The organist librarian

No bells Patronal Feast St John. Played Bach prelude for New Year, Gordon Phillips The holly and the ivy, Le Beque Noel Pier nobis and John Cook Paean on Divinum mysterium for which I got some applause! I walked to Norwood Junction as there was a match and got buses back as train was cancelled.  To East Dulwich playhouse to see the Berlin Philharmonic New Year concert live which will be Sir Simon Rattle's last. An enjoyable programme with Joyce Didonato singing Strauss and Bernstein superbly although subtitles would have been helpful. Dvorak, Stravinsky, Shostakovich, Bernstein and Brahms. Great to see Sue Carroll there - we missed this last year as we were flying to Singapore. Enjoyed 2 hours of Victoria.

Quiet day at home. Collected turkey from Penge butchers. Choir and organ featured Bach. After Mass with Fr Andrew for Feast of the Holy Family (Johnnie too loud, cantor far too heavy a voice for Away in a manger, Filipino reader getting words wrong) to Myatts Fields Longfield hall for Abi's 18th. Very loud music so sat in kitchen - nice cake. Home at 11.15 quite tired. 

Mass. What a pleasure to meet my amazing teacher Nelson Ferreira in the Grand cafe and visit the Royal Academy life drawing exhibition. I popped into the Dali/Duchamp which I knew I would dislike to see the Crucifixion. It was very crowded. To St James Piccadilly to see Suspended in aid of Safe Passage. Evidence of homeless sleeping on our streets. At least they can sleep in that church. Booked up Bristol course.  Watched Christmas Bakeoff and Victoria Wood. 

Up at 8 am 20 minute drive to Caterham.Anne-Marie Garton celebrated and preached on gifts. I took my organ card. Played Gant Paean, Sumsion Cradle song and Noel Suisse. Packed car and drove to Acton. Prosecco! Boys busy doing amazing lego. Spoke to Dennis in Dublin.Tom excelled himself turkey, ham, pigs in blankets, all delicious. Presents and I now own a Kindle! Sleep and pudding. The Queen as wonderful as ever and featuring a young choir. Slept soundly through Strictly come dancing Christmas special! Lots of TV catching up to do. Sadly missed call from Bruce Woodhouse  Delicious late breakfast. Liz to Brook Green for servers Mass. Walk to Acton Park. Spoke to Bruce, Dennis, Henry and Ann-Marie on phone.Call the midwife excellent.Traditional carol singing and the boys joined in a bit. The highway rat and French and Saunders hilarious.TV carols from King's very good. The weather put paid to plans for the zoo and Tate modern or Waterman's. French and Saunders hi...

Up at 6.30 a.m. 2 buses to Caterham as train replaced by bus at that time but now running. Played Gordon Slater on "St Botolph" as we sang my favourite Marian hymn "For Mary mother of our Lord". Beautiful tune. I am afraid " Shall we not love thee mother dear" feels very Victorian. We sang "People look East" which seems very appropriate as people were very busy after service preparing for Christingle and Midnight. I think I have 4 sopranos tonight so descants are on. Lloyd Webber on Helmsley a great piece and also played Noel pour L'Amour de Marie. Compliments about carol service but more importantly ecumenical first.  Washing put away, presents wrapped, dishwasher loaded. Delicious ham lunch with squeak and Aldi Chrstmas pudding. Can now settle down to listen to King's - let Christmas begin!  Served at 6 p.m. mass at the cathedral which was packed. Blessing of the crib. Ex-choristers sang lovely Reger and Stille nacht. Missa de angelis...

Watching the incomparable Judi Dench and her passion for trees. W S Sad to read that Misha the Aardvark was a victim of the zoo fire. When grandson and I spent an overnighter at BUG house all the children were fascinated by her as she roamed in the dark. Liz.  a At Vespers tonight we said the O Emmanuel antiphon which is a bit sad!  30 minute delay at Victoria. 7.23 train at platform 9 never announced!  Figaro from the Met on radio 3.  The latest is that we are joining Louise and Tom on Christmas Day and everbody is coming here on New Year's Day. We had delicious gammon cooked with ginger and ginger beer today. Enjoying a Spanish white at the moment.Delicious avocado and shrimps.  d 3 30 minute delay at Victoria. 7.23 train at platform 9 never announced! 30 minute delay at Victoria. 7.23 train at platform 9 never announced! 30 minute delay at Victoria. 7.23 train at platform 9 never announced!0 minute delay at Victoria. 7.23 train at platform 9 never announc...

To garage to get oil but man helped me get oil cap and off rechecked dipstick and he said oil not needed. Swam and Mass. Dec 22 mayhem in Sainsbury's car park drivers parking by bumper. Woe no chestnuts. A trolley food for 5 and there's 2 of us until New Year. Retreated to cafe. So much ginger? The second series of The Crown is excellent and quite revealing especially about Jacqueline Kennedy and the Duke of Windsor. Councillors suggest a petition to get  parking restrictions for residents. David agreed but asked about cost. Played Haydn and My fair Lady. Delicious sea bass with baby corn and beans accompanied by a Cape red followed by a Spanish white, Pears with cinnamon and cream. What's not to like?  Programme on Mexico art and wildlife and carving. 

No swim but Mass.  Went to South London interfaith group lunch and spoke about Safe Passage, Christians and interfaith in Jerusalem and Grenfell Tower memorial service Watched The Crown = shocked by Duke of Windsor revelations. Spoke to Ann. Masterchef professional final. 

Swam, Mass. Pub lunch with Anerley Wed coffee after Mass group. Food OK service slow. Hooked on The Crown series 2. Liz came back from Acton.  To St John's for carol service In the bleak, Geoff's carol and Sir Christemas and Adam lay ybounden. 

