The organist librarian

Sunday evening to Vauxhall for Sharon's party. Chatted to servers Francis and Patrick and met the Powell twins and their parents. They run the music at Kingston. Monday a holiday and to 11.30 a.m. memorial mass at Vince's home for him and his brother said by Fr Gabriel. Lovely lunch and enjoyed chatting to the nuns from Slough. Watched Cranford, ballet, Christmas lecture, War Horse background, La Boheme and An Englishman in New York with John Hurt. Small Island was an excellent drama earlier in the month. I have entering dates in my new National Gallery of Ireland diary from my In memoriam file.

No rose vestments at Coulsdon. Teresa got 3 kids to light candles on the wreath but did not light the pink one! We sang Bach's "Zion hears" and I missed the repeat so managed to get back on right track again! We also sang "The Lord will come and not be slow". Walker's "Stay awake" and Palmer's "When is he coming" both going well. I played Bairstow and Statham on "Veni emmanuel" and Gordon Giles has an excellent meditation on this hymn in his book "O come Emmanuel". A lovely Christmas lunch with Louise, Tom, Bruce and Josie. Big turkey, spinach soup, ginger and pear souffle, Christmas pudding. To the hospital with Bruce and Josie to see Grandma who has moved wards for the 3rd time - this time to the urinary one. Watched Antiques Roadshow, the last Cranford and last Parkinson. David Beckham on his best behaviour!

At Coulsdon we enjoyed singing "Rejoice in the Lord alway" (anon) I practised and after a sandwich with Bruce we went to the hospital. Took Dennis to Victoria and want to vespers in the cathedral. The 10 layclerks sang well. To Starbucks for a new toffee hot chocolate. To the cathedral organ recital by the organist of Chelsea Old church, Paul Dean. He expertly played Buxtehude, Bruhns and Bach. Home to decorate the tree with Bruce and watch Cranford.