so had 2 disasters. He enjoyed ice cream and we saw a helicopter. He slept on both bus journeys which was good. I was exhausted and slept well on Tuesday evening. To the cathedral for Martin Baker's superb recital. I had the score for the Bach B minor BWV 544, the choristers sang beautifully in Olivier Latry's Salve regina and Widor Symphony No. 8 was splendid. I did take my hearing aids out for the last movement as it was so loud! Andrew Cessana, Christian Strouver and Simon Lloyd were there.

I had a swim on Monday (26) and left Liz working in the garden. Drove to West Wickham and the centre is in a beautiful spot. A large and small chapel, comfortable but not en suite accomodation and excellent food. I found the company most stimulating e.g. a fascinating discussion with a young Muslim woman about marriage and the veil. I also tried out my essay questions on several people. It was particularly good to see and hear from Sayed Ali and Fr Rizwan. Dr Datta from the Women's interfaith network was a bit overbearing I thought. I did not sleep well but finished Deborah Moggach's delightful book "These foolish things" which was much better than the film. Much had been altered for the film "The best exotic marigold hotel". There was time for a walk in the rose garden and woodland and This was valuable as we were challenged about motivation and ego by Ajmal Masroor and Revd Dr Toby Howarth, advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury.The final part on Near nei...

After a cold morning a group of around 30 Christians and Muslims from London met in the sunny Kent countryside at a Catholic retreat centre for two days of conversation, challenge and collaboration. After a warm welcome from Sister Sheila we launched into a Christian-Muslim conversation between Fr Nadim Nassar and Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi . Out of their deep friendship they were able to show how Christian and Muslim outlooks can complement each other. Fr Nadim explained how good leaders can help us to navigate the distinction between faith and culture, particularly in the UK with its mix of faiths and cultures. He also held up leaders as people having a deep relationships with God and able to draw us into deep relationship with each other and between religions. Commenting on the similarities between Christianity and Islam Sayed Ali emphasised that 90% of the ethics of the two faiths is shared. The important thing about the faith communities is that they have faith and that fait...

To All Saints Warlingham for my first free lance - £30. Lovely churchyard which is very large and touched by war graves - RAF man aged 21. Service went well - Thorne Mass and Purcell "O God the king of glory" which I conducted. Fr Jeremy doesn't decide the Eucharistic prayer until he gets to it!?? How helpful is that to the visiting organist! Played Bach Ascensiontide prelude on the fine William Hill organ. Many appreciative comments! To St John's for an excellent lunch provided by the choir. Good to have Louise with us and had a lovely chat to Ruth. Bishop Christopher was there. Tea and then evensong with "How lovely are thy dwellings" (so much better in German) Stanford in C and I was glad. Nicholas Ansdell-Evans played a super piece at the end. Nice to see former choir and congregation members. Tommy Hewitt-Jones very reassuring about the All Saints business. Fr Leonard is the problem  - he was friendly and agreed to open the church for the torch relay. W...

To Heythrop and had coffee and then worked in the library on essay 2. Served at 12 noon mass with Archbishop Vincent. I was crosier. Horrid white alb things with cinctures to hold them up as too long. All went well and an excellent homily. Nice buffet lunch and enjoyed chatting. John Ainslie and Jon Dal Din were there. Had tea at Marks. Ascension not smoke at vespers and gave Fr Michael my arm up and down stairs at Mass. Excelsis sang beautifully - Byrd 4 part mass, Durufle Ubi caritas, Mawby Ave verum. Lord enthroned and Hail the day were hymns. Louise came to stay. Watched programme on Cutty Sark and learning Shakespeare by heart.

Swam 16 as I was late up. I had been finishing Bethan Roberts's "My policeman" an outstanding novel. Could not put it down! Sent off first draft of Taylor essay to Damian. Liz did some shopping. We served at joint vespers between the Abbey and the cathedral - Marenzio and Gibbons. Wine reception so chatted to Graham, David Knight, Reuben and the 2 Martins. Liz to St John's practice. Listened to evensong from St Pancras church and watched Come dine with me.