Swam and Stuart at Mass. This must be one of my favourite gospels. Zechariah's incredulity mirrors Thomas. At the funeral of Jim Fitzpatrick MC at East Grinstead his silver medal of the Guild of St Stephen was placed on the coffin, the second reading was the martyrdom of Stephen and the prayer of the Guild was read at the end. He came to Catenian Six provinces Mass at Westminster cathedral and attended the annual servers Mass at Arundel cathedral. The parish priest described him as big,lovely, gruff! May he rest in peace. Father Brown on TV again - great! Seen it before but it is really great. I went to quiet time but head full of carols! Carol service at St John Caterham Valley went really well. We sang In the bleak midwinter Darke and Rutter Nativity carol and Shepherds Pipe carol. 17 in the choir and it was lovely to have Louise Maher and the boys there. Mulled wine and mince pies. I cam back on the train with Alan Rainer. Good to start a relationship with Sacred Hear...

Swam - there are now 3 circular lanes and flags across so you know when the end is near!  To East Grinstead for funeral of Jim Fitzpatrick MC and former Catenian. Saw Mary and Danny O'Sullivan at reception in Crawley and met Catenians from Bexhill. Drove to Caterham for carol practice.  Spent a lot of time with Shona on the carol accompaniments. 3 sopranos came.It seems others expect to tutn up tomorrow and sing after 30 minutes rehearsal! A woman as Bishop of London!

We sang Creator of the stars of night arranged John Scott. I played Bairstow and Sumsion on Veni Emmanuel and Flor Peeters on Conditor alme. A train full of noisy loud 20 something's. Nice lunch. One of my Advent meditation books makes the good point that Paul's "Rejoice in the Lord always!" is an impossible idea. However the way forward is to be grateful for everything and turn that into prayer and joy will follow. Watched Mary Berry at Goodwood house and showjumping from Olympia. For evensong played Willan on Bristol and Flor Peeters on St Stephen and Wachet auf. Very annoyed to find that my parking place outside my house has been taken and for the second time the bollards have gone as well! How dare they take them away! Sports non personalityof the year. Sir Mo won. Liz gone to Clare's. Ciaran playing his new guitar on Whatsapp. Apprentice joint winners! 

Early visit to Dennis Woodhouse then Advent day at Sisters of Sion with Fr Richard Nesbit featuring David Attenborough and Carlo Carretto. Good to see Fr Frank there. After Mass (had to go and get offertory) to Simbang Gabi Philippino club Christmas party only 3 carols on sheet so we got Silent night numerous times! Programme on Mexico wild life

A fine homily from Fr Stuart Meyer at Mass today on the Gospel reflecting on how John Profumo and Jonathan Aitken gave so much to others after their disgrace. The media have a lot to answer for.  Unhappy to see crib at Mass. Why not close the curtains? Tree up as well.  Watched lovely programme on Sheku. Both of us  t o St Mary at Hill for a delightful concert by Follia featuring Telemann and Noels. I think I play some of them too quickly. Sam Stadlen outstanding on bass viol and he played an amazing piece by Marin Marais Les voix humaines. Great to see Yat-Soon Yeo. We were late thanks to trains and bus running late. Good practice for Tuesday's carols at Caterham. Surprised to find Brian putting up tree at same time but it did not bother us Tanya has arrived! Liz came.Got Radio Times and cake and pudding at Aldi. Sweetmakers at Christmas and Harrogate Christmas.

Swam and Mass. Grenfell Tower memorial service from St Paul's is going to be very moving. Be still my soul and Fr Gerard Skinner and representative from the mosque carrying the Grenfell banner. St Paul's service beautiful and very moving especially the children. Giles Fraser on this old heart of mine radio 4. To Design museum to see Beazley designs of the year (I voted for a new typeface for all languages),Ferrari and Jon Snow ties. Tea and mince pie at Marks.  Prof Frank Clooney SJ brilliant on 4 Jesuits in India at Heythrop. Good to see old friends.Michael Redman, Sylvia MacDonald, Fr Malachy.  

Swam. Chat to Fr Stuart at coffee after Mass. Year 3 and 4 Christmas Musical at St Vincent's very well done.Ate at Field's. Took Ciaran to Hanukkah at St John's Wood Liberal Jewish synagogue. He liked the doughnuts! Saw lots of friends.  3 left The Apprentice. Julie Walters on rail in Devon.

Two enjoyable Catenian events Beckenham pub lunch and Sutton Christmas party and carols with National President Peter Rogers presenting 50 year scrolls to Gerald Soane and John Cook. I was sitting with Roger Woodhams from Ascot who is also a tenor and art lover! Edgar gave me a lift home! Brilliant and much appreciated. In between quiet time moved to chantry as Harris Academy rehearsing in church. Met Two of Gerald's sons one an Opus Dei priest, the other an organist.

Doctor Ojo gave my toe the all clear and flu jab and shingles vaccine. Enjoyable mosaic group visit to Chiswick house covered in mosaics and party at Kew. Gave out gifts and got some nice ones. Cheryl and Linda drove. Nice eats. Long time getting home as not trains running to Clapham Junction from Richmond so went via Victoria instead of Willesden. Liz went to see Henry who has a bad cold. More decorations up and watched programmes on Mexico and Haddo House. Finding an Alan Ramsay,Claude and Raphael. It seems the Corfu painting weeks have been swopped so the week I could go is not covering Gerald Durrell's home after all and a £1500 it is not on. Interested to learn that the Kew ladies pay by the session not by the half term! 

Snow. We heard about Caterham Overseas AidTrust. Advent message Martin How. Lang on Winchester New, Rowley Conditor alme, Reger Wachet auf. Carol practice.  Oh dear tiny glass globule in an apple from the same Ocado batch. We have had a refund for the batch and messages from Ocado. Evensong at St John's Gibbons, How lovely are the messengers. Blue planet 2 came to an end. 

