The organist librarian

To Sanderstead and Rene Barrett had sorted out David's booklets for me so I chose a lot about London and Surrey for possible circle walks. We had tea and a good chat. Liz had gone up early to the theatre and I parked at Norwood Junction and just got there for 6 p.m. Spamalot was hilarious and very well done. Laughed a lot. I can just imagine Paul and Dennis and Ann at the show especially as one of the characters was called Dennis. Loved the jokes about the guards. Watched Birds of a feather and An Island Parish and Naples cuisine and art. 

Took Li to station and then found swimming pool closed - should have gone to South Norwood pool!  Completed Clooney essay 2200 words and submitted it. Christmas cards and letters all done. Ran out of cards so if email sent no card! Watched The Hour final episode and Westminster Abbey featuring Mark Langham and An Island Parish. To serve at Santa Lucia service which was lovely. Excellent cathedral choir and Swedish choir. Baritone not loud enough?  He sang a Sibelius carol. The great moment is the Santa Lucia song in procession with girl crowned with lit candles and all carrying candles - so pretty! Looked for David Lester and Chris Hollis but didn't see them.Home to get fish and chips. Daphne Sherwood rang in response to the letter.

Li went off to Heythrop. I prepared the Christmas cards and got Christmas stuff (just 2 boxes) out of the shed. To Heythrop for 1.30 for end of term party and sad farewell to Rosa who has been made redundant from the Pastoral mission programme which is definitely a blow. Chatted to Fr Dominic about SyroMalabar church. Did some work in the library on Clooney. Tea at Marks and vespers and Mass with Fr John. Abe managed to put candle 1 on the wreath out so had to go and relight taper at the credence table. Canon Christopher spoke again about the diocesan fundraising scheme. To RCIA meal at Chinese restaurant in Gerrard Street. Unfortunately the noise level made it very difficult to hear. I was next to a charming Chinese lady who works in fashion. Had a discussion with Julie about opening out the sessions and it confirmed yet again that nothing at the cathedral will change until we get away from priest-led sessions. The priests say the focus must be on the candidates - true but why not use...

Li to college early so she could buy trim for Seán's baptismal white tabard/garment. Did some reading about Hinduism and Christianity. To Balham library and then coffee and crossant with Catriona. Lent her our Russian samovar and had a lovely chat. Home for lunch and watched a bit of Island Parish from Sark. To Croydon Minster for Martin How's Advent cantata. My name was not on the list and ended up among basses but carried on regardless. Lovely to see Jean and Alan Barber, Roy Nicholson and various faces from the past! A moving and effective work especially the well-known hymns and anthems. Very good tenor soloist and narrator but the real hero was the organist. The handbells and children's choirs were lovely. Left at 6 in rain and got to Victoria by 6.30. Harrow school Byron consort sang Rheinberger at Mass. Splendid Bach at the end. Met Peter at Il Posto and had a delightful chat and meal.