The organist librarian

Ventured out to Bromley Parish church and saw evidence of tree branches down. Paul Derrett have us a most entertaining programme. Purcell Mansfield's Toccata a la gigue reminded me of the Teddy Bears' Picnic and it was good to have a tribute to Richard Popplewell. We also heard Buxtehude, Bach, Campra, Reger, SS Wesley, Lemare and Flor Peeters. A jolly encore Capriccietto by Leonard Butler. Liz went to fetch Hannah to visit Claire. Watched Brontes, Shakespeare's grave and Don Giovanni. Easter Sunday morning from St Alban's impressive. University challenge, Island parish and a fascinating programme on the Easter rising.

Friday 40 lengths - meetings at work. Choir practice a bit frustrating again - "I don't like this" is hardly helpful and a comment about Gareth Malone's talent did not please me. Saturday was a quiet day catching up on things and went to the recital at St Dunstan Bellingham by Paul Derrett. A fine Hill organ which came in the 20s from Chapel Royal St James Palace. I followed the Trumpet minuet of Alfred Hollins with the score - top C sharp on the pedals was not working. We also had Handel, Bach, Wesley, Elgar, Wolstenholme and Robert Cundick. I missed second half. Had tea with Andrew Cessana, Christian Strouver and Tom who goes to St Michael's recitals. There were about 50 there. To vespers and Mass and as I was early I met John East in the cathedral. Last night of the proms on TV - an odd mixture of songs about death (Purcell and Mahler) and Ketelbey, Arnold, no Sea songs. Excellent trumpet playing from Alison Balsom and Sarah Connolly sang beautifully. Enjoyed ...