Lovely Advent retreat at Hurtado centre with Fr Mike Smth SJ on God among us.    Interesting chat with Fr Michael about getting first communion children to prepare and bake hosts for Mass and the need to train readers. Saw lots of Santas at Aldgate East many of them drunk at 2 p.m.  Whitechapel gallery liked Thomas Ruff portraits and films by Nguyen Phuong Linh and Luis Lazaro Matos. The refectory is very good. Canon Christopher told me interfaith group events will not be announced at Mass which is a shame. He wants a book bearer and somebody beside him. Victoria children's choir not improved - their vowels are horrid. Programme on lost Jordaens painting and handicrafts of Mexico. 

To Mass. Immaculate Conception one of the prayers spoke of prevenient grace (it means chosen before) so why not say that? Tree up and boxes in from shed - quite a tiring effort. Listened to old choral evensongs.  To Medway yacht club for Medway Towns Catenians St Nicholas dinner with carols. Very enjoyable. Home by 11. 

Swam, Mass and at coffee invited to Christmas lunch on 20th, quiet day with Eileen McDade at cathedral on The Light of the world. two bite the dust on The Apprentice. Sean was brilliant in the reception class nativity. Frankincense bearer takes centre stage! At Somerset House very taken by film in Melancholia exhibition by Guido van der Werve. National gallery cello inspired by Cima Mario Brunello Bach and Weinberg sonata. People cannot sit silent for a Cage piece. Same thing in church if there is a silent gap.  3 exhibitions at Tate Modern. Too many people in Modigliani but did sketching from the catalogue in members room. Intrigued by Kabakov not bothered about Russian revolution stuff. The swings are fun! To Our Lady of Victories Kensington where we married 43 years ago.Church and hall vastly improved and plans for new pipe organ. The Cardinal was at the Lourdes carols to support the Westminster Lourdes pilgrimage. Nice to see Carolyn Morrison. Nice eats.  The r...

Woke at 3 a.m. Britten on brain, read McCall Smith. No swim as toe has dressing. Mass with Fr Stuart. Long queue at post office - guy in front large bag of parcels. £1.17 for one card to Eire! Henry came - crawling and played piano, good at standing up with a chair. Mick came for sd and went really well. To quiet tiem at St John's fell asleep. 4 of us. Liz to Lourdes Mass and Acton forgot her freedom pass. I went to Hurtado Fr John Moffat SJ on "What is truth?" Well done but a bit above my head. Fr Andrew Connick, Eugene and Alison there. Wine and sandwiches. Turner Prize winner announced in Hull. Gay teenager's life. Mexican art. University challenge. 

For over a week I have had a sore right big toe treated with salt water and cream 3 times a day and antibiotics. I just wish it would clear up. Wearing organ shoes and leather shoes does not help! I am wearing trainers as sandals are too cold! It is like a whitlow.Swam, Mass, to mosaic. Not please with Linda as I thought I had paid up to the end of Nov and now have to pay £28. I gave her £21. This mosaic is costing too much to make! Did a bit. Decided to skip tai chi because of toe. Christmas cards done. To see Dr Ojo - he put cotton wool between toes and that helps a lot. My second toe comes over the big toe (from Dad), More antibiotics so to Sainsburys and got cakes and presents for mosaic group. Saw Johna and Darren and John Stephens. Listened to Temple church evensong and quartets at BBC. Julie Walters on Northumberland coastal railway a delight. To Norwood catenians. 8 and 2 visitors. Tom Tannion will be Provincial councillor. Umberto's cancer incurable but having chemo. Deme...

Played Wachet auf Bach and Walther. Nun komm der heiden from Orgelbuchlein. We sang Stay awake by Chris Walker and Bernadette Farrell Christ be our light.  To St Paul's cathedral to hear Margaret Whipp on the Grace of waiting. Bought her book so much she said resonated with my life and helpful in spiritual "direction".  Great Advent carols from St John's Cambridge. Ian Shaw I sing of a maiden a highlight.  Beautiful Advent carols at St John Upper Norwood with Keziah Thomas in 4 movements from Ceremony of carols, O thou the central Orb and Wood Magnificat in E flat. Bach preludes and great hymns. Love Lo he comes!  For over a week I have had a sore right big toe treated with salt water and cream 3 times a day and antibiotics. I just wish it would clear up. Wearing organ shoes and leather shoes does not help! I am wearing trainers as sandals are too cold! It is like a whitlow.  I thought my diary was lost but found it in my bedside drawer! Blue planet and end of ...

Beautiful coffee concert by Keziah including Malcolm Arnold's Fantasy for harp. Mchdelov, Rousseau, Tournier, Stadler all delightful. Tried a sketch. Nice chat to her and wrote to the director of the Proms as she should play there especially at the Cadogan hall. Met her husband and son. Nice chat to Mary Johnston and Ian Golds. Watched programme on Joe Orton which was a bit near the knuckle.  The young cathedral servers enjoyed doing the Find the animals, birds, fish quizzes and completed them in about 20 minutes. Ideally you would be 7 and up. The terms pulpit, vault and pillar were not known to them - the solution would be to include a small photo of the pulpit. Before Mass the thurible was found to be full of water so there was a delay. Advent wreath candle no. 1 lit by one of our new servers. On the train home I found 3 tiny glass globules in my Ocado apple - a complaint will be made!

