Josie is 80!

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 it - it has been a good season. Only managed to get to one but have listened on radio and BBC4.
Sunday we sang L.J. White's Prayer of St Richard and as it was Battle of Britain Day I played Walton Spitfire Prelude, RAF marchpast and Dambusters march. Musicians were mentioned in the prayers and David Robinson's excellent speech last night was quoted. Picked up Grandma and to Croydon Park hotel for lovely lunch to celebrate Josie's 80th. She liked her present and we went to Mary's for tea and cake. A lovely day somewhat spoilt by a phone call telling Liz she must be reassessed by Edward.