The organist librarian

Sunday evening to Vauxhall for Sharon's party. Chatted to servers Francis and Patrick and met the Powell twins and their parents. They run the music at Kingston. Monday a holiday and to 11.30 a.m. memorial mass at Vince's home for him and his brother said by Fr Gabriel. Lovely lunch and enjoyed chatting to the nuns from Slough. Watched Cranford, ballet, Christmas lecture, War Horse background, La Boheme and An Englishman in New York with John Hurt. Small Island was an excellent drama earlier in the month. I have entering dates in my new National Gallery of Ireland diary from my In memoriam file.

To 10.30 at Coulsdon -not many there. To Purley for 12 noon Mass. Canon Jim friendly. Bill plays the organ on one lot of stops - he stopped halfway through "See amid" - what about the story? He plays well but why "O sacred head" again! He needs some of my Noels. Lunch was Wiltshire foods and Christmas pudding. Liz had been at Cathedral and we returned for vespers - Poulenc and Mathias. Boys on great form and excited. Bruce was upset. We headed for Selsdon Park hotel - no champagne in rooms as promised and no soup for Grandma at meal which was buffet. Rooms OK and slept alright and good breakfast but leisure club not open until 10 a.m. Not really worth it and I think we were all tired! Next year Ciarán will be with us - they went to Ireland. We saw them on Wednesday which was a treat - he has grown! Liz had rehearsals for midnight but joined me in Acton. Boxing Day watched Victoria Wood and sang carols round the piano and Flanders and Swann. Small turkey for dinner a

18th staff meetings and to ACCL for excellent party to farewell Selma Elrayah. Met her husband. To choir practice on train because of snow. 19th to reading group. Philip Neale and Lyn were late coming from Essex and used Power point. Unfortunately this meant that we did not really discuss "A ticket to Tewkesbury". The lunch at Antipasto was excellent but went on rather long - I had zabaglione! Met Liz at Hammersmith hospital to see Doris and no time to meet Louise. Only there for 20 minutes and then to Mass. Archbishop was starting 5 deacons off! Ann's birthday. 20th Stayed at church all day because of snow and read The Tablet with lunch from Waitrose. Nine lessons went really well. Only one mishap where Norman was late at rehearsal and came in on wrong note in Noel nouvelet! To Vickie's for nibbles and drinks. Most enjoyable. 21st King's Cambridge concert at Albert Hall. Stephen Cleobury as friendly as ever. Rutter Gloria good and Messiah choruses. The choir on g

6th Advent carols at Coulsdon and all went well. 14th to Wimbledon to play carols for old folks from Wandsworth. They seemed keen to drink and chat and 12 days of Christmas with actions was the most popular. Some got up and did solos! 15th medical checkup at Medicentre Waterloo and the lady South African doctor from Pretoria very pleased with me. My fat count is up a bit which happens with age but she said keep up the swimming and walking and the good diet. I reckon I need to cut down on biscuits and sweets. To a fascinating afternoon at the IIPR Institute for Policy research - seminar on interfaith and community at 30 Southampton Street. Came home to find Ciarán here. We had had lots of visitors - I took Grandma and Josie home. 16th Interfaith meeting with Rachel Heilbron of the 3 Faiths forum - she is a delight and 12 came inculding Jon Dal Din and Sr Hilda. Went home and then to Chesterton school at 4 p.m. for Christmas buffet - not a great success - the former head friendly and cha

Now to catch up using a very full diary! Aug 2 spirituality day with Fr Robin Burgess - having not seen him for so long I had forgotten how good he is! The chorus was much occupied with carols and Liz only sang in one of the concerts. Louise, Tom and Ciarán came over on 11th to consult Clare about breast feeding and once that had happened he regained his birth weight and all was well. He had been back at the hospital on the 9th. 7th to tai chi group Christmas lunch at excellent Italian opposite the library. 8th Liz at servers council. I missed Catenians on the 7th for obvious reasons! 9th Unison committee meeting. 10th to ENO for "Messiah" for some reason both of us thought it started at 7.30 instead of 7 p.m. so we stood at back of gallery for first part - the singing was superb. Some of the staging was odd but we did enjoy it. I think this work is so popular that it must be hard to be original. Some of it was rather twee! Lots of shaking hands and the chorus should have mov

At this family time we remember with love those who have gone before us and rejoice with us but up on another shore and in a greater light. Dad loved Christmas so much and poured himself into preparations for it. Mum would produce wonderful meals and somehow get those pillows full of presents under the tree ready for when we came back from Midnight Mass - a crazy time to open presents of course! These plaques are now in St John's Glebe after a 3 year wait! Liz's Dad used to enjoy the Albert Hall concerts and all the fun of the family at Christmas. K would produce lovely gifts and always do the washing up after Christmas lunch. And what fun we had - who can ever forget Dolly laughing over the little bird waddling across the table from a cracker! Even Sheila would join in. Ann here when Dennis was a baby was so special and the one Christmas we had away from home in Tasmania when Dennis was 1. Hiding desks for the children with Mrs Earl next door. And always carol services and mi

December has proved to be even more hectic than usual hence my silence in blogland! Dec 7th I had just got to work when Liz rang to say that Ciarán Edward Maher had been born at 7.05 a.m. weighing 8 pounds and 1 ounce. He was due on December 6th. I went straight over to Acton at 7 p.m. and he is absolutely adorable with lots of black hair, long Woodhouse fingers and toes and very calm. What a joy! All are doing well.

Monday swam 36 and to tai chi - paid for Christmas lunch next Monday after the class. To Odeon Beckenham to watch Glyndebourne Falstaff - an excellent production set in WW2 Windsor full of visual gags. Terence, Adrian, Graham and Peggy there so Liz gave Terence a lift home. About 30 there. I know the opera well as I sang Bardolpho in it. It is a real ensemble piece and a delight! Liz had been to visit Louise. Tuesday watched "The Queen" and "Island parish" also "Life" on the sea. The Queen is an interesting series of 5 docu/dramas at different stages of the Queen's life.

Thursday chorus rehearsal and Liz back from Ireland. Friday to choir practice - some moans about Warlock instead of Ord for "Adam lay ybounden". Saturday 30 people came to hear Jimmy Burns talk about his book about his father "Papa spy". An excellent audience and he sold lots of copies. I drove to Coulsdon and hit lots of football traffic only just getting to church in time in the rain for Songs of Praise for St Andrew's day. An eclectic collection including Jerusalem and Blessed assurance and an old Methodist hymn about Emmaus! Choir sang "O come ye servants" and "Cantate domino" well. Andrew Nunn from Southwark cathedral preached well. An excellent fish and chip supper with apple pie and a good quiz. Took Marie and Caroline home. Advent Sunday we sang "I look from afar" and I played Lloyd Webber on "Helmsley". Ella announced she was giving up choir. Molly making great strides. No time to practise organ as went to 12 noon

I have been dipping into the biography of Tavener. Watched Don Carlos on Iplayer, spoke to Dennis for his birthday and watched play on Gracie Fields and documentary on her life. My Dad was very keen on her. Johannian came with my full article about the school reunion and a photo of me with eyes shut! To Terence's to have tea and watch the Westminster Abbey Remembrance for World War 1 service attended by the Queen. Excellent sermon from Rowan Williams and an effective new anthem "The Peace which passeth understanding" by Tavener. Ian Bostridge sang Britten's Agnus Dei so well. To Vic and Albert and enjoyed the Islamic gallery - once again the musical instruments were closed off. To cafe bar above Natural History museum ice rink for a cappuccino. Lovely carousel but no stalls this time! To Holy Trinity behind the Albert hall for chorus carols rehearsal. Ridiculous to have people trying to sing Bach without scores. John Rutter Gloria is fun and much influenced by Walton

Played for Vincent's funeral at St Chad's organ had been tuned but some notes not working! 4 hymns Fr William gave us a warm welcome and the Carmelite priest spoke well and helped Ben do the eulogy. I felt for him! To work and DS came about mid term PRP. To Cathedral hall for talk on prayer by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware from Oxford. A good talk on the Jesus prayer and silent meditation. I would have liked to ask how silent prayer fits in the Orthodox tradition with other practices like prostrations and kissing icons but no time. Met Andrea Kelly from Mount Street and Pam was there. Chatted to Miriam, Maureen and Michael. Liz off to Ireland OK and Dennis pleasantly surprised. Watched Don Carlos on Iplayer.