Swam 24 and Liz came - water cold again the air conditioning was on! Worked on essay. Liz went to get flowers and served at Aid to the church in need Mass with Bishop Declan Lang. I went to St Alphege near Southwark station for the forum meeting. Useful exchange of news and met Julie Siddiqui, Barbara Kentish, Tim Clapton. Barry Mizen, Phil Rosenberg and Siriol were there too. To Tate Modern to see Damien Hirst but unimpressed - why would anyone pay good money for this stuff? Liked the butterflies room and the butterfly paintings but hated the diamond encrusted skull. Home to do more work and listened to The Choir - Peter Maxwell Davies work for choir and organ. I am now a local leader for London2012 and got my first Olympic flag today.

Ciaran decided he did not want to go out with Grandad and Aga but wanted Mummy. He is now in pants and using potty. We all went to Acton Park and found the pond and the rhodos and had lunch in the park. He went to sleep at home and I went to cathedral interfaith group. There were 14 there and we had an excellent discussion. Jon dal Din, Phil Rosenberg, Anna and Rosalind new to the group. Did not go to Alexandra Palace to hear Stephen Disley but came home to work on essay.

Liz to course on Excel at Battersea library. I worked on the essay. To St Paul's cathedral and we sat in the South Transept for a change - it was not full. There was distraction from a noisy boy and a lady in a natty cap in front of us. Why bring a small child to such a service? Good sermon from the Primus of Scotland. Pigeon flying around inside! Magnificent organ Bach and Vierne. Byrd, Bruckner, Holst from Southwell (but girls not singing!) Mealor from Bristol. The big anthem was Elgar Great is the Lord with its thrilling ending. Walton Orb and sceptre at the end. Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Mayor in procession - all very grand! To Acton so did not go to City Hall meeting about interfaith walks or the South Norwood partnership meeting! Watched Great Ormond street and enjoyed pizza. Started the book on Centering prayer.

Swam 24 and Liz came but the water was cold and the "muzak" far too loud. To mosaic and cleaned up the mosaic and had a session of tile cutting. To St Paul's cathedral queueing in pouring rain. The Dalai Lama received the Templeton Prize which he promptly gave away $1.5 million, £900,000  to Save the children fund because of how they had helped Tibetan children, some to Mind and Life and some to Tibetans in India to study science! He said he had empty pockets - he was charming and amusing. A simple message - money does not bring happiness, love, forgiveness and compassion bring happiness. Jessye Norman sang 2 spirituals and the choir sang Hadley and Britten Jubilate. Stunning organ fanfares and Bach at the end. I was in North transept and could see the podium well and also a screen with the text from the live web cast. White scarves were given out including Andrew Carwood. I was amused at Rowan Williams not having to show a ticket. Met Michael Redman for coffee and a ch...

Nice lunch. Played for Christian Aid service at 6.30. A little peeved to find a CD playing on my arrival. A good presentation about Sierra Leone which Andrew a Durham university student had visited. Farewells and handed over my keys so a little sad. My grand finale was the Karg-Elert Nun danket which we had at our wedding. Thanks be to God for happy times! Watched final of Young musician. Excellent recorder, stunning piano playing but the cellist was the clear winner playing the Walton concerto. Simon Reeve on Indian Ocean was most interesting.

Watched semifinal of Young musician last night -lovely cellist, recorder excellent and felt sorry for the percussionist. Nice to see Kevin Hathaway on screen. Played Henry G Ley on Down Ampney which I played at Keble college yesterday and Dubois Toccata. Choir sang well - Barry's introit and he was there to hear it, Rutter The Lord bless you and keep you, Locus iste. Tony sang bass. Janet gave me a lovely framed portraits of composers. Molly gave me a musical pen. Met the Bishop of Southwark and said would see him at St John's lunch. To Mass at Purley and asked David Palmer about torch relay bus. They sang a lovely piece by Christopher Walker I had not heard before. Chat to Dennis.

