The organist librarian

A quiet morning at home - played piano for a bit. Got to Bloomsbury Baptist for 1 only to find Philip Norman doing an illustrated talk on British organ building of the last 1000 years - didn't learn much. The organ students were down to play later. I got to London interfaith centre at Queens Park in good time and met a Catholic, Alan Rainer and Fr David Standley. Dr King spoke on ecology and faith and was excellent. Could have led to a really good discussion but I grabbed a tea and got to vespers. Liz went to Charlie Merritt's retirement mass at Northfields. Eugene was thurifer and he and the boys were a bit dopey. Visiting priest went up to the altar at the offertory so I had to politely ask him stand to one side so the censing could happen! Arthur Wills piece at the end from Ben. Simon Augustus cried off our pub drink so home to learn Seán had gone to hospital with Louise and Dennis so she missed her girls night out. Ciaran went to Ann Marie's and they are all now in bed...

Swam 20 and Liz came. She went to West Norwood to collect her repaired jacket. Later she went to Claire's to get trousers repaired. I started on the India picture. To interfaith lunch and there was discussion about Charlie Hebdo. Ivor and Ken saw the photos in video form. Gisela sent a CD and some more came from Peter.To Bromley Court hotel for joint Bromley/Beckenham Catenian meeting which was not that well attended. It was a great pleasure to meet the Grand President Bob Butler and his wife and they have known Eric Tope for years. They had visited Cardinal Vincent this afternoon and found hm very supportive. I had delicious pork and pavlova and we sat with the Smiths from South London and the president of Sevenoaks who was hard work - an accountant. Many congratulations and thanks and offers of support from Province. Hone by 10.15 and Liz won lavender shelfliners in the raffle - elderly? The snow held off. Friday a day at home swam 20 and listed Peter Myers' scores and put ...

Got up in the night to take Ibuprofen as left ankle hurting and bottom teeth twinges. Swam 20 and we both went  -the woman with the hand paddles annoyed Liz - she is very inconsiderate to other swimmers. BBC coverage from Auschwitz. Drove to Swanley for Catenian provincial council. Luis has vacated all positions so  Fergus of Maidstone stepped up to become Provincial President in April and I offered to be Vice-President as there will not be a provincial weekend this year. It was agreed to say a prayer for the Pope although the original email is probably a scam. It was all quite light-hearted. Drove to Selhurst and in an hour I was at Acton 11.15. Wednesday to Tamar's and Seán was much more interested and liked the train song and animals song. He recognised the maraca. He can be quite naughty and did not sleep all day. Ciaran seemed a bit off colour and came home from Isobel's. Watched Wolf Hall, Up the women and Starkey on Magna carta. 

Swam 20 and we both went. Started elephant mosaic as we could not decide on the corners of the border! Qi gung and meditation. To West London synangogue for a moving service including Peter Tatchell and lovely singing. Great to see Michael Redman, Jon dal Din and the nuns. Sat with Stefan Byron. Briefly met Mrs Gryn. The concert by the London International orchestra was good with lovely singing. Most moving was the Schindler's list theme and Nimrod at the end. Lady next to me impressed by my sketching. First woman bishop consecrated in York Minster. 

:Liz is thurifer and I am mitre. Oddly I did not feel as though I had been to Mass. I hardly heard the readings or homily. Don't know why because Paul shows exactly what to do! Arrived at church to be met by Paul and Hayley. He announced he is leaving. Apparently some people have complained to the patrons whoever they are and he is going. He is fed up with John and we agreed he is impossible. It is confidential at the moment. Carrie confirmed it after service. It's a blow and I might need to consider my position as an interregnum will not funny and the church might close if the money runs out. It is of course very convenient. The flies in the ointment are the tuning of the organ and the treasurer! I gave Paul 2 magazines which he was pleased about "Music and liturgy" and PMM newsletter. I wonder if he will go to Rome? I played Willan on Bishopthorpe and Song 34 and Hurford on Song 34. For a change I played the Intermezzo from Cavaliera rusticana which Andrew like...

To St George's cathedral for Peter Gould's excellent recital. Tate Modern for Conflict, Time, Photography - lots there. Nice walk over Blackfriars to Somerset House for Bryan Adams photos Wounded; the legacy of War. This is the exhibition Liz went to see. Bus to Marks for tea. The Cardinal celebrated confirmations. I started out as book but when Richard arrived i became mitre. I insisted he walk behind us but on the way out he got in front again! Sanctimonious creep. He never said Hello! I even congratulated Fr Andrew on his sermon at St Paul's! Watched programme on Holbein and Christmas lecture. 

