Bishop Bernard Longley

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. On arrival at church found the scaffolders on the tower and blocked off the vestry entrance but Ann had a front door key. We worked on carols - some resistance to changes e.g. Warlock Adam lay ybounden and Rutter's Catalan carol. I insisted on the correct pronunciation of "Laetatur Israel" in "Cantata domino"! Buses to Selhurst to pick up the car as Liz came home on train to West Norwood after being in the hall. Don Carlos on BBC4 from Royal Opera - fabulous singing - Liz had been to see it. Chat to Ann on Skype.