Maidstone

Baptist Church organ, Maidstone
Saturday had a hot bath in the hopes this might help my right leg twinges which seem to come and go. Liz took me to Kent House to get train to Bromley South and then train to Maidstone East. Reading "The Tablet" as we traversed the garden of England. Arrived at the Baptist church on the dot of 1.30 p.m. The Walmsley organ has a fine decorated case and may have been in the Brighton Pavilion. Andrew Cessana and Lucie Prior demonstrated it and as it is 100 years since it was installed in the church I marked another centenary by playing Murrill's "Postlude on a ground". David put a major chord at the end of Mendelssohn 6 fugue - yuk! His slow movement was far too loud. We then moved to the fine Parish church of All Saints where Lionel Marchant demonstrated the Lewis organ by playing Alan Ridout Canticle of the Rose movements. I played Richard Proulx and Andrew Moore Nobilmente. The organ is sadly at the side losing much of its effect. Amused by the crib being turned into a teddybears home - in my thank you speech (one of 3) as President I remarked I should have brought "if you go down to the woods today" and mentioned the teddy trying to light the Easter candle. Lionel's wife Elizabeth gave us a lovely tea with sandwiches and lots of cakes and Brian Moore not only gave us a booklet about the organ but spoke about it too. The electronic 32 foot is effective! It was then off to the station to catch the 4.34 and be in time to serve at adult confirmation (30 of them) at the cathedral with Bishop John. His excellent homily on being anbassadors for Christ. I was cross and bell! New Hall Chelmsford choir sang Haydn and lovely Rutter with oboe solo. Also an appeal by the Verona fathers. At last into the hall for Fr Denis's farewell. Chatted to lots of folk and Thomas and David entertained at the piano.