The organist librarian

Swam 20 which made up for missing out yesterday -got there no costume! Today was the Visitation and thought about lovely Ein Kerim and the Magnificat tiled panels. Booked 3 ENO operas for next season - had to ring box office in the end - they had old email address despite us changing that address before! The new secret seat for £20 should be good as you find out close to the time where you will sit in stalls or dress circle! I wonder what they do if everybody books that way??? On the other hand it must ensure more seats are sold. To Norwood and train to London Bridge only to find trains to Plumstead cancelled and very little advice. Luckily met Siriol and Michael Bishop of Woolwcih so to New Cross and then a long bus ride. They got off the bus too early - we got to the Greenwich Islamic centre after 2 and were ushered into the youth club in a sort of outhouse and given water and biscuits. No tea and no sign of loos. After some good speeches from Archbishop Kevin, the Bishop and local ...

To Heythrop and saw Helena in library. She said the girl who chose the music said psalm was to be spoken but it was agreed with Fr Rocco two weeks ago and I had found an O'Carroll setting. We rehearsed and then found the congregation had a different response so photocopies were made and I went through it before Mass. The provincial general of the Jesuits celebrated and Michael Holman was there. Went OK. To Acton and Ciaran was a bit into whinging. To meditatio for an excellent lecture by Dr Peter Tyler from Twickenham on Dionysius and the Victorines antecedents of Eckhart so it was very helpful! I lost my freedom pass - there was a hole in my pocket. Liz had been at St John's for Corpus Christi - Vierne. Adrian practised at Beckenham.

Got to the pool only to find I had not put my swimming costume on so have put a spare one in my bag. Yesterday because I rose very early I did not do my readings and prayers! 

Bus, tubes and bus to Ally Pally and arrived early so time for a pint of John Smiths and crisps. Colin played superbly and I sat with David and Sylvia Dibbs in front row - the projection on the screens worked well. He announced his programme as organ had not been in good state. Bach, Gordon Jacob, Scarlatti, Buxtehude, Karg-Elert, Langlais, Franck, Vierne and Yon - he used some lovely softer Willis stops especially the flutes. Well worth the trip and for students it is free! Home in 1 hour 15 minutes - just lucky with buses and train.

Wednesday afternoon to Holy Innocents church for the simple funeral of Margaret who lived in our road. What a dark gloomy church! She supported my save the library campaign. Turns out she knew loads of people and was very erudite - the house is full of books including Chinese, German and French. The organist was no great shakes -dull beforehand, Sheep may safely graze was an approximation and Faure In paradisum an arrangement - wish I had offered. The King of love and Lord of all hopefulness and eulogy form her cousin and Fr Andrew who knew her well. Nice eats in the hall and met URC secretary and Irwin from Streatham synagogue. His wife supports the Mental health group. Walked home with Jim and Hyacinth. Liz went shopping. 

On Bank Holiday Monday we went to the Odeon Beckenham to see the ROH production of La Donna del lago live from Covent Garden. Adrian, Terence and Graham were there and it was full. The singing was stunning especially Joyce Didonato, Juan Diego Florez and Colin Lee. The production was wierd with Walter Scott and Rossini (sung by a woman) staging the opera for a Caledonian society. I kept dropping off in the first act but the second act was much better. The wierd juxtaposition of warriors bathing themselves in blood and haggis and then umbrellas appearing.... at one point the heroine was on stage while everyone was bemoaning her absence - she was a foot away! Still we enjoyed it especially the finale with stunning runs. 

Bruce before and at work!

A back garden in process of change!

Woke at 4.30 feeling thirsty and a bit  of a headache probably from the wine last night. Got up and did emails and posted Face book pictures. Finished draft of dialogue essay and sent it to Michael Barnes - not happy with the ending at all. I seem to have run out of steam with it. Back to bed and sorted magazines. Here is Bruce making wooden beds for the back garden!

Wet day - woke at 5 and read 3 stories to Ciarán at 7. Sean really trying to crawl forwards! They went off to Godstone farm with Liz and I did some work on the dialogue essay. Call from Lindy an Anglican Buddhist! To meeting in cathedral hall about Cardinal Tauran's visit went smoothly - Martin Foster was there! Washed floor - it was very dirty from the garden work. Catenian council meeting went well. The apprentice in Dubai. 

