The organist librarian

Up early and found a contact at Croydon council about the torch relay. Swam 24 and chatted to Claire at the pool and Chai at Barber stores about the relay. Shocked to hear the council charge the traders to put on the Thornton Heath festival - £4000 including extra security because of the riots! To mosaic class and grouting. Skipped tai chi and to Heythrop. Saw Fr Rocco and Jerry and returned books to library. Did not get to Mass as collared by Ben about his late essay. To seminar on "The soul in Christian spirituality" Dr Edward Howell - lots on Augustine and Teresa of Avila. Met MA student working on Rowan Williams and Islam and an MA Spirituality from Cheshire working on celibacy. Damian was at first lecture. Chat to Tony Moynihan and applied for June booking in Fulham. Watched programme on Shakespeare and James I.

I was surprised and delighted to receive £180 as a gift from St Andrew's during the service. We sang Bob Chilcott's The Lord is my shepherd - such a lovely setting. I played Worthy is the Lamb and we took photos. The after service party was very pleasant and gave me an opportunity to  thank everyone. Several spoke very highly of the choir and my playing which was kind. The at home this afternoon was abandoned because of the rain and people not being able to get to Vicky's. I cleared out some more files and the keyboard and its stand. There are just more organ music, hymnbooks and robes to come home. I certainly have no intention of giving up playing. I saw Martin and he knew nothing of the All Saints saga and says Tommy may not be leaving after all! I picked up Liz and headed for Streatham for the LAMAG meeting on Faith and Politics. Neil Jameson of Citizens UK spoke really well, Ghanesh Lall less so but the real star again was Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi. He went to Whit

An excellent day at Holy Apostles Pimlico about welcoming returning Catholics. Archbishop Vincent welcomed us and Bishop Richard Moth gave an excellent address. I was the only server at Mass, Teresa Brown came from Northampton to play! Workshops on social action and Keeping in touch and Landings both excellent and we heard 2 moving stories from those who had returned. Enjoyed meeting people. At Mass Archbishop Vincent celebrated for New Catholics and Mark spoke about vocations. Paul M told me something exciting in confidence! Watched string final of Young Musician.

Vicky and Audra not there and practised organ and went through everything up to end of May. John announced he is not there on May 13 so Locus iste is replaced by Barry Stronge's piece. It was announced last week that Jo Richards is coming subject to CRB check. So why is the changeover not held over to June with a sendoff to me on a Sunday morning. It seems people are not coming to the at home on Sunday at Vicky's. Liz will not go to it. The advert went in the Catholic Herald today.Daniel Beach rang about the Bishop's visit in September and Jonathan asked us to sign the petition against police cuts.Choir helped to load files into the car.

Worked on notes for the 2 essays checking back through my note books and the books which can go back to the library on Monday. Listened to choral evensongs from Chichester and Keble college, Oxford - we shall be playing that organ in May.

Watched the programme on Shakespeare and James I and the rest of the Damien Hirst programme about the exhibition which I may go to.

Really enjoyed the show at the Globe done in Swahili by Bitter Pill and the theatre company Kenya. Hilarious especially when same person changed character and costume on stage and groundlings got called on to help! The lady next to me was also at Venus and Adonis. Annoyed by a woman moving to read the subtitles and asked Met Stash on the train - his mother has remarried.

Woke at 9 so no swim again! My leg has healed up well but I am concerned about pains in my wrists and thumbs - noticed it when playing organ on Tuesday. To Streatham for interfaith lunch and a good turnout. Had useful discussions about Jesus and Mohammed and met Anton a young Jew from Mitcham. Nice lunch too and we discussed interfaith walks.

To Brentford and Ciarán and Merle enjoyed Tamba's session - having a break form it really worked! Nice korma lunch and Ciarán was dropping off so happily went in the buggy. It was a very wet day. To cathedral for Grand organ festival. Winfried Bónig of Cologne cathedral played really well. Bach, Pachelbel (did not know he was offered an Oxford post!) Mozart and Karl Hóller. Read Tablet and Paul Harris on meditation. Chris at Catenians on Tuesday told a story about a 21 year old playing at Cologne without permission and not being stopped because he was good - I was unimpressed!

Having spent the day reading Bede Griffiths and watching Young musician brass final and the tribute to Kathleeen Ferrier including an interview with Dame Janet Baker picked up Harry at 5.30 and drove to Biggin Hill. Traffic bad and it took an hour but there was time for a short practice on the one manual pipe organ installed by Peter Sanders. Missa de angelis was well sung and Gerry sang psalm and alleluia unaccompanied. Fr Gerry Flood was enjoying it singing Oremus and singing bits we thought we were saying including the Lord's Prayer. I played RAF march past and Dambusters march. Into the Hazel room for Catenian provincial AGM and meeting and Duncan became Provincial President. Finished at 10.15! Came home via Addington which was much better. The Isoms have twin boys!

