The organist librarian

Pool opened at 9. Only swam 16 as I did not put enough on the meter! Some guy doing butterfly and black guy swam into me - he said "You saw me" I replied "I cannot see you if I am on my back and we need to all go round the same way!" Watched West Side Story background and Sir Peter Wright. Worked on the portrait trying to make it more feminine. Packing for Saturday. Louise and the boys arrived at the end of evensong from St Gabrieil Pimlico sung by Rudolfus choir. After dinnee pleayed through Carols for choirs and my big solo from Amahl "this is my box". Bruce went and bought Baileys! James May reassembling toys. I have gained 3 pounds and I never seen so much recycling and landfill! Michael Buerk on Pompeii.

Swam 20 and to art. Finished the Cusco procession picture. Liz came back from Acton.  To Highbury and Islington to discover the Estorick collection of modern Italian art and Giacomo Manzú. I copied a sketch of Ulysses done with great economy. Met Colin. To St Paul's cathedral for a fine talk on Creation by Bishop Katharine Schori. Good to see Simon Surtees and Rita. Mary Beard on Pompeii.

The news that Pope Francis washed the feet of a woman Muslim prisoner will certainly upset the traditionalists and I hope it does! The Tablet says he washed the feet of 12 mothers on a previous occasion. To the cathedral for Morning prayer and I was book bearer. Superb Victoria responsories and Anerio Christus factus est. To St John's for 12 noon liturgy. Sanders Reproaches. I had book open at Casals O vos omnes instead of Gesualdo - oops! Nice soup and cheese lunch. I had leek and potato and the pasta and vegetable. Sat with Joy and Geoff. Feeling annoyed by Mary Smith who commented on us not being at rehearsal which Adrian had agreed. To St Michael's and 30 there and all went well - relatively simple. Fr Paul took off sandals and chasuble to venerate - very dramatic and he sang the prayers very well. Perhaps he was a professional singer. I somehow doubt it. He certainly has stage experience. Liz was up late baking a second batch of hot cross buns which were delicious. Seems ...

We had snow flurries Saturday and a little this morning but the wind made it very cold.  Drove to West Dulwich and left car there. Timothy Penrose welcomed us to All Saints Dulwich and I played Oldroyd and Murrill on the organ which came from Barnes. I was at the opening recital. The church has been beautifully restored after the 2000 fire and much improved. Adrian gave me a lift to Goose Green and John Webber gave us tea and a short recital - the vicar told us the history. I had to leave after the Sweelinck. The organ is a Walker. Vespers and Mass for Palm Sunday with Canon Christopher. Watched Come dine with me episodes. Sunday took Liz to West Norwood. The Palm Sunday procession went ahead and I took my pitch pipe so they started on B flat! I then made my way back through the church ready to play Ride ride on when they arrived and all went well. I played St Matthew Passion final chorus at the end and we practised. To British Museum to see the outstanding Pompeii and Herculaneum...