To Mass and St Stephen Wallbrook for Peter Wright's recital. Janacek, JSB, Daquin, Jongen Sonata Eroica, Alain and interesting pieces from Tombeau de Titelouze by Zsolt Gardonyi. Welcoming at the cathedral non-existent as the school nativity play was on. Nice singing in Nativity carol and O holy night, lots of pop and flashy costumes. Simon did the fish quiz in 20 minutes and pointed out the mistakes - just what I wanted! Libera are performing there tonight. I saw Stephen Haylett and Sr Carmel in St Paul's shop. Choir practice at St John's quite a few mssing. Good work on Britten. Listened to Living with the gods. 

9.10 train to Caterham - got poster put up for carols cost £4. People already there, Tamil hymn rehearsed with lady at piano. Flute. Canadian soloist decided to sing unaccompanied. Twice I was asked to transpose at sght which I cannot do. Sextet and soloist sang Take him Lord to Wesley Lead me Lord - went well. I played 15 minutes. Va pensiero went well and I managed all the sharps F sharp major. Congregation big and really sang I cannot tell, Be still my soul, Guide me. Priya from Sri Lanka. His wife comes to 8 o clock. Got 12.05 train only to find train at Norwood Junction cancelled so abandoned going to interfaith lunch and went to Balham library via East Croydon and Clapham Junction. Identified all but 2 of the fish so have printed the fish guides. Listened to choral evensongs from Edington, Edinburgh and RSCM at Lincoln. Mary Berry visiting Scone House. 

Played for Harry Mellor's funeral with Marie-Christine Gordon on sax. Congregation got way behind in Lord of all hopefulness. Their fault not ours. Panis angelicus , Pie Jesu, Faith of our fathers. Nice reception at Alleyn's Head. Catenians well represented.  Late at Holy Trinity Sloane Street as bus slow over Chelsea bridge. Jamie Rogers played well. Tea at Peter Jones not impressed by their Christmas fruit cake. To the cathedral for superb recital by Martin Baker. Buxtehude, Orgelbuchlein project, Widor Symphony No. 3. The Fox and Widor arrangements of Bach were OTT. How Widor can end Tears of grief with a major chord beats me! Good audience. Home to watch The Apprentice.

Swam, Mass. Toe responding to treatment. Got music ready for funerals. Sent off Christmas letter - never usually this early!. Liz to Acton. I went to quiet time - seems one of the candidates wanted to bring his professional choir! To Catenian council at Juan's house - lovely house. Agreed dementia talk on first Monday of March. Tony Norris could not make it so we went through his recommendations and some were agreed. Come dine with me. Heard Belshazzar from chorus centenary concert -choir sounded smaller and sopranos forcing it a bit. 

At the pool the lights went off so got out after 12 lengths. By the time I came out of the shower all back to normal! Mass, mosaic. To National Gallery for illustrated talk by  Andrew Carwood  (without crutch) which was well attended. Monochrome not very big so a bit unimpressed. Saw Margaret at the surgery and she called in Dr Ojo. Infection on right big toe been bothering me for a week. Cream and antibiotics, bathe with salt water 3 times a day. Go back for flu jab and shingles vaccine for over 70s. To Beckenham Catenians and won white wine on raffle, Discussion against admitting women and husbands of Catholic wives. Voted in favour of all attending pc being able to vote. Knocked mirror on car of Tina's daughter but fixed ir. Side light not working. 

For Christ the King played Crown Imperial, Stanley Trumpet voluntary (the organ is being tuned tomorrow) and we sang Tony Hemson's Alpha and Omega which really ought to be published. 2 at carol practice.  Delicious rack of lamb, rice pudding and white wine for lunch. At evensong we sang Wood in E flat and RVW Let all the world. Also a fine hymn Earth's fragile beauties to Kingsfold. Blue planet, Howards End. John Sentanu put dog collar on now Mugabe has gone. Pathetic reply from Iberia. Fr John decided not to appoint either of the candidates yesterday. Hope he has not missed out on a good man. Choir directors do not grow on trees. Johnny is local, 

Interesting to take part in auditions for new director at St John's. Both good but the second was more challenging and flamboyant. William McVicker very good, Kathie not there, To West Norwood to park and cappuccino at Cafe Cappadocia. Excellent lunch to celebrate Dennis's 40th. Claire and Rosemary came. Over an hour before food came. I had steak and sticky toffee pudding. We went to cathedral. Christ the King and 2 servers got badges Paul in good mood. Fr John. Cardinal Vaughan school sang Mozart and Viadana. To Glyn close for cake and Claire still there. Henry to bed. Programme on bridges. 

Swam, Mass, Liz back from Acton after 3 nights away, Henry came to play. He is standing well and trying the stairs!  Tredici sang well at St Giles and interesting to hear Ola Gjelo and Gretchaninov. Nice to see Philip and James. Nice walk up Lamb's Conduit Street to Foundling museum to see Thomas Hardmore's paintings and original scores of the Water music. Delicious cake and tea in the cafe. To St John's practice as I will be there tomorrow, Sunday evening and Advent carols. 

Good programmes on Peggy Guggenheim and the Queen and Prince Philip's 70th wedding anniversary. Swam, Mass, posted calendar, art and came out I had a £65 parking fine as wheels were on pavement. If the officials would fine those who park on corners on double yellow lines I might be happier. The rest of that road allows wheels on pavement to avoid buses.  Brilliantly constructed piano recital by Joanna MacGregor at National gallery. Lovely Lake Keitele paintings, Degas and Michelangelo with Raphael. To Clapham library but no fish book. Amazing spiral design. To Clapham picturehouse to see "Film stars don't die in Liverpool"  poignant scenes but subtitles would have helped with Liverpool and US accents. Listened to Choir and organ. Liz staying another night at Acton.  stars don't die in Liverpool some poignant scenes wish there had been subtitles! lm stars don't die in Liverpool some poignan Film stars don't die in Liverpool some poignant scenes wish there...

