The organist librarian

On Monday the last day of the 3 day SPIDIR refresher course was led by Chris Chapman who was most inspiring. To 1125th and final meeting of Norwood circle and dinner. Liz came later after Maths. It was an excellent evening.  Henry had fun! To Bromley picture house to see Agrippina from the Met. Finally got going with subtities an hour late! A stunning cast with Joyce DiDonato and Eistyn Davies. Liz stayed on to see Riverdance live. I came home and watched Great pottery throwdown.  Mass at Addiscombe and coffee and then took my organ shoe to be mended at Traditional shoe repairs, Wallington. To West Norwood picturehouse to see Parasite which is fantastic! Liz still in a lot of discomfort from hurting her shoulder when she slipped on the stairs. Watched Vietnamese boat people and how well the younger generation have done in UK, Alan Bennett diaries, University challenge, Asian railways. 

Swam 20 the pool opened early so thanked the attendant as it is a holiday.  How many composers have you met? Stravinsky, Walton, Bliss, Macmillan, Darke, Francis Jackson, Rutter, John Barnard, Andrew Moore, Tavener, Alan Rees, Judith Bingham, Judith Weir, Martin How, Michael Fleming, Alan Smith , Roxanna Panufnik, David Hill,  Stephen Cleobury , Colin Mawby, June Nixon, Thomas Hewitt-Jones, Matthew Martin, Bernadette Farrell, Andrew Wright (in no particular order) and I am counting the widow of Vernon Griffiths as it was like sharing a meeting with him as she gave me a lot of his organ music! Enjoyed St John's Day at Upper Norwood and we sang Eyre. Lovely lunch in the vicarage and good chats to Gareth, Daniel Trott and Fr Mark Williams from Kennington. Watched university challenge, elephants, Alan Bennett's diaries, lovely midnight mass from St Chad's cathedral Birmingham

Had a lie-in - woke at 4 the St Michael's situation not helping. This will be resolved as the church will close for the improvements in June so no recitals and an opportunity to play elsewhere!  Put tree up and put foil  behind radiators. To Watermans using free ticket to see Lady in the van which was excellent. Had a half bitter beforehand. Read Monastic musicians and Tablet. Started on Monks and Mystics III. Wed to Tamar's and told her I recognised the Lalo tune she plays for the instruments  -she says she made it up! Will not see her next week as now going to Tony Potter's funeral. All day long Eddie worked on handyman tasks Liz stayed - she had been at 2 cathedral "donkey" carol services one with the Cardinal. I tripped over scooter and thought I had hurt my right wrist but it is OK. Louise has her tree up. Conversations for the soul with 4 there was very interesting and we heard about mental health issues and interfaith action to find properties to take migr...

Woke too early. Just missed a train and the one I got went through Battersea Park so I was late. Sam was running it and we discussed "The uncommon reader" by Alan Bennett. We also talked about royalty. The cuts are going ahead in July. Daphne has retired! Town centre library linked to neighbourhood library with only one manager. Opening hours cut. Had lunch at the library and read the paper - met a couple of readers I know well. To Bromley and visited Bromley library and then to Widmore Rd URC for President's recital by Michael Toplis on the Hill Norman and Beard. He played Liszt, Franck and Bach really well. I had a play after tea and the AGM went smoothly. As I was leaving asked if I woudl do an Oxbridge so I said Yes! Bus to Bromley South and arrived in good time for Vespers. Fr Tim was celebrant Palm Sunday and I was crucifer. St Matthew Passion. Home late and nice meal. Toe on right foot badly bruised and sore and back playing up.

For a laugh a page read Alan Bennett's "The uncommon reader" about how the Queen takes up reading. Also excellent is James Naughtie's "The making of music a journey with notes". I am also enjoying "The Museum" which accompanies the TV series about the British Museum. We have some excellent meditations for Advent by Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen and Gordon Giles.