The organist librarian

To art and sunset picture. South London interfaith group lunch and a talk from Shanti on Hindu view of creation led to discussion on Extinction rebellion.Ade Adepitan's series on Africa is fascinating. A most enjoyable evening judging Wimbledon circle photo night and the judges were in agreement! Excellent meal. We went to Mass at Sacred Heart Wimbledon for All Saints. 

Mosaic. Jonathan Lilley played the Academic festival overture and a fine partita on Tallis tunes written for Waltham Abbey by David Bednall at Southwark cathedral. SPIDIR committee. Tate Britain. I did not understand Mark Leckey and fewer people at the Blake which really only comes alive for me in the last rooms Job, Dante, Pilgrim's progress. We have serious damp in downstairs loo. Excellent presentation at Milleret House on extinction rebellion. Very thought provoking. Suggestions for what we can do. The calendars have come and are really nice. Tuesday Mass. Henry came after a delay and enjoyed himself. Quiet time. Cleared up upstairs. Watched canal journeys and Only connect. David won Great British bake off Steph was unlucky. Watched the British tribe next door in Namibia. 

As we were celebrating Bible Sunday and the serving community we sang David Ogden's setting of "Christ has no body now but yours" and I played Suite Gothique. The toccata went well. To Cricketers Harvester at Addington Village for Dulwich catenians lunch entertaining Mike Reidy the PP. Had pork belly. Dennis and  family came back to us afterwards. Mass at Anerley. Watched programmes on Antarctica and Oxford in the Civil War. 

A celebration for Eileen McDade at Dockhead and Salt Quay Rotherhithe. A lovely farewell and prosecco! Great to see so many friends. Fr Alan did a great job. Watched British bakeoff - pity Henry the organist has gone! Did not sleep well so stayed home and rested. Liz met the cardinal with the Guild council yesterday and served at Aid to the Church in need Mass. Went to UCM Mass at St George's.Missed Jane Watts's recital for her 60th. Did music list and read the Tablet. Also agenda for art auction meeting and started on Gifts and fruits of the Spirit. 

Dennis took me to Bowley close rehab centre and Iam to have better inner soles. Post Office and posted calendar and letters to heads. Booked appointment with Dr Ojo to get referral to Dr Shaw, Served at Mass for Mgr Vlad's 80th birthday and golden jubilee. Bob Chilcott's anthem lovely and Little organ mass. Liz went to see Gillian. Clapham picturehouse for ROH Don Pasquale what a delight! Bryn Terfel and all the cast and a sparkling production.

The boys enjoyed the slime workshop at the Horniman which was crawling with kids! An excellent homily from Fr Sunith at Mass today on the gospel for the day. The devil has many ways of breaching the walls of our household including internet porn, gossip, being judgemental, etc. Benjy Bloor played very well at the drome and since his Japan trip attracted a very large audience so large that the concert started late! I did feel that the reeds were used a lot and that becomes tiring to listen to. The technique in the Bach was immaculate. Watched the Apprentice. Letters to schools and 2 auction houses. 

Mass and Henry came. He is walking much better now. The boys played a bit and enjoyed the new crafts box. Bake off wasgood. Watched Harry and Meghan in Africa. 

A fun morning painting with boys! No mosaic, Saw Ros and she seemed more relaxed. Beautiful evensong at St Michael Cornhill. Howells responses and St Paul's service and Faire is the heaven. Parry chant for the psalm. Well done Jonathan Rennert and all involved. Only one caveat the pulpit Mike is not connecting to the loop! Benjy Bloor played superbly at the Oratory but I did get lost between Alain and Hindemith! I also told a young lady she had no right to record the whole thing on her phone without permission! 