Swam.  Stunning music at St Cecilia service at Westminster cathedral.  Michael Berkeley  new work a wonder from a small cell. Schutz, Malcolm and Croce and superb Stanley on trumpet. Martin Baker said to tell him if there are concerns about music. Lovely singing from Francesca Pringle accompanied by Martin Ford at St Matthews Westminster - she just needs to get her face to match what she is singing! Nice chat to Martin who is now at the Guards chapel.  Lo The day ended with an excellent meeting at St Mary Magdalene Canning Road with Helen Bradley and the Bishop of Croydon speaking on Safe passage and religion in the lives of young asylum seekers. It is appalling that everything is done to make it hard for the people who have the right to come here to actually do so. What has happened to this country's proud record of welcoming people? v Triple firing on The Apprentice!!! el Triple firing on The Apprentice!!! y to see and hear   t St Matthew WestminStster ...

Swam, no Mass as to hearing aid clinic at AgeUK at 10 a.m. Need to put in drops every night and change tubes more frequently every 2 months.  At East Dulwich picturehouse for Thomas Ades The exterminating angel from the Met. Weird and 15 principals Alice Coote Tomlinson Sophie Bevan huge orchestra, bells, drums, ondes martenot, small violins. Liz to Acton. To St Paul's for Lucy WInkett and Marian Partington on forgiveness - large audience. 

Swam, missed Mass as Liz took me to the station to go to mosaic (did hair) and tai chi (only 3 there) as she sang at Victor Johnston's funeral.   Great BBC programme of Ovid from the RSC and Ovid and the emperor with Simon Russell Beale. Come dine with me, Four in a bed, guides now nearly ready except for the fish identifications!  To Bromley and Blackheath and Chislehurst joint meeting when we wear bow ties to remember Frank Bond. Danny Lonergan's gingerbread bow tie won and I won a bottle of wine on the raffle. Rachel McGuigan told us about her trip to Uganda for East African playgrounds with circle support (but sadly not the bursary fund).

Sang Panis angelicus and I played Willan and Donald Hunt on Darwall's 148th and Andrew Moore Toccata . 4 at first carols practice.  An excellent South London interfaith group event on Trauma, mental illness and wellbeing at Eritrean Mosque and centre Stockwell. Very good keynote address, lunch, cake to share and took part in Human library. Liz went to the music and sound workshop. Prayer and meditation can certainly help. G and t, Blue planet 2, Howard's End. Watched programme on Brooklyn Bridge. 

An outstanding day at Meditatio centre Islington on St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross with Professor Peter Tyler of St Mary's Twickenham. It was a mini-retreat! Fr  Andrew Gallagher  at mass and the new junior choir's second outing. They sang the psalm this time and the Archer Christchurch Mass. Also an anthem by Andrew Reid. Can't say I liked the final voluntary much!

Swam, Mass, Sang at funeral of David Cornish at St John's, Leon introduced me to new curate at St Michael's - he had seen us at Mgr Hoey's funeral.  Catching up on choral evensongs and preparing children's guides to cathedral animals, birds and fish. Watched some of Children in need. Watched good programme on the Iron bridge. 

Carol service discussed with Fr  Jerry Garton . All well.  Ann- Marie Woodhouse and Henry came to Beckenham circle pub lunch at Eden Park delicious roast and pud. To Acton and boys in bed at 8.15. Listening to Brahms on radio 3. Liz at servers council with cakes.  The opera exhibition at V and A is fab! The Duke of Kent was there. Science museum has an interesting display on science and photography in India. Excellent session on welcoming at the cathedral. 25 came to hear  Alan Rainer   on failure of British education and Irina Bradley on icons. Lovely birthday dinner at Cote with  Louise Maher  the boys and  Dennis Woodhouse .  From Acton to art. Dentist checkup but just a clean £20. To Alexandra Palace for Donald Mackenzie on the organ for 1949 colour film London's river playing Fantasy on British sea songs and The Navigator. Buster Keaton at his funniest.

Woke in the night having a bad dream. No swim but went to Mass, mosaic and tai chi. Checked car tyres.  To Brixton for Faiths together in Lambeth interfaith quiz. Lovely food and we do not know much about the Borough of Lambeth! Perhaps a Lambeth museum is needed? Watched Blue Planet 2. 

Remembrance Sunday. Faure Pie Jesu keyboard played up so switched off and started again. Elgar For the fallen a great piece. Good to have Steve playing the trumpet Old 100th and Gordon Jacob national anthem. He messed up on last line of Old 100th and did not play the Jacob fanfare but I kept going.I met Linda's husband.   My mockup of the guide for children to birds in Westminster cathedral is ready to test run! Roll on Dec 2nd! To Stephen Disley's recital at Christ's chapel Dulwich - an unusal programme. Nice eats. The Bach Fantasia in C minor was dull and so was the Gibbons. I liked the Thiman, Carvalho and Bach Fantasia in G. Watched Cenotaph and listened to Gloucester cathedral evensong. Worked on animals at cathedral first draft. Howards End on BBC.

The Lord Mayor's show was terrific and we had great seats thanks to  Vicky Stone . Sean enjoyed it. To Swiss church for Focolare On the way to be one: exploring a spirituality of communion. Excellent speakers and bishops speaking of the pain of divisions. A variety too including a Bach cello suite. Old friends and new ones and great to see so many Catholics there. Acoustics bad. Fr Andrew Bowden at Mass and he sang beautifully. RCIA start. Royal British Legion festival of remembrance. 

