The organist librarian

Tuesday set off at 2.30 for Tudeley near Tonbridge to see the wonderful Marc Chagall stained glass in All Saints church. Nice organ there too. Then to Thomas a Becket chapel at Capel which has 13th century wall paintings. Found the Travelodge and a large room. To Spa Hotel down the road for the 750th meeting of Tunbridge Wells circle and an excellent dinner of duck leg, soup and strawberry cheesecake - wine included. An easy walk back to the hotel and a good night's sleep. After breakfast went to the Catholic church but Fr Peter was with somebody so played the organ for a bit and looked at the good collection of spiritual reading in the church. We were home by 1 and prepared Friday's quiz. To Heythrop for dinner and lecture which was on the Spirit and mission. Most of us went to the pub and I had a Munich beer. Home by 10.40. Question of Sport on TV. 4 articles in The Lion.

Swam 30! Listened to Liverpool cathedral evensong from yesterday - Vaughan Williams, Whitlock and Howells - who could ask for better on this special day! So sad about the General Synod decision against women bishops - how disappointing and out of touch can you be? Went in good time to rehearse for Mass as Westminster cathedral tour was off (pity about that as I had bought the guidebook but maybe I can volunteer as a verger/guide next year). Ended up rehearsing harmonies of Praise my soul and Hail redeemer King divine. The psalm which was about singing was said - why? Jerry is lazy that's why! 2 plainchant chunks sung by soloists from gallery. We did not even run through Proulx Alleluia! Fr Michael Barnes gave a brilliant homily on interfaith - first time I have ever heard one at Mass. To coffee and chat about Synod decision. Took my cartoon to Lion office and met Daniel Tripp at last - he edits culture features. My review of art exhibitions is published! To library and lots of re...

Friday woke late so no swim again! Met Phil in street and saw prommer from LPC. Got a birthday card for Louise and later posted it and got food. To St George's Beckenham for recital by Michael Bell of Chislehurst, Lemaire's Carmen themes (tremulant - ugh!) Mozart changes by Garonyi - leave Mozart alone! First movement of the Whitlock sonata which is dedicated to Dorothy L. Sayers and reflects Rachmaninov and Delius who died the year it was composed. On return home I checked Dad's score of it - fiendishly difficult! Did some work. Produced my first column on forthcoming art events and ROH student standby scheme for The Lion. To ENO for Julius Caesar - we got Metro offer £55 upper circle seats for £10 each! A brilliant production with great singers especially Laurence Zazzo. Very clever production with excellent dancing. Home by 11.55. Anna Christy is a singer to watch!

Woke late so no swim again. To St Mary at Hill which I do not recall visiting for Peter Wright's playing of Brahms preludes and Bach Fantasia in G. Excellent and nice to see a church empty of chairs and art celebrating the sea to look at. Peter talked about Francis Jackson's 95th birthday and still playing. Priscilla had meningitis 2 years ago and has recovered well - she is a Quaker and an ideal match for FJ. Peter had fractured his little finger but is recovering. Also had a look in St Magnus the Martyr which is Forward in Faith and has a fine model of old London Bridge. To Heythrop and coffee - gave Fr Dave leaflets. Met Faye West in the little Lion office and happy for me to write about art and music. Worked in library and had dinner with Michael and Simon. Michael Barnes on Buddhism excellent! The chat forum has now been set up. Watched Gareth Malone in Manchester airport and Come dine with me worst ever candidates!