The organist librarian

Last night after a relatively quiet 9 to 5 at work Liz persuaded me to leave the quiet comfort of the lounge to go to St Paul's cathedral for the 11.15 watch night service. The Cambridge Heath Salvation Army band played very well and the precentor Canon Lucy Winkett spoke excellently. The cathedral looks splendid and I liked moving to the great West door during "Lord for the years" to hear the famous quote used by King George VI "I said to the man at the door of the year give me a light". We drove up via Tower Bridge and heard the fireworks. The journey home took a long time and every bus was packed! We go home at 1.45 a.m. Today we spoke to Ann on Skype having got Dennis on the mobile at midnight. We went by train to Westminster Cathedral and served at Mass. Fr Michael spoke about Mary and the Trinity and Deacon Ed said he had seen the fireworks from their roof terrace. Watched a lot of TV including the Vienna New Year concert, 3 hour programme on Vaughan Willi...

Friday straight from work to meet Liz at Clapham Junction to get the train to Windsor. Bought a senior railcard for £20 so return fare only £5. Checked in at new Travelodge next to Central station and had pizza in the room while watching again "Meet the Fokkers" with hilarious performances from Dustin Hoffmann and Barbara Streisand. Saturday Bruce joined us and we spent the day rehearsing with the Bridgeman Singers in Vicars Hall. Noble in B minor and a beautiful "Sure in this shining night" by Morten Lauridsen - very touching piece. To Zizzis for an excellent Italian meal. Sunday we arrived in good time for the 9.30 a.m. start. The superb George Malcolm Missa in praesepio as heard at the cathedral at Midnight Mass - what a joy to sing! At Mattins Howells Coll Reg Te Deum. To the pub for half of Old peculiar and at Arthur's excellent vegetarian lunch we enjoyed Kosovan beer! Evensong Parry 2nd service in D and Bob Chilcott's 7/9 version of the Sussex Carol. ...