Swam, Mass.  Paddington 2 is hilarious! To Tate Britain to see impressionists in London especially Pissarro and Monet. Underwhelmed by Rachel Whiteread. To Estorick to see Arte Povera and sketched a Tony Cragg and Modigliani. Amazed by how few lines the latter used and the Cragg is made of bits of plastic.Watched A1 series.

Swam, Mass, art and blue background for triple portrait. Henry came after music which Liz went to. He is standing up! Songs of praise, ordered 6 photo calendars. 

Swam, Mass, coffee, post office. Turns out Maureen knew Canon Brian very well indeed. Watched University challenge and start of programme on Russian revolutionary art. To Acton and set up a track with Sean. I was supposed to go to Temple Church for the Israeli/Palestinian bereaved parents who I heard at the Synagogue but I dropped off! Home to watch The Apprentice.

To waterfowl trust in Arundel seeing ducks and swans in the rain. Beautiful funeral Mass for Fr Gerry Coates at Arundel cathedral celebrated by Bishop Richard Moth and a delicious reception. Catherine Christmas was cantor/animator and sang beautifully and prayerfully.Paul Inwood ill with kidney problem. Handel Let the bright seraphim with trumpet, As the deer.  Fr Aidan from Worth amd met a Brighton organist who knew Fr Farmer. To tea at  Sue Albery 's which was delightful and we met her neighbour Sue who was also at the funeral. To Kingston circle for dinner and the Thomas More icon was much appreciated. Good company too. A brother who is 85 told me he persuaded the circle to vote in favour of adopting Thomas More as an Assocation patron saint in 1981. Liz went to Acton from New Malden and I drove home in the wet.

All Saints. 2 girls joined choir and we sang "I sing a song of the saints of God". Played Howells and Francis Jackson " Sine nomine".  To St Paul's to hear Dave Tomlinson on black sheep Christians. He spoke of Muslims receiving communion. I recall the Holy Land where our Muslim friends shared so much but at that point we were not as one. We need to address those within our churches who are not open and welcoming. Pope Francis has much to say on this. Evensong for All Souls. Played Nimrod, Vierne Epitaphe and Solemn melody.14 there. Watched 2 Poldarks. Swam, Mass, mosaic, tai chi.  National Portrait gallery to see Cezanne portraits and the excellent rehung early 20th century gallery.  Lots of Churchill! Loving "Call me by your name" on Kindle and far better than the film. This book really makes you think about the past experiences one has had or might have had! Watched programme on Sydney harbour bridge and 2 Songs of Praise.To Catenians - horrendous a...

Lie-in after last night's late night. Liz to servers Mass in Newcastle and fireworks. To coffee concert at St John's humorous delightful wind sextets by Mozart and Beethoven by Sonnet. Sat with Ray who comes to meditation - his daughter Elaine went to St Chad's a year ahead of Dennis. Watched cellists and listened to Romero and Salisbury evensongs. Also 3 Living with the Gods. Did C of E safeguarding online training. Paul Tobin as sacristan thurible stand in wrong place and no gospel book on altar. Engaged couples blessed by Fr Martin who gave us a thumbs up. Claudia back. Cleaned wax of cassocka and left one for Paul. Programme on Harry Potter and magic uninspiring. Golden gate bridge programme. 

Swam, Mass. An enjoyable first visit to Godalming to hear Marilyn Harper play. A fine Hill organ in an interesting church. Liked the Bedard, Mendelssohn and Norman Harper's piece. Lovely autumn day in leafy Surrey. Peter Halliday and a bass from Bridgemans and organists there. A good audience and tea.  To the British Museum to see the stunning Scythians exhibition. Their craftsmanship amazing and knew very little about them. 4.30 seemed to be a good time to go as one could see things well - it was not crowded. I also saw the prints about Luther. Iberia have refused to pay the 30 Euro for the taxi after delayed flight! Had some more green soup and to 9 p.m. showing at Clapham Picturehouse (met the nice couple from Cadogan Hall proms) to see "Call me by your name" beautiful film but did find the situation rather tiresome (idle people in Italy) and the father had some strange views - it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all might be the moral. 

Swam and had slow line to myself, Mass for All Souls day - fine homily from Fr Stuart. To art and cheetahs finished! Liz set off for Newcastle. Shopping at Sainsburys. First draft of Find the birds in the cathedral. Tried changing the photos to black and white. Watched Sue Perkins on the Ganges and Jacqueline du Pre playing Dvorak cello concerto at RAH for Czech musicians.  Her string broke.Joan Bakewell on Life at 100 very interesting. Cellist compilation including Andre Navarra with the Halle.  We sang Durufle Requiem at St John's for All souls. A good sermon from Fr John. Bake off an extra slice and Bad habits good orders - a real change in the 5 girls. 

Swim and Mass for All Saints. To Croydon Whitgift centre for card and books.  To the morning session of spirituality day at the cathedral with Roger on the prodigal son.Saw Anne-Marie and Louise about cathedral children's guides and took photos of mosaics featuring birds, animals and fish. Met Francis in the street -  he changed the hangars for Abi and Joseph's cassocks so now I have to produce 2 more labelled ones! How petty! Took documents to school now they need 2 references! Boys home.  Enjoyed God of carnage at South London theatre at Stanley Halls and  Dennis Woodhouse  came too. I have joined as a member. It was very funny. The apprentice. 

Swam very quiet when I arrived but the lady who swims fast in the slow lane arrived. I see the nutty lady is still about. Mass, Henry came and is crawling! He is so cure. Paul's birthday and he had been on freefall machine. To quiet time. Liz to Acton. Skype meeting on Catenian youth matters - 4 of us and it was excellent. Bake off final. Sue Perkins pilgrimage down the Ganges.

