The organist librarian

Had an argument as I had been able to access my records on the new Philharmonia Chorus website (I vary from 6 to 8 but usually good and semi-chorus) but Liz could not access hers so she changed email back to the a.woodhouse one. Can still get emails to new address but it's confusing. I said open a new email account and give that to the chorus or use my google mail account. To St Michael's on a lovely day for the 12 noon recital by Arnfinn. I was late because Conservatives came to the door. What were my concerns locally so I said parking and not wanting residents permits as they will charge us to park in the end. I should have mentioned the housing developments locally which are taking away green spaces and not in keeping with the area. David said he votes green and has no time for parties or unions! I would certainly never vote Tory after the way I have been treated with job cuts in the past. I enjoyed Arnfinn's playing - even Franck's Pastorale! Bach, Marchand, Litaize...

Service went well and I played Gordon Slater's Easter Alleluya. I skipped the church AGM and got train and bus to Austin Friars in the City. From top deck of bus saw the London Marathon runners - hope Ian from the cathedral choir finished! Arnfinn Tobiassen was pleased to see me and Steve Garnett was there. The Dutch church is fine with excellent stained glass. Arnfinn played the Letourneau organ - Sweelinck and Kerll and then a Bach trio sonata and Bohm Prelude on the fine van Leeuwen organ. Tube to Brixton for Lambeth interfaith meeting at Corpus Christi (a fine church) on "Do religion and politics mix?" Clare Short MP was most impressive as was the imam from Hyderi mosque and the trainee rabbi from South London liberal synagogue. Nice to see Ebrahim and friends from the mosque again. Chatted to Michael Chandler who teaches at Heythrop. It was an excellent meeting. Home to watch marathon highlights, Songs of Praise from Windsor and evensong from Worcester. A lovely day ...

Saturday was quiet so caught up on displays and admin. At Mass we had extra servers because the servers dinner followed. Victoria forgot to ring the bell the first time! Amici Choro sang really well. Lauridsen Ave Maria and Byrd 4 part Mass. Caroline was singing. Saw Vicky and Gareth afterwards with lovely baby Lydia. The dinner was a great success - 50 came and the Hinsley Room was transformed. We were sitting with Victoria's parents Shaun and Annette from the US and they are returning home. Imagine our surprise when the Cardinal joined us and was on great form talking about retirement and cooking and shopping in Chiswick! Canon Christopher, Paul and David Grealy completed the party. Excellent buffet and lots of red wine. All the chaplains joined us. It was a delightful evening! John was not at Coulsdon so I played the bass part in Tye anthem and we sang Nicholson in G. I practised and then joined Liz at King's College hospital to see Grandma who has osteoporosis hence the b...

Wednesday to osteopath and 3 students this time who worked on my left shoulder as I have no discomfort in side or back. They were impressed at my promming and swimming! Came home and Lauren had prepared nice BBQ with lots to eat. She ws having a quiet day and the new router meant she could use her laptop downstairs. Tried to use laptop to download music without success. To St John's to put pot of orange begonias with message for Mum and Dad's 2nd anniversary. Spoke to Ann and Dennis. Ann had been to Christ Church St Lawrence with Snowy and they had marked the first anniversary with Bairstow just as I did! Mum and Dad were prayed for and the priests remembered Ann. To Westminster Cathedral for organ recital by John Scott on sparkling form. De Grigny, Durufle, Alain and Eschaich all worth hearing but not Messiaen. It seems I am not alone on this one! Met Martin Ball, Adrian, Arnfinn (soon to compete in Montreal), Isabella, David just arrived from Dublin, Martin Baker. It was a go...