The organist librarian

Drove back to Auckland on the day of the dolphin watching and Hole in the Rock cruise. Stop at Whangarai. Back at Crowne Plaza - drinks reception so had champagne spoke to sous chef from Birmingham and service was a bit quicker! Relieved that Malcolm and co are all OK the news from Christchurch just gets worse every day. Mount Eden fantastic views of Auckland, coffee stop at Huntley. Waitomo Glowworm caves were brilliant - went through in silence on a boat. Sang Away in a manger in cathedral cave. Lunch at Otorohanga. To Rotorua and to Maori hangi with fantastic haka show and excellent food. Ecothermal tour with excellent Maori guide to see geysers and thermal activity. On duck tour to 3 lakes which was fun. Picked up at 3 p.m. by Judy and taken to farm homestead. Tour of garden and Norman drove us round the farm. Excellent dinner. Unfortunately Louisa and Peter came too and dominated the conversation. Music was mentioned but no chance to play the piano. Up early for breakfast and left...

Saturday I was the only senior with Doris and it was busy! To Vespers and Mass at which we had Michael O'Leary and Peter Coleman, Ian's son, organist from Kingsway plus John and Philip so we had consecration torches. The black priest was short but had a sonerous voice and a novel way of censing the altar and gospel procession. Halfway through the robed choir of Wellington Anglican St Paul's cathedral appeared and sang the setting unaccompanied. The Challoner choir had been given the push! To Coulsdon where I played RVW on St David's day, Wedding tune for Ann, O come to the waters from Elijah (first reading), Flor Peeters on Cym Rhondda and Karg-Elert Nun danket to mark our 34th anniversary. Nice card from Liz and Louise texted. Cleared up patio and it rained. To Clapham Junction for farewell to Judy and Martin Ash who have an idyllic cottage in Barnstaple. Lots of chats to librarians and musicians and the enjoyed the wedding photos from both weddings! Lots of nice eats ...