To Coulsdon where it seems the scaffolding fence is only held by a tie so we do have access to the vestry door! Liz late back from M & S. To St John's for Adrian's recital - 35 there. Centenaries Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Mendelssohn 6, Leighton Fanfare, Sidney Campbell Canterbury Improvisation No.2, Basil Harwood Paean - a good programme. At evensong we sang Stanford in A and Vaughan Williams Let all the world. Kit played Air of Wesley at the end. Adrian told story about Campbell and Gerald Knight. GHK commented on a hood "synthetic nylon" to which Campbell retorted "synthetic doctorate"! Watched Antiques roadshow and history of Christianity part 3 about the Orthodox church (gorgeous vestments and icons and churches) and Embarassing old bodies. Monday to BDT - some discussion about Balham as MR is retiring end of January. To Rosemary and Lyn's for a delightful dinner where we were joined by Louise and Tom. Bruce came for funeral tomorrow.

The reading group had a great discussion about "Native son" by Richard Wright. I'm surprised I had not come across this amazing book before. It certainly paints a bleak picture of racist America in the 1940s and has a powerful message for today. It was a shame Celine was not there to give a black perspective and later in the day when I told Pat Kahn about Doris I asked her about her American perspective on the book. Vespers and Mass for Christ the King with smoke. Fr Alexander sings really well and has a natural authority - so good to have a young priest. The choir from Limerick did not impress alas! We did sing "How shall we sing that majesty" which Fr Alexander wrote about in the newsletter. He would have preferred "Coe Fen" to "Kingsfold". Started with "Hail redeemer King divine". To swing party in the hall for the friends. Good to see Mark, Connie, Hannah, Andrew there. Anna sang beautifully - she sings at Harrods. The Irish ban

Friday and wet and windy - woke late. I am using a large black umbrella as my German one has finally given up the ghost. The German ones are so much better than cheap Chinese ones - much sturdier! Finished reading "Basil Hume 10 years on" and enjoying dipping into "John and Myfanwy Piper" by Frances Spalding which has stunning illustrations e.g. the windows at Robinson college. To the cathedral for farewell to Bishop Bernard off to Birmingham. The Archbishop quoted the song "We don't want to lose you but we know you have to go" although it was hard to hear his homily and hot on top of the heater. The full choir sang Rubbra Missa St Dominica, Berkeley's Psalm 23 and we had 2 fine Newman hymns "Firmly I believe" and "Lead kindly light". Elgar Imeprial March. Cardinal and lots of clergy and bishops present and ecumenical reps as well. I was communion torch with Michael and dashed to get the Coulsdon South train which I just caught.

Wednesday to St Paul's cathedral for the festival of St Cecilia. Nasty fanfare trumpets from the back of the nave. Alistair from the cathedral was there as part of the worshipful company of musicians and we also saw Sr Stella. Sitting halfway down the nave, the combined choirs of Westminster Abbey, Cathedral and St Paul's were too far to the left and the new console too prominent. The boys were on the floor and couldn't be seen at all. Excellent new anthem by Cecilia McDowell and Stanford For lo I raise up. Sermon on music in difficult times by the Revd Dr Carolyn Hammond Dean of Gonville and Caius Cambridge. 3 good hymns "Thy hand O God" (Basil Harwood's anniversary) God is love and There's a wideness to Coverdale Maurice Bevan's tune. Chris Hollis told me later that Martin Baker could not hear the organ from the console! Canon Christopher and Fr Swavek spotted us! To Southwark Bridge to find 344 bus stop not working and works on the bridge. Eventua

Elizabeth came in last week to tell me that Doris had breast cancer and leukaemia so I will visit her later today. Fiona Jarrett came in. She is back in the U.K. as the recession has hit the U.S. so badly. She still works for Virgin airlines where 1000 were made redundant. Zia spotted a cutting about Maureen and Eugene in the local paper.

Saturday to cathedral hall for Towards Advent event for Catholics opened by the Archbishop and Cardinal Vaughan school choir conducted by Charles Cole. We set up the Society of St Gregory stall and all the old magazines went and a lot of leaflets although some people read the leaflet and then put it back. I suggested taking it to their parish. It was very wet so numbers were down. I went to a talk on Christianity in Iraq by the Catholic woman of the year and Liz went to Joanna Bogle's talk on English Catholic heroines. Saw John East and lots of folk we know. Tea at M & S and then vespers and Mass which was a confirmation done by Bishop Alan Hopes very well indeed. Paul M looked after things. Dennis took us to the Jugged Hare in Vauxhall Bridge Road for a nice meal. I had jugged hare pie and bread and butter pudding. Sunday Liz to cathedral and to Coulsdon where we sang Campion's exquisite "Never weather beaten sail" which Sarah and Norman West enjoyed as they sang

Keeping up the 40 lengths each day and tai chi on Monday too. Wednesday to Hinsley room for cathedral interfaith group at 10.55 so we could observe the 2 minute silence. Rabbi Mark Solomon was excellent and dealt well with interruptions - 18 came and some new faces. Some were a bit too vociferous - good that Jon Dal Din and Sr Hilda came. To Croydon for Biobank online questionnaire and tests on my health - quite interesting and it took 2 hours. To St Ethelburga's in the City for 6.30 - 12 there. Workshop on non-violence building on the example of Jesus and Martin Luther King. David Witton excellent and lots of Power Point but it would have been good to let us talk a bit! My first event there - Chris Hewer gave me a tour - it is a lovely space. Thursday Liz to chorus for MacMillan. Friday the 13th a grim wet day. Bad flood from public toilet in library. RA showed no common sense at all as flooded last night and she got wrong number for emergency services. Choir practice started on s

To St John the Baptist Purley for Catenian mass for deceased brothers - only 5 of us there. Canon Jim presided and directed the irritating servers! Sat with David and met a gentleman I met at CASE conference! Picked up Liz - it was chorister for a day at cathedral so Paul was at the Mass. Caught up on HDD recordings and watched the fine Royal Albert Hall Royal British legion festival of remembrance which has been updated well. Sunday to church in suit wearing poppy and Dad's little RAF service ribbon as he always did. Both services went well and we sang Thou knowest Lord and Faure Pie Jesu in 2 parts. I had a lot to play including Last Post and Solemn melody, Nimrod, Thalben-Ball Elegy and Bach St Anne fugue. Good trumpeter at second service. At coffee asked what a modern service meant - seems it is aimed at teenagers. Picked up Liz - Bishop Moth at solemn requiem (Durufle). After an excellent M & S lunch to Southwark Cathedral for interfaith prayers for peace at 4.15. Some peo

