The organist librarian

To work and Isaac and Mohamed made a good start. Served at Vespers and Mass for the feast of the birth of John the Baptist. Fr Richard nesbitt wsa an inspiring celebrant saying the Roman canon (which we hear so seldom these days as it is the longest) so beautifully and prayerfully I was close to tears. The Downe House school choir sang Faure, Durufle and Brahms beautifully and Thomas gave a great improvistaion at the end inspired perhaps by Martin Baker's comments about the forthcoming recitals, Richard's homily focused on how God looks after us from before our birth right through our lives and how we all have a calling. The party afterwards was pleasant and gave a chance to chat to friends old and new. The new deacon Edward was there too.

Spoke to Ann on the phone and finally got my head round the tax return for the income from the church! To Coulsdon to choose hymns for July and part of August with Vicky. Then to St Michael's for Nigel Groome's recital which was several shorter works including Healey Willan. Willan was organist at St George's, Beckenham where Nigel plays before emigrating in 1913. Quote "English by birth, Canadian by adoption, Scotch by absorption" - Healey Willan. He has written very fine music! I lit my candles for Mum and Dad in front of the Our Lady statue as usual. Had coffee and pastry with Nigel and Christopher Moore and we were talking about bad recitalists and the state of the RSCM. To Hinsley Room for launch of the interfaith group at the cathedral and it went well with 10 present including an Anglican and a Buddhist. Alfred Agius gave an excellent presentation and meditation material. Fr Richard Nesbitt (5 days a priest and still moved to tears)celebrated Mass for the J...

On Friday morning I was sitting on the station reading Morning prayer when along comes Maureen looking as smart as ever. Her son Eugene was tragically killed in a gang fight and he was not a gang member at all. I went to his funeral as he used to come to the library to see his Mum when she worked with us. She said to me "What can we do?". My inadequate reply "Try to do good, speak out against this tragic loss, fight to improve things". Saturday to the ordination of Richard Nesbitt at the cathedral. He was ordained with John Elliott by the Cardinal. What a wonderful celebration with good strong hymns for all to sing and some excellent cantors. Richard will be a fine priest as he is 40 and so kind. We gave him a candle Liz had specially made. The party in the Allen Hall garden which Richard tended for 6 years was delightful. Chatted to Deacon Peter and Fr Michael about music. Saw the famous mulberry which stood in St Thomas More's garden and visited the modern cha...

The day began with a St George's Day broadcast from Windsor with lots of fine music by Sir William Harris. At Coulsdon we sang Darke in E and Ley's "Lo round the throne" which is an excellent anthem very well-crafted. Janice Cockcroft suggested going to Oaks Park on the way to Banstead for my picnic and I sat in the sun enjoying the blossom and flowers. Lovely wisteria and jasmine! The St George's Day parade went well and I played Jerusalem, land of hope and glory and Donald Cashmore's Processional march. On return home Martin from Woodside bereavement service came and we had a good chat about how busy I am and how I need to find a balance and enough rest and quality time with Liz! I spoke to Liz and Dennis on Skype and watched Diane Abbott learning to play the piano on TV. Also highlights of the London Marathon but could not spot Richard Nesbitt! He will be tired tonight - I have sponsored him!

The Vigil at the cathedral was a truly wonderful service with 5 baptisms and lots of confirmations (lost count!). We moved in silence through the dark building to find the new fire blazing at the back tended by Mark dressed up as security for once. Liz and I were acolytes so had to pass the light from the Easter candle. My hand was shaking with excitement! How quickly the light spreads from candle to candle as we all share the good news! It was a surprise to find that we extinguished our candles for the 3 readings. Deacon Richard sang Exultet and Gospel superbly. When we went during the Gloria to light the altar candles, Liz tripped but she was OK. My taper went out and one of the candles was very reluctant to light being new! I ended up helping the youngsters to light nightlights. They thought the door to the gallery was locked so I got Simon Lloyd to check it. Never work with children! The choir was stunning in the Langlais setting - top Cs in the Sanctus from the boys. Palestrina Si...

To the dentist to get a gum shield to stop me grinding my teeth at night! Went through the St Luke Passion with Adrian. To the Hinsley Room for meeting of Lent group. At Mass the men sang a long but beautiful motet by Byrd. To Justice and Peace group meeting with Richard Nesbitt and he too picked up on the Ambassadors for Christ theme we had been discussing at Lent group. This passage reminds me of Fr Anthony Barrett who chose it for his ordination. He really was an ambassador for Christ and is now in the U.S. There was much discussion of the Gospel of John and Liz went to see it at St John's, Upper Norwood. A lovely day - clear but colder. Spoke to Ann briefly on Skype. The J and P group are looking for a banner maker!