British library and carols

Wed woke early so read Boyle. Ciarán do you like Christmas? No. Do you like Father Christmas? No. Do you like presents? Yes. Who comes at Christmas? Grandad! To interfaith group - did talk about our trip. Delay getting the keys but all was well. Met Liz at Chiswick and took C home. Wrote Christmas letter and spent Thursday a.m. sending off copies so no work done. Both of us to British library to see magnificant illuminated manuscripts exhibition - very good free audio guide and too much to take in really. Liz served at John Lewis carols and I went to Heythrop for Advent vespers. Offered help but really not needed. Started with schola in evening dress lined up in sanctuary - ony front row sang motet! Then they move to the gallery lighting our candles and soloist sings first verse of O come O come which is marked as full! Ladies then start verse 2. Excellent homily from the acting principal. Psalmody unaccompanied. Durufle, Part, Palestrina, Tavener and Howells. To Walker room for mince pies and mulled wine - help not really needed. Not sure it was a good idea for carols when we wanted to chat. Tony Carroll, chaplain from Mildmay, Jim McSweeney asked why I was not singing. Bass soloist sang from Messiah - he does not have a clue about chant and they had had a special tutor called Gloria! So very mixed feelings about it all.