We sang "There's a wideness in God's mercy" Maurice Bevan's tune fits the words perfectly. I played Thiman Postlude on Harwood's Thornbury and my own tribute to Newman part of the Prelude and Angel's farewell from Gerontius. I have lost two friends recently Eileen McDade and Philip Chandler RIP. Each has their own angel to bring them safely home. Folake did not come - we had gifts for her as she had said she was leaving! Reader starts reading then tries again with another bit of letter to Timothy. Jerry points to correct reading so she says "third time lucky!" love it! A really lovely evensong at St John's. Liz was the only soprano and sang Dyson beautifully.  Richard is excellent and encourages relaxed singing. We also sang Pitoni Cantate domino and O thou who camest from above. Psalm 148 to Anglican chant, It was all so enjoyable! Louise and the boys have arrived.

Liz served at the ecumenical vespers for the canonisation of Newman and the Archbishop of Canterbury preached. Bishop Beverley Mason was there! I met Leon Carberry. The tunes for the hymns were all the Catholic ones!

A most enjoyable visit to Eton College Chapel where I played Flor Peeters and Big school Flentrop. Met Dale Eaton on train. Appeal at mass for mission Sunday was far too long. There was a match but they were gone by the time we got back. 

A fascinating day with Dennis Woodhouse at St Margaret Westminster on Newman. Ben King, Roderick Strange and Eamon Duffy, Angela Tilby and other excellent speakers. His hymns and poetry seem to me to have had the greatest influence. The Apologia and sermons are clearly very influential as well as the prayers. Gerontius has changed our view of the afterlife. Evensong was sung by the choirs of the Abbey and cathedral and they sang Bruckner Os justi and we visited the shrine of St Edward and prayed for our country. Saw Fr David Stansley. To the annual feminist theology lecture with Anna Macham. Asked about hymns not mentioning women apart from mothering Sunday and Mary. If we are an inclusive church why is everything so male despite the large numbers of women in ministry? I am not in favour of changing texts to inclusive language especially poetry but where are the new texts? Met a Methodist minister from Croydon who worked in S. A a Catholic working for women's ordination and the or...

A wonderful day! Swam, Nelson Ferreira and I put Julian Barron on the auction and he gave us lots of great advice. He thought my paintings would sell well! Coffee than Gauguin portraits at the National Gallery which we enjoyed. Tea then Pre-Raphaelite sisters at NPG which we hated but we liked Elizabeth Peyton. A delightful recital by Gerard Brooks at St John's. Great to have English music plus Bossi and Gothic Suite. The Apprentice.

Swim, Mass and photo with Fr Stuart at coffee. To Bethlem museum for interesting cake and conversation. Revd John Parry director of the London interfaith centre gave a fascinating talk on a Sikh poem about Jesus. We must learn more about Sikh beliefs. Tom Holland on his book Dominion with Michael Holman and Ruth Gledhill at Mount Street excellent evening!

Swim, Mass Fr Stuart Meyer leaves tomorrow - I will miss his inspiring homilies! Henry back from Ireland came to play then we went to the Ashcroft theatre to see Dear Zoo. It was excellent. Surprised to see the seats have not been refurbished at all! Too late for quiet time. Liz went to St Mary Bourne St for the funeral of Mark Bushby he had not reached 40. Sang Parsons Ave Maria. To dinner at St Martin in the fields. Excellent dialogue on mercy and music between Lucy Winkett and Bob Chilcott. She answered my question on division caused in church by music brilliantly - there should be a place for all styles. St Martin's singers including Jonathan Dods sang Tallis, Chilcott, Moore and Bach beautifully. Wine downstairs so a chance to thank Lucy personally. Watched Bake off. Vitriol on Facebook from so-called Catholics.

A most interesting day at Trinity House on safeguarding for spiritual directors. Regrettably the Signposts course is cancelled. I did attend Mass in Polish followed by rosary and benediction at the Polish church in South Norwood. The unaccompanied singing was impressive. Adrian sang the psalm beautifully and the priest was very friendly. Liz went to Mass. Watched University challenge and The Apprentice.

