The organist librarian

Woke briefly when Liz arrived home and up at 8. Lovely service on radio 4 from Portsmouth cathedral. Paul gave us a lovely guide to the Holy Land. Eugene and Abe sent nice gifts. Played for 10.30 service and Liz went to the cathedral. I had time to hear the rest of King's - loved it. We all gathered at Dennis and Anne Marie's. The Queen was impressive as always. Lots of nice presents and the boys having a field day! Lunch was enormous and I admitted defeat at 3 different versions of potatoes! Dropped off later and Lou and Tom went around 6.30. We walked home to see Midwife and Downton both of which we enjoyed. Went to bed happy having packed ready for India. 

Woke early and went to the pool only to find it closed and no notice up! Sang carols at Lakeside home which was appreciated. Very hot in there especially as I had my Christmas jumper on! To Glyn Close to borrow Ann Marie's car which has a nifty camera for reversing! King's carols excellent. Played for crib service and 50 adults there and 40 kids charging round the church. One shepherd has lost his head! It was much shorter than last year and went well. I got train at Kent House and was at the cathedral in good time for 6 p.m. Mass. Lucky to get a seat. Liz was thurifer. Saw Peter Tyler who is going to Bangalore in January and Catherine, also Fr Michael and Fr John. Liz got home just before me. The pictures are up in our bedroom and the New Zealand photo has been retired for a while! I watched Gareth Malone's triumph at the Proms and then went for a rest which was disturbed by a delivery! Midnight Mass went well and we managed Mary's song at communion and the 6 car...

Lovely John Lewis carol service with gorgeous new carol by  Thomas Hewitt Jones  which he must send to  Stephen Cleobury  !!It's called A Golden tree - great words by Paul Williamson. There were some interesting items by Philip Stopford and Praetorius, also Chilcott and Poulenc. Excellent choir and nice to have Authorised version read in the cathedral. We even had a sung dismissal of the choir in the Lady chapel! Watched Masterchef professionals final and Christmas university challenge.

A watercolour pencil of Lover's Lane near Green Gables Prince Edward Island combing 2 photos. 

My version finished today is inevitably darker as is is in acrylics. 

Liz went to get her hair done. Chat to Ann. To mosaic and made good progress - nice cards and presents. We had a lovely lunch at Fish in a tie. I had calamari and salmon and by preordering left in good time to get a 319 to Sloane Square. Ciaran wasn't well so Louise took my ticket and I enjoyed the Constable exhibtion at the V and A. Also saw the redone Italican cast court. My right knee was playing up and trains were in disarray. Watched Canterbry cathedral series 1 and art in winter.

I played le Begue Noels. We had alcohol free Christmas pudding with brandy sauce from Marks - very nice. The carols by candlelight went very well. Liz sang The little road to Bethlehem and the small choir sang People look East, Whence is that goodly fragrance, Mary's song by Simon Mold and Sing lullaby. I played Sumsion Cradle song, Buxtehude and Bach In dulci, Boely and Brahms Est is ein ros.Antiques roadshow and The apprentice final.

Woke early so finished reading The elephant whisperer on KIndle and then back to sleep for a while. Liz went to servers rehearsal for Christmas. Chose a pink shirt in Marks. Christmas University challenge on TV. Canon Christopher and lots of Filipino kids and Rebecca (why?) at Mass and went in hall for Filipino Singdag. When they started singing Silent night and O holy night very slowly slipped away!

Woke at 7 and dropped off so no swim again. Frames have come for pictures but no Tablet. Watched Michael Portillo continental rail journeys. At 5 to Kent House station to sing carols and give out Christmas cards for St Michael's -good singing and the keyboard definitely helped. Ended up drinking whisky in the vicarage which was very pleasant. Listened to Manchester cathedral evensong. 

Woke at 7 but dropped off so no swim. I went to South London interfaith lunch where we heard about the campaign against the arms trade, then to Chanukkah with William Rhind at Liberal Jewish synagogue (Michael Redman was there) and to Kidbrooke for commissioning of Bonny's husband as Church Army evangelist. Took ages to find Onespace in the dark!

Tuesday to Clapham picturehouse for 11 a.m. relay from the Met thrillingly conducted by James Levine in a wheelchair. The intensity of playing was amazing considering the opera last 6 hours with intermissions. The cast were excellent. Johann Botha has a fine tenor voice but is unfortunately rather large so his acting is minimal. There are many touching moments but I found the Wach auf chorus in the last act very moving having sung it in the Chorus (in the foyer of the Festival Hall). and so soon after Jean Taylor so sadly died. The glorious ending and I think the whole cast should hace had a curtain call. It's not just about the principals wonderful as they are! To Acton and Tom cooked a lovely meal. Watched The Apprenitce final 5. Wednesday we all went to school to see Ciaran as Joseph in the nativity. He was so charming and cute and said his lines very clearly and joined in the singing. Seán was on good form and enjoying having Mummy home although she had ...

Woke at 3 a.m. and then at 8.20 so no swim. To mosaic and completed the 2 small ones. Tai chi and help with knees. Bought shirt buttons at poundland. Grouted the mosaics. Anita cleaned. To Bromley Court hotel for joint meeting of Bromley and Chislehurst & Orpington. Wore Christmas jumpers and hats and donated to Save the children. Waited ages for the meal which was good and we sat with Peter and Ann Woodford Grand Vice-President. Liz ws given lilies and we sang carols between courses.