Swam, Mass, mosaic (changed colour of lips to lighter otherwise he would have looked like the Joker) tai chi exercises (did not like Morrissey track at all). Lots of emails. Liz to doctor.  Patrick Russill played really well at Brompton Oratory and the priest said some lovely things about him. Titelouze, Dupre, Howells and Langlais. Great to see Benjy Bloor, John East, Peter Wright and  Marko Sever . I found a booklet from Jeremy Filsell's Complete works of Dupre concerts with notes by David Gammie. It was in Alan Burtonshaw's music. Patrick said the adrenalin really kicked in - only his second concert this year! Watched programme on Du Pre. 

Liz took one of the boys to a sleepover in the BUG house at London Zoo. Great fun had by all specially our walk around in the dark to see some animals that come out at night. Also tee shirt designing as mask making.  Priere a Notre Dame and Toccata from Suite Gothique today. I think the rehearsal went better than the performance - maybe I speeded up too much!  We went to the community preview of Living with the Gods at the British Museum which is featured in Neil MacGregor's outstanding radio 4 series. Not to be missed! Watched German dramatisation of Luther's reformation and Bad habits again.  Simon Reeve in Russia. Blue planet II was great.

I warmed to the  new Mander organ at St Mary Merton Park after a while. Lunch at Elys. Fine organ at St Mary's Wimbledon village. Rather a lot of walking. The Mass at Anerley for feast of St Simon and St Jude was for Canon Gerald Coates RIP long a member of Society of St Gregory and a wonderful man. His funeral is Nov 9 at noon Arundel cathedral..  Why do some organ teachers tell students not to wear shoes? It is so dangerous and Peter Hurford is adamant that shoes improve your pedalling.  Daniel Cook from Durham cathedral played superbly at Bloomsbury Baptist - Parry, Byrd, Elgar Prelude and Angel's farewell from Gerontius (one of my favourites) and Bairstow. I was sorry to miss the Howells and Willan. Piccolo Lasso from Dublin sang beautifully at the cathedral Bodley Mass and Welsey Love one another. fr Michael was chatting about Hereford and Fr Michael Quaqoe is back from Ghana. Furious that it appeared that the cassocks I had taken off the rack for replacement had be...

Watched My week as a Muslim, end of Apprentice and Bake off an extra slice. Living with the Gods excellent. Meditation from Belmont Abbey lovely and included icon painting by Father Alex and Brother Bernard making rosaries. Young chorister of the year on radio 2. Bad habits was good.

Too late to swim again and have gained weight again! To Mass and Fr Stuart back. To tip and cleared garden rubbish. Only Croydon residents may use tip. Nice clear day. Liz going to Bedbugs at London Zoo with Ciaran overnight. Fixed up car dashcam and new tyre checker. Liz pleased by trophy. Did Courtauld gallery survey.

Liz had a lovely day out at Brick in Birmingham. What an amazing collection of all things Lego. Woke late so no swim. To Mass, Skipped art and listened to Neil MacGregor's talks on Living with the gods. To Streatham on 12 noon train and bus to South london interfaith group lunch. Interesting. To Clapham Picture to see The Death of Stalin hilarious black humour. Simon Russell Beale as Beria was outstanding.  Wimbledon Catenian photo night. Excellent duck dinner. I put in 9 photos and "Olive is 100" won the Family category, the Barbara Goulden trophy and wine!

Slept well, swam 18, Mass and to coffee. I spoke to the lady in pink coat but she is very deaf. She talks during Mass and Fr Sunith says nobody knows her name or address. It is scary that Catenian Eric Smith completely disappeared. I am still talking about the UCL experience. To Royal Albert Hall and good seats in the stalls but hard to hear dialogue. The boys enjoyed it.  The highlights of the concert for children at RAH were the sea sections Wagner and Britten and Firebird and Going on a bear hunt. Liz went to Trailfinders to pay remainder for the cruise in February.  The boys were playing up on the bus and train and got a rocket from Louise with tomorrow's trip to Brick in Birmingham in the balance. To Station house for Frank's  birthday - had pizza and beer. To cathedral  As expected Adriano Falconi's programme at the cathedral was heavy going lots of Reger and Liszt. The acoustic does not make for clarity in fugues. Good to see  Madeline Smith  and...

Swim,Mass, Henry came and played well - he liked the elephant train, piano and mobile. Mick came and a good session. To quiet time and Tom and 2 others were there. Liz to Acton after dinner and I drove to Swanley for Provincial council. Quite lively and Mike had a go at the end about poor chairing. The development report was supported. Did an icon for Kingston circle. Meditation from monastery on radio 3. 

Swim, Mass with Liz, mosaic they enjoyed Ravenna and liked the cakes and 181 evensong booklet, tai chi 2 newcomers. Some good reactions from Shona and Jerry about the carols. Numerous Catenian emails! To Beckenham meeting and Danny PP's official visit. Change is in the air.

Today a lady came to compliment the 4 of us on the anthem King of glory Bach arranged Harris. I played Boellmann Angelus, Verset on Adoro The and Carillon. There wasn't time to play Elevation which is a bit like Puccini! Just before the first hymn the book fell off the stool onto the pedals so there was a gap while I retrieved it and found the number. As Fr Jerry said in his excellent sermon Murphy's law. I liked the Gilbert principle i.e.only promote the incompetent to management so they can do the least harm to the bank! Good practice afterwards and 2 new items introduced. Watched Lucy Worsley on opera and fell asleep - I woke early again. Evensong at St John's Sumsion in A and Bruckner Christus factus est. The vowels were not the same and pitching difficult. Bob changed sides which did not really help! Victoria returns at Christmas! Antiques roadshow. University challenge. Glyndebourne Hamlet by Brett Dean. Programme on governments using music 

To SGI Africa event and excellent banners about Gandhi and peace . UCL event Gandhi quizzes and interesting copying ritual research on autism and reactions to thinking about power and control. Made a badge. Made me feel happy and contented with my life. Love is more important than having power.  2 masses at the cathedral ; the Cardinal celebrated National servers Mass and gave a great homily about icebergs. I looked after offertory and Liz the readers.  Rebecca was everywhere and she was supposed to be sacrstan! I sorted out some poor quality cassocks and cottas were said by her to have been washed 3 weeks ago - they look so dingy. Fr Tony spoke about Missio and South Sudan - he knows Frank Savage and Diana Mills who was there. Watched Bad habits and lost masterpiece. 