40 lengths on Thursday and Friday. Busy at work with survey. Fell asleep during "The history of Christianity" part 1 on BBC4. Friday to Catenian clergy supper - 70 at Addington Palace golf club but not many Norwood brothers or clergy. Picked up Fr Sixtus at St Chad's and Fr Tim Dean from the cathedral at East Croydon which was very busy because of rain! Fr Tim spoke well and enjoyed the evening which was too long thanks to a raffle. Good meal - roast beef. Home at 11.45! Woke early and lie-in - Liz fed up as I was out again this time for St Andrew's day on outreach at the very attractive Holy Trinity centre, Wallington where Freda Curtis's funeral was held. An interesting discussion in small groups and useful. Home to find a match on so parked outside Hyacinth's and tried to find reason for water overflowing onto back roof - baffling!

To spirituality day led by Mary Leigh on "Love is patient". Contemplated Holman Hunt's "Light of the world" and there is certainly more to this picture than I had realised. I always found the pre-Raphaelites too realistic but this is a fine picture. In the afternoon found St Therese's meditation on Corinthians 13 in last month's Oremus and her powerful message about being Love in the church. The recent amazing relics visit was all about Love! To Tate Britian listening to evensong from Salisbury. Wonderful Turner and the Masters exhibition with some lovely Watteaus and Claudes not to mention Rembrandts. The Turner Prize 4 were interesting if a bit disturbing - using brain matter - yuk! To Trafalgar square and had a duck wrap at Pret a manger. To ENO to meet Liz (she had been at Bow about drains and collecting paint so had brought car up). Superb production of "Turn of the screw" with Rebecca Evans and Ann Murray on fine form conducted by the eve

Woke at 6.15 and as a result was later than expected for train and just missed the tour at New Covent Garden authority. However there is an interesting exhibition to see about their plans and we had coffee, danish, bacon butties and orange juice so no complaints there. Chatted to men from the board, Battersea society and Treasury holdings - was glad I had my suit and poppy on. Minibus to main gate and bus to library to find MH was late in because of her cat and nobody had rung me! Zia back from Pakistan with nice sweets. Cleaner doing very little again. On train and tram to Catenians - 14 of us and 8 visitors. Colin gave me a lift home and I had a long chat to David Barrett which is always interesting. Tuesday swam but it was busy and got out early to chat to Dan. I had seen Humphrey on train last night. Work on PRP and game plan. Lady gave me her seat on way home!

Book sale ending at library - about £110 which is not a lot. The Indian summer wasn't all that great although the park looks lovely. To Smoke vespers and Mass with Fr Michael Durand. Canon Christopher's attempts to sing "For all the saints" before Mass! Challoner choir murdered Rutter Deep peace although Hurford's Litany to the spirit was better but I don't think either was particularly appropriate. Fr Tim Dean is coming to the Catenian clergy supper on Friday - Canon Christopher and Fr Swavek have both been in Rome. Have been reading about the conservative Anglicans joining Rome - I can't help thinking this will make ecumenism with the C of E even more difficult and many of the hopes of the past seem to be dashed. Listening to All Saints Margaret Street evensong and benediction - can't get much higher than that! Pouring with rain and people on vintage car run to Brighton getting drenched and breaking down. Services went OK - we sang Harris "Holy

Thursday to the Cathedral hall. Surprised Liz at Victoria station - she had come home a day early to surprise me - good thing I had visited the new Battersea Park Tescos and got the flowers! A delightful celebration meal for the volunteers and Fr Michael read some of the thank you letters "Dear Fr Bone..." The whole event paid for itself. Lots to eat and drink but I drove. Sat with servers and had an interesting chat to Nick who is from Barons Green and has painted a station acrylic on wood. Brian and Andrew the seminarians engaged in a good discussion about the Baptism of Christ. Friday to practice and did most of the November music - I was throaty and suspect I caught the cough/cold from my neighbours at the Jerusalem chamber on Wednesday! Finished "The cleft" by Doris Lessing - most unusual and rather disturbing book.

Lie-in and watched Songs of praise Big sing and An Island parish. To St Michael's for last recital of the series. Dorio was there. Attila Laszlo from Slovakia played Couperin, JSB, Mendelssohn Sonata in C minor and an nice Abendlied by Dezso Antalffy-Zsiros (who would want to announce that?) and Fantasia by Istvan Koloss. To Coulsdon on bus to see Vickie. Planned up to end of January. Train to Royal Academy for the excellent Wild thing sculpture exhibition. Loved the Eric Gills and some of the Epsteins not so keen on the Gaudier-Breszkas. Walked via Pall Mall through St James Park - half moon just showing through the clouds. How beautiful and noble London is! An interesting talk on Jesus the Jew in the Jerusalem chamber for the central council of Christians and Jews by Rabbi Holdstein and Dr Taylor. Interesting and the rabbi said the baptism of Jesus was the turning point. He did say that Jews practice ritual washing (baptism). But why did Jesus have to be baptised if we was sinles

Woke late so walked to station and no swim. In any case had to carry dinner suit in its carrier. Weeded fiction for sale. John the new work experience is autistic but quite helpful if a little wayward! Left at 4.30 and changed - Harry Mellor met me at Selhurst. Took an hour to get out of London and late for meeting at Russell Hotel Maidstone. Nice dinner for £13.50 and had a great chat about music to Anne Shufflebottom. Carmel was there too. Only some of the men were in black tie and we asked for next meeting to be at Victoria! Home by 11 p.m. Harry is good company!

Emma came to a happy conclusion on TV last night! 30 lengths although it was busy. FL sick again so we were short but I did get to tai chi and 4 new recruits and a new form to learn! To Brompton Oratory for John McGreal's excellent playing of Bach's Clavierubung III. I spoke to Simon Lloyd, Patrick Russill and David Gammie afterwards. He did not play it all unlike Gillian Weir and there was a lot of reeds which did not help my tinnitus! But he played superbly and some interesting sounds too. Printed out provincial council stuff while watching programme on Sydney Anglicans which Fr Rob picked up - scarey!

A quiet wet day at home finishing Patrick Gale's excellent "The whole day through" and watching a 2006 prom of Mozart C minor Mass conducted by Charles Mackerras. To Albert Hall via Battersea Park and Sloane Square. The concert started with Berlioz's Hungarian March. Stephen Disley played Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 - a truly thrilling sound. I was sitting with Chris Hollis and talking about Giulini. Love the bit with the piano duet. Carmina was excellent and Andrew Greenwood very pleased. Got a 52 immediately and train to West Norwood. Liz was ahead of me but did not have keys! Buses to Coulsdon - clocks went back an hour - I was exhausted so glad of sleep although I woke early. Liz off to Louise's baby shower and then back to Brum until Thursday so lonely bed again! We sang Martin How's "Day by day" and Howells "My eyes for beauty pine". Baptism and girls practised. Buses back home - am reading Doris Lessing's "The cleft" whi

Thursday and Friday swam but got there a little late so only 24 and 28! There was some Russian looking young man thundering up and down the fast lane! To Carmina rehearsal and Nick Jenkins was as energetic as ever - he really is good. He had heard a recording of Monday's session and wasn't too impressed! Got MacMillan St John Passion scores - in 2 parts and looks difficult. Nick mentioned the 1988 opening concert of the proms Verdi requiem with Pritchard and Julia Varady and Dennis O'Neill - I think I sang in it! Friday no choir practice so enjoyed Gloucester's evensong, Brahms piano concerto No 1 played by the winner of the Leeds piano competition a Russian woman and Dennis rang for a long chat about Australia. Bruce moved O.K. and laid floor in new flat. Liz returns tonight. Got an earlier night but woke early! Fr Rob has sent me connection to his lovely new blog.