A very happy occasion Liz presenting flowers to Christine. 

To Bromley Parish church to hear Xavier Deprez from Brussels cathedral play Dorian toccata, Franck and Jongen as it should be done! Chat to Gary and gave out Beckenham recital posters. Dennis, Louise, Ciarán and Seán with Clare came for roast lamb lunch. Played in garden in the sunshine.

Trinity Sunday so played Willan on Nicaea, Wyton on St Patrick's Breastplate and Harper Triptych. We sang "Holy, holy, holy" and "How shall I sing that majesty" to Coe Fen - what a tune! Had a chat to Paul about contacting local mosques which I have been doing. Practised and Liz was home early from cathedral. Worked on Knitter essay. Dennis arrived looking well and we had a nice lunch and worked in the garden in the sunshine moving stones and compost to fill the new wooden raised beds. To Holy Trinity Sloane Square for the opening of the splendid 4 manual Harrisons organ by David Goode. A full church paying £12 each! Champagne at the break. Martin Ball, Christopher Town, Gloria and Michael Toplis, Michael Armstrong and an organist from Buffalo who played for 2 years at St Mary's Cambridge. Met Stephen Smith who does organ recitals.com and Michael Brough who's toccata was played. Bach Wedge (with score) Schmidt, Alain, Durufle, Mendelssohn, Parry, Durufl...

To the cathedral to serve at confirmations for Kensington deanery with Bishop Alan. I was thurifer which I have not done for months but all went well. I did turn to cense Archbishop Vincent and he had gone so Bishop John did not get special treatment! Rebecca was acting like an assistant MC. It seems she is serving Good Shepherd masses to get experience with children! I don't mind as I need the time and no work has been done today at all. Met priest from Our Lady of Victories.Did not have time to get to Bloomsbury Baptist to hear John Scott-Whiteley so tea at Marks. Vespers and Mass with Canon Christopher for Trinity Sunday. Nice Indian dinner and watched Come dine with me and The Apprentice.

Woke early feeling thirsty. To Whitehorse tyres and 3 in front of me but it was quick. Needed a new tyre as the back one had a screw in it! £48. 2 articles published in "Together in Christ".

Friday swam 20. To Heythrop to see Michael and some changes to both essays so worked in library on Knitter one. Home to change into black tie. The left hand back tyre is flat. Walked to Norwood Junction and trains to Charing Cross. The Horse Guards hotel very convenient - we went to a wedding reception there. The reading room and library were a perfect venue - was the Liberal club with wonderful pictures and books from Gladstone's day. Met Brice and Anna Cassar (in my last module class) and sat with Michael Holman who was excellent company. Lorraine Ward and her husband Gerarde - he is a taxi driver studying philosophy. The food and service were excellent and the wine kept coming. Had a dance and then headed home feeling decidedly tiddly. Home about 12.30. It was a great night made even better by the fact that I had won my ticket. Nice to see people I know and Fr Rocco was dancing brilliantly! 

Thursday swam 20. To Heythrop to play for Mass - finally got the hymns Tom chose an hour beforehand. Fortunately I had taken the voluntary on "Slane" and Cook and Thiman on Veni creaor. Helena sang the Alleluia. 2 in the choir and we sang the Schubert mass. Fr Dave celebrated and the congregation was small but appreciative especially one of the nuns! Went to coffee again hardly anyone there. Worked in the library - another 1000 words on dialogue. To Sisters of Sion Chepstow Villas on underground for the 43rd Cardinal Bea lecture. Michael was on sparkling form and spoke of Pope Francis. Jonathan gave the Jewish reply. It was great to see lots of people I know and very nice refreshments.Sad to learn Sister Ellen is moving to Dublin. Left at 9 with 2 Maureens tube and train home.

24 came to the May supper at Addington Palace golf club. Raffle raised £120 for Tommy's - Louise is to run in 2014 marathon for them. As President I did all the speeches and it went well. Sr Sheila has had a fall. Came home to horrendous news of killing of a soldier in Woolwich.