Swam 18 as I was late because of frost on the car. Wrote an articel about recent events called Bewildered? Guiding at the cathedral with Maureen who told me some interesting things. Lady on about wooden statue of Mary turned out to be a Padre Pio and anti-abortion fan and loves Our Lady of Guadelupe. Had a few questions. To St Paul's for vespers sung by Westminster cathedral choir. Guess what the servers with Paul M, Paul T, Jess, Rebecca, Jack and a blonde stranger. Saw Martin Ball and Anne Welch. Buxtehude Magnificat and Victoria O quam gloriousum. Home for dinner and beer. Watched War horse prom and Still open all hours. Luis has resigned as Provincial President elect and all offices in his 2 circles so I have offered to be PP at some stage. 

Frost only swam 18 as I was a bit delayed. Liz went to King's and all OK for another year. Watched Audrey Hepburn and start of War Horse prom. The Military wives choir were excellent! To Grants Vue to see "Paddington" which we loved. Buses up the creek because of burst water main and nobody to take our money! I abandoned attempt to get home and took tram and bus to Kevin Ingram's for Catenian council meeting. Philip was very grumpy again! Kevin is to be VP and I will take over as secretary so that Brendan can be President. Buses home. 

Tuesday we both swam and I did 20 - it was cold again.Liz went to Brick Lane and Somerset House and then to Acton. I went to Church House for the Boroughs interfaith forum. There were reflections on recent events and I said I was bewildered but wanted the police to do something about hate crime. The MP from the Dept of Communities a Liberal agreed. We heard about Near Neighbours and food banks. I left early to go to the cathedral for evensong sung by St Paul's cathedral. Stanford in G (did not like either soloist and the men were far too loud at the start of the Magnificat, Brahms Geistliche lied. Exc sermon by Canon Oakley. Nice to see Michael Durand (with a stick) and Anne Welch. To Alexandra Palace for fine recital by Gerard Brooks. Saw Jack Beeson and the Shepherds. Coleridge-Taylor, Lloyd Webber, Guilmant and Widor (with a sense of humour!) My tea came out of the cup! Reached Acton at 10.15. Wed Sean ran about and his behind the curtains at music but he did join in some of i...

Frost, swam 20. Started a new mosaic on a border pattern round a mir, 3 new people in the class. Tai chi. Took batteries to Battersea library and has a look at the Church Times. OLEM has lost Kerry who is going to Norwich RC cathedral and diocese. Christchurch cathedral looking for a dean. To Clapham Picturehouse with Liz to see a fantastic film about Stephen and Jane Hawking. Having seen Turner and The Imitation Game I would have no hesitation in giving the Oscars to Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones! It was very moving. Liz caught her ankle in the tube train doors at Clapham Common but was OK.

It turned out the C of E had a different gospel so the plan to play "Behold the lamb of God" from Messiah was shelved. Instead I played Archer on Evelyns, Thalben-Ball on St James and Walther on Jesu meine freude and to mark the start of the week of prayer for Christian unity (which wasn't mentioned) Thiman on Harwood's Thornbury. The church was perishing cold and only 14 present! After lunch I went to the annual forum of Churches together in Upper Norwood at the Salvation Army. The only song I knew was Onward Christian soldiers. It was hard to hear the comments from the floor. Met Ben Goodyear from Brixton and invited him to interfaith lunch. Watched Christmas University challenge, Still open all hours and Call the midwife.  Good evensong from Bath Abbey and broadcast from Glasgow.

A fun day with the boys - track and games. Lou and Tom stayed later so that they slept on the way home. I went to Vespers and Mass. Liz would not go as we thought it was to be the start of the confirmation programme but no sign or mention of them. Fr Andrew had to get me to get his homily from his chair! Appeal for the Passage and Trinity Oxford sang Hassler, Durufle and Byrd a little hesitantly but it was good. Reception so met Ben Morrell and chatted to Ben Bloor about the Whitlock Paean. Canon Christopher let me out! On the way to the car at Selhurst I remembered I was supposed to have gone to the Sunni event at Tooting leisure centre - I was far too tired! Saw the end of the Winter's Tale.