No swim so far this week - not sleeping well when Liz away! Monday to briefing on CIPFA survey at Earlsfield. CM late so library opened late. To Carmina rehearsal at Barbican City of London girls school. Andrew Greenwood looks like a younger Richard Attenborough and has not changed much. Some of the ladies were not watching - probably Royal Choral society older generation? Tuesday spoke to Liz - move is likely to be on Friday. Halifax slow over Bruce's mortgage. Wed spoke to Ann on skype. To Interfaith group 14 came including 4 new ones (David Chapman who is Jewish) Sr Margaret Shepherd of Sisters of Zion and retired from Council of Christians and Jews spoke so well. To St Michael's Sonny Son of Kansas played well - Dupre, Liszt, Widor and a rather fine romantic Prelude and Fugue by Elsa Barraine (1910-1999). To Wandsworth Town library for opening by Boris Johnson. SPoke to loads of councillors and staff and Boris himself. Told him how pleased I was that he mentioned books! He

Saturday reading group (9) enjoyed Alasdair Mackie who is 87 and very like Bill Beach. He is a raconteur and a delight. Carice was her usual perceptive face. We had an Afghan aid green tea and I sent a donation. Vespers and Mass with Farnborough Hill school choir and servers from Canning Town. Nick asked me to look after the book boy and then did it himself - I was not best pleased! Liz ended up being boat! The choir sang well a nice piece by Peter Nardone and a lovely solo in the Holst Let all mortal flesh. Home to watch Gandhi part 3 - an excellent series. Sunday we sang the Mendelssohn Lord in thy mercy and Nicholson in G. The Jones Gloria went well too. There was confusion over the extra hymn from Common Praise which was on the music list which it seems Vickie does not consult. In the end the choir sang it alone as the gradual - it was "From thee all skill and science flow" for St Luke's day. A fine hymn by Charles Kingsley. I played the lovely Elegy and Intrada from

34 lengths. To African Caribbean library for Black history month event around the exhibition "Arriving in Wandsworth". Alex Pascal was brilliant ar drawing stories out from nurses and others and leading singing- we finished with "There's a hole in my bucket". I had not been to the whole of one of these ACCL events before and it was such fun. Selma will be much missed and is obviously worried about her legacy when she retires in December. I spoke to 2 staff about issuing parking permits which is a real security headache. To Westminster Abbey for evensong with Abbey and Cathedral choirs. Archbishop Vincent and Archbishop Rowan gave a joint blessing and censed the St Edward's shrine. The cathedral chapter and 3 bishops also attended. Superb Palestrina Magnificat and Victoria Nunc and best of all Elgar "Give into the Lord"! Terence moved me to a better seat so could see and hear well in 4th row of transept. Noticed people with bunches of red roses - S

Swam 32. Did not have a towel so Liz kindly brought one and then found she had not brought one for herself. She was busy at the cathedral with roses and serving at the farewell liturgy. She brought home some lovely red roses. I had lunch at 11 because of staff on leave. To chorus for open rehearsal of Carmina with Nick. "Northern tenor" wants us to go to Spode week! Spoke to Ann on Skype about Bet's funeral. The dog who came in from the cold by McCall Smith continues to entertain!

Tuesday morning to Bethnal Green for London interfaith forums meeting. This was disappointing. Having paid to get train to be there for 10 a.m. I could have travelled later for free as they did not start until 10.40 a.m. The hall was large and it was hard to hear with people next door talking loudly. It is a concern that some forums report no Roman catholic involvement. We heard from the interfaith officer for the Olympics and that was interesting. Back to work for 1 p.m. and then to Town hall for L & A JCC on health and safety which it turned out was cancelled as 2 union reps could not attend. Wed to union committee meeeting - much wittering but I did get in a bit about parking permit issue in libraries. To St Michael's for excellent recital by Emma Gibbens - Franck, Bach, Wammes Miroirs. Had to leave to go and get car to get to meeting with Vickie. Excellent choral evensong from Exeter - Howells. Did November music list and then to Croydon Parish church for superb concert by

Photos credit: catholicrelics.co.uk Liz spent most of the day at the cathedral. She served as crosier bearer at the Mass to welcome the relics when the Archbishop preached a wonderful sermon. She was cross bearer on Tuesday at the service of anointing of the sick. I was crucifer at the ecumenical service and Liz was acolyte. The Dean of St Paul's cathedral preached and the final hymn was "Lift high the cross". Afterwards we met Joy Peck and had the opportunity to venerate the relics and bought candles. The cathedral looks marvellous with lots of roses and candles and it is very moving to see the simple devotion of so many waiting patiently and praying. There was a nice reception in the common room and I actually spoke to Bishop George for the first time and the Bishop of Edmonton. Had a long chat to Fr Luke Miller from Tottenham. He has led pilgrimages to Lisieux twice and says they have a Roman rite service lasting 2 hours with 7 hymns! The Hill organ is being rebuilt

Swam 34. To Wandsworth Town for stock day which was interesting but tiring. Lunch there. Back to library and then to Newton Prep for first interfaith group meeting. We heard a Muslim, Zoroastrian and 2 Buddhists - Jon Dal Din and Gillian Warrior were there. Most interesting especially the Muslim lawyer. Came on train with Pat from Purley.

Super evensong from St Alban's repeated from Wednesday - Stanford in G, Philip Moore anthem and Simon Preston toccata. To St John's for evensong. Trouble at mill - Psalms unaccompanied to chant instead of plainchant and Parsons Ave Maria instead of Rheinberger. Kit Perona-Wright conducted and 2 choristers walked out as the changes had not been indicated and the items should have been rehearsed on Friday. Chris Wardle was there with Eleanor - he sang alto - good to see him. The Choir featured David Hill and Latin american music. Dining room now finished and tidied up - looks great!

Harvest service went well and Ian Ray's Harvest carol and Thou visitest the earth went better than yesterday. Apparently Ian Ray has a Coulsdon connection! I had to play a hymn again "God whose farm is all creation" (words by John Arlott) while the screen was put up for the film about the Amazon from the USPG speaker. The girls practised and will not be there next weekend. I played Vernon Griffiths on "St George" and Flor Peeters on "Wir pfulgen".