Tuesday wrote first part of essay on dialogue. To the Guildhall entering via the interesting art gallery. We were sat near the back but could watch on screens. Templeton Prize presented to Archbishop Tutu who gave a touching speech laced with humour about the Dalai Lama's mischievousness and his own family. His daughter spoke very well. Annie Lennox and the Eric Whitacre singers sang, also the  African gospel choir. It was a delightful occasion. He never said what the £1 million would go to! To Acton and watched an interesting programme on registry office in Belfast Town hall including distressing scene of a wake with open coffin and cemetery Sunday. Wednesday Ciaran enjoyed Jungle book and playing with track and his new engine. Seán cried at first at music but enjoyed it and we say Rufus and Mia. Lunch at Kew Marks and bought flowers for Christine. Did some reading until Ciaran came home and Sean was crawling backwards.

Presenting the Paisley pattern mosaic to Alan and Ivor

A good time was had by all!

Pascal Pinto and Willy Britto from Goa at circle meeting.

Vernon admitted to circle - my Conference tie caused some comment! 

To the pool having woken early - swam 20 - have not been for a week and back is playing up in the morning. Long chat to Ann. Some work round the house. To King's College hospital for MRI scan as part of research into white matter and ageing. It was most interesting and the tests went OK. The actual scan takes about an hour and is very noisy but it seems I coped with the tests well. The final tests on patterns got more tricky as they went on. One laugh was I couldn't at first recall what day of the week it is! 

Liz to Heythrop. I sorted out emails and prepared Catenian leaflets. The server keeps going off. I went to Heythrop for the conference chaired by Michael Barnes on texts. Bridget spoke on Mary Magdalene in film and gospel. After lunch Jim Bunce on liturgy in last gospel which he claimed was written as drama possibly to be sung. The talk on David Tracy was heavy going but I enjoyed Xavier on Bhagavad Gita and the Trinity. To vespers and Mass with Fr John. Joseph served even though he will be confirmed tomorrow.Disappointed that teh sequence was not sung yet again!  Watched Pappano on the Ring and modern artists. Vicious was funny.

Here I am playing the keyboard in evening dress! 

Watched Come dine with me and that nice Frenchman won in Birmingham! To the cathedral for combined vespers between the Abbey and the Cathedral - Beaven and Byrd and Martin Ford played Couperin. Nice reception afterwards - good chat to Ian. TV programme on Wagner's Ring by Pappano.

To Heythrop and played for Mass which went well. 4 in choir including Rocco.Damian celebrated and sang very well. In his homily he mentioned Islam! I played Ley on Down Ampney, Wyton on Veni creator and Willan on Vulpius - the Viscount organ is quite good and some folk didn't know I played. Went to coffee. Tutorial with Michael and it seems Damian studied music before theology at Cambridge. To library and had pizza - think I was overcharged as I had put £5 on my card and he asked for £2.10 more! Saw John Parks. To Meditatio and met Danny and Sr Owen. Kallistos Ware was excellent on Iraneus. 

Wednesday to Westminster central hall for CAFOD IF campaign about nutrition and transparency.Timothy Radcliffe addressed the 200 plus religious. we sang a tricky Farrell Jubilee song accompanied by Martin Poulson. Sat next to Bishop Pat and Fr Joe Brown from Battersea. Rosemary was there and met sisters from Battersea, Cheam and Richmond. David Standley and I met Matthew Steve Reed's assistant and we was very supportive. Ed Milliband spoke in Westminster Hall and was most impressive. Visited the central lobby and looked at the plaques on the floor of the hall - nothing for the Pope's visit as yet! Cream tea at the cafe there and then to Interfaith group. Only 3 came as the newsletter had date wrong (again!) and we went through cathedral works manager Neil Fairbairn's responses to our questions. Liz was upset over Heythrop saying her work went in late which it didn't -it was the Power point again. She helped Bruce bring his stuff down here. I watched Come dine with me a...