Played Bach and Peeters on Wachet auf and Lloyd Webber's Rhapsody on Helmsley. Had a good carol practice and Hayley sang Once in royal beautifully. People are coming to carols at Kent House station on Friday! Louise brought Ciaran and Seán to Dennis and Ann Marie's and then they came down to help with the tree. No streamers this year! Listened to some of Clare College's evensong.

To Lisson Grove for 11 a.m. to take minutes for trustees. New chair is Mgr Kevin McGinnell - he has lots of ideas and contacts but there seemed to be little sense of structure or decision as to who was doing what! Michelle asked about the new website and didn't really get answers. It was exhausting and finished at 4. It's also frustrating nt being able to comment. I cried off the March Coventry meeting - it's on London organ day and Beckenham quiz night. Vespers and Mass with Fr Andrew. Fr Michael enjoyed Sta Lucia. Home to put lights on the tree and watch Apprentice and programme on the Viennese Secessionists. 

Swam 16. To St Matthew's and Hilary Johnson chaplain at St George's discussed ethical issues with us and we worked through 3 examples. Shared lunch and lots to eat. I drove to Kent House station but the lady on duty will not be there next Friday. I see no reason why I cannot plug in the keyboard. Returned scores to Central music library and went to Burlington Gardens to see Allen Jones RA which did not impress and lovely large prints by Hirashi Sugimoto. The Santa Lucia service was lovely. The cathedral choir sang Howells, Bruckner and Mouton and the Ulrika Eleonora church choir sand Nielsen and Adam among other things. The procession out hit the crowd! 

We took Sean to North Finchley arts centre. Had to put coolant in car! The show was excellent - just 3 actors and he loved it. Enjoyed watching the dancers in the studio. Liz went to school to help with nativity in church. Ciaran seemed a bit mopey. Served at London Fire Brigades carols. Barbara Windsor read -  she is very short. Ashstead singers sang Chilcott and Ledger but I think they were trying to sing too loudly. Peter Stevens played. I cmae home but Liz went back to Acton.

To Hotel Montcalm for 11 a.m. This was my ruby wedding present to Liz. We spent 11 to 3 ralaxing in jacuzzi, small exercise pool, sauna and steam room and reading then champagne tea. It was lovely - the only odd thing was marmalade with the cream scones! Liz went to servers dinner and I went to the Wallace collection where I enjoyed the pictures. To Heythrop for book launch by Keith Ard, John Polkinghorne and Fiona ? Saw Anna and Michael Barnes. To Acton and Louise and Tom went out. Wednesday took Sean to Acton parish church but no sign of playgroup so 70 bus to Acton Park and cafe and then football skills session at the children's centre. 70 bus back and visited the new library and walked to car. He slept. Liz and I went to organ recital by Martin Baker at RFH. Not a great audience. I went to the 6.15 talk with Martin and Simon Holt but the actual commission was disappointing depsite the superb signing by Louis Negri who is head chorister at the cathedral. The Bairstow did not qu...

Woke too late to swim and to mosaic and tai chi. Tony was interested in the De Mello book on meditation.Got the decorations and tree out.  Liz went to see Made in Dagenham with Louise and I worked on 2 small mosaics using fridge magnets. Posted cards - very cold and clear moon. To Beckenham Catenians - trouble parking, big do at St George's. Freddie was there. They were pleased I had written to Catena about Fr Beck. Liz fell asleep on train so late home. 

I w as relieved that Chris Walker's Stay Awake replaced The virgin Mary had a baby boy this morning - the calypso accompaniment is tricky. I played Pachelbel Von himmel hoch. A lovely recital by Robert Munns at St Augustine Grove Park at 6.30 of Advent music including Karg-Elert, Peeters, Buxtehude, Bach, Coleman and Leighton. There was a tombola and eats after service. I drove to Snakes and ladders at Sion House. I was late as I ended up going through Richmond.  A very nice party for Ciarán.

A restless night. Got up and read more of "The elephant whisperer"! Wrote article about the Martin Luther King evening and did Christmas cards. Liz went to school fete at Acton. I went to the Barbican to buy tickets for BBC Singers MacMillan evenings. Had a look at the large display by Walead Beshty. To Central msuci library for Widor score. To National Portrait Gallery to see the Grayson Perry Who are you? which was featured on Channel 4. Caramel latte at M and S. Billericay choir at Mass. Fr Alexander was amused by the Belgian priest and special ministers muddleup!. Interesting series on art nouveau on TV. Westminster Abbey evensong very fine.

Martin Luther King’s Dream: How can we end r acism today ? St Paul’s cathedral 4 th Dec 2014 This event commemorated the speech Martin Luther King gave in the cathedral on 6 th December 1964. The chair was the Dean of St Paul’s and the speakers were Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Dr Heidi Safia Mirza of Goldsmiths College, University of London and the journalist Hugh Muir. Corey Samuel of the Renaissance Foundation introduced the evening by speaking of the influence Martin Luther King has today on young people. Dr Mirza outlined the 3 dimensions for a complete life in Martin Luther King’s 1984 speech. Firstly the length of life and the inner care of self. You should have pride in what you do and say “I am somebody”. She pointed to the fact that black people are 5 times more likely to be in prison in the UK and far less likely to be in boardrooms and university. Secondly, the breadth of life in the sociological aspect involving the care of others. She spoke of attacks on migra...

