The organist librarian

Swam 20. It rained all day. Chat to Ann on Skype. To St George's Beckenham expecting organ with Nigel but it was Hammig quartet father and mother and som Tim Burton on cello 2 who is going to Royal College of Music. Arensky - quite lovely.   Liz went to the prom. I was at Balham library to get scores and met Mike Cornford in the rain looking well. An interesting Global Net 21 and Ethical society meeting at Conway Hall about Terrorism, War and community - an Islamic perspective. Both speakers were challenging and there were some heated comments from the floor. 75 there.

Swam 20 and to mosaic started on Madonna and child. Liz did not make it to Cadogan Hall. 2 good Proms Tallis with Cardinall's music and Andrew Carwood and a fine new work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad.  I did not take the Spem in alium score - too big! BBC Phil and Storgards Haydn (hurrah) Gruber concerto with Colin Currie and Petrushka. I went to the hall to get seat tickets (a waste of time as not many there) and to Royal Academy to see John Cornell Wanderlust  -only of interest to Magritte and Duchamp fans! Saye dunable to speak on Friday but a flurry of emails and we got Tv imam Ajmal Masroor! 

I had a swim on Monday (26) and left Liz working in the garden. Drove to West Wickham and the centre is in a beautiful spot. A large and small chapel, comfortable but not en suite accomodation and excellent food. I found the company most stimulating e.g. a fascinating discussion with a young Muslim woman about marriage and the veil. I also tried out my essay questions on several people. It was particularly good to see and hear from Sayed Ali and Fr Rizwan. Dr Datta from the Women's interfaith network was a bit overbearing I thought. I did not sleep well but finished Deborah Moggach's delightful book "These foolish things" which was much better than the film. Much had been altered for the film "The best exotic marigold hotel". There was time for a walk in the rose garden and woodland and This was valuable as we were challenged about motivation and ego by Ajmal Masroor and Revd Dr Toby Howarth, advisor to the Archbishop of Canterbury.The final part on Near nei...