Turvey Abbey

Swam 20. Tuesday set off from East Croydon station at 9.30 and train to Bedford and 41 bus to Turvey. Although I have been there before for some reason I walked down Jack's Lane and the entrance was not signposted so ended up on the farm in the hot sun. Walked back to the Abbey and arrived for Mass after midday prayer. Sr Esther directed me to the monastery and Fr John settled me in. Had lunch with the nuns and monks in the house. My room is next to the bathroom and is full of magazines in French! Being at the back of the house it is quiet. Found some free books by Arnold and read one - excellent. He is a Lutheran living in community. After Vespers asked about confession and Fr John indicated that he was already seeing 2 people on Thursday and it looked unlikely. Given that this was the main reason for the visit.... Did some sketching in the garden. Wednesday was a truly wonderful day - lovely weather. Did not sleep well and up at 5.30 for 6.10 readings. The nuns sing beautifully using dulcimer, guitar or unaccompanied. The organ is played before and after Vespers. The 5 monks and nuns from Amaravati arrived at 10 and delighted to see the nun who helped with Steve and Meister Eckhart. The abbot is most impressive and the silent meditation led to a deep dialogue. Abbot Francis came from Prinknash, a nun from Chester and one and oblate, 2 monks from near Worcester plus Fr John and Fr Hubert who is a delightful old man and Sr Lucy leading. It was fascinating and learned a lot. Lovely lunch together. Invited to Amaravati! Did some more reading and slept better. Up for 6.10 and Matins at 8.30. Tried 9.15 bus but cannot use bus pass so early so waited for 10.15 nus and travelled with nun from Chester who knows Sr Mary Bernard at Minster. No sign of confession as Fr John busy. Very chatty lady from Teddington came yesterday and rather odd David and Peter on a silent retreat! To St Pancras and got scores from Senate House. To Notting Hill for last of Alan Rainer's series with Nicholas Sagovsky on T.S.Eliot and Hinduism. The Rabbi sang his own song accompanied by Stefan. There was an interesting exchange about Love your enemies and forgiving those who harm loved ones influenced by the holocaust. Home for dinner and did not go to Sevenoaks circle as too tired. Watched 2 programmes on background to University challenge.