Woke early and the dropped off so missed my swim. To cathedral for 1.30 to do first welcomer/guide duty with Jennifer. The red robe and badge certainly work but it's cold and tiring standing around. Quite a few spoke to me and asked general questions. Watched the lovely St Vincent de Paul school nativity - alas no traditional carols. Fr Brian is chaplain. Saw Ann Welch, Kate and Salvatore. Finished at 4 and went to Late Rembrandt at National Gallery - very overcrowded and lots of small pictures. Free concert in room 8 inspired by Michelangelo and Barocci in the room. The Consone quartet from RCM played Haydn, Purcell and Schubert on period instruments. Home to watch The Khans and butternut squash for dinner. Watched Sue Perkins on the Mekong - a great series. Michelangelo Entombment (is the lady on the left texting?) Haydn quartet in F minor and Purcell Fantazias played with old bows. Barocci Madonna of the Cat Virgin and child with St Joseph and the infant John the Baptist...

Swam 20 and to art - my last session this year. Christmas letter finalised and emailed. Liz went to chiropodist and school carols in Ealing. I went to hear a fantastic Turkish pianist at John Bell and Croyden pharmacy - pity about the noise and Jesse and Catan 2 talkative ladies who organise Musicians Unlimited and classical music lovers meetups. Salih Can Gevrek played Chopin, Schumann and Scarlatti. To Bond Street only to find the station closed so to Oxford Circus. St Paul's cathedral for 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's sermon. Baroness Lawrence, Heidi Safia Mirza and Hugh Muir chared by the Dean. A large audience and an impressive young man from Renaissance Trust. Some progress has been made on racism and there is hope. Replied to Kevin's comments on Islam as evil.

Swam 20. Snap decision to go to see film Barbara at mosaic had recommended at Clapham Picturehouse My Old Lady - loved it. Maggie Smith, Kevin Kline, Kirstin Scott Thomas all excellent. Home for lunch. Very moving prayers for the Middle East at St Ethelburga's - I said I was uncertain because of the hidden forces like oil companies behind the conflict. William Rhind was there and met a Zoroastrian. To Heythrop for lecture by Charles Taylor - so much better than his book. Long chat to Archbishop Kevin, Siriol, Saira, Rita, Peter, Fr Michael Kirwan, Kim. Lovely to see them all. To Acton. Liz went to hear RAF band at Cadogan hall and enjoyed it. Wednesday had the boys on my own as Liz was serving schools nativiities at the cathedral. Sean was very lively at music and shouted out some things and he was very good at lunch and when we woke up. Ciarán was crying over not being able to skip straight away! To Brixton for Conversations - just 4 of us but enjoyed it. Watched Apprentice and F...

Swam 20 and to mosaic. The tai chi was rather spoilt by Bill's email about the carol service but Fr Paul backed up my response. Redrafted the Christmas letter. Wrote an article on interfaith for Westminster Interfaith. To Catenians and dropped Tablet article into the Crinnegans. Presented a cheque to Barry Mizen and spoke after circle on interfaith dialogue. It went well. I got some strong opposition mostly showing astonishing ignorance but also some very good support!

Played Bairstow and Statham on Veni emmanuel and Walther Wachet auf. Practised carols and suggested singing at the station to give out the church Christmas cards with details of the services. Listened to St John's carols which featured Tippett, James Long and Michael Finnissy. To St John;s for a well-attended carols which included Goldschmidt, Archer, Lloyd and Howells  -lots of sightreading but it went well. Bridget played Bach very well  -her father died this week. Dennis and Ann Marie were there so we went for tea and cakes (which Liz had made). 

Acolyte at Mass with the Cardinal for the start of the Year of the consecrated life followed by Mass for CAFOD with Bishop John Arnold, his last Mass before going to Salford. I told him about Ashley Beck giving Evangelii gaudium out at Monday's circle meeting - he was pleased. Saw Muriel in the hall. Fr Michael very nice at 6 p.m. Mass and Advent has begun. Ben played a subtle improvisation on "this is my body" Nun danket and Wachet auf.

Friday swam 20 and was going to hear Paul Carr play at St Bride's but Liz was cooking a nice lunch of salmon so went straight to Stratford to visit the highest sculpture in Britian by Amish Kapoor on a £7 offer. Really remarkable and lovely sunset views to the City. The Aquatic centre looks great too and the Olympic stadium is being transformed. I walked all the way down and then to Acton. Louise went to girls night out. Liz was at Cadogan Hall for Marines concert which I missed. It was also the night of the 3rd talk on Evangelii gaudium. The boys went to bed OK - Sean stirred twice but was fine. Tom came back from Sydney early Sat morning - he had seen Ann, Paul and Claire.Louise's big project is finished. She made an omelette and took be to Acton Town so I got to Russell Square around 10 for the 850th anniversary of Ibn'Arabi in music and sound event at Brunei gallery SOAS. A warm welcome from Amin Hussain and Talia. There was a varied programme including guitar, singers...

Interesting webinar about Africa and the internet, Joined kabissa.org. Watched Masterchef and programme on cakes. Notes for Christmas letter. Bruce and EJ arrived from funeral in Manchester. 

Swam 18. Worked on the Cezanne. To interfaith lunch. Sarah showed us her MBE. I spoke about the humanist/Muslim meeting. Picked up robes from church.