Liz painting doors. To Harvest flower festival and played from 2.45 p.m. All went reasonably well - one or two weak leads but the kids did well and so did John. It was appreciated. Lots of people in the hall and I bought a cake and some coconut bread and tamarind. There was even a Viking harvest feast and a toy train layout on the stage. To 10 pin bowling and Mollie and Ella and their Mums formed a team with me. 12 teams in all and much enjoyed. Royal Russell team 1 won with an amazing 701 points which must be the best yet - one lad had 4 strikes! Holy Trinity Redhill 2nd and St John Redhill 3rd. Gave out certificates and trophy. Hugh Sutton very chatty from Royal Russell. Terrence Hancock fussing over money as usual! To Purley for Mass. Fr Gregory's homily was indecipherable and then he started singing "Seek ye first". One girl server in white alb too short for her with white trainers, another with silver slippers and sort of mincing along! To West Norwood to meet Liz wh

Welcome Alexis Tamas Istvan Constantinides here being proudly held by Sofia. He was born last night the anniversary of our engagement in Paris 36 years ago. 3.6 kilos just like Grainne his mum and Sofia! Aren't they gorgeous! He is Alexis not Alexander!

A couple of hours doing the game plan and seeing NS. Pretty tiring day - only had 30 minutes for lunch. The chocolate cake I took in for my birthday was much appreciated. The labels on these posts are no longer working! To choir practice and worked through programme for Saturday. I was irritated by M saying she could not get the time right in Jubilate of Mozart and then when I offered to go through it "We don't need help" - far too much chatter again which does NOT help anyone! John went through Ave Maria an octave down! Moved chairs and piano - church looks lovely and all neat and tidy. I put out free CDs in 3 places and the programme. Music for the Harvest flower festival St Andrew’s Coulsdon Saturday 10th October 2009 2.45 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sung by the church choir and played and directed by John Woodhouse ACertCM FGMS Director of music St Andrew Coulsdon and President of Bromley and Croydon Organists Association Prelude on “Aurelia” Father Andrew Moore born 1954 This pr

Woke late so no swim. RA PRP with HM, then Ian Giles came about his desert online project. Lunch walked to park as it was a fine day. Saw MH PRP mid-term. R cleaner fuss about ladies loo. Quite a day! Home and Bruce came - he had been at meeting at Gatwick although he is on leave. He went off to IKEA with Liz. Watched Leeds piano competition Beethoven 5 played by Davide - brilliant Frenchman, Stephen Fry finding the kakapo a flightless parrot in New Zealand, and the amazing Alex who has cystic fibrosis and sings in King's Cambridge choir and conducted the St Matthew Passion at the Cadogan Hall! Finished the stunning "Native son" by Richard Wright - what a book!

Wednesday Liz painting doors with gloss and repapering some bits. To spirituality day led by Eileen Dutt. 4 men there which may be a record! It was based on praying with the scriptures so we began with morning prayer for Our Lady of the Rosary, silent meditation, lunch, lectio on Gospel of the day Lucan Lord's prayer. Quiet time, tea and final prayers so no feedback this time. Eileen gave us a translation of the Lord's prayer from the Aramaic which is amazingly rich. To Tate Modern to see Pop Life exhibition. It left me cold as it was really about how money exploits art. The pornography was unnecessary especially the video of an artise making love to a man who paid $20,000 for the privilege of being filmed. The dead horse surmounted by INRI and impaled through the heart was obscene and insulting to Christ and Christians. One fascinating bit was the identical twins (real people) in front of 2 dot paintings (not identical). I also was intrigued by ultraviolet light on Warhol'

Bat passed away peacefully at 5 a.m. Hobart time Tuesday morning. It was good that I was able to chat on Skype to Ann and Paul in the evening. Liz took Grandma to King's hospital and she stayed in over night - had problems standing but seems to be O.K. again. Swam 32 on Monday and to York library for 10 a.m. Reminiscence group training - a good session and learnt a lot and made useful contacts too. Back to work to numerous emails and messages. To Earlsfield library for Arts festival planning meeting which was interesting. Then to Catenians where I gave my report. 12 of us, 12 visitors. Eamonn Scully was there - a rare visit indeed! Tuesday woke late 7.40 but just got in at 9 a.m. Liz had come in at 3 a.m. from hospital. To Waterstones Putney for talk by Tom Carver and Jimmy Burns on Fathers and Sons - very interesting, small audience. Tom's father was adopted by Montgomery. Jimmy's father was a spy in WW2 in Spain and had an affair with Anne Bowes-Lyon.

Saturday Vespers and Mass - Thomas was cantor so I mentioned my email about the gospel acclamation accompanying the procession so we need a short organ impro before the Alleluia starts not the other way round. Edward was giving unclear intonations at vespers again and several strange chords! The men of the Challoner choir ruined Faure Cantique and Mozart Missa brevis. Fr Michael Archer presided. All systems go for St Therese - 1000s have visited her elsewhere including York Minster. Today we celebrated St Francis and sang Boyce Alleluia and Nicholson in C. Cipher beforehand on swell and played Bach Fantasia in C minor. An added bonus was a rare visit from Tim West who is in the Navy. The girls enjoyed their practice and I sorted out 10 pin bowling team and music for Saturday's flower festival. Decided no to go to interfaith meeting - late lunch and trains not stopping at Battersea Park on the way to Victoria. Instead put everything back in dining room and Liz painted loo walls. Th

Painting of the kitchen and dining room finished apart from the odd bit of papering which needs to be replaced and then painted - hurrah! I am not an enthusiastic painter - hate getting my hands dirty so wear gloves. There is a hardly a mark on my decorating clothes (old Philharmonia Chorus T shirt) whereas Liz is covered in paint. I am far too finicky around edges and cleaning up whereas Liz just slaps it on! Still it's done and all the china is in the dishwasher before being put back! We have so many objects! Read in Daily Mail supplement that Vince Cable M.P. deputy leader of Liberal Democrats and generally sensible bloke was educated at Nunthorpe Grammar school, York where my Dad went so sent him an email.

Painted kitchen and dining room - first coat is done but foreman wants a second coat! Listened to radio 3 all day - Handel, Dvorak and Martinu. Bet very ill and slipping away - a severe stroke so all in our prayers. We were able to have our breaks in the sunshine - not like October at all!

To 10.45 a.m. Red Mass which is attended by the judges and QCs. The choir sang Palestrina Dum complerentur motet and Mass. Bishop Arnold presided and there was much Latin! We were acolytes. There is talk of us sitting at the back again which won't do as we cannot hear and it gets very hot in winter! Much better to be in the choir stalls. Saw Muriel who taught with Liz and her son. Bishop Longley is to be new Archbishop of Birmingham - he is so charming and always remembers names and thanks everyone. We will miss him very much. Saw Fr Allen Morris in Victoria station. Home to start painting the kitchen ceiling and walls - nice ivory colour. Had not been done for 8 years and lots of cobwebs and one large spider! A lovely day again with a touch of autumnal coolness. Still no sign of birthday cards in the post! Victorian Farm was interesting on BBC2.

Have caught up on the new Corduroy Mansions series published daily in the Daily Telegraph and online and an email reinder each day. Hilarious!

To St Michael's for the lunchtime recital by the organist of St Martin's-in-the-Fields. He plays really well - Bach, Boyce, Howells and Boellmann Suite Gothique. Two interesting Chorale preludes by Favid Bowerman (born 1936) on Old 100th and Guiting Power. Tea and teacake with Terence and Adrian. They had been to 17 proms and enjoyed the Mahler and LSO and the operas. They are going to Don Carlos tomorrow. Reading Richard Wright Native son again - it is excellent. Reading group in November. We have the recital programme for 2010 - amazing that international folk will play just for a free lunch! Vespers on radio from Assisi sung by the RSCM millenium youth choir under David Ogden - very good. More Facebook messages and Bruce rang. Ann in Hobart with Paul as Bet has had a severe stroke. Watched the last episode of The Tudors. Liz painting kitchen ceiling.