Tuesday an unexpected treat as Louise came over to help Bruce pack up so had Seán and Ciarán to look after. Liz took Ciarán for a tram ride to Wimbledon. I went to St Paul's cathedral for the 359th festival of the Sons of the clergy. Tewkesbury Abbey and Norwich cathedral choirs sang well - Britten, Will Todd, Gibbons and Greig Ave maris stella. A good sermon from the Bishop of Norwich. Rejoice in the Lamb worked really well as the combined anthem as did Hymn to the virgin. We had some great hymns to sing "Christ is the king" "Ye that know the Lord is gracious" (but why to Blaenwern and not Abbots Leigh?) and Christ triumphant. Bishop of London wearing horrid black and red cope and mitre. Bus and time for a sandwich at Pret before meeting Liz to see Boheme at Coliseum. Upper circle centre two for one £25. Wonderful production with some great singing. Duncan Rock particularly impressed, Glyn Hughes Jones got some fine top notes and Kate Valentine and Angel Blue ...

Monday no mosaic so no tai chi either. Back bad to start with. To Oakwood on train and tubes and met Elizabeth West and we went for a coffee - it was a bit noisy but we had a very useful chat and she gave me some good Buddhist contacts. She was a Sacred Heart nun and became a Buddhist meditator. I was there for about 1 and a half hours! Returned to Beckenham Junction where I picked up the car from Liz and sat with legs all bunched up to drive and back full of bicycle packing boxes! Delivered them to Glyn Close. I took newsletter item to St Chad's and saw Fr William. He is looking forward to the pulpit presentations this weekend. The meeting went very well and my gold conference tie caused plenty of comments. Vernon Warner was admitted and had good chats to him, Willie Britto, John Almeida and Philip Chandler. Tuesday back bad at first.

Drove to Beckenham and played Bach Ascension and Easter preludes. Chatted to Stephen about recitals publicity. To Alan's house and tried the Allen organ and there are 5 keyboards. Packed with his brother's paintings some of which are good and some are dreadful! I think museums would be interested in the original features. Liz stayed at Acton and went to Mass there and the park. To evensong - Timothy Penrose in congregation - Sumsion in G and Walford Davies O sons and daughters. Watched Diamond Queen. Great evensong on radio from St John's Cambridge. Monday woke with bad backache.

Saturday May 11th up at 5 a.m. and took Liz to Proms queue where she was 48th. Got seasons OK and then went to college. The conference itself was interesting - long debate on practising Catholic issue which was defeated. We all had green, yellow and red cards to comment on changes which were approved. Australian was very funny about white ties being unknown in Perth and some Ozzies do not own a suit! Let's hope we see some changes! To cathedral on bus and servers all arrived except Emmanuel who had indicated he did not need to rehearse at 2 p.m. The choirs did well, Fr Tom cannot see well and animating was a problem for him. The booklet was a disaster despite the hours I had spent on it - an early version got printed so wrong collect, epistle and gospel, line out of Gloria, choirs wrongly attributed, most annoying. All went off OK and the people certainly sang. Group photos afterwards. We served at vespers and then changed into black tie for the reception and gala. Food was accept...

Friday swam 20 and went to Alan Burtonshaw's house but we could not get in - key wouldn't work so the group were going to meet the solicitor at 2.45 too late for me. To Acton in the car and Tom came with Seán from the park to let us in. Lou and Ciarán arrived from swimming. We served at 5.30 mass for Brian the new Archbishop of Benin and papal nuncio and he was charming - I was mitre and he asked my name. The nuncio and Archbishop Vincent were present. Choir sang My beloved spake and we had the Dorian Toccata at the end taken at a great speed by Peter. To Lancaster hotel on the bus for 6 circles meeting - 330 there and Liz "entertained" by Don Maclean who is past his sell-by date. Water on the tables - wine prices far too high. We did not stay for John Rayer's speech and got tube and bus to Acton and to bed.

Wednesday woke late to find Bruce peering round the door - ha had come down as the topsoil and compost was delivered. To Watermans and Seán enjoyed music. We all had a snooze in the afternoon while Louise went to the dentist. I may have to go again as I lost a bottom filling eating the dessert last night! Liz went on RCIA cathedral tour but I went to St Patrick Soho for first recital on refurbished historic organ by Martin Baker. Brilliant improvisations and a good programme - Bach, Stanley, Bull, Wesley. Wine afterwards and saw Martin and Paddy Russill. Met Patrick Ramsay who had been in Vallodolid seeing David Knight. Thursday out all day. LBFForum with Faith exchange at Central hall Westminster on volunteering. Met Bishop Peter of Edmonton and he knew about my St Michael's appointment. he is flying Bishop for 60 parishes. Pascal Ryan and Bishop Tripp were there - so unusual to have Catholic clergy present. To Heythrop for coffee and worked on essay. Somebody hacked our email ac...