Essay 2 was completed on Sunday. It has been a busy time this last week - no wonder I woke up late. My left shoulder and right shin have healed up well since the fall at the Royal Academy of music and they did acknowledge the emails and say something would be done! Yesterday I read a lot of Bede Griffiths's little book on meditation and this will be very helpful for the long essay on Charles Taylor. Oh dear I have to go back to that book but at least this time it won't be reading the whole thing. I was chuffed Damian thought my question yesterday was good. I plunged right in there to my surprise and also did not feel shy about approaching the great and the good. Hugh Goddard thanked me for greeting him so that was nice! It is amazing to be at the same session with people whose books one has admired not least Tom Wright!

One of the discussions yesterday I had was about funerals prompted by Bishop Rowell lamenting over funeral rites where the wishes of the deceased overrode all considerations. The worst I ever experienced was one where a young man had committed suicide and the priest agreed that a CD of his favourite song should be played at the end. I have never seen a family so distraught - wailing in pain. I think it was a mistake. It might have been alright privately say at the crematorium with only a few people there but this was at the end of a weekday Mass. I wonder why funerals are always during the week - a recent one was on a Saturday and was well attended as a result. Maye we need to mention these funerals in our Sunday liturgies. The contrast is dear Fr David who would mention a funeral 5 times during Mass which was too much and depressing rather than uplifting! How I wish Catenians would write their own obituaries and plan their funerals better. I played for one which was packed with Cateni

Bede Griffiths on a near death experience with an insight about Love and the Cross

<iframe width="560" height="315" src=" http://www.youtube.com/embed/ax4I-A6RHDM " frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe> Here is Bede Griffiths on the subject of creation and transfiguration. The Archbishop of Canterbury asked yesterday "What will we do in heaven?" The answer is "Enjoy God" and hell would be no longer wanting to enjoy God. The art of dying is something we all need to learn every day and my Mum and Dad certainly taught that. I asked a question about The Dream of Gerontius and pointed out that many of our hymns about heaven are 19th century e.g. Jerusalem the golden lovely as it is is a Victorian version of an older hymn. "Glorious things of thee are spoken" is a great hymn as is "Blessed city" but we need more. People use spirituals but Bishop George Rowell said maybe he would write a new hymn to fill the gap! The last verse of "One in royal" expresses comfort for those

Enjoyed Angels of Mersey about chaplains last night. Up early and X68 to King's college London for Building Bridges seminar with Rowan Williams who I spoke to about Eliza Griswold. Daniel Madigan, Michael Redman, Siriol Davies, Hugh Goddard, Barbara Wood, Diana, Alan Gadd, David Stanley - quite a gathering! Excellent speakers on Death and resurrection in both traditions. The afternoon session on the art of dying and community involvement were outstanding and so was Bishop Tom Wright. I asked a question about Gerontius, purgatory and 19th century hymns about heaven and Bishop George Rowell of Europe said he would think about writing a new hymn about heaven! It was an excellent day. To Courtauld to see Mondrian/Nicholson (free to NUS students) and enjoyed the Impressionists and early works. To library to pick up book and then bus to Windmill Clapham Common for Catenian meeting and meal Balham circle. Croydon brothers there. Brian and Patrick. Chris a pain about Samoa and his cars!

I played Hallelujah chorus at the service today and we sang Harris's "Most glorious Lord of life" which the choir claimed not to know although we had rehearsed it before Easter and we have sung it before! Annual meeting so I rehearsed with Ellie and practised on the piano. Completed essay 2 and submitted it. To the Globe for the South African production of "Venus and Adonis" amazing singing and dancing and also very funny. The Zulu/Xhosa very expressive. The lady next to me going to Richard III in Mandarin! The groundlings got rather wet in Act 2 and one of the actors slipped on the wet stage. Home very quickly on a fast train.

Nearly completed essay based on the seminar. To Bromley parish church for Michael Toplis's demonstration recital, AGM and played 2 pieces (Michael Fleming and Healey Willan). Mass at St Swithun Bromley Common which is tiny and woodlined and will close when the parish priest Bob Mercer retires. To Beckenham circle 50th anniversary dinner at Oakwood House. Grand Vice President was there. The Grummitts and Topes were there - nice meal and gave Harry Mellor a lift home.

