Heatwave

 SM Tower of London Superbloom and memories of holidays. S and B. Up late. Wrote to councillors about free swimming for seniors and Selhurst Park development. Started getting clothes out for holiday and ironing. Listed organ scores going to church and got paintings ready for showing tomorrow. To garden 109 Riddlesdown Rd - they had not opened before so no tea. Lovely view and sloping garden with vegs in greenhouse. The wife chatted and spoke to several people. Worth going. To Mass at St Simon and St Jude Streatham Hill - superb crucifix and stained glass. 3 ladies spoke to us and nice chat to Fr Valentine who Gerard told me about. John O'Toole has cancer and Bishop Paul has gone to Kent. Gerard to be Episcopal Vicar! Wrote to him. Fr V would love an organist and singing on Saturdays so we are sure of a warm welcome. I said we would visit some parishes over summer. Readers rota came from West Norwood so I have 3 dates there! Lovely prom Enigma, Walton Partita. Eric Coates encore.Follo RVW, wed by Judith Weir. Still hot. 

Sunday did not wear robes. Played Melcombe by Parry and Monkland by Statham. Gaelic blessing was beautifully sung. I did not sing too much to play and get the speed right! Went to coffee John Sharples on Proms and chatting to Jerry. Changed into shorts and sandals as I knew we were going to be on the Meadow at St John's until 4. Delicious BBQ. The Ukrainian panting went to Nela and generous donations from Gerry and Lisa so £25 to ACN and £25 to the church! Brought the Queen's hats home. Packing. Lovely Prom John Wilson and Sinfonia of London RVW, Huw Watkins flute concerto, Bax Tintagel, Walton and Enigma and Coates. What a delight! 

Monday woke 4 30 a.m. left 6.30 a.m. through Blackwall tunnel 7.30 a.m. Flatford by 9 lovely place. Coffee and cake and met 2 guys with retrievers, one from Bloemfontein. Cool breeze off river. East Bergholt church is so lovely and lots of info. Sutton Hoo was hot and saw exhibition and had tea. Saxmundham farm shop for freezer meals.  Arrived at Air Bnb Snape Bed room is cool, conservatory is warmer. Sausage dogs are friendly. Unpacked. Shower and rest. In the evening the conservatory was lovely and sat there having dinner with wine and watched the birds, woodpecker, tits, finches. Bruckner 6 from the Prom. A very hot day. Nazareth companions and Jane Woods lives at Woodbridge! Balham Catenians. B. SM. 

Tuesday B, SM and S. Slept well - the fans help. To Sutton Hoo again and straight into the Swords exhibition - beautiful tiny craftsmanship. The electric mobility buggies are brilliant and we went right round the Royal burial ground and up the tower 81 steps. Visited Tunstall house lots to see there. Tea and lemon drizzle muffin. Orford church where the organist was playing the Peter Collins organ - Bach. School leavers service so we went down to the Quay. Arrived back at 2. Rest on bed trying not to fall asleep, Listened to Monday's lunchtime prom Xenakis and Messiaen and finished reading The Southbury child. I did miss a lot in the first part of the performance. It's very funny and sad. Drove to Framlingham large church but shut then on to Eye. Peter Lee was very friendly and played the 3 manual Binns. Got back 9.45 and chatted over beer to Eduardo in the garden.