The organist librarian

 Sat cont To St Bartholomew Sydenham (a gloomy church) for Ensemble 26 concert including RVW Horn quintet a jolly work. To Mass at Sydenham Kirkdale. A baptism included and  3 of us did not hear the priest say "I baptise you....." The hearing loop was not working or switched off. I emailed him and he said he did say it so it was not invalid. Surely the point is that we should all hear the words! Frankly it was dreadful. A plastic mug on the font (yuk!) books not ready, Easter candle not lit, far too much was said. We will not go there again! All very depressing. Strictly is on again.  Woke at 4 a.m. expecting to see videos of the wedding. All we got was Paul's speech and a photo from Louise of the happy couple. Harvest festival and lunch.  Played Flor Peeters on Wir plufgen and Vernon Griffiths on St George. We sang Thou visitest the earth by Green. Had a nice chat to Peregrine's wife. I was very sleepy. Antiques roadshow, Frozen planet II, cellists at the BBC. Monda...

 I am really behind on writing this. The death of the Queen has really affected all of us.  I have spent a lot of time watching the many tributes and the remarkable livestream of the lying in state. Friday  Up at 5 am and got the first train at Selhurst at 6am arriving at Tate Britain at 6.30am. Got our yellow armbands at 7 and come back at 1pm. Had a coffee then back to Selhurst and to the dentist and then back to Victoria. By 2 we were in Westminster Hall. It was so moving and beautiful. Three military men saluting as we passed the catafalque. Louise got a photo from the livestream. As we came out spoke to a priest and said how it all brought back so many memories sad and happy. The walk over Westminster Bridge to the bus was tiring. So grateful that we are able to be there. Saturday To St John's twice 10am requiem for Alan Driedger and HM the Queen and LMP concert reflecting the story of the Crystal Palace. The concett ended with Barber Adagio for strings. I went to...

 Liz came with me and we sang Andrew Carter's For the beauty of the earth. I had my hearing aid on the loop which did not help ensemble with the organ. I played Jupiter theme from Planets Flor Peeters variations on God save the King which we sang and Nimrod. After coffee drove to Normandy Therapy garden which was very pleasant and we had delicious cake. Arrived at Little Minnett House around 5.30. Very comfortable. Alas internet very intermittent! Watched St Giles cathedral lying in state. Monday to the aquaducts carrying the Kennet and Avon canal. Both very impressive. Coffee at Angelfish cafe and managed walks at both The Courts garden NT is lovely. Only connect and University challenge.  Tuesday rain and bus into Bath. Met Stephen Power in the Abbey and went for hot chocolate at Mrs Potts. The recital was well attended and very suitable including Rhosymedre, Darke Brother James Air, Whitlock and Nimrod. We met Stephen's friends and went with them to Browns for a nice lunch....

Sept 1 woke at 4 dream about conducting evensong from an organ loft with wrong music. Carols practice with baby Louise! B and S (start of the Southwark conference). Swim. Art and nearly finished the music painting. Cheltenham with Sr Margaret. Day 1 of Season of creation. Liz at gym. Launch from Rome ecumenical was excellent. Yew tree music and whales! Cooked kebabs. Chamber music prom. Scottish Laity network Nellie McLoughlin very good.  Friday SM. 9am swimming with Henry and Dennis. Liz spoke to Ann. Hen party is tomorrow. To Unacc. S part of the conference. B.  To Bacons college Rotherhithe to help on the Spidir at Southwark diocesan conference. Good to see Daniel Trott and Berni Excel. Played for Mass for Season of Creation at Farm St and great to meet so many I only know from zoom! I was tired walked a lot! Henry and Dennis came to Caterham and Henry had a go on the organ. It was a service of the word led by Sarah. An excellent meal at the Verdi and Berlin Phil prom with ...