Woke at 3am yesterday no wonder I dropped off during Finding Vincent! 4 am today - Liz has a bad cough.  Ciaran spoke so well at assembly and it was all about baptism. The singing is much better. To Field's for eggs Benedict delicious. A great sendoff at the cathedral for Mgr Augustine Hoey who was 100. Faure requiem, Jerusalem the golden, Let all mortal flesh, Tell out my soul, Widor Toccata. To Courtauld to see Soutine portraits and drawings.  Follia really are an excellent ensemble thanks to  Yat-Soon Yeo  for telling us about the St Mary at Hill concert Telemann in Paris. No doubt that Telemann stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries except Bach and Handel. Very glad that Paul allowed us both to serve and I was book and Liz was mitre. The Cardinal and Fr Alexander thanked me. I dashed off to see Mary Goggins at Mount St but they want to charge by the hour which is a shame. 

I have uploaded 9 entries for the Wimbledon Catenian photo night.  Peter Holder who is moving from St Paul's to Westminster Abbey played very well at St John Upper Norwood. Handel, Howells, Hollins, Debussy, Vierne and Carmen followed by Lemare. You would think from Lemaire's Carmen that she does not die and it is all rather jolly. Moonlight and roses with tremulant reminded me of Dad starting at St Mark's. Older lady "O Mr Woodhouse you never use that nice trembly stop that Mr Lloyd loved to use". To Acton. Brendan has finally replied no hint of an apology.

To art and good progress on the cheetahs. Lunch at Johnnies cafe Lordship Lane and delicious icecreams at Oddono's then to Picturehouse to see Finding Vincent. Very clever but not sure I am happy with the idea of animating paintings which really are autobiographical. Van Gogh always paints himself or rather his mood.

Swim and Mass and had a lovely chat to Sean at coffee. St Luke's day doctor and patron of artists.  Excellent playing from Lukas Arvidsson from Sweden at St Michael's including Parry and an improvisation.  Qaisra Khan gave us 5 daily tips for mental wellbeing and asked how our faith helped us. To Holy Trinity Sloane St to hear Norman Harper play Bach, Howells and Mathias most enjoyable. Watched Bake off. 

Swim and Mass. Wrote articles for Music and liturgy and Monastic Musicians. Henry came. Long chat to Ann on Skype on Liz's new laptop. Went up to St John's for quiet time but Fr Tom not there so sat in lady chapel and home for food.  Rochester cathedral boys sang with Westminster cathedral boys beautifully Britten, Lallouette, Crivelli. Great to have the Dorian fugue. Good parish meeting and met the new manager. Watching Reformation programme and Lucy Worsley. Well done  Scott Farrell , Martin Baker and  Carl Jackson .

After swim and Mass I finally got to Halfords to get a new interior light bulb. They do not take out interior lenses as they easily break but they lent me a plastic prong and I got it out. I then realised I was in the back and the childlocks were on so had to climb over into the front seat. It must have looked very funny. They did not have the bulb but the scrapyard across the road did! Let there be light!  David Hill played brilliantly and musically at St Michael Cornhill. The Bach was the last piece my Dad played before he had the second stroke fantasia on Komm heiliger Geist, Willan, Karg-Elert and Francis Jackson.The Jackson was his doctorate piece and it is very fine. To Guildhall gallery to see Nature morte and Barbican music library to see Sir Simon Rattle exhibition.  Thanks to  Jonathan Rennert  for telling us about Monday choral evensong at 6 at St Michael Cornhill I enjoyed the Howells and Bainton. Well done tenors! The sermon was rather good. Do we reall...

Played Peeters on Ewing and Boellmann Chorale and minuet from Suite gothique. He died 11 Oct 1897. We sang Brother James' Air and a simple hymn by John Bell Bread blessed and broken which I did not know. Also Jerusalem the golden.  The 3 monks from Downside who were at mass last night now on radio 3 singing Gregorian chant.  What a delight Elgar's Vesper voluntaries which I played at evensong tonight are. Earlier I was enjoying playing the Enigma variations on the piano tenderness combined with gentle humour. Got to Purley and train cancelled so home on buses.  Jonas Kaufmann on TV what a singer! Otello from Covent Garden. 

Liz and I gave an hour interview to Croydon museum about Fairfield Hall and music locally. Really enjoyed it and remembered schools dance and concerts/ Welcoming at the cathedral. Excellent sung Eucharist at the Abbey enjoyed the Monteverdi Beatus vir and visited the Confessor's shrine followed by wine. I got there at 4 pm so we were well forward in the large queue and we sat at the front of the transept. Lovely meal at Browns with Society of St Gregory friends. Nice to see people we follow on Facebook!  Fr Andrew who was ordained with  Brian O'Mahony  was also at Browns. He is now at St Mary Moorfields. Society of St Gregory AGM and Crichton lecture given by Rev Canon Lucy Winkett excellent. I spoke about MM in Romsey. John Ainslie on psalms. Enjoyed it. Drove up to town as Liz went to dinner dance at school. New children's Victoria choir sang at Mass and 3 Downside monks concelebrated. They will be on BBC 4 very soon in a new series. T...