To the Horniman to hear Yat play the Kirkman harpsichord. Although I normally do not like the sound I enjoyed it especially the Balbatre, JCBach and Le vertigo -  a fascinating piece. He was pleased we came,. Another miserable day.  To Royal Academy - delay on Jubilee line but was able to see the Anselm Kiefer which did not really impress and the fascinating Moroni which I loved. To Conway Hall for a fascinating encounter between humanists and 4 Muslims who were liberal and not really representative of conservative opinion. However the speakers were really impressive especially Sara Khan.    Jeremy was there. To music and Sean joined in more. Yat was there with Merle and Mia. A quiet afternoon and reading Shirley du Boulay. Came home to watch The Apprentice. Bruce and EJ arriving to go to funeral in Manchester.        

Swam 20. To mosaic and tai chi. Met Liz and chose a new ring which is very nice. Bruce and EJ coming next week for a funeral. Wrote an article on the visit to Montreal and sent it to 3 mags. To Beckenham Catenians and dropped Dennis's birthday card in. Ann Marie is back and they visited Louise yesterday. Mollie was scared of Sean! It was a cold night but a good meeting, Brendan Ducey was there and Ashley Beck who presented copies of Rvangelium gaudii to the circle - an excellent idea.

Woke at 4 a.m. which didn't help! A busy wet Sunday.Liz didn't go to the cathedral because of weather and trains.  Did a pulpit presentation for the Catenians at St Mary's West Croydon at 8 a.m. Mass, played the Couperin Mass for the Convents which was very well received, practised carols with 5 in the choir, lunch at St John's vicarage and then to Adrian's, At evensong sang Howells Gloucester service and Vaugham WIlliams O clap your hands. Benediction and Adrian played L'Ange et la trompette by Jacques Charpentier.

Liz took books to Edgware Rd and car to Acton with bulk buys. I painted edge of board above boiler and prepared for tomorrow and interfaith talk and article. To Acton - Ciarán went to a party and Seán woke up and played happily if rather quietly. We missed Vespers and Brian sang beautifully at Mass and preached very well indeed. Saw Andrew Connick afterwards (previous attempt fell through). No wonder he wanted to see us together. He has recruited 7 young catechists and no longer requires our help. The timing is terrible -  we should have been told this 8 weeks ago. I pointed out that we had spent our money and time training and enjoyed what we were doing. It's a disgrace to treat Liz like this after 10 years of doing it! It;s true I have only been fully involved for one year but what about the years before? I am preparing a letter to Canon Christopher. Andrew is only with us for one year! 

We went to the Westminster Lourdes pilgrimage silver jubilee concert at Our Lady of Victories church Kensington where we married 40 years ago. What a change and a lovely hall downstairs! UCLU chorus and orchestra Schubert and MacMillan conducted by Charles Peebles. They are excellent but it didn't move me much! We sang the Schubert Mass no 6 years ago and I particularly remember the Agnus Dei. The acoustic of the church meant that loud passages got blurred - maybe we should have sat at the back? Nice eats at the reception. Nice chats to Margaret Savill and Andrew Martin and a couple from East Dulwich. Bishop John was very welcoming.

Went to art and started the Cezanne Houses in Provence picture which I sketched in Washington. Liz came back from Acton, Catenian council in the evening and Philip came and had a few moans! Watched Life story and Masterchef professionals. Friday had a lie-in and sorted papers. Papered and painted cover above boiler. Did labels for new Catenian leaflets. 

Despite a fire at Victoria we got there in time to be acolytes. The singing was superb - Pizzetti and Holst. Not sure that Cranham was a great choice for the remembrance hymn Think O Lord in mercy, The new anthem worked well, Shirley Williams fluffed her reading. Excellent sermon from Canon Christopher and the Canon from the Abbey was very friendly. Saw Dorio, Paul Joslin, Freddie Mayes and Alistair afterwards. Had lunch downstairs, Patrick Rogers gave us a tour of the marbles - not very interesting. There are 129 varieties! To interfaith group and 13 came including 2 from Brixton. William Rhind spoke well on Gandhi and interfaith. To LSE and the prof from Columbia, USA namedropped and did not quote Pope Francis on pvoerty and never mentioned previous Popes or Catholic social teaching. Liz went to sit and I watched The Apprentice.

We both went swimming and I did 20. To Clapham Picturehouse to see The Imitation Game with Benedict Cumberbatch on fantastic form as Alan Turing who was so unjustly treated. To Lambeth Town Hall for event on Faith and Well being and good talks on mental health. Watched children's hospital chaplains programme, Dusaster my diary is lost!

Swam 20. Long chat to Ann. No mosaic so I skipped tai chi for a change and went to Southwark cathedral to hear Peter Wright playing Messiaen, Bach and Dupre - excellent. To Tate Modern. Sigmar Polke seemd to become more and more desperate to be original and I did not get the references to the Nazis. His films were just poor cine films handheld and wobbly! Richard Tuttle's big installation in the Turbine Hall using textiles sort of worked. My right foot and knee were hurting a bit so had Earl Grey in the Friends room then got train from Blackfriars to Farringdon and collected passports with the Indian visas. To Bromley Catenians. Frank Bond judged the bow-ties and awarded the whisky to Vincent. 

Watched two of his series on Who do you think you are - the Alzheimer's one was very touching as was the Hindu family in children's hospital chaplains programme.

