The organist librarian

On buses and tram to Wimbledon for a free organ recital given by David Gammie and others to celebrate the centenary of the Walker organ in Sacred Heart church. Bach Passacaglia and Ad Wammes Miroirs, Widor. Nice to have the screen. Soler duet and Robert Ampt's Variations on Waltzing Matilda for 4 feet. Nice cake like an organ and wine in the hall. I told David Gammie I had met Robert Ampt and Amy but he didn't seem very interested. Andrew Cessana was there.

Woke 4 a.m. then 6 and dropped off so no swim. Started at 10 at court and left at midday. Did some reading on Buddha and Jesus and sent in dissertation subject form to Damian. St George's chapel Windsor evensong featuring Philip Ledger I will lift up mine eyes and fine anthem from Choribook for the Queen by Francis Pott. Stanford Symphony No. 7 on radio 3.

At Seán's baptism at Acton. Swam 30. To court and left at 1.10 p.m. To Heythrop coffee downstairs and chatting to Xavier. Worked in library and had dinner (not very good chicken potatoes and carrots - I think it was the gravy). Lecture from Martin Ganeri. Asked Michael about dissertation - he said he couldn't see me until next term. I voted in the by election this morning and Liz went this evening - very low turnout. Watched Young Apprentice and David finally went.

The Hour as good as ever. Watched Come dine with me.

To St Paul's cathedral to hear American Brian McLaren on a new kind of Christianity. He contrasted the 6 part salvation history we all know with seeing Jesus from his predecessors in a 3 fold liberation, reconciliation and transformation pattern. He spoke about intellectual empathy in the Common Word discussions. He thought the Vatican had never replied to a Common Word. See the world through the other's eyes. He was more interesting when answering questions He said Muslims preferred to talk to Evangelicals who condemn them to hell  rather than liberals who never challenged them. The world is full of dirty energy and he commented on climate change. There must be something better than just War. Preemptive peacemaking is needed. Righteousness should be translated as restorative justice. Pointed to the story of Cornelius as an example of the need to change our prejudices. Jesus should be seen as a gift tot eh world. Love one another his central message. Salvation needs to be linke...

Here we are with Peter at Il Posto on Saturday -  a delightful evening!Li had taken the car to the station last night so no swim this morning. Just as well as Bruce locked himself out and I went up on the bus to let him in!

Read 2 more books about Eckhart or rather skimmed them. Watched programme on the Dark ages and the power of music featuring Jessye Norman and Lucy Winkett.

Swam 30, Wet again. Day 2 of jury service and took my cappucino sachet, cup, tea and milk and my lunch. Watched Come dine with me on return home pretty tired after all that  listening! Did manage to do some reading about Meister Eckhart in lunch hour. Liz to cathedral to serve at Mass with Archbishop (3 MCs!) and then to Heythrop library and on to Acton.                                                            

To Croydon Crown court for 8.45. Saw video and then a long wait. Did some coursework reading. Lunch not brilliant. At 3 we were sworn in and I'm not allowed to talk about the case at all. Home to watch Come dine with me.

Li to the cathedral and I read 3 articles listening to radio 3 including Poulenc Concerto for 2 pianos. Wrote art exhibits round up for The Lion. Bruce came for his suit adn I picked up Dennis and Ann Marie at 1 p.m. Claire drove us over to Acton using Satnav so we went a diifferent way There were 8 baptisms but it was a lovely occasion. Dennis was godfather and at last we got a photo of the whole family. To the George and Dragon for hot food and delicious chocolate cake. Both boys were impeccably behaved and Ciaran did some good colouring-in. Home by 8.30 and dropped off during Antiques roadshow. Watched Michael Wood on India. Lovely Songs of Praise on choral singing from Soctland.

Li to college early so she could buy trim for Seán's baptismal white tabard/garment. Did some reading about Hinduism and Christianity. To Balham library and then coffee and crossant with Catriona. Lent her our Russian samovar and had a lovely chat. Home for lunch and watched a bit of Island Parish from Sark. To Croydon Minster for Martin How's Advent cantata. My name was not on the list and ended up among basses but carried on regardless. Lovely to see Jean and Alan Barber, Roy Nicholson and various faces from the past! A moving and effective work especially the well-known hymns and anthems. Very good tenor soloist and narrator but the real hero was the organist. The handbells and children's choirs were lovely. Left at 6 in rain and got to Victoria by 6.30. Harrow school Byron consort sang Rheinberger at Mass. Splendid Bach at the end. Met Peter at Il Posto and had a delightful chat and meal.