Woke at 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Watched rest of "The Choir" with Gareth Malone and boys of Lancaster school and Rachmaninov 2 from Leeds piano competition with Rachel Cheung of China - only 17. Wasp man came and smoked and poisoned nest under eaves at back. There were bats up the road and of course we have fox, wood pigeons, squirrels and we have had rats and mice -yuk! Nice sportshirts from Liz and card, messages on Facebook.

Last night took 75 bus to Catford for the organists association visit to the Compton theatre organ in the Broadway theatre installed in 1932 and restored by Peter hammons who demonstrated it. We were able to see the chambers and the blower. It is on 10 inches of wind pressure and hence very loud. It can be played as a classical organ or a theatre organ. David played "I want to be beside the seaside" which is what I wanted to do but I played "We'll meet again" and "Land of hope and glory". We were joined by 3 SSL0 members and a composition student from Goldsmiths. It was a fun evening and Adrian gave me a lift home. I've played a cinema organ before and the console is bewildering! Best to let others add stops like drums and triangle! It even has a chryssyglot which is like a musical chimes on glass!

Photos copyright Bishops conference of England and Wales The new bishop with his predecessor Bishop Tom Burns of Menevia Slept better waking at 2 a.m. and 5 but dropped off again. To the cathedral for the ordination of Bishop Richard Moth, Bishop to the Forces, which was a splendid affair. Trumpeters from the Welsh Guards, professional choir singing Byrd, Mozart and Hassler, lots of bishops and Southwark clergy. We were consecration torches. After the Coloma Mass yesterday which Liz left all went well. At the reception afterwards saw Fr Peter Stodart, Fr John O'Toole, Fr Adrian from Worth, sisters from Minster Abbey, even Fr Joe said Hello to me, Fr Kevin, Fr Soper, Fr Mathias, Fr David Gummitt and Fr Tom Creagh-Fuller. Sandwiches, fruit and wine. Bus home and 2 Tablets to catch up on as post has been so bad. Richard Moth was the priest who showed concern for us after the Addiscombe mess.

Woke late so no swim but to tai chi - a smaller class than before but Philhomena was there. Saw CM and sorted out while I am away. To Latchmere pub. Lorinda put me in a team of South Thames college teachers and it was fun. Had John Smith's and steak pie. One round we won a bottle of wine and overall came 4th. Chris Dobb gave me a lift to Norwood.

We sang Farrant "Turn thy face from my sins" and Statham in D. By request I played "land of hope and glory". The children had a delightful practice which was a relief after last Sunday. I practised and then home. Meanwhile Liz had gone to East Croydon and I did not get the text messages! Had quick lunch and back to church for 3.15 on a glorious day. The rehearsal and evensong both went really well. 34 in choir and 25 in congregation. Walmisley in D minor, Bullock Give us the wings of faith, Sanders Responses, Psalm 91 and 3 angel hymns. Good sermon by Richard Slade reader at Purley. Scrumptious Mothers Union tea with sandwiches and chocolate cake. It was a joy to conduct and Fred Irvine played well including Alla Marcia of John Ireland. Watched Antiques roadshow and Kevin McCloud in Rome. Took down dining room shelves. Roll on the next joint event! Pleased that Molly came and sang.

Had an argument as I had been able to access my records on the new Philharmonia Chorus website (I vary from 6 to 8 but usually good and semi-chorus) but Liz could not access hers so she changed email back to the a.woodhouse one. Can still get emails to new address but it's confusing. I said open a new email account and give that to the chorus or use my google mail account. To St Michael's on a lovely day for the 12 noon recital by Arnfinn. I was late because Conservatives came to the door. What were my concerns locally so I said parking and not wanting residents permits as they will charge us to park in the end. I should have mentioned the housing developments locally which are taking away green spaces and not in keeping with the area. David said he votes green and has no time for parties or unions! I would certainly never vote Tory after the way I have been treated with job cuts in the past. I enjoyed Arnfinn's playing - even Franck's Pastorale! Bach, Marchand, Litaize

To Putney for meeting - AG very friendly and a warning to all about use of internet and email in library time so warned everyone. Visited Wandsworth Town library on way back and Daniel gave me a tour. I was very impressed. Saw RA and CM, To choir - John commented on Rutter For the beauty of the earth implying I couldn't play it! The fact is I had not played it since the last time we sang it and it's not easy. Gave Caroline a lift to Purley as she cannot drive - eye problems. It was a good practice for once and I remained positive.

30 lengths and drove to work so car was available near the library after the concert. Just in time. Finished at 1 and after lunch to Victoria and Albert to see the wonderful new ceramics gallery. I'm not into ceramics but I was impressed. The glass gallery is also very fine and the sculptures. Had a brief look at the special exhibition about Fear and death in contemporary design - unimpressed. To Royal Albert hall for rehearsal and concert with Northern Sinfonia. Jonathan Schiffman a 29 year old conductor did well. Alex James from Maestro did Khachaturian Adagio - his tummy was hilarious! Carl Jenkins conducted his Benedictus (very slow and lovely cello solo) - spoke to him as Liz says his wife recognised me at the theatre in Bath - she used to use Putney library. It was packed and a good programme. We sang Carmina 1, Zadok, and 1812 (fireworks!) The Priests sang Panis and Pie Jesu of Lloyd Webber. They signed our CD and Liz said they were charming. They seemed reluctant to take a

To St Michael's for a rather lacklustre performance by a British organist who has settled in Bjornholm. There were slips in Finlandia and the programme was Scandinavian. Nielsen's Commotio rather outstayed its welcome. Bus to Couldson to see Vicky and we finished October hymns and half of November. To Coulsdon South - oddly Vicky caught the same train but she was on her mobile walking ahead of me to the station! To Royal Academy to see Anish Kapoor's extraordinary scultures. I loved the mirror ones - there was one where I appeared to become a single blue line! Also a magnificent pile of silver globes in the courtyard. I feel sorry for the people who have to clean up the red wax which is now defacing these fine galleries. There is also an enormous rusting object in the middle of a gallery! I like Sir Hugh Casson's pictures in the members room much more! To St Mary le Bow for lecture by Professor Tina Beattie which will be worth reading on www.justshare.org. http://justsh

Just been working on plans for next year and trying to fit in 3 organs in Holborn on March 27th. Spoke to Ann and looked at the lovely photos on facebook from Claire's 21st. Bad duststorm in Sydney also featured on Facebook. Also discovered Edward Davey's blog and SSG correspondence following PMM.

Monday 32 lengths. To Roger and Lucy Brice's at Carshalton for RSCM committee. Nice food and wine and a good meeting. Adrian gave me a lift home. Andrew Scott has left Croydon PC. St Leonard Streatham might suit him. Peter Wright says Edward is enjoying the chorus. He knew Stefan Bevier is coming. Visit from AG to library went very well. Tuesday Micky came in. He has moved to Trott Street. The choir on TV - Gareth Malone triumphant South Oxhey festival - he is so inspiring.