Woken at 7 by Ciaran who was in our bed and Sean had slept OK once I got him down again at 10. Dennis came to look after them. I played Elgar For the fallen and the adagio from the cello concerto and Karg-Elert Nun danket. 3 in choir - Debbie was ill and the sound was good. I got Rachel's email. No carol practice as dashed off to Victoria and arrived at the cathedral for the Gospel. 6 Provinces Catenian Mass was at 12 noon for a change. Bishop John Sherrington gave a a good homily but got the Grand President's name wrong and Canon Christopher called us a society! Liz was mitre and crozier. To Croydon Park hotel for a lovely lunch and Claire joined us. 

Kept waking up as had to be up early. Gave Liz her book and card and got early train to East Croydon - result at Euston far too early for 8.22 train to Coventry whcih only cost me £7.50. Daquise on the train and Kris Pears picked us up. Martin Foster did a workshop on seasons then 4 servers and 3 priests at Mass - Martin Barry's setting was good and the choir sounded good. The church is spacious and the parish priest and MC friendly. Cooked lunch and then we had the AGM and Fr Kevin McGinnell took over from Caroline who will be much missed. Fr Andrew Cameron-Mowat gave the Crichton lecture on Francis a Jesuit Pope and liturgy. He's a bit dour and one would have liked mor eof the joy but it's interesting that Francis mentioned beauty so much. We saw a mockup of the new website and then I served Vespers and Benediction and all went well depsite the thurible sticking before the service! Lift to station and quite a lot of us in the quiet coach. Somebody was in my seat but no m...

Woke early but did not go for swim. Drove to St Matthew's through rain. Andrew Wilson spoke well on mental health issues but the mood seemed lowkey. I was certainly feeling the effect of Josie's passing - all of that generation have now gone and it is our generation who must now take the lead. Our little group fo 3 (only 10 there) talked about 2 suicides and a murder! To Catenian provincial council - I took wrong turning in Sevenoaks but eventually found the bowling club. We saw a CD about the vision for restructuring. 

Swam 20. Took Bruce up to the garage to get his skies. We arrived in good time at St Andrew's and went through the Faure. Lewis Horner kindly came and indicated good stop choices so that helped. All went well and the hymns were just right. Got to Croydon crem early and saw Ian Verran and Edward Rook. I played Thalben-Ball Elegy and Nimrod. Bruce was a pallbearer. It was lovely that Adrian mentioned the honorary grandma for our 3 and that quite cut me up. She was such a kind and loving person always smiling and we will all miss her. Lovely reception at the Surprise not least the chocolate cake. Saw several Addiscombe folk at crem and at the pub. All the family read really well - Josie would have been so proud of them. We left at 4 as Bruce had a flight back to Jersey. 

Swam 20. To the Goughs and Lawrence gave me some oils which belinged to his father - probably poisonous. Practised Faure for the funeral and went through psalm with Liz. To Clapham Picturehouse to see Mr Turner -  a lovely film but not riotous entertainment as The Times critic claimed. Beautiful scenery and some touching moments. To Acton and watched Masterchef professionals. Wednesday Sean enjoyed running about at Tamar's but he did join in with some things. Picked up Liz and watched Come dine with me. To Landsdowne club for debate "The poor are getting poorer". 59% at start supported the motion which dropped to 51% while 16% against became 30% so some people were persuaded by statistics and anecdotes from 2 very out of touch men, I spoke about child poverty and a teacher supported me. Bruce arrived while we were catching up on "The Apprentice". Josie at Louise and Tom's wedding.

I was a little late for the talks at Cheyneygates Westminster Abbey organised by the Council for Christians and Jews so I never found out who the second speaker was. Good to see and Hear Hugo Clarke of the Curzon Institute again - the 3rd time. The discussion was dominated by the rabbis present. I could have said a lot about Remembrance Sundays I have known. 

Swam 16 as we got there late. Mosaic and did quite a bit. Linda is 60 next week and will celebrate in Barcelona so she got champagne abd brought cupcakes. 6 at tai chi. Returned books to Battersea library. 

Played Nimrod, Solemn Melody, Willan on St Anne and the St Anne fugue and the Remembrance Day service was quite long. 3 had a look at the proposed carols. Home for lunch and then drove to St Paul Grove Park for evensong featuring new anthem by Simon Porter commissioned by Simon Surtees. Gary conducted. Last episode of Downton. 

Tom cooked delciious breakfast - lovely sausages. To St John's for 10 a.m. 10 of us on the visit including Woolf van Silver who is working on All Saints Tooting organ restoration plans. Sam Barber is the organ scholar and Jamie welcomed us. Then to St Peter's where there was a fine exhibiton of paintings - the artist is to preach tomorrow! A lovely building with a good organ. Portobello Road very busy. Had lunch at Portobello ristorante - pizzas with chewy crusts. The Camerons were dining there! To St Matthew Bayswater which has a lovely Walker and then St John's Holland Park where Paul Joslin gave us a slide show and I played Willan. He played there and Sir Walter Alcock opened the organ. Got to the cathedral in good time and Fr Alexander enjoyed the Bainton anthem from Cardinal Vaughan school choir. They also sang Mozart and Byrd. Watched the British legion festival of remembrance featuring a new item by Paul Mealor sung by Royal Holloway.

Thursday was a quiet day. I went to art and finished the watercolour pencil autumn picture. Not entirely happy with it. Liz went to see the poppies at the Tower of London which have been a sensation. People wasnt them to stay -  we have bought one. Went up for 4 pm. with Father Andrew Connick but Liz was held up at the Apple store interview about her computer so meeting abandoned and I went to Tate Britain for the late Turner exhibition and the Turner prize which was rubbish - 3 vidoes and screen printing! From there to Brixton for Conversations for the soul which went well with 7 there. Liz went to Acton to babysit. I went on Friday to apply for the Indian visas - 90 minutes wait! I missed Martin Ford's recital at Turnham Green. I went to Acton and stayed overnight. Lou and Tom were both working very late. 