Both to pool but Liz did not have costume so she walked home. I did 20. S pecial occasion of unity following the Paris attacks. London Central Mosque (Regent’s Park), 146 Park Road, NW8 7RG ( St John’s Wood tube) Friday 16 January 11am – 12 pm with refreshments Dr Shuja Shafi , Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, will be speaking, along with religious leaders from different traditions.  Lots of press and photographers.  This is an opportunity to come together with Muslim friends and especially Jewish colleagues, to rise above the dynamics of division and to affirm our determination to work together for a peaceful Europe .  Similar events are taking place tomorrow in Birmingham and Manchester . There was a reasonable turnout considering the short notice and there were messages from the Anglican bishops but nothing from ours (perhaps they were not asked). I got the bus with Bessie and enjoyed walking round Waterstones which use...

Both went swimming and I did 21. To Sainsburys and Liz went to Croydon. To art and they liked the Indian sweets and I started on the London skyline sunset picture. Watched a webinar with Peter Hain MP and he said a lot of sensible things about the future of our democracy. To Brixton for conversations and 6 came - it went well and dates booked up to May. Shereen will approach local mosques. Watched ballet from Royal Opera House. 

The discussion of youth,alienation and radicalisation at the Attlee suite Portcullis House was interesting. Huge crowds at Victoria because of the bus strike and security took a while. Fiyaz Mughal of Faith matters and Matthew Feldman both spoke well and Francis Sealey allowed me 2 points about hate crime and poor police reaction and positive news needed from mosques, To Acton and slept well. Seán is now chatting a great deal and he enjoyed music calling out maraca and saying goodbye. Listened to Christ Church Oxford evensong which was spoilt by boys trying too hard. H.C.Stewart canticles and Francis Pott voluntary. Saw Come dine with me.

We both went swimming at 7 a.m. as I had set the bedroom clock an hour fast! The May 9th Oxford visit is coming together well. Finished A song for Issy Bradley by Carys Bray - excellent.

20 lengths so back to normal. At mosaic completed Bruce's mosaic and did infill on picture frame so both now need grouting. My diamond stone was found in the cupboard. New lady at tai chi and we all went to Jack's where I had delicious panini, side salad (smothered in pepper) and cappuccino for under £10. Chatted to Tony's wife. I missed the commissioning at 2 p.m. of Guild of St John Southworth - not many there. Francis was briefly at Jean's funeral! Watched Antiques roadshow from Walthamstow and University challenge.

Baptism of the Lord so played Christ the Lord to Jordan came by Bach, also The Old year now away is gone by Bach and Buxtehude Variations on How brightly shines as I was away for Epiphany itself. Went to see Fascinating Aida at QEH. Some of the singing was very good but nearly every time they sang together the words got lost. At interval I got a hearing loop which helped a lot. 

I did not go to Hurtado centre but took the decorations off the tree and packed it all away. The small tree and crib stay up until Candelmass. Caught up on TV - carols from King's and a survey of the 50 years of the TV programme also the 1954 broadcast with plummy posh accents. Midnight from Arundel and the cathedral on radio and the Queen's garden with Alan Titchmarsh. To vespers and Mass for Baptism of the Lord. Programme on Hampton Court and the christening of Edward VI.

Programme on the Queen's garden by Alan Titchmarsh.

Up early and got blog up to date and made videos of the photos we can upload. A lot of Chennai ones were deleted alas. Started taking tree decorations off and watching carols from King's and the 1954 service! 

Liz went to Anthony Albery's funeral in Sussex. Chris Chapman led a session on spiritual warfare at St Matthew's. He is excellent and was formerly a Catholic priest. Had a good chat to Anne Marie and Larissa led prayers based on Peter's denial. An excellent day the best so far - only 9 there. Watched carols from Kings' and Arundel cathedral midnight Mass -  the celebrant was not joyful. Deacon snag gospel well and the choir and Daniel Mount did well. 

At 6 p.m. Heather, Fred and Gail came for supper and Liz had previously prepared the food and frozen it. Fred talks a lot and Heather says little but it was nice to see them and we got an early night as we were exhausted. I unpacked. 