Up at 6.15 and on train at 7.30. Got Oxford tube with Ian and had time for a coffee in Oxford. St John's Aubertin - the scholar Francis Goodburn is from Leeds RC cathedral and is studying maths and computer science. He says in future all organ scholars must do BMus - a stupid idea! Organ seemed to have mellowed and bought a CD. To Hertford where the chaplain was very friendly and chatted about RSCM and liturgy. He took us onto the Bridge of Sighs and there was lots of white fur about as it was MA graduation day.. Managed to get lunch at St Mary's then to Keble where there is a magnificent new Tickell. I played Henry G Ley piece - he was organ scholar. The chapel is very decorated and there is the original of Holman Hunt "Light of the world" in a side chapel. The organ is above this chapel. Simon Whalley is director of music and very friendly and Richard Dawson ARCO played Durufle and Buxtehude very well. He has a skin condition on face and hands. The long echo means c...

To St Mary's to see Fr Joseph Collins for half an hour. He was very friendly and chatty. Then to library to pick up 2 books. Liz to Acton although much delayed at Richmond and Louise was locked out so Cairán was exhausted and ratty - he is now in pants rather than nappies! To Glyn Close and started essay. Last practice at Coulsdon and we are invited to dinner in the summer at Coombe Lodge. Marie and Caroline gave me a lovely music mug, book token and CD of organ music from Chichester played by Roger Fisher for giving them lifts! Watched Maestro at the opera and percussion Young musician final.

Long chat to Ann yesterday - she had been to La Traviata on the harbour! Swam 30 today despite the fast lane being only 2 lanes. Shower in disabled change had been nicked!

Took garden compost to the tip. To Heythrop for 1 p.m.Mass. Fr Patrick O'Riordan SJ. We sang "Come down O love divine" "Ubi caritas" and Servant song. A small group sang a Tallis motet. Coffee chatted to Michael Smith and also saw Siriol. To Citizens UK Croydon planning meeting for June 9 at St Andrew's - lots of Catholic input. Watched Apprentice and Shakespeare in Italy.

Swam 24. Watched the lighting of the torch at Olympia. Costumes looked like 1936 version of ancient Grrek costume. Nice dancing.

To the Odeon Beckenham - with an extra discount we both got in for £10. Salmon Fishing in the Yemen is great - funny and romantic and touching! Even a bit about faith!

Truro broadcast evensong most impressive. Recorder won Young musician heat.

To St Michael's for lunch recital by Andrew Sampson who played Handel, Van Noort, Parry and Saint-Saens. I had heard him play the Parry at St Matthew Westminster. Lots of folk pleased to see me again including Penny, Andy Scott (he says only 25 have joined the Ordinariate not the 70 in the press), Adrian and Terence and Howard. Nice programme. Just missed a bus so long wait for next one. Quick change and to Addiscombe for funeral of Eve Elfer who was 99 and sang alto in the choir. Relieved to find Fr Denis celebrating. Somebody called Anthony played. Church due to be repainted. People very friendly. Saw Tony Moynihan and Tony Potter. Did not go to reception and rang Mary Endacott. This a.m. swam 28 and watched the State opening of Parliament - very impressive!

To Adrian's for RSCM Southwark committee meeting. All the old hands are resigning over the next 4 years to give a smooth handover. Adrian has been on the committee for 43 years, Peter for 23! Liz finished essay, powerpoint and reflective journal in time.

To Grosvenor chapel which has been redecorated for the recital by Margaret Phillips. I spoke to her about her visit to Tasmania in 1983. Bach, Bull, Byrd and Mendelssohn on the 1991 Drake organ. Spoke to Richard Hobson about Oxford day - he said in his day Harris Manchester organ and Wadham where was organ scholar were both looked down upon! How fashions change!

Swam 24. Liz working on essay and reflective theological journals. She had been at Migrants Mass and seen the aircraft carrier at Greenwich. She went to the Sistine chapel choir concert which was packed and she enjoyed it!

This is Kirk Maughold churchyard on the Isle of Man where Sir Thomas Hall Caine is buried. The grave was designed by Archibald Knox. He was a Victorian novelist who fought hard to change conditions which he observed. There are fine Celtic crosses and a Celtic graveyard reminiscent of Orkney. What a beautiful and holy place in whcih to be buried! Fr Duncan was an excellent guide and Wikipedia has a good article about Caine.