Swam 24. I was up early so did some Google research on Francis Clooney. To Wimbledon Polka theatre for pannini. At first Ciarán was hesitant but once he settled down he really enjoyed the show which was very cleverly done. Afterwards we had a couple of stories and a play in the park. Came home on buses and tram. Watched Come dine with me and Choir of the year 2012.

Yesterday's gospel so movingly expounded by Fr Michael Barnes Luke 19:41-44 Dominus flevit church Mount of Olives   As Jesus drew near Jerusalem and came in sight of the city he shed tears over it and said; "If you in your turn had only understood on this day the message of peace! But, alas, it is hidden from your eyes!"

Swam 30! Listened to Liverpool cathedral evensong from yesterday - Vaughan Williams, Whitlock and Howells - who could ask for better on this special day! So sad about the General Synod decision against women bishops - how disappointing and out of touch can you be? Went in good time to rehearse for Mass as Westminster cathedral tour was off (pity about that as I had bought the guidebook but maybe I can volunteer as a verger/guide next year). Ended up rehearsing harmonies of Praise my soul and Hail redeemer King divine. The psalm which was about singing was said - why? Jerry is lazy that's why! 2 plainchant chunks sung by soloists from gallery. We did not even run through Proulx Alleluia! Fr Michael Barnes gave a brilliant homily on interfaith - first time I have ever heard one at Mass. To coffee and chat about Synod decision. Took my cartoon to Lion office and met Daniel Tripp at last - he edits culture features. My review of art exhibitions is published! To library and lots of re...

Took car to Selhurst and bus to Norwood Junction. Train and bus delayed so arrived at St Paul's cathedral at 10 to 11. Result no booklet for the service - about 40 people had the same problem. 3 less well known hymns Christ triumphant, Jesus shall reign, How shall I sing that majesty. Wesley Thou wilt keep him, Byrd introit, Walton Coronation Te Deum. Will Todd spoke. Michael Parkinson and Willard White did not show but Dame Kiri did! Duchess of Gloucester was there. Spotted Alistair in the procession. Frankly the echo doesn't help and I had no idea what the new anthem was about -it was a Jubilate by Alec Roth! Saw Chris Hollis and got a booklet. Grabbed an EAT sandwich and very slow bus ride as there had been a big student demo - 10,000 in the rain. The Lost Prince at National Portrait Gallery worth seeing - he died in 1712. Much of his legacy has gone. COleridge-Taylor, Alma-Tadema and Booth centenaries exhibitions. Bought cathedral guide in case I do have to do the Heythrop...

To St Mary le Bow only to find the sung Eucharist is in fact on Thursday - misheard again and I ahd my hearing aids in that time! Bus to Trafalgar Square and booked for "Death in Venice" next June! Read the excellent programme, The Vaughan Williams was splendid - wonderful music (well I knew that I had played it ont he piano) singing, production excellent, chorus and conducting by Martin Brabbins, Had a nice chat to the man next to me who knew a lot about Tippett! At Bromley PC met Garvin at tea beforehand. He told me about their Holy Land Easter pilgrimage when a donkey pissed during their open air Eucharist. The vicar still uses a Holy Land palm on Palm Sunday! TV programem about William Klein.

Monday to mosaic and border now done. Ta'i chi until 1 p.m. only 2 of us there! I missed the train to Strawberry Hill as they changed the platform and I was on my Blackberry. Result I was late as I went on the other line via Teddington. The seminar was most interesting and we learnt about Elizabeth of the Trinity and Eckhart - no wonder Buddhists like him so much! Gemma Simmonds did a good intro covering the territory although she seems a bit formidable. Chatted to several people. Sadly the St Mary's chapel appeared to be closed. Home by 7.30 and watched University challenge and Masterchef . Liz went with Bruce to Birmingham to paint the flat prior to selling. Tuesday slept OK and swam 28 then straight to Currys and changed Humax - waited 25 minutes as only one person on customer services and a queue! No more lines on the screen. To Bromley PC for James Orford's excellent recital. The Wedge again, Vierne, Bridge Adagio (very nice) Durufle. Could have done without Les Berg...