Just caught the train back as we had a Baptism. Had no warning of it! I accompanied the anthem Let all mortal flesh arr Sir Stephen Cleobury on the organ as we had 3 strong singers. Flor Peeters fest Prelude on Innsbruck, lovely tune, Canzona and Ciacona dedicated to my friend Ralph Downes. They went well as I had played them in Jersey. No mention of St John Henry Newman canonised today in Rome but I played the tunes Gerontius and Shipston! Also practised Prelude and angel's farewell from Dream of Gerontius for next Sunday. Love that so much. Drove to Acton - still wet. Lovely birthday lunch roast belly of pork. Prosecco and Liz had ordered a delicious cake. Drove back with Bruce at a slow pace. Claire came to talk about Doterra and I fell asleep. Took her home. Watched Sanditon. Bruce up early tomorrow. 

Saturday lie-in and stayed in bed loading photos and accounts about Jersey and some prelimianry work on the day on the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. Big shock that Philip Chandler died probably a heart attack in bed. Fr Daniel celebrated and the Victoria choir sang Faure but they were depleted. To The Windmill Acton for Lou's 40th - great party and lovely to see everyone! Home at 11. It rained all day so my socks were wet through. I need new black trainers. 

Lie-in and set off to find gorillas on the bay and Coronation Park which has lovely playgrounds. Lunch at Mark Jordan Michelin on the beach - superb views and food. I had salmon, duck and banana souffle tea and petits four. Drove to St Aubin to see gorilla and saw the road train. Saw two more gorillas on way back. Wrote more of life story - reached our wedding. Picked up Bruce and returned car. Wait for plane. Assistance at Gatwick and Bruce got case OK. Driver waiting near hotel - he was a typical Crystal Palace supporter probably reads the Mail and talked all the way home. We were in the house by 10.45. Unpacked case. Saturday morning lie-in. Bruce off to Carnaby Street. Damage on car is covered bycomprehensive. They say it needs a new tyre. It is true the roads are narrow and definitely hit the curb twice so not surprised. Next time Bruce says he will drive us around!

Weather good. Started at St Paul's a Walker 1918 and quite a god sound despite the carpets. Action hard. Found a couple of gorillas especially in the fine library. St Luke's is High church and big. A reasonable 3 manual Makin. Nice walk in Howard Davis park and lunch at the rose garden cafe. Found 2 gorillas. Drove to Trinity and St John's church where Revd Beverley Sproat opened the organ for us recently fixed. Ingham 1890 and again a good sound. Played Peeters, Moore, Statham and Whitlock Plymouth suite. Back for tea and chat to Janet just back from New York. To dinner at Wildfire which we enjoyed last year. Chorizo starter, delicious steak, profiteroles. Noisy drunk 40th party next to us! 

An excellent tour for an hour of De La Salle college and we met the chaplain, talked about interfaith to RE teacher, librarian, sports, very impressed. To Jersey Zoo. Loved the new butterfly house and saw orangs, gorillas, blue crane, tamarins, otter. Cake and coffee at Cafe Dodo and shop. Dropped off Bruce and found another gorilla at St Clement's Bay. To Bass and Lobster - had catch of day and delicious starter and dessert. Heavy rain.

A late breakfast. Trevor not well Janet comes back from New York tomorrow. Weather improved in afternoon. Read book a.m. Delicious lunch at Longueville manor which has a great ambience. £20 each for 3 courses. Bruce went into town to see accountant so we went in search of gorilla statues large and small and found 11. Saw more of St Helier and the town church. Tea at the coffee shop opposite the Sand Street car park. Old books to read! Emma joined us for dinner at Manos portuguese again £20 for 3 large courses. Sardines, pork, tiramisu. 

Up at 6.30. Uber driver came too early and did not wait.The third car got us to East Croydon and we were at Gatwick8.35. Assistance to the plane Easyjet. Raining on arrival and came down back steps. They could have told us there was a ramp at the front! Collected Hertz Fiesta and drove to Les Corbieres - saw gorilla statue there. Back to Blue Diamond garden centre for sandwich and tea. Arrived 3.45 and Trevor home. Rest and reading "Sweet sorrow".Bruce picked us up and looks well and is very busy. Lovely Italian meal at Casa Mia. 