Swam 20. Battled with the Indian visa website - there was a small error on my application so ended up doing it twice and so many stupid questions, After all that appointments cannot be booked! Furious and sent a furious email which got a bland reply. To Mary's to discuss the funeral. Malcolm, Adrian and Ken were all there so that was good and I think it will be a lovely service at Thornton Heath. Bruce is coming over for it and Louise will sing. Strange that Josie never expressed opinions about favorite music and just enjoyed everything. Took Liz to East Croydon to go to Acton. I had supper and then waited in rain for bus from Selhurst to Croydon to go to police meeting. I spoke about how a year ago I was worried about South Norwood station being closed but at least I do see officers around but would people with poor English be able to contact the police. I met the new Borough commander and the Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator. On the whole the crime figues are encouraging as they...

Liz went to her first practice consultancy meeting at the doctor's surgery. There were 28 visitors at circle including John Rayer, Peter Stevens and Brendan Ducey - it went really well. We also had a visiting gentleman Martin Cosgrove. There was a match and getting there was not easy - why do people leave their brains behind when going to a football match by car? 

Alarm woke me up but dropped off so no swim and late to mosaic. Everyone pleased to see me back and have planned out Bruce's request. Only 3 at tai chi. Took ring back - there is a nick and kink in it. Got 2 books on India from Battersea library. Josie's funeral will be on Thursday week at Thornton Heath. Have been thinking about Nelson's comments on art and pretty things. I certainly think most of what I have done so far has been just pretty and more needs to be done. 

Strange that I thought about Josie all through the service for All Saints and the news came through that she died at 3.30 a.m. So glad Liz got to see her and sad that Malcolm didn't make it in time. There were only 16 at the family eucharist but we did sing For all the saints. The organ tuning does not suit Jesus is Lord! I played Flor Peeters and Boellmann. Straight to St Paul's cathedral for Margaret Silf's excellent talk on faith. Bus stop closed so walked to and from London Bridge. To St Andrew's Coulsdon for centenerary concert which was enjoyable and everybody so welcoming. The large choir sang Hallelujah chorus, O thou the central orb, I was glad and Jo Richards' new Jubilate. She (formerly he) is not a good conductor and seems to say what she likes! Stephen Bowey played really well and the organ has been fixed. Nice supper afterwards. Watched Downton. 

To Victoria and Albert for classical drawing course with the fascinating Nelson Ferreira who is from Portugal and told us a lot about art history. My technique improved over the 3 drawings and I learnt a lot. The underground was so full that I got buses so I got to the cathedral at 6. Mass for All Saints with Lees Court choir singing Victoria and Stanford but was it really joyful? Straight to the new circular Clapham library for the launch of Bobbie Darbyshire's new novel Oz. Great to see her, Isabel Losada and Lorinda Freint again. 

Did a lot of work on the family tree and added photos and lots of information and new connections. It seems Mary Ann Botterill was married twice - she certainly was a remarkable woman. Went to Addiscombe for second session with Canon Frank and John Stradling. It was stimulating. How can we make our parishes into joyful evangelising communities? Bishops have a difficult task and sometimes send the wrong priest to a parish in the sense of changing everything! We could use music more to attract and outreach. Lyn is in hospital so no lunch on Tuesday. 

Spent the whole of Thursday with a runny tummy. Did go to art but did not stay long and abandoned any ifea of going to interfaith lunch and ENO to see Girl of the Golden West. Liz went and enjoyed it. As it happens I was OK until bedtime! Watched The Apprentice, the rest of the WWI commemoration day services from Glasgow cathedral and the two programmes on immigrants with Nick and Margaret which were most interesting. I also did the programme for the day in Notting Hill visiting 4 organs on the 8th. Friday all seems OK but have stayed home and not gone to the cathedral for St John Southworth guild first dummy run! Nor did I go to Beckenham to hear Rosemary Field. Spoke to Bruce on Skype. Josie is fading fast which is so sad. Did two Tablet crosswords and have caught up with only one to read!

Sunday was welcomed back to St Michael's very warmly. I played the Willan and voluntaries on Carlisle and Cwn Rhondda. Sue has been playing the piano. A lady joined the choir! I ws asked to speak about my travels so I mentioned St Joseph's. Picked up Dennis and we proceeded to Acton where we had a delicious meal of pate and lamb. Lovely to see the family again after nearly 4 weeks. Monday Louise dropped us near Wood Lane and we got our train without a problem. Ciarán behaved impeccably. We walked to Jorvil which he thought very smelly but it has in fact been much improved although there were too many people in the exhibition area. The ride was good. Lots of people everywhere so a long wait for Carluccios table and the meal but it was OK. We arrived at the Minster at 3 and met Esther. She provided a children's trail and pack. While I handed over the King's Penny and she scanned a lot of my postcards and photos for the children's box. It was great to see the King...