Monday was a Bank holiday but we had mosaic as usual so I missed the Bromley PC recital. I put the kettles on but this seems to have set off the fire alarm which eventually got turned off. The classic was the guy who turned up to help who asked "Have you got the key to the fire alarm cabinet?" If we had had that we would have turned it off mate! Home and worked on essay. Liz went to confirmation class. Watched Come dine with me form Edinburgh which was hilarious. Tuesday seam 20 and to St Dominc Waddon to play for Kitty's funeral. Since I played for Pat's funeral it has been refurbished and the Allen organ is in poor state - pedals very poor. I told Fr Paddy about Alan's house organs and he was very keen. Played manuals only stuff - Handel and Trumpet voluntary. Nice eats and Gill Beach was there. Helped Liz complete her work and it all got submitted - I helped sort out the bibliographies. She had been up late last night. To Royal Society of Medicine Wimpole St...

Bruce finished the boxes and cleared up - looks great. Saturday Liz to college and missed confirmation visit to to Tyburn much to Fr Paolo's dismay! To St George Hanover Square - fine new American organ and played Handel. Sat in Hanover Square to eat my lunch and saw 7/11 memorial in Grosvenor Square and sat in Mayfair library reading papal documents on dialogue. To Grosvenor chapel and another fine Bill Drake organ where I played Stanley and Handel. A good visit and sat in Hyde Park and saw the London bombings memorial. Met Liz at M & S. Fr Archer at Mass. Sunday played Guest on St Fulbert, Harker on Westminster Abbey and Willan on Vulpius -got a clap! Only 15 there. On tram to Merton Park for party for first communion of Tracy's daughter. Met a nice Mum but the Irish music was loud - had to take hearing aids out! Liz was needed at evensong to sing alto - Howells Coll Reg and O pray for the peace plus Benediction. Watched Antiques roadshow and The Village was moving. Prog...

Meeting Cardinal Tauran! Thanks to Marcin Mazur for a great photo! Watched a lovely programme about the late great Sir Colin Davis R.I.P. This blog has not yet paid tribute to the late Marie-Claire Alain -  a wonderful organist! Her Westminster cathedral recitals were very special.

Swam 18 - another lovely day and Bruce got on with clearing plants. To Paul's and chose hymns up to mid June. Everyone very happy - he used to sing in the West End in shows like Jesus Christ Superstar and Camelot! To Covent Garden on student ticket £10 to see Mayerling - wonderful tragic ballet with a dark brooding score by Liszt. Loved it!

Bruce working on wooden raised beds in back garden. To Heythrop to sing at mass - Helen Walsh played well. She plays at Brockley and belongs to SSG so has seen the article. We had to wait to get into chapel as there was an Anglican Eucharist to celebrate St George's college, Jerusalem. I otld one of the ladies about the kneelers from Coulsdon in St George's cathedral and she knew them. To coffee and then the library, Met Fr Xavier and Ahmad, also Mike from Liz's group. Worked on essay - earlier I had uploaded declaration fors and got them worng so emailed Michael. Early at the cathedral for Mass. The European Bishops conference were meeting at St Katharine's dock about relations with Muslims. They went to vespers. Met young priest from  Denver and Fr Joseph Ellul from Malta. He is a Dominican he lectures in Arabic at the Gregorian university. Lovely singing at Mass and I was mitre. Jon Dal Din came and met Cardinal Tauran - who is quite frail and very French. He said y...

These are the portraits taken on the Holland America cruise - found the disc in the lounge in the course of trying to trace the odd smell! Swam 20 - I am finding my back is hurting when I get up and occasionally in the pool if I turn in a quick way. Bruce is here and still awaiting the wood for the raised flower beds in the back garden. The saw has been hired. Did some work on the Thompson/Knitter Buddhist Christian essay. Themes from yesterday's Handel still in my head - what a score it is! Louise came with Seán and had a long chat to Ann.