Headed off to get to St Mary's Islington for 10.15 rehearsal. The friends of Jean Taylor sang Purcell and Rachmaninov Bogoroditse conducted by Richard Thomas. We then went to Paul's cafe while the Philharmonia Chorus rehearsed with Stefan. They sang Brahms Wie lieblich and Auferstehn the first section. The organist was good and played Bach and Brahms on the out of tune Mander. The vicar very Low church. John Chumrow did the tribute but was very hesitant and he's old. It was lovely to see many faces from the past. We had 2 pros singing Come unto him and I think the soprano was the voice which stuck out in the Brahms - it simply wasn't the chorus sound we knew and loved. Nice to see Gill again. Stefan did greet us but I think it was wrong not to allow all to sing. How many of these young pros knew Jean? We all went to the Slug and lettuce for reception and our photos of Jean from 1973 and 1974 Fidelio were much appreciated by the family and chorus. Chris Hollis did a goo...

I led morning prayer in the conference room with Liz alternating psalms using the Ipad. We had a discussion with Fr Charles about transgender and the link to human trafficking. CSI's work -mostly men to women who are rejected by parents and society and become prostitutes. To HRCF ladies fellowship at Holy Redeemer and they asked us to sing for us and chose the song -Long time ago! Bought some Christmas decorations and we had a nice lunch. Prem took us by car to buy good sweets -  6 boxes. To Nazararth and bus got a puncture so we never got to the boys hostel and the church to be built. Singing, dancing, speeches, coconut milk (don't like it much). This is a new church with lots of electronic equipment and very friendly people. Back for last supper at 8.45. We were up at 5 and the car was there at 5.30 and at airport far too early 6.30. Liz again had issues with security who were just messing about! 9.40 flight to Dubai sitting in a two. Slept a bit. Changed to 7 hour flight to...

Monday 5th the place was invaded by lots of trainee teachers from Bishop Leslie Newbiggin training college on a seminar and after morning prayer in the first floor foyer we joined their session. It seems Ivor was at the founding of Church of South India and the consecration in 1947 of Bishop Leslie in St George's cathedral, Madras! The chapel at LTE is in memory of his parents. A psychiatrist spoke well and Prof Cornelius welcomed us and took us to a school for special needs kids who danced for us. Yesterday we got money from the ATM to pay Alan - this avoided bringing £480 in sterling which others did. I can't understand why we can't do a direct transfer to Prem's account? I finished reading An African love story by Daphne Sheldrick. Tunde was holding forth on lack of black promotion in the C of E -  he is canon prebendary of St Paul's.

Alan arrived.Tuk tuk with Fr Renato to 7am Mass at our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Overhead projector on screen for the Mass texts but not the hymns which came out of a book containing Christmas Polka and secular songs. Gloria and Alleluia replaced by choruses. Priest spoke well but it all seeemed rather formal. We met the parish priest. We went to Holy Redeemer Prem's church where the service was just ending in English so we saw the 3 kings from the Sunday school. I sketched them during the Tamil service and we were given a tour of the medical camp, girls fellowship, youth fellowship and met the delightful Tamil choir. Then to outreach project at Navalore where there was a tent next to the little church. Singing, dancing, gifts (nice bowls), speeches. I liked Ivor's JOY Jesus, others, you but I think he should get a translator. He tends to just do his own thing and start singing. We had sandwiches in the bus and returned for the Epiphany carol service which was really ...

Jan 3 6 a,m. 6 of us went to Pondicherry thanks to Fr Renato who wanted to see the Swiss Father at the boys home. 3 hour drive. Enoch's wife an English teacher took us round and we saw the French architecture of Sacred Heart church and Notre Dame de Anges, Sri Auribondo Ashram and the nearby Hindu temple where we got a blessing and elephant grass. Excellent lunch at the boys home cooked by her mother. We went on a boat ride to Paradise beach and back on a small motorboat. Stopped at Auroville the ashram founded by Sri Auribondo (who has a cloud over him because of money). The main part was closed but we were able to have a look round. Got back at 10.30. This was the best day and was not on the programme.

8 a.m. prayer led by Cecil.Woke up feeling very down and wanting to go home but cheered up later.  Drove South, Wonderful temples carved from granite with amazing carvings. The guide was good and Deborah Premraj came with us. Loved the elephants and Krishna's butterball and the sea temple. Best of all the 5 rathas. Lovely fish lunch at the Sea Breezes hotel by the beach. Tempting swimming pool! To Emmanuel church with Deborah is pastor and presented with garlands. Good singing and dancing and excellent food.