Watched the second series part 1 of The Hour - excellent!

Seán at Liz's birthday lunch Set  off to Selhurst but we missed the train so drove to West Norwood and got train there and then tube to Turnham Green and the E3. 10.30 mass at Acton with music group who were quite good! Ciarán behaved well and Seán was welcomed. Had coffee and chatted to the deacon Tito. The priest is very Irish but the homily was good and at the right level. Unfortunately finished with Shine Jesus shine and it's never easy to get that out of my head! Came home the same way except we got the 2 bus. Julia Bradbury walking along Caledonian canal. Read some of the De Silva book on the problem of the self. To St John's and Liz sang alto again. Howells Coll Reg, O pray for the peace of Jerusalem (very suitable) Christ triumphant ever reigning. Lovely. Watched Antiques roadshow, Michael Wood in India and Songs of  Praise.

Finished reading the Pieris book. Liz went to course retreat at Tyburn. To St George's cathedral for Peter Wright's excellent recital of Bach, Vierne, Cochereau, Bairstow, Jackson and the Leighton Et resurrexit again. Not impressed that Mark Johnson ignored me - it was the St Cecilia day as well. Norman Harper was most welcoming and there was a reasonable audience. On 344 with Dorio to St Mary le Bow. An excellent demo by the church secretary of the Kenneth Tickell 2010 organ which is a real treat. I played two Andrew Moore pieces. There was a good turnout too. To M & S for tea and cake. At Mass RCIA candidates were enrolled. St George's Sudbury all male choir did not distinguish themselves! Nice meal of pork chop. Michael Portillo has continental railway journeys series!

Watched the centenary concert for Solti from Chicago with the World orchestra for Peace conducted by Gergiev. Mahler, Strauss, Mozart, Verdi, Bartok. Only conducted by the maestro once in Mahler 8 in Paris. To the boys "you must watch me otherwise it is a disaster!" head into hands - they laughed and it worked! Do not listen to the organ chord at the beginning - it is not in tune! Attenborough programme.

Did some reading. To St Stephen Wallbrook for Peter's superb recital of Bach, Howells, Leighton, Titeloue and Dupre. Nice walk along north Thames path to Millenium brudge and Tate Modern. Bigger Splash a little disappointing. William Klein's films interesting and Daido Moriyama's photos seemed dull. I rather liked the film of the Jesus type figure in a crowded street and ignored to "The people that walked in darkness" reminded me of the ballet we saw the other evening. Walking against the flow is never fun! Popped into Southwark cathedral and organ being tuned.

Breakfast in bed and Liz liked her book about London. Watched Come dine with me. Westminster cathedral choir has been in Rome.  To Cote in Kensington Court for a delightful lunch with Louise, Seán and Bruce. I had smoked salmon, sea bass and chocolate. We had sparkling wine and it was very reasonable. Sean smiled at me. Li went to hand in the Indian visa applications and came home to a message with Ciarán singing Happy birthday right on pitch! I heard the last part of the Cardinal Schola presentation with Michael Barnes speaking really well. Michael said the main speech was dull so I missed nothing. I was much amused to see Damian and Michael in full clerical gear! At tea chatted to Pauline, Helen and Fr Simon all there for the alumni meeting. Martin Ganeri was so boring - how could he make Sr Sara Grant so dull? Watched Young Apprentice and Come dine with me.

Swam 20. Liz to King's with sample. To dentist as my filling came out again. Daniel fixed it with stronger fixative and no charge! Meant I missed music but met the family there. We went back to the house for lunch and then to the park so Ciarán could try his leaner bike for the first time with his helmet on  -he did very well. It has no pedals and is made of wood. He enjoyed the slide and swings too. Hot chocolate at the cafe. Seán is smiling and looking about much more. Louise took me by car to get my new glasses which are great! Croydon Park hotel for President's dinner which was excellent - lovely pork, shellfish and puddings. Martin How and Nigel Groome were there! Garveys brought us home. But why was Ruth Eagers there? Bob left the association!