Harvest so we sang Greene Thou visitest the earth. I played Peeters on Wir plufgen, Statham on Monkland and Recessional on St George by Vernon Griffiths. We sang For the fruits but to Ar hyd y nos. Liz came for the harvest lunch and Julie entertained us with poems and 3 flute pieces. Richard Sutton conducted evensong and John Pritchard played. Sumsion in G, Attwood Teach me O Lord, Benediction. Nice to see Nicholas Ansdell-Evans and his mother.

Lovely to spend time with Peter Simpson and a short visit to York art gallery. ellent tour of York Minster, saw King's Book and shop. Lovely unaccompanied evensong. Soft singing in the psalms magic, basses a bit strident at times. Bednall anthem, Tallis canticles. Good meal at Gusto. Really enjoyed the SSG assembly in York. Great talks and discussion, lovely food, beautiful Mass! John ainslie and I sang Christus vincit. English Martyrs is a fine 1930s church with a lovely hall. Journey fast and non-stop and buses took me from centre to Bar Convent and station. River high. 

I was back in the pool yesterday and today went to art and started a new picture. Mind, body, spirit was good with Bollywood dancing (imagine me doing that) and simple yoga exercises! A packed St Paul's gave Archbishop Michael Curry a standing ovation. Such conviction, humility and inspiration! I think we was surprised by just applause. At one point he said "Isn't anybody gonna give me an A....men?" Saw Berni and lady from Catford who came to interfaith group. 

Back to the pool and swam 20. Helped clear up back garden emptying baskets many of the plants died in the heat. At the quiet day and praying for Eileen McDade on her last journey. Fr Andrew Gallagher quoted Gerontius in his homily for feast of the guardian angels. My work is done, Alleluia. Returned scores to Balham library. Plainsong Salve Regina Tavener Hymn to the Mother of God Sheppard ‘Gloria’ from Cantate Mass Eric Whitacre Sainte-Chapelle Wylkynson Salve Regina a9 Fayrfax Aeternae laudis lilium Gabriel Jackson Ave Maria Tavener Hymn for the Dormition of the Mother of God James MacMillan O virgo prudentissima (new commission) Sheppard ‘Agnus Dei’ from Cantate Mass Dennis took me to the 16 Enduring voice pilgrimage at Croydon Minster which I enjoyed. Saw Denise Mead, Judy, Joy, Geoff and Gill Hope.At the quiet day Sr Agatha spoke of God as lavish, overwhelming and everflowing. So often with music I have felt this and it certainly applied to the 16 concert!

The Richard Rohr meditation at quiet time was about hate and how we can never control others. Fear is the basis of all hatred. I agree but not a good basis for a meditation! Never knew Andrew Wilson grew up in Solihull! Sad that Jessye Norman died. She stood so near the tenors for Mahler 2 and Oedipus Rex at the RFH. She was fab and so nice! Over 100 birthday messages. Watched Ben Fogle and Bake off. Sent details for refresher course and new poster for interfaith group. I told the vicar of the Temple church after the Mass about the locked doors at recitals and he was clearly surprised and thanked me. They should be open at all times! 

Got to Trinity House in time. Excellent first day of refresher course for spiritual directors with Chris Chapman. They loved Mum's fruit loaf! Now on crowded tube to go to Louise's for birthday dinner.Guildhall Art gallery has a lovely exhibition on London architecture until end of October.The end of a lovely day. Miserable crowded journey to Acton. Lasagne and wine and Louise working on art auction plan for Jan. Sean gave me a big hug. Ciaran is away at camp and Tom is in Dublin. Watching Paul Merton finding out his family history.Served at the Red Mass for the judges. Bishop Nicholas. Splendid National anthem with both verses. Byrd 4 part Mass. Henry came. Heavy to carry  -he has a proper cast on leg.