Proms prospectus online and much excitement about the operas and British music. Only spotted one clash which is Hymnus paradisi and Whitacre on the night of the opening of the paralympics for which we have tickets. Ironically I have a ticket for the Trojans at Covent Garden and it is being done at the Proms. The week we go to Eastbourne is not very exciting and we will be back for Peter Grimes on the Friday night. Good they are foing Elgar and Ireland These things shall be. Jury service deferred to November which is good. So far no response at all to my adverts about organist available so now relying on the online site and grapevine.

To Croydon Minster to hear the Sixteen. Saw Ian at interval and did not recognise Alan Murdoch! Martin How was there. The programme was not entirely to my taste being Josquin, Lassus and Brumel. I much preferred Voces 8! Still the singing was very fine. We walked to Ponte Nuovo for a delightfulmeal with St John's folk. Ended up eating Dave and Bridget's starters as they did not come. Ravioli, tiramisu and hot chocolate. Home at 12.30 a.m. having waited for N68. Woke late with a backache.

Fine so we were able to enjoy the garden with me in the little house as usual! Gemma and Sebastian and Charlotte and Lydia came and it was lovely to see them. Bruce took Louise and Ciarán home and watched several episodes of Come dine with me. The water butt is still leaking despite the sealant on it!

Thursday took Ciarán and Bruce to Gambados Beckenham and read the Tablet while they enjoyed the slides and cars. To Voces 8 concert at St Peter Eaton Square - lovely church with a big organ. A lovely concert - really enjoyed it. John Wardle and Tommy Hewitt-Jones were there. Nice that we got to the group as we left so saw Chris Wardle. Louise picked us up at East Croydon as she had been out to dinner while Bruce babysat.

To Cadogan hall for Parliament choir thanks to Fr Andrew Wilson. Terence, Adrian, David, Julie and Margaret were there. Nicholas O'Neill new piece "Of all persons and estates" was attractive and rather like RVW. Bruch Violin concerto very well played by NZ violinist Eugene Lee. Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise spoilt by sopranos above the stave and the the choir of thre national assembly of Korea joined them. Interesting how well I remembered it. Simon Over conducted well.

Worked on essay from seminar. To St John Waterloo for Isaiah community service including address by Revd Richard Cheetham Bishop of Kingston on Justice, Islam and Christianity - he saw friendship as central and took a trinitarian view. Commended "Meeting God in friend and stranger". Siriol introduced me to him and also met Stephen a black teacher from Clapham. Giles the vicar was friendly - lovely church with fine paintings. To Acton. Wednesday took Ciarán to Amandas and Louise came too. It was wet and I had forgotten my umbrella. Had a look in the church on Turnham Green after we had been to Starbucks. To Polka theatre for "Treasure" and it was very well done with no dialogue and using blue household objects. I got underground to cathedral and 13 came to the interfaith group including Katharina Muller. We discussed Prayer and worship. To 64 Whitehall for the freedom of religion debate. Rabbi Julia Neuberger and Bishop Nazir-Ali spoke really well.

Watched programme about Professor Clack and Benedict Cumberbatch as Stephen Hawking. It was worth watching it again! Woke late and read the morning chapter from Sketches by Boz which Calix gave us last night - wonderful description of London.

Monday morning another excellent breakfast and confirmed we had worked out that Edward was in the pictures in the dining room. To Gloucester docks and enjoyed the waterways museum and the mariners chapel. Nice sunny trip on the Queen Boudicea II which went to Dunkirk down the Gloucester and Sheerness canal. Train back with no problem and did lots of reading. Tea and then to Battersea library for talk on Dickens by Calix Eden. Penny and Paul were there.  Chris gave us a lift to West Norwood and Calix will met in the park on Thursday. Watched Question of Sport.

Thursday Liz was serving at 5 p.m. Mass as Francis was away. I took the car to Acton and went by trains and to Alexandra Palace for the organ recital. Had a pint of ale on arrival and saw Jack and chatted to several people. I became a friend so get a cheaper rate for the concerts. Thomas Keogh and James Luxton 2 young organists from Birmingham and they had fun playing a variety of pieces including The Lost chord, Finlandia (very impressive pedal trills), Solemn melody, Vierne and Bach. They finished with Sousa Colonel Bogey as a duet including playing pedals with hands and fists! That got a well deserved encore! Got back to Acton the same way about 10.30 p.m. Friday a.m. Ciaran enjoyed a story 3 times and went off in the car with Louise. We got to Paddington in good time and train to Gloucester. Edward hotel very comfortable and not too far from the centre. We visited the excellent Gloucester museum and the packed folk museum. Bought a picnic. Saturday spent rehearsing with Richard and

