The organist librarian

Christchurch. 1 hour flight from Auckland clear views there but rain on arrival. Malcolm met us and we recognised many roads on the way to their lovely home. Liz went to the concert dress rehearsal but I slept. Ursula, Emily and Bernard were all on great form. Ursula's paintings really make the house. We laughed at The secret life of Walter Mitty on their huge screen. N Z beat Australia in the rugby. Slept well. Sunday to mass at St Peter Beckenham.went there 2 years ago. Music group did well Haugen, Gather us in, Farell, Christ be our light, Overhead projector Mass setting easy to sing. Old words for Gloria. All not many. Bishop Paul Martin who is very tall gave an excellent homily on divisions in families and suffering. He wants to close churches and cathedral and rebuild elsewhere not popular. Brunch then to The Piano for Canterbury Philharmonia concert which was very good. Verdi, Mussorgsky, Babar and SaintSaens. Mozart Sinfonia concertante. Malcolm played oboe and is chair...

Took Ann and Paul to East Croydon - it has been a lovely time together. Swam 20, cut my thumb at mosaic taking tiles off to redo them. Played at funeral of Shirley from Barbados. Singer came to do Going home so I played that and Faure, Elgar and Handel beforehand. It was all very dignified and heartfelt. Cheque for £40 but contract says it should be £60. Saw the beehive in the vicarage garden as I parked at the back. To Harvey Nichols for delicious champagne chocolate tea - this was to make up for the poor tea Liz had there before. We sat in Hyde Park for a while enjoying the sunshine and the green trees then to confirmation class where Paolo answered some good questions. Watched Rev - the end of this series.

Swam 20. Final preparations for Ann and Paul's arrival. Liz a little better but still staying home. Chrism Mass went very well. One stupid decision was to move us from BVM to BSC side too early so we went back to our seats! I had to move a heavy stool and consecration torch and acolyte 5. Nice lunch and chatted to seminarians and a couple of priests including the one I have met in art galleries! Home to find Ann and Paul there so we sat in the garden for a bit and went for a walk before dinner. Liz went off to Acton. Watched Rev again and Come dine with me.

Liz to cathedral bearing cards and rosaries for the leaving choirboys - they had some of the delicious chocolate cake from yesterday. I played Peeters and Lloyd Webber on Lobe den herren and practised. Great hymns - Praise to the Lord the alnighty, Ye servants of God, Love is his word and When morning gilds the skies at my request. Paul was back in black shorts - I had mine on too as it was hot again. Finished clearing up and Dennis came down. We met Ann and Paul at St Pancras off Eurostar from Brussels at 4.15 and I got the pianist to play Waltzing Matilda as they came through. Anyone can play! Got the train to east Croydon amid great excitement and Liz met us there. Had a very nice meal with champagne and cleared up the garden ready to take everything to the tip tomorrow.