To St Paul's cathedral to hear Fr Timothy on "What is the point of being a Christian?" He mentioned freedom, joy and courage and "Of Gods and Men" a lot - excellent. Sat with Simon and say Barry,Roy, Marcus. Maureen Liddy and  Mary. Quite a few Catholics there so it was inappropriate for the chair to imply most of us were Anglicans and it would be great if Fr Timothy joined the C of E! Pathetic said a lady as I left. Simon's and my questions were not asked and the chair asked her own questions and emphasised Fr Timothy's own life. Disappointing! I emailed about it. Watched Come dine with me.

Spoke to Ann. Eye is healing well but didn't swim again. Dreamed about Fr Peter asking about Mendelssohn Song of Praise which somebody else was playing at Addiscombe! Paul Knitter's book is fascinating and involves a serious rethink about Christ and Buddha. Listened to Southwell Minster evensong including Guy Turner and Armagh cathedral vespers featuring Parsons and Howell Coll Reg Te Deum. Also listened to Edington Priory evensong featuring Matthew Martin's Nunc Dimittis.

Eye much better. To mosaic and ta'i chi - Tony gave details of Buddhist meditation. Liz went to optihut X-ray. Watched Michael Wood on India and Come dine with me and listened to Gabriel Jackson Requiem on radio 3. Interesting programme on Lang Lang and University Challenge.

Finished reading for Thursday's lecture - some interesting ideas from Sr Sara Grant about reconciling Hinduism and Christian theology. Watched Songs of Praise from Inneskillen, Andrew Marr's history, Antiques roadshow and Come dine with me. Listened to the Choir. Nice chicken lunch with lime pie and elderflower drink from M and S. Eye still hurts!

Woke at 4 a.m. and at 7 a.m. Took a tablet and tried to get ointment and drops in my left eye which is practically shut and sore. Liz off to the cathedral. Bruce going to St John's. Watched Michael Palin in Brazil part 1 on Iplayer. Watched the Cenotaph ceremony - simple and moving and the wonderful music not least Nimrod and When I am laid in earth. So sad to hear of the bravery of those who have died and their families. I went to the Cenotaph in 1973 and this is the first year I am not playing for a Remembrance Day service so that's a bit sad but perhaps just as well in view of my discomfort! Played For the fallen of Elgar and the first part of Vaughan Williams Pilgrim's progress on the piano.

My left eye became increasingly sore during the day. Liz went off to college. To St Laurence Catford for recital by Hannah Parry-Ridout. Purcell, De Grigny and Bach Wedge very well played. Had coffee with Christopher Town and Michael Toplis recovering from seocnd carpal tunnel operation. On train and tram to Croydon only to find the NHS walk-in full up so came home and completed coursework. Watched Prom of Yeomen of the Guard. To Vespers and Mass Fr Paolo immediately noticed my eye! After mass went to walk in but it closed at 8 so to Mayday A & E. Eventually came outside and rang for an appointment upstairs with Croydoc and saw dcctor who sad it was a bad infection so antibiotics, ointment and drops! Watched part of Royal British legion festival of remembrance form the Albert Hall. It has again been updated. BBC Director general resigned which is sad. Bishop Welby of Durham is to go to Canterbury.

Swam 24. Reread coursework and decided to add a little. To doctor's surgery for interview with nurse about vaccination for India - we have to take typhoid tablets and go back for Hepatitis A topup. 2003 was the last time we had injections (South African trip). To St George's Beckenham for Christian Strover's lighthearted recital finishing with Edward Marsh's toccata on Pat le facteur - perfect for a Royal Mail service or Gareth Malone! A good audience Chat to Jean. Watched Young apprentice and Come dine with me. To Heythrop for a nice meal and Kevin Donovan memorial lecture by Fr Christopher Willcock SJ from Melbourne. We heard 5 of his compositions and he spoke about 1978 with Gelineau and Huijbers but what was the point? Chatted to Sylvia, Martin Pendergast and Diana. Paul Inwood and Phil Jakob and Paul Moynihan were there. Chat to Ann and Paul

Listened to Leningrad symphony from the Proms while reading about Hinduism. To Royal Opera House for the triple Royal Ballet bill - only £6 for a student ticket. Viscera, Infra (very clever use of lighting and beautiful patterns) and romantic Fools' Paradise. Most enjoyable.