On bus and tube to Baker Street. Nice toasted cakes and coffee at Weatherspoons and we later had a good burger and beer there for lunch. 10.30 a.m. rehearsal and I slipped on the riser on the stage - wooden and not clearly marked and slippery. My left shoulder bruised, neck and side aches a bit and right shin has scabs where it got skinned. At the time I thought I was OK! The sopranos consistently sang flat so I got on the back row with David from Brighton and Peter! Actually the concert was much better and it was lovely to see Norbert Balatsch and meet his wife. Lots of faces from the past including Keith Chaundy, John Sims, Liz Letsky and Pat Stephens. Fiona, Pam, Eleanor, Muriel and the Shirasses were singing. Nice to do Shepherd's farewell in French. Vivaldi Gloria and Faure Requiem and everyone singing Hallelujah chorus. The conductor Robert was not very good. It was interesting to change the Charles Mackerras room. I took 2 photos from Orange and put them on the display which

It took a couple of hours for the on line system at Covent Garden but I got a ticket for the Trojans! Reading Peters on Jesus and Muhammad and watching Rinaldo from Glyndebourne on TV. Liz's eye not good. Sharon cancelled her party as her mother is in hospital.

Swam 32. No word from Steve Darragh about a visit to the pool and us. To the clinic at Parchmore Road Methodist - very nice lady changed the tubes and arranged a home visit about a loop. Also spoke to the manager of the centre who said it would be open on the day of the torch relay for loos but no refreshments as they have been cut back. Got Liz's prescriptions for her eye from Tescos. Have nade contact with Croydon concert band about the torch relay and rang Christine the church warden about All Saints. Seems Fr Leonard is indeed very odd!

To Beckenham after dinner to see the film which is hilarious. Loved the lines "When I want your opinion I will give it to you" and "We don't know how we will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary" "A minute's silence?" I have no desire to go to India! Liz has found out exactly where her uncle Dennis is buried and has a photo of the grave of the crew members - he died almost exactly 70 years ago and was a sergeant in the RAF buried in Germany.

Stephen Smith's programmes on Art nouveau are excellent. Now watching the Big Questions on Islam and the far right.

Diarmaid MacCulloch's final programme on God and the English very interesting. At the heart of being English is a broad church embracing all. Watched Come dine with me.

Woke to a wet Easter Monday - we need the rain! To Bromley Parish church for the first of the Peterborough effect concerts on Bank Holidays. Barry Ferguson reminiscing about Stanley Vann and the lay clerks and a former precentor was present. He played the piano and some pieces on the organ. He showed us the cathedral on a tea tray and distributed photos of the Peterhouse chapel windows - two firsts! It was all a little selfindulgent but I suppose when you are 69 you can do as you like and it was interesting and different!

The 3 day passion in Port Talbot was amazing stuff. Michael Sheen was the star.

A good programme about the RVW piece by Diana Ridd. Preston parish on TV.

Evensong from Gloucester - Wesley In exitu Israel, Vierne - splendid. Enjoyed Easter from King's - lovely singing. Evensong and Benediction at St John's - Stanford in A and Te Deum in B flat. My top A in Hallelujah chorus not as good as usual. Dubois toccata. Antiques roadshow from Wimbledon.

Broadcast from Manchester cathedral including the People's passion music - well done. Super TV Eucharist from Coventry cathedral. The Bishop is a contender for Canterbury. Peter has video of Royal Maundy from York minster on his blog.

Lovely Victoria at morning prayer and tenebrae elements with strepitus most effective. I was mitre bearer again! To Acton and a lovely lunch cooked by Tom - scallops and salmon and chocolate mousse. Front garden now cleared and grey slate. Ciarán had a great time playing in his room and reading his new Mr Men books. To the vigil at 8.30 p.m. stunning Dvorak Mass in D, Palestrina Sicut cervus, Handel Israel great fun. Lots baptised and received and confirmed. Another fine homily. Fr Alexander sang well and we had bees twice! Fr Paolo sang the litany. Brian read and nice to see him. Concentration torch - because eminarians are there Liz has been torch all week! To the common room for champagne and drinks. Took Patrick home and got home about 1 a.m. Up OK and to Coulsdon for my last Easter there. Baptism - one hymn got left out "The day of resurrection" (can't say I really like that one much) and we sang "The strife is o'er" and "Jesus Christ is risen to

