The organist librarian

To Mass at Addiscombe and an excellent homily from Fr Keith. At coffee afterwards had a good chat with Agnes. Watched programme about George Benjamin and his operas. Choral evensong from the Temple church. After the prayers we are suddenly plunged into a modern piece which appears not to be listed. Is it MacMillan? Pity not to have the Allegri. Gareth Tresedar contacted me. It was commissioned by the Temple last year.  It's about time Southern stopped using such long trains at quiet times. I missed my train because I could not get down the platform then the whole train pulled out. The back carriages were lit but locked. Why? It is not conserving energy. Going to Caterham first train late so just missed connection at Purley then a delay because of signals. I got there in the end but I can do without the stress. We sang Sweelinck Miserere and I played Andriessen on Aus der tiefe and Willan and Peeters on Aberystwyth. Now on buses going home.

To Croydon ladies quiz night excellent carvery. I presented the icon. Stephen Lake was there and chatted to Jim Mann. It was too late to go to Acton so I woke at 5.30 a.m. and got there before 8. Took Sean to Mass at Acton and he was good as gold with the Ipad. It was packed. Fr Ultan recognised Sean I think. Irish pub singer messing up hymns! Went to McDonalds and then on 70 to Acton park where there is a fine new playground. Sean walked home happily and played in his room. Tom was back early so off to Caterham. Practised Bach Fantasia and Dorian toccata! 14 there 3 in choir. We managed Sweelinck Miserere. I played Willan and Peeters on Aberyswyth and Hendrik Andriessen De profundis on Aus der tiede. John was very interested. Home on bus and train. Thursday swam 20, Mass at Anerley with Sunith and oil painting . Last night "finished" and started on portrait of Mum and Dad for "Death matters" on May 9th. Nick came and fixed my laptop. 

A quiet day as it is half term and lovely weather. Louise was working from home and took Ciaran to football QPR camp. Liz took Seán to see Peppa Pig at the cinema but he was unwell and sick. The interfaith group welcomed Jeremy Rodell who spoke very clearly on the problem of evil. 15 came but one man walked out after the Stephen Fry quote from TV! It was a stimulating discussion on the problem of evil and a lot was said about IS. I was acolyte at 5.30 mass. The men sang and lots of servers and loads of MCs falling over each other! I got to St Michael's OK and there were 12 there. Played Buxtehude and Bach. Watched Up the women and horizon on sex.                                                                                                   ...

There were only 6 of us at Catenians with lots of visitors not least the Grand President who brought the scroll given to Willie Britto on becoming a life member only the 3rd Catenians to be honoured in that way. Brendan Ducey the Provincial VP was on good form. Best of all 2 visiting gentlemen Danny and Juan were there and enjoyed it. A good joke on celibacy and marriage. At a marriage encounter weekend husband is asked to name his wife's favourite flower. He replies "Self-raising". Celibacy follows. Tuesday swam 20 and Liz came as well which was good. To Clapham Picturehouse to see the Met production of Prince Igor which was wonderful especially the Polovstian scene in a poppy field. Straight to Acton and Tom made pancakes. Fell asleep during the sewing bee programme. Wednesday to music and got a nice photo of Sean. I took him to Mass and ashing at Chiswick and David Knights sang the gospel acclamation and ashed us. Sean behaved well in the cry chapel. Took Ciarán to ...

Allegri Miserere from St John's Cambridge on radio. Nice vegetarian and egg meal. Cherries. To the cathedral and we were acolytes although most of our jobs were done by others! Superb Allegri and the small group moved down the gallery between verses. Had time to nip home and then to St Michael's so got ashed twice. Cheque for funeral. I played O mensch bewein at the end. Piano for 2 of the hymns. The choit were in robes but I did not bother - 11 there.

After the joys of yesterday fell asleep 3 times during the day! Ciarán seemed a little out of sorts too but we went to music as usual and then to Chiswick for a packed Mass - we sat in the cry chapel and he slept through it! To Carluccio's for a light lunch ravioli and bruschetta. Watched bit of Toy story and enjoyed reading the Don Giovanni programme.

Woke at 5 a.m. and caught up on blog.Just realised have posted 1002 times! Spoke to Ann. Dennis accompanying Liz and Grandma to hospital. To Hinsley Room for interfaith group - 15 came. Suha Rassam spoke well on Christianity in Iraq and there were some good questions. I was annoyed with Hannah for criticising Chris Hewer quite unjustifiably and others supported me. There was a tendency to generalise which I thought a pity. I went to St Paul's bookshop and used the voucher from the internet quiz to get a Lent book and an Easter book. Also bought Suha's book which she signed. Heard first part of Mass from Liverpool on radio 3 but fell asleep. Gave AnnMarie Nurse's prayