Advent 1

 Beckenham Methodist went well and the congregation sang the new hymn quite happily. I played Martin How’s Advent prelude, Walther Wachet auf, Bairstow and Sumsion on Veni Emmanuel. I was asked if I had improvised the latter. No chance said I not that clever! Good sermon from Revd Jonathan mentioning Oscar Romero and Mother Theresa on the theme of justice. Christingle at SJ and kids sang well. Bruce off to Peterborough. Lovely Advent carols at St John the Evangelist Upper Norwood. Fr John having fun on the organ. Advent carols from St John’s Cambridge was excellent. Celebrity race around the world reached Costa Rica and Panama. Strictly. Johannes out. Disappointed that Oremus did not publish interfaith group ideas for next year.

Monday woke late. Ann away and no wifi. Swim, aerobics and went to Balham to meet Julian. Battle to pay congestion charge. Only connect, Mastermind, University challenge, why civilisations fall. Working on Christmas letter.

Tuesday woke late again. Swim and to Beck methodist. Started practising Christmas music today. I am playing Midnight Mass and Christmas Day but not on 21st or 28th or for a carol service. It does not worry me at all. Working on our Christmas letter. Meditation. Collected new microwave from Sainsbury's. The air fryer is going back. Kingdom is an excellent series.

Wednesday took microwave and breadmaker to tip. The drainpipe fixed - water had been flowing over the front. To Wickes to look at bathroom fittings and Top Tiles. Tea at Infinity Purley and drive to Copthorne -somehow ended up on M23. By the time we reached Wakehurst Place for Glow WIld the rain had stopped and it's magical! Real pizza company and reading.

Thursday very wet great breakfast near the house (we stayed there in 2023). Drove to Worth Abbey but car park full so came home in driving rain. I had knocked front left hubcap last night and it split. Good webinar on Cop 30. Cheltenham prayer. Booked cruise round British Isles. Decided not to go on organ trip to Edinburgh. Kilburn can't have us to play the organ in February. Asked to play Christmas Eve at St Mark South Norwood. Already booked at St Matthew's. Full moon very bright. Choir Practice cancelled. Should have gone to interfaith talk on Mary at Addington.

Friday Unacc then to SJ for organists Advent meeting, Simon. Lionel. Adrian and Jonathan played Advent music which was excellent. Betteridge new to me. Nice to have Peeters on Wachet auf. Lovely tea and Liz helped serve it. Liz went to Anerley for induction of Fr Joseph I skipped it as it sounded chaotic! Rain. Some man hooting me because he got held up outside the church!

Saturday woke late again. SM Maddie in the park. She did quote Isaiah but offered no reflection on it! Beautiful concert on the harp by Keziah Thomas. Ciaran is 16!! Fr Albert from Ashford celebrated Mass. "Choir" slowed up On Jordan's bank and Celtic alleluia. O come O come they rose by half a tone. Final hymn changed by Fr Joseph to Christ be beside me - we gave up! Strictly was fantastic. Another 40. Thanks to CMQ we watched Southern cathedral singers evensong from Salisbury and concert for the poor with Pope Leo.

Advent 2 wet. Warm welcome at Riddlesdown and good to meet Fr Martin Freeman. Played Martin How’s Advent Prelude and Lloyd Webber on Helmsley. Caribbean lunch at St John’s. Sent Christmas letter at last. Delightful evensong with chamber organ played by Fr John. Claire sang This is the record of John well, Gibbons service and a hymntune by him. Strictly Lewis out. Kingdom is excellent. Tower of London series.