Maundy Thursday went well in the round using piano and organ. Small choir coped well. John did turn up although he was on call. I did not get to communion but no matter. Not many congregation. To Morning prayer and I was mitre bearer. Beautiful Vittoria from the choir. Liz went to the Passion play in Trafalgar Square and I helped a Spanish lady get to Central Hall where we had coffee and hot cross. Met Philip, Stephen and Miriam. Good turnout and excellent addresses from Archbishop Vincent and the Mike Rayson Illinois Methodist minister at the Abbey about the death of his 11 year old son. 3 p.m. liturgy beautifully sung. Had to leave before the Casals to get to Selhurst to pick up car to drive to Coulsdon - got there 5.45. Cross of Christ went really well. Adrian played and Bob X 2, Terence, Tony and Francis sang. Greater love and the Somervell Praise to the holiest thrilling. SOme good soft singing in the Mozart and Ouseley. To White Hart Chipstead for a lemonade and took Francis to t

Swam 30 on Monday and 32 today. Nice chat to Ann on Tuesday while Liz went to Sainsburys to get shorts for Ciarán which were on the sale! Watched Angels of Mersey about chaplains in Liverpool - quite moving and touching. Did minutes of Catenian meeting on Monday  - only 11 there altogether so it had an Alice in wonderland feel! My account of the meeting between Rowan Williams and Eliza Griswold much appreciated by fellow students.

Tuesday to serve at Chrism Mass - splendid service and the MacMillan Mass worked well. We were consecration torches and faced inwards. We moved at the wrong moment to come out behind the choir so had to get out of the way! Byrd motet beautifully sung and nice lunch afterwards. Met Stephen Wang and had a chat to Allen Morris about his vacancy for an animateur. It does look as though one could get to Lisson Grove on public transport. Had tea at M & S and then picked up Ciarán from nursery. Watched The Undatables - Aspergers syndrome guy very nice, Tourette's guy could not stop swearing. Finished reading The Tenth parallel. Wednesday took Ciarán to Amandas and he enjoyed it. Had a couple of run-ins about buggy, walking and holding hands! To Starbucks and Sainsburys for lunch. He slept 2 hours and I went to spirituality day for the afternoon. Sarah Richards on love. The idea of myself as a child and interested to find young people in 3 of Eric Gill's Stations. Bought Anthony di

I was acting secretary for AGM and meeting - only 5 of us and 6 visitors and loads of sandwiches!

Woke at 4 a.m. fretting about Coulsdon. Why am I not more trusting that God will find the way forward? Why do I always want to know what is happening tomorrow, next week and next month? Reading Eliza Griswold's The Tenth parallel makes you realise how lucky we are to be able to practise our faith unmolested. Swam 30. Mosaic and project ready to be grouted - looks lovely . Started on the one for Ivor and Alan using flowers and a Paisley pattern. Tai chi. Dropped off while reading. Ocado delivered and Liz shopping and then to confirmation class. Positive response from St Alban's about the torch relay. Organist vacancy at Homerton - impossible to get there on a Sunday by train!

You are right, it is Red vestments on Palm Sunday for the procession. Thenafter it becomes purple for the Palm Sunday Mass. The calendar photograph for April 2012 is not of Palm Sunday but of the Easter Vigil and is taken at the Blessing of the Fire. The vestment there is actually purple. It is a deep purple and I agree that it looks to be black in the darkness around the fire. But it is purple and the colour remains purple for the whole of the Vigil part of Holy Saturday and only during the Mass does it change from purple to white; that takes place after the blessing of the Easter Water and before the Gloria of the Mass. I hope that is a clear enough answer to your question. With very best wishes for Holy Week, Fr. Michael Mary

Very nice lunch with cream and apple. At St John's we sang Byrd second service and Bob Chilcott's charming "God so loved the world". We sang Vexilla regis and Morning glory to a tune by Michael Fleming Bowen Woods in tribute to David Evans and like his tune for "For the beauty of the earth". Terence and Bob are coming on Friday whcih is great. Watching Paxman on Empire and Antiques roadshow.

Glorious sunshine. Began with Hosanna by Wilson, flute for Give me joy and All glory laud and honour. Glory be to Jesus, My song is love unknown, Ride ride on. Bairstow in E flat. Final chorus of St Matthew Passion at the end. Ouseley Is it nothing to you. Kids rehearsed and so did I. Liz not happy about my retirement farewell being on April 21 and last service May 13 when the Bishop comes - no replies to adverts in Tablet and Church Times - the former was expensive. However something will come up as Mr Micawber would say! What I should have said was I will retire when I have found a new position elsewhere.