The Queen

 I am really behind on writing this. The death of the Queen has really affected all of us.  I have spent a lot of time watching the many tributes and the remarkable livestream of the lying in state. Friday Up at 5 am and got the first train at Selhurst at 6am arriving at Tate Britain at 6.30am. Got our yellow armbands at 7 and come back at 1pm. Had a coffee then back to Selhurst and to the dentist and then back to Victoria. By 2 we were in Westminster Hall. It was so moving and beautiful. Three military men saluting as we passed the catafalque. Louise got a photo from the livestream. As we came out spoke to a priest and said how it all brought back so many memories sad and happy. The walk over Westminster Bridge to the bus was tiring. So grateful that we are able to be there.

Saturday To St John's twice 10am requiem for Alan Driedger and HM the Queen and LMP concert reflecting the story of the Crystal Palace. The concett ended with Barber Adagio for strings. I went to 197 Church Rd to see the paintings of Mahtab and Monsef Karami and Anna Jacobs. Mass at Streatham Hill - found it hard to hear some of it.

Played Martin How's Elegy for Gerald Knight. We sang In our service by Thomas Hewitt-Jones and the National anthem and I played When I am laid in earth by Purcell. My original plan was to go and hear Stephen Disley at All Saints West Dulwich but Liz persuaded me to sing evensong at St John's. Philip Moore 3rd service and Thou knowest Lord. I was upset. Liz managed to leave her handbag behind.

The funeral. What a tremendous day never to be forgotten. Everything was perfect. The music, the hymns, the prayers, the sermon, very moving indeed. Bravo James MacMillan! The bands playing Mendelssohn!

Tuesday to Croydon Police station for interfaith meeting with 5 officers. 468 diverted! To leaisure centre to see Victoria about referral by GP. Seems this is meant for people doing no exercise at all so I don't qualify. I am doing all the right things. To quiet time and then took Isabel posters to Dulwich library, St Barnabas and All Saints and West Norwood library. 4 out of 4 I think. Heythrop AGM and an excellent talk on discernment and synodality by Fr Brendan.

Public speaking response not good! Only 2 schools so far and 3 of our normal supporters staff have left.

Wed swim. Met Louise at London Bridge to hand over the gifts to take to Oz. She and Bruce fly tomorrow night! Lunch at Tate Modern - quite few floors still closed. The Himid work did not impress, To interfaith group and Rosemary was there. Alan told us about his October trip to Rome. Watched Simon Reeve in America and Bakeoff. Excellent Cheltenham group with John Mundell director of the LSI action platform who is most engaging.

Thursday swim. Liz to Pilates and swim. To art and finished 2 paintings. Dan came. Baby due October. LSI animators zoom. Churches cinservation trust in J.L.Petit. Chris Johnstone on Active Hope SLN. Started new treatment.

Friday swim it was busy again. Liz to Spidir Carol. Unacc free lunch and taster sessions. Had too much to eat. Triniti, word games, I will not be trying flamenco - too fast and complicated. We saw a film in which I was interviewed. Liz went to Clare's and I fell asleep. Watched Bake off extra slice and Rhinegold from Birmingham. Louise and Bruce well on the way to Oz. They arrived safely and great photos!

Saturday SM walk in Amersham with Angela. S. Hurtado meditation was good. Did music list for October. Liz's phone lost again so retraced her movements to Claire's - hope it is at UNACC - we met Dot outside.