A quiet day and back to the pool to do 20. Liz slept late and I went over to St George's Beckenham to hear Marilyn Harper play Bach, Mango Frist (who is this?) and Rootham which I have heard before (Song of Victory). 40 there. Got calendar at Beckenham bookshop. The clergy supper went very well. Fr David cried off so Fr Joe  was the only Norwood clerical guest and he said Hello. Sr Sheila spoke really well and Hilary Fife enjoyed it. It was good the younger ones came and I made a point of meeting and greeting them all. The real star of the show was Fr Brian who spoke eloquently without notes. Raffle tickets ran out but more were made so that was solved and we got away about 11. A successful evening and the food was very good - delicious salmon and sticky toffee pudding. Saturday got up at noon! Reading Tablets and to Bloomsbury Baptist for Eleni's recital. She played BWV544, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saens and Greek pieces. I was shocked to be charged £4.70 to go on the tube...

Woke early so looked up Dad's book (volume 1). It was 1962 when we went to the accountants congress in New York and played the final voluntary at St Bartholomew Park Avenue which has the largest organ in New York City. He played Thiman's Tuba Tune in E on 33 inches of wind pressure! It must have been a thrill as he often spoke of it. He did attend Mattins at St Thomas 5th Avenue and met Mr Self the organist. Tertius Noble went there from York Minster. He also went to evensong at the cathedral of St John the Divine where Alec Wyton presided so it was entirely right for me to play Wyton at St Thomas. I also played Healey Willan Fugal trilogy which Dad loved to play and Thalben-Ball and Andrew Moore. With Basil McEvilly he visited Boston, Niagara and Washington by greyhound bus and they survived on $5 a day! It was his last visit to see his mother in York. 

Woke late Ocado delivery. To art but Julie not there so started on a watercolour pencil of the fall basing it on photos. A quiet day clearing up and cleaning. Watched 3 Downton Abbey episodes.

Our last day in Washington sunny and to Library of Congress. We tagged on a group going to overview the reading room and some woman said "I'm not sure that they are in the group" to which I retorted "Tough we want to see this and I am fed up of being told what not to do". All this security gets to you after a bit. The deocration is amazing and the Bibles impressive. Very good screen presentations and we saw Jefferson's library and Civil Rights Act and early Americas with amazing maps. Thought of Francis. Great to see Gershwin's piano, metronome and painting of Jerome Kern. Less impressed by the homage to Bob Hope. The Folger Shakespeare library was a disappointment - the first folio and a short video and heraldy and figurines - no theatre or garden so looks like you have to do the once a day tour! Sat in the park for a while and checked out 1.30 subway and 5A bus to Dulles airport which took an hour. We checked in as there was nothing to do in that part...

To the stunning library where we tagged onto a group to oversee the reading room. A woman said "I am not sure they are with this group" to which I retorted "Tough we want to see it and I am fed up of being told what to do". The endless security gets to you after a bit! Also I want to go home! Elisa would not agree to us leaving our bags in the apartment. We visited the Folger Shakespeare library and saw the First Folio but disappointed not to see more. The heraldry and figurines did not compensate and the short video told me nothing new. I must say the screens in the Library were brilliant and we saw displays on the Bibles, Civil Rights Act and early Americas and amazing maps.Got the subway and 5A bus to Dulles. No choice but to check in as nothing in first part of airport but now online and had hamburger and fries from 5 guys - very good! Arrived at airport 3 p.m. flight due 10 p.m. We are premium economy and may be upgraded as 12 overbooked.

After breakfast there was time to visit the Leo house chapel briefly before getting a taxi to Penn station. The train was very late and we left New York 45 minutes late. Jurowski got an excellent review in the New York Times. Researched Washington on the train which went through lovely countryside and down the coast. On arrival we had a pizza and got a taxi to the apartment which is well situated and on the fourth floor so lots of stairs. We got the subway to Rhode Island Ave where we boarded a shuttle bus to reach the stop for the National Basilica of the Immaculate conception. A huge and magnificent building. The singing at Mass was led by a woman cantor and a very loud organ.Boellmann Suite gothique at the end was rather hurried and on the choir organ which was a shame. Lovely bookshop downstairs where we bought books for confirmandi and servers. Had a wrap at Potbelly which caters for the Catholic university students and walked to see the floodlit Capitol. We are near to Capitol ...

A lovely sunny day with clear sky. We set off early to get the full island cruise 2 and a half hours. Great to see the Statue of Liberty and all the fine bridges from the water. Got a bus across midtown to the United Nations to photograph the flags. Had sald at Europa bar in 5th avenue (long wait for loo) and then to St Thomas church to play the fine Aeolian Skinner organ. Everybody was very friendly including Ben Sheen who had not been told by John Scott. Played Wyton, Willan, Moore, Bedard and Thalben-Ball including prelude on St Thomas. The general sequencer made it easy. To MOMA which has very fien impressionists and Picassos and lots of modern works. Cake and drinks were expensive but very good. Good exhibition of Toulouse-Lautrec not so impressed by Robert Gober. Walked to Bloomingdales and then had a fine dinner at East of Eight near Leo House. Swordfish and sundae, 

To Carnegie Hall for London Philharmonic orchestra conducted by Jurowski who seems to be using smaller gestures! Rachmaninov beautifully played - the Rhapsody and an unknown encore. Shostakovich 8 - the sound was tremendous especially the brass and percussion - like a knife going through you. We moved to the end of the row - we were in the balcony so we could get away quickly. Cor anglais solo excellent and the violas - wow! Every sound is clear and precise. To Top of the Rock at Rockefeller centre and what a stunning view! Back by 12.30

Rain but we walked across Central Park to the Met which is huge but we enjoyed the European paintings and the Impressionists and the musical instruments. Met 2 nice ladies in the cafe. Liz went to the Apple store and I visited the Whitney museum. Jeff Koons retrospective really kitsch and some pornography. Liked the Hopper paintings. It is a fine building. Ate at Dallas BBQ chicken - far too much and the iced drink gave me a headache!