Listened to evensong recorded from Winchester college chapel featuring Jackson in G and For lo I rasie up and St Edmunsdbury cathedral with Richard Allain's introit "Cana's guest". Come dine with me form Oxfordshire was interesting. Doing more reading as well.

Liz to King's college hospital for optigut survey. Got to 2050 words in coursework but not very happy with it! Listened to Diana Burrell O joyful light and Jonathan Dove Vast ocean of light with the Choirbook for the Queen score - stunning! Well done both choirs!

To Waterman and music session with Tamar. Ciarán seemed a bit out of sorts but Merle enjoyed it. To Marks at Kew for a nice lunch and Louise did some shopping. Home to Acton and I stayed until 7.30 bedtime. Liz went to RCIA. I didn't go to Margaret Lane's spirituality day but listened to vespers from the cathedral. Superb MacMillan Magnificat and new piece by Diana Burrell. Michael Palin in Brazil was good.

Worked on coursework and got to 1700 words. To cathedral for police requiem but we were late so came home, The real reason for being late was the essay - I forgot the time. Liz went to the Faith Matters talk. I did the Catenian circle minutes (annoyingly had to start again as the changes did not save!). Watched a couple of Andrew Marr's History of the world - very well done.

Spoke to Ann and they are coming to Germany next year with a week with us in July! Finished the mosaic for Alan and Ivor - it just needs grouting and I have planned out the next one. Ta'i chi and Balham library - got The Pilgrim's progress score and more India guidebooks. Wrote 1000 words on Dalai Lama and Christianity for first coursework. I was secretary at Catenian meeting. Vernon came as a result of the Addicscombe pulpit presentation so that's a start. It was a pleasant evening. Watched University challenge and Michael Wood in India and Songs of Praise. Tuesday swam 20.

Listened to radio 2 chorister of the year - not impressed by the girls - sound too like grown women. Pleased that the boy from Portsmouth won - a lovely touching voice. King's Cambridge head chorister not impressive. It does seem unfair that ordinary choir singers compete against cathedral choristers who get daily singing, expert help and public exposure on TV and radio to deal with nerves. Downton Abbey ended more's the pity with a cricket match. Jewish Mum of the Year good final and Sandi was the right person to be an agony aunt.

To Terence's for a delightful lunch with cake and champagne to celebrate Adrian's 40 years at St John's. Anne Fleming was there. Louise brought Seán who fell asleep in my arms! To confirmation and Paul was in a good mood and asked what I'd like to do. I ended up doing book and various other jobs as Eugene and Eric did not make it. Tim was assistant MC. Bishop Alan Hopes and 26 candidates. Told Fr Alexander I had a dream about him dismissing me as assistant master of music! He laughed. Fr Michael had his photo taken in the black cope for All Souls vespers on Friday. Paolo has to sign in with the police each week! Watched Michael Wood on story of India and some useful material on Buddhism. Michael Palin in Brazil is fun. Sunday to Catenian Mass for 6 provinces. We took the car as trains up the creek and it was very wet. Bishop John and I was crozier. G minor mass and Mawby Ave verum stunning as always. Nice lunch at the Rubens of beef but we had to wait while each table ...

Swam 22. With some trepidation I emailed about the All Saints day mass pointing out that we should sing the psalm of the day, a gospel acclamation which is an Alleluia and an Agnus Dei not "Behold the Lamb of God". Joey responded favourably and said others had asked about getting Laudate full music copies. The college has no Calamus licence and photocopies abound! Liz went shopping and I did reading for essay 1. Served at vespers for All Souls Day in the All Souls chapel and for Mass with Bishop Alan Hopes. The men sang Anerio requiem. Watching Michael Wood on India but fell asleep! The All Saints day mass was the 1 p.m. one at Heythrop and I sang in the schola. Fr Dominic celebrated. We sang For all the saints but omitted 3 verses. The psalm was a Taize setting of Daniel 3 and verse 5 became the Gospel acclamation! The Schubert mass setting all the tenors found they did not have page 2 of the photocopies so we made it up. Mumbled our way through the Creed as well! Did readin...