Duncan took me to the station for 9.50 train to Ballasalla where I changed and came back to Douglas. The original Thomas the tank engine railway founded 1873 and a lovely trip. Duncan picked me up and took me to the Manx museum which was excellent. Drove to Port Erin for a nice lunch of steak and ale pie and bitter then to the Calf of Man -  a lovely view and a walk round Castletown. Then to the airport and back at Gatwick at 7 and lift home. A great weekend!

Up early on Saturday and Adrian picked me up at 6.15 and at airport by 7.10 a.m. Flybe flight to Douglas and waited at airport with Graham while Adrian collected the minibus from Douglas. To the vicarage and dropped case and into town for lunch at delicatessen on quayside - excellent Manx ham. Drove up to see the view of the town and back to Empress Hotel. Walked to the station. Rehearsal and sang evensong at 5 p.m. Gibbons short service, Wood O thou the central orb, Lloyd Webber Sing the life. They liked "Christ triumphant" - they use old English Hymnal. To Italian Job for a very nice meal. Taxi back to vicarage. Sunday rehearsed and sang at Mass at St Matthew's. Very old fashioned like the vicarage which is pretty cold although had an electric blanket! Ghastly hymn by Gladstone to a Barnby tune and horrid Lord' prayer! Caesar Missa Brevis capella regalis. Creed Folk mass Martin Shaw. 2 anthems by Nicholson. Light lunch laid on for us in the hal...

Lovely fish and chips from Addiscombe. Progress on torch relay and at last heard from Penny about the interfaith walk so I need not spend any more time on that! To practice and Tony came to sing bass so we can do the Bruckner when the bishop comes. I will accompany it. Brought more organ music home. Watched Maestro at the opera and QI.

Swam 30 We went to Mildred Court for coffee with Tony and Audrey in their lovely flat. Nice to see the family photos and learn more about the Latin music at St Mary's.

Delightful TV programme first of 2.  Some progress today on Torch relay including contact from the Council. The query about bell ringing during the cycle races will not happen in Westminster. Voted - surprised at the number of parties many of which had had no coverage. Disillusioned with the main parties so went for Independent and Greens!

Woke early but no swim - doing emails re More than Gold. Peter came for coffee - he is charming and has 10 week old twins. Works for Citizens UK in Croydon for 2 days. Liz working on essay on Vatican II so I stayed home and didn't go to Heythrop mass and Warburg Institute lecture on Islam and the enlightenment. Feeling tired reading about the veil. Listened to The Apostles from King's Cambridge. St John's Cambridge evensong turned into an organ recital as a result of a powercut. Programme on Irish clerical abuse on TV awful.

Took Ciarán to Amandas - he really enjoyed it and sang along and danced. He did mention Mummy and Daddy a bit but they had gone for the scan and all is well! Had half a roast chicken at Sainsburys for £3.50 and Ciarán ate his sandwiches and dropped off when we got to Mass at Chiswick. Liz took him back to Acton and I headed for the Hinsley room for the afternoon session. Fr Robin heard my confession and was very helpful. I spoke in the final session about Zia and how he challenged me to find out about Islam -  a good friend used by God to help! To 64 Whitehall for the final Faith and Society session. Very interesting especially Cole Moreton and Aaqil Ahmed commissioning BBC editor for religious programmes. He answerd my question about the Papal visit and the need for programmes showing social action by faith volunteers. Spoke to Charles Cole, Steve Miller, Rachel Heilbron, Philip and Mansour, Watched The Apprentice and programme on silver. Email connection playing up.

Watched Mary Beard on the Romans - really interesting and who cares what she looks like!

Arrived at Acton around 6 p.m. so saw Ciarán before he went to bed. Very sleepy but slept well. Up at 7 a.m. so went to buy milk and fresh croissants. Very French and enjoyed South African coffee.

Swam 30. To Methodist chaplaincy Chinese near King's Cross for borough champions meeting. It seems Croydon not doing too badly - Haringey hardly anything! Need to chase up Westminster. Bought a nice Adidas MTG black and white winter weight waterproof coat for £15! To library to pick up 3 books -none of them textbooks! Oh to read a novel again!