After breakfast straight to Empire State building. There is an interesting exhibition on the 80th floor and we had audio guides. From the 86th the views are stunning - it was  bit overcast but sun did come through. We had coffee at Europa bar where you choose your salad according to calories and they shred it! To American Museum of Natural history which has the most amazing dinosaur collection and early mammals and lovely birds and African animals in displays. Also looked at African peoples section - there was much more to see but we went over to Central park and had our salad and then walked to Columbus circle where we visited the museum of arts and design which had some lovely things. Back to Leo House to change and a quick bite at local bakery and to the Met. Raining but Lincoln centre looked wonderful. Macbeth was amazing with fabulous singing from Netrebko, Pape and Calleja. The chorus and orchestra were superb and the sound is very good. We sat in the balcony. Surprised that...

We got a taxi to Boston South station in good time. The Amtrak service got pretty full and took 4 hours along the coast with some fine views. I finished reading the book about Charterhouse monks. We got a taxi to Leo House. The debit card played up but messages came through from Barclays and the matter was resolved. The room is basic but clean – the bath is old but we are at the back and it is quiet so far. We unpacked and went to Port terminal to get our New York pass. This had hop on hop off tours for 4 days so we did the downtown one and got off at the Rockefeller centre where we had soup and wraps. The ice skating has started! We then got on the 8 p.m. night tour which took us over Manhattan bridge to Brooklyn. It was raining and windy! Tuesday Good breakfast at Leo House for $9. Bus tour uptown including Haarlem and then joined a second tour to Yankee stadium Bronx. Visited Riverside church which is huge and impressive. Considered buying a DVD of David Briggs playing th...

To St Cecilia's for Mass -  a huge full church. The welcomer gave us leaflets with music sheets but no attempt to find us a seat! The small choir were impressive but a bit counterproductive in that people did not sing much. The priest was very dramatic and seemed happy to change texts at will. Glasses for Precious Blood! We got directions to the organ gallery and saw the magnificent Casavant console. The closing voluntary was Bach Fantasia in G minor, The seafood and chocolat ebrownie and locald raft ale. setting was by Haas and anthem by Rutter. We went to coffee and doughnut downstairs but nobody mad enay attempt to speak to us apart from 2 small children and a visiting family! So much for preaching about welcome! We went on the trolley tour of the city and eventually got off at the Tea party ship where we reenacted the Boston tea party (or part of it!) It was well done. The day ended with a river cruise which was enjoyable as the weather was perfect. Ended the day with a lovely...

10.10 A glorious  day. Queued up to go through US immigration and then tender to shore. Joined the Acadia national park tour with a very good guide and the views from Mount Cadillac were superb. We also visited the wild flowers garden and nature centre and the Thunderhole. It was a lovely drive. Spoke to Ciarán and Seán on Skype in a café. Back to the ship for afternoon tea and started packing cases. Hot tub and swam in pool. To Mass and Tom was there and chat to Louise from Louisiana. Nice dinner in dining room with Americans and Australians. Adagio and piano bar and then show Dancing with the stars won by lady originally from South Korea. 11.10 Docked in Boston and eventually said a fond farewell to stateroom 391. We are booked on an Adriatic cruise next April with a veranda stateroom on the port side. Luggage taken ashore and got a to 46 Williams Street – a lovely room with bathroom. Joyce gave us more breakfast and we met Snowy. Set off to get a transport weekly pass and a...

8.10 Wed. Our steward for breakfast in our stateroom was one of the singers last night. Sydney is a small place on Cape Breton Island so we opted for the drive to Baddeck and the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell museum. We had plenty of time to see all the videos and have a good look round. He had interests in the deaf, aviation, hydrofoils in addition to the telephone. Weather overcast.  Liz did the walk round the deck 12aps for cancer with me filming her on the phone. Not many doing it this time. Mass at 5. Adagio for a while and dinner at the Lido. The show was Andrew Derbyshire from Manchester. He is well trained and better when singing softly. Enjoyed piano man Tom and cocktails in the piano bar. Ship rolling a bit.  9.10 Halifax Nova Scotia. Robert was our tour guide, a retired history teacher and we had a glorious day. Mahone Bay a charming spot and the scarecrow festival was in full flood so that was fun. Lovely foliage and views. Lunenburg really is a lovely tow...

A day at sea. Clocks went forward an hour so did not wake until 8 a.m. so missed 7 a.m. morning stretch and Mass. Crepes and croissants for breakfast at the Lido. Watched the samba dance class – got there late as bought a windcheater on the sale. Digital workshop on email and security. Excellent lunch Mariners society with champagne chowder soup and sole. Met a couple from New Brunswick. Very sunny so sat on promenade deck outside our stateroom and finished Piers Dudgeon’s biography of Sir John Tavener – a very odd book which needed editing.  Walked twice round deck which is half a mile – Liz did a mile again. We ate in the Lido and enjoyed Mark Donoghue’s showtime on violin, guitar, mouth organ and piano. He is British married to a Canadian. Adagio played Mendelssohn violin concerto and other delights. 7/10 Charlottetown Prince  Edward Island A glorious sunny day. Coach tour through the city and on country roads to Green Gables the house on which Anne of Green Gables was...