Jan 1 we got to St George's cathedral around 10 for the 11.30 watchnight service. There was a warmup by the young people of choruses with the congregation sitting mute. The large choir and organ led Merbecke version and traditional hymns with doorknockers and set high! Strange interludes between verses - all rather Victorian with tremolo at times. They sang an Elvey anthem! The sermon by the bishop was dreadful. We did not go to the 7 a.m. service and as a result were abandoned for the day and missed shopping. Spent the day sketching and reading. At 6 p.m. we went for a picnic on the beach which was busy. Some went for a paddle and Ken for a swim. Ivor tried to get on a horse. Peter and Ken rode. Met Prem's brother again.

Dec 31 in minibus to Mount St Thomas which gives a good view over the sprawling city which is polluted, dusty, hot and the traffic is awful. The Blessed Sacrament chapel was quite nice but the relics were a bit offputting. Our Lady of expectation heavily pregnant. Sadly the theosophical society garden which I was keen to see was closed so Ivor directed the driver to Our Lady's which his mother liked but ut wasn't anything special with a video showing and a nice carving in the Blessed Sacrament chapel and confessions going on. We missed seeing Georgetown and Vivekananda's house and the Government museum. In fact we saw very little! Chinese meal and turns out Cecil lives at Bromley college.

Dec 30 6.45 mass celebrated by the youth chaplain in Malayam- he has a most impressive voice and presence. Rain! Xavier came to the airport with us and asked us to get some tea for Lord Alton. Had to go back to security. Unfortunatley no shops in domestic to get the tea once through the barrier. We have not seen a lot of Xavier but had a restul time. Our 5.25 flight with Jetconnect was just over an hour but they managed to feed us. I read and slept! We were met at the big Chennai airport by a minicab and driven to the Laity training establishment in Kilpaul. Ken welcomed us as Alan was unwell and will come later. Our room has aircon and a fan - the aircon only came on later in the week after the linen was changed! All valuables have to be taken with us. The food is in a room down the corridor for which Hatta insisted she must have the key! We went straight to the Muslim wedding in the hall where we met the happy couple and ate off banana leaves with our fingers. We have missed Prem...

Dec 29 Thomas Becket and up for 6.45 a.m. Mass celebrated in Malayam by Xavier. Lovely view over the river of the sun rising. We went by car to Vazhachal Athirrapilly waterfalls and had a paddle in the river with lots of nuns. Thumboomurhy garden by the river was pleasant and we had an excellent lunch with beer and icecream at a restaurant on the way back. Xavier was at yet another ordination so I finished the excellent Elizabeth Buchan book and read the meditations by the founder of the ashram Fr Sebastian Painadath SJ. "The power of silence". He was a botanist and loved trees which I enjoyed sketching and the outdoor crib. The chickens and turkey give the place a rural feel and the vegetarian food is delciious and mostly homegrown. The bed is not comfortable and eventually a devised a mre comfortable position with some spare cushions. The truth is I did not sleep well on the isngle beds for the whole trip.

Sunday Dec 28 and Xavier was clearly delighted to see us. He celebrated Mass for us in the little oratory next to our rooms. He sits on the floor with the shawl round him guru style. I did a meditation on the family. We saw the impressive library upstairs and I borrowed Fr Sebastian's book which I later bought. He founded the ashram and his colleague is 92 and very serene. I road pillion on the motorbike holding onto Xavier to get money form the Kalady ATM! Quite an experience! Only the second time I've fdne that. At 3 we went by tuktuk taxi to seee 6 elephants at the sancturary. Sad to see them chained but we did see 2 returning from their bath in the river and they seemed welled cared for. We saw a temple with a huge cow statue and climbed up inside the Kalady stoopa with 8 sides for Adi Shankara who was born there. I preferred the temple where his mother is remembered. It is by the river and very calm. 

Arrived at Kochi at 8.05 and the usual long queue and filling in of forms. Henok met us with a small tuk tuk taxi. Sameeksha retreat centre is about 20 minutes from the airport. Xavier was at an ordination so we settled into our simple rooms. I walked the labyrinth and we saw the chapel with the holy books and details of other faiths. It is used for Mass with a low table. 

Boxing Day we drove to Heathrow via the cathedral to get Liz's purse and handed over the car to be parked. Our flight to Dubai was at 1.35 and the Emirates seats were much bigger and more comfortable and a very good choice of entertainment. "The 100 foot journey" with Helen Mirren an excellent film, Bolshoi ballet and film "Grace of Monaco". The change at Dubai went smoothly and the airport is impressive. Watched Art of Australia and Taste of Italy and listened to Britten songs sung by Ian Bostridge and slept a little as we were in a 2 seat at the back.