The organist librarian

To All Saints West Dulwich for Tim's funeral which started at 12 noon. We got there early and the service lasted 2 hours. It was touching and the singing was splendid both from the church choir and the choir of friends. Ian Partridge spoke. James Bowman, Peter Wright, Stephen Disley, lay clerks and the Tobins with Colin Mawby from the cathedral. Norman Harper played Wesley. We heard some of Tim's music and Edgar Bainton, Byrd, Wesley and Purcell. It was all splendidly done but with a human touch catching Tim's eccentricity. Liz stayed for the buffet but I went to Bloomsbury Baptist where I heard John Peacham talking about German chorale preludes and their use. After tea Ben Bloor played brilliantly. He is to be scholar at the cathedral. Wills, Bach, Karg-Elert, and Farrington. I doubt if he will play Bolcom on Amazing Grace at the cathedral. His technique is brilliant and he looks like a schoolboy. He plays in flat shoes which look like sneakers! Confirmation by Bishop Joh...

Played Christ the Lord to Jordan came of Bach both versions in Clavierubung. Found a box at church for the organ music which I am selling and also had a first look at Alan's organ music - he must have spent a fortune! Watched Christmas university challenges and some Christmas Songs of Praise. How can O holy night be the nation's favourite above In the bleak - it's not even a congregational carol! Evensong Stanford in B flat and There shall a star of Mendelssohn. To Christ's chapel Dulwich for a joint recital by the Harpers in memory of Tim Penrose and also the organ builder Bill Drake. Purcell, Wesley (which didn't work so well with the tuning), Buxtehude, Bach, Nigel Ogden. Vincent Nicholls is to be Cardinal - brilliant! 

Thursday Liz was off to college. I took part in an interesting Webinar on Public service commissioning. I got petrol and took down Dennis's few decorations. We now only have Christmas trees to put away! To Clapham Picturehouse for Mandela the long walk to freedom - a moving film excellently acted and directed. Friday to St Matthew's for an interesting session in denominational differences. I spoke on RCs, there were Anglicans, Church Army, Methodist, Salvation Army, Moravians, Baptist and Charismatic. Had a chat to Howard the retired hospital chaplain. I observed an interesting discussion between Steve and Lesley. Shocked to hear that Tim Penrose had died suddenly - pneumonia.

Drove to Beckenham and played Bach Ascension and Easter preludes. Chatted to Stephen about recitals publicity. To Alan's house and tried the Allen organ and there are 5 keyboards. Packed with his brother's paintings some of which are good and some are dreadful! I think museums would be interested in the original features. Liz stayed at Acton and went to Mass there and the park. To evensong - Timothy Penrose in congregation - Sumsion in G and Walford Davies O sons and daughters. Watched Diamond Queen. Great evensong on radio from St John's Cambridge. Monday woke with bad backache.

Liz set off early as she was acting as sacristan for the morning so Gerry could play in the folk group. At Coulsdon we sang "If ye love me" by Tallis and Bairstow in E flat. We rehearsed Gibbons and Croft for evensong and I felt so confident after the conducting workshop and was using some of the techniques I had learnt. Vickie says the church will pay for it! I practised and then to Purley for Mass. David Palmer group and it was far too long. Blessing of water with sung responses then sprinkling then Gloria. A good young cantor for the acclamations. Canon Frank went on rather long about the need for all to evangelise. It was a Mass for new members of the congregation followed by a reception in the hall but by then it was 1.15! To Dulwich to meet Liz. Restaurants all full so had soup in cafe and then to Christ's Chapel for excellent recital by Timothy Penrose counter-tenor and Norman Harper. The organ has been rebuilt by Drake and is ideal for Purcell and Gibbons. Timothy...