Played Janacek Fanfare from Sinfonietta. We sang "Morning glory, starlit sky" to Song 13 and chanted Psalm 42 to the Wesley chants at communion. Molly was ill and Ella not able to sing alone at practice. To No 1 Croydon next to East Croydon station - fantastic view over a very green Croydon. Train to St Pancras for a fascinating tour of the station with Bill. German Gymnasium display of the King's Cross development. Bus to St George's Bloomsbury. Flute and piano playing and vicar gave a talk. A fine display about Hawksmoor. Trollope was baptised there. To St Giles in the Fields and Bach on the Drake organ. Drunks outside asking where my hair had gone! Church associated with poets Milton, Marvell, Browning. Wait for 24 bus and had to get off and walk down the middle of Whitehall as it was skyride day for cyclists! Foreign and Commonwealth office amazing place - Durbar court, Locarno suite, India office. Train home and chicken for dinner. Watched Antiques roadshow and S

Reading group enjoyed Rose Tremain's Return home but only 4 came. However we had a good discussion and touched on local problems too. Still messaging mobile phone numbers but a slow process! At vespers I had to be cantor at short notice. All went well apart from the intonation of the hymn which was unclear from Edward. At mass Fr Michael is avoiding steps! The choir from Billercay sang well - Bach, Schiavone, Chris Walker and Stainer. I left to get to Islington only to find James O'Donnell's recital is next Saturday - should have checked! Liz picked me up at Norwood Junction. Interesting programme on Montezuma.

38 lengths. Just outside the library on a path I must have walked 1000s of times I tripped over the manhole cover and fell forwards. The bag containing the day's newspapers pulled be forward so I was lucky to escape with a grazed right knee and left hand knuckles. But it was pretty shaken so had a cup of tea. Not impressed to find I am only senior again on Saturday especially as I have reading group to run. Sharing someone with Tooting mobile does not work well. Nice trout for dinner done with onions and mushrooms. Choir practice 2 people missing, 2 people late. I cut it short as feeling shivery. The same old moans about Harvest carol and Harvest samba, why can't the anthem be after communion (we discussed that years ago), why aren't we singing Sanders responses at evensong - I'm afraid I was not in the mood for it. The Tudors continues to be historically inaccurate! Have asked for extra singers at Harvest festival - so far zilch! Changed to BT broadband from demon so n

A most interesting lunchtime meeting of the forum at Katharine Low settlement. How much we need a vision and one way might be through reminiscence groups and using smaller parks more! Shocked to hear about housing where living rooms are used as bedrooms - no wonder libraries are so important! The advice not to have more children is not heeded. To ENO to book for Turn of the screw using the voucher for the resold ticket for Peter Grimes which is to be on again. The computer crashed but got tickets! To National Portrait gallery for Gay icons which had some surprises notably Graham Taylor. No paintings in the exhibition but well done. I chose Britten and Pears. To chorus and finished early as conductor did not turn up. Celia laughing over Liz's remark that I could feed the American choral conductor - the idea is that 20 conductors come over and stay for a week and take part in the MacMillan. That would be most interesting especially if conductor was into church music.

A lovely day. Ann busy with preparations for Claire's 21st. Finished reading "The lost art of gratitude" by Alexander McCall Smith which was a delight. To Hinsley room for 11 a.m. meeting of the interfaith group and 11 came. A most interesting discussion about love prompted by the Timothy Radcliffe passage I had provided. Hai Dang could not come after all. The new time clearly suits people and 3 newcomers and an enquiry by email! To St Michael's for Ben Horden's excellent recital Bach, Handel, Wesley, Bossi and Vierne. He is now at Northampton and grew up in Kettering. I could not recall the name of the choir director I knew there. Adrian was there and Tom whom I met on Saturday. Home for lunch and listened to evensong - a broadcast from St Paul's from 1962! To chorus to prepare for classic FM concert. Sopranos were not good again. Much chat about other choirs.

Sunday's call from Celia led to a disturbed night and no swim on Monday. To BDT and the mood seemed subdued. Watched university challenge. Tuesday 40 lengths and staff meetings - very wet. Right shoulder hurting - it started at Doaui with being a narrower bed I think. I spoke to Dennis on Saturday. Grandma enjoyed Sunday. Gas off again - the workmen have had our road dug up for weeks! Louise and Tom in London Lite on butchers course! Pig's brains - yuk! Helen came to get scores for Londinium and she said London Philharmonic choir were fed up they only got one prom with Goldie but that was televised. We got nothing and now Freischutz is cancelled we are left with Albert Hall gigs with other choirs and the MacMillan on Good Friday. I can't do Mahler 2 as that is my chance to play St Paul's cathedral organ! Philharmonia orchestra have only 2 choral concerts in the Festival Hall season both using Philharmonia Voices. Thouroughly enjoying Gareth Malone's new TV series ab

Friday 40 lengths - meetings at work. Choir practice a bit frustrating again - "I don't like this" is hardly helpful and a comment about Gareth Malone's talent did not please me. Saturday was a quiet day catching up on things and went to the recital at St Dunstan Bellingham by Paul Derrett. A fine Hill organ which came in the 20s from Chapel Royal St James Palace. I followed the Trumpet minuet of Alfred Hollins with the score - top C sharp on the pedals was not working. We also had Handel, Bach, Wesley, Elgar, Wolstenholme and Robert Cundick. I missed second half. Had tea with Andrew Cessana, Christian Strouver and Tom who goes to St Michael's recitals. There were about 50 there. To vespers and Mass and as I was early I met John East in the cathedral. Last night of the proms on TV - an odd mixture of songs about death (Purcell and Mahler) and Ketelbey, Arnold, no Sea songs. Excellent trumpet playing from Alison Balsom and Sarah Connolly sang beautifully. Enjoyed

Fr Philip's homily about being a musician, Sr Anna's oboe playing, Martin Baker's psalms and improvising, John Rowntree's Psalm 150 (unaccompanied!), the Kenneth Tickell organ and the Tamburini organ in the abbey church, Sister from Minster reading Colossians 3 today, Sr Gillian from Quidenham on the need to wait before giving a reply - very wise!

Set off on Monday - 2 and half hours by train via Clapham Junction to Reading then Thatcham and back to Midgham. Met Sr Julian from Stanbrook now at Wass and Br Reginald from Canterbury. We were met at the station and driven to Douai Abbey which is a lovely place with a high light airy church with clear windows. The accomodation was comfortable with a shower in the large room and nice outlook over woods. The school is now rebuilt as housing. I soon slipped into the pattern of Latin Vespers and compline and Mattins and Lauds at 6.25 a.m. and midday office. The food was excellent and the company delightful. I particularly enjoyed talking to Fr Martin from Downside, the sisters from Lewes with their international connections, Michelle from Roscrea and the sisters from Quidenham, Minster and Ware. Michelle Moran gave us insights into the Synod in Rome on the Word of God which were very valuable especially Tom Wright's. It turns out she used to live in South Norwood! David Bednall co

I am delighted by my new Philips razor bought at John Lewis Solihull - the best shave I've ever had!

Back to work Thursday after an excellent break. Back to choir practice on Friday and children worked well after service on Sunday. Vespers and mass on Saturday - 6 servers! Back into routine. Thursday Liz went to the funeral at Chiswick of Fr Ed Houghton sadly killed in traffic accident at only 40 - a great loss. Sunday Liz to Heathrow to meet Dennis and AnnMarie back from 2 weeks in Oz which they enjoyed. Spoke to them and Ann on Monday morning before setting off for Doaui Abbey. Saw Thomas Wilson on Saturday. Challoner choir pretty dire.

Checked out of St John's hotel where we had made full use of sauna and pool! Some noise from weddings and a charge for parking! To Sisters of mercy convent in Handsworth - lovely people and fascinating displays. To Soho House which was well presented and on to Moseley Old Hall beyond Wolverhampton - a lovely garden and Charles II connection. Nice tea. Saw Muriel on tour. To see Bruce after work at the flat and enjoyed The choir. The sisters gave us car park pass and key so we could return around 10.30. Went to prayer with them in the lovely side chapel. Most interesting place. Did a tour round on our own on Wednesday and returned home stopping at the lovely Upton House. Just as at Wightwick where we enjoyed billiards this was a 1930s country weekend experience with the piano being played. The pictures are magnificent - El Greco, Goya, Hogarth, Stubbs, Breugel, etc. Magnificent gardens too. Home around 5ish. Isle of the dead and Shostakovich Symphony 9 with scores from prom.

Bank holiday. Fascinating tour of the back to backs (NT). Fitted in a visit to the Oratory where the very nice sacristan gave us a lovely book and showed us the relics fo Cardinal Newman. Yesterday we drove to Kings Norton to look at the district and today we found a one bedroomed flat opposite the Peace garden for Bruce. He liked it and sorted it all out. Mortgage came through later! A good day's work. It has a nice balcony and nearer to work adn cheaper than the Ulysses one!

To mass at St Chad's. Cantor sang psalm and hymns from NEH! Met David Saint and played the organ which is loud and impressive. Met up with Bruce at home and to St Paul's for evensong - sang with the choir - a nice bunch. Good dinner at restaurant nearby. Looking at property.

A drive to St Peter's Wolverhampton and another warm welcome and a fine Nicholson organ. To the art gallery which was excellent. To Wightwick manor tour and gardens - Arts and Crafts. Owls and hedgehog on show! To meet Bruce at the shop and Midsummer Night's dream in pub theatre - good meal beforehand. An excellent show by the Ribin company.

Thursday 27 Aug to work until 2 and Liz picked me up. Drove to Solihull with no problems and checked in at the very nice St John's hotel which has a swimming pool and sauna. BBC4 on TV so watched the prom - Strauss Alpine symphony and Chopin piano concerto No 2 played by Lang Lang. Friday to St Alphege Solihull and a warm welcome. A fine Nicholson organ. Had some trouble finding switches! To Baddesley Clinton a fine NT moated manor house and garden and Packwood House with a fine garden of yews. Prom was on BBC Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky Agon.

Spoke to Dennis and Ann Marie and Ann on Skype. They had been to Taronga Zoo and on the ferry, also St John's Glebe and Christ Church St Laurence. Still no plaques for Mum and Dad after 3 years! Planning the weekend. Haircut. Took Josie and Grandma to Buckingham Palace. Once again the disabled facilities were excellent with a new lift and garden cafe. Liked the special exhibition about the Queen's tours and gifts - some wonderful dresses and her own orders. To Victoria to get battery for Liz's swatch and then to National gallery but it is now open late on Fridays instead of Wednesdays! To the cathedral for David Sanger's interesting recital and a bigger audience. Saint-Saens, Karg-Elert, Vierne, Martin Passacaille, Seth Bingham. On way home listened to Strauss Symphonia domestica with score but train very noisy and reception poor. Watched Tudors part 1 and Barenboim conducting East West divan orchestra at proms in Liszt Les Preludes and Wagner Tristan prelude and liebes

34 lengths. Lovely in the park at lunchtime. Shredding lots of old material. Prom was Sir Roger Norrington conducting Purcell, Handel, Haydn and Mendelssohn 3. The last programme of "Desperate romantics" and the death of Lizzie Siddall movingly done. It has been a colourful series inaccurate but well done.

Tai chi as no swim today - decided on some extra sleep in the end! On way home prom of Nagasaki by Schnittke and followed Shostakovich 8 with the score - Gergiev and LSO - alas I dropped off. University challenge, Levi Roots on caribbean cooking and the Queen's tour without sound! Interesting about Uganda and Fiji and the legacy of the tour. Margaret off to Ghana tomorrow! Good to have Liz home. Very shocked by the death of Fr Edward Houghton.

To Coulsdon on buses and arrived early so time to copy hymns for September and "On eagles wings" for Richard Pilliner. I played Dad's march and they were prayed for. We sang "He who would true valour see" and "King of glory". Last night we had "Father hear the prayer we offer" and "Holy, holy, holy". Excellent BBC4 broadcast from Bath Abbey - the RSCM choir did really well and interesting choices from Geoff Weaver. Good that Liz and Grandma are there with Bruce. Got buses home straight away. On Skype to Dennis, Ann Marie, Clare and Ann in Sydney - Dennis had to help medically on the plane. Both very tired. Watched HDD Rivers and Mendelssohn Lobgesang well sung and played by Halle under Sir Mark Elder. Had score for first 3 movements. David Cairns was interviewed. Szymanowski Stabat Mater from Proms. Edited blog and it is now a closed blog. Jam and Jerusalem was funny. Enjoyed "Bad Catholics" thriller by James Green.

The finished silk paintings! 24 lengths on Thursday and 34 on Friday - Dan was there and I was in fast lane again. Liz to Bath with Grandma. The second recording session for "Merlin" went well although more music was produced on the night again! I laughed at the bass who reacted to Rohan Atkinson, the Australian composer's request for a low E flat "Easy Skippy!" Tuesday and Wed rehearsals and recording on Thursday at Islington. Had a chat to Hana about her family. Friday after work to Trafalgar Square and enjoyed BP Portrait award exhibition at National Portrait gallery and "From Corot to Monet" at National Gallery. Back to NPG for excellent harp recital by Keziah Thomas including Faure and Paul Patterson "Spiders". Lots of people about and young man on 4th plinth singing and playing away! Trains to Feltham and checked in at Travelodge. Breakfast not until 8 a.m. so to Asda to buy supplies. Bus to Heathrow Terminal 1 in good time - their

36 lengths. Listened to Brahms Variations on a theme of Handel for piano lunchtime prom and to tai chi. Prom tonight was the Philharmonia with Salonen playing Ravel and de Falla. Enjoyed part 2 of the Queen's tour of 1953. Freischutz is off which is a pity.

There was a baptism at Coulsdon - Autumn a lovely 8 month old who had been very ill. I played Arthur Wills's Lullaby for a royal prince, some Andrew Moore and Mendelssohn Song without words in E. I didn't think the Venetian gondala song suitable! Chat to Jill Cliff about the magazine. we are to try a half hour with the girls after Sunday service which avoids me going down there again on a Wednesday or early on a Friday. Listened to Roberto Alagna's Desert Island discs (his second wife died) and Just a minute. Liz had been shopping in Croydon. To Geffrye Museum in Shoreditch to see the excellent photographs of Ethelburga tower in Battersea and Newlyn copper. The herb garden and formal gardens are delightful and it was very sunny. The smell of rosemary and thyme very strong. They even have hyssop and valerian! Swopped buses to get to Museum of London to see the excellent history of Anti-Apartheid movement exhibition. Walked to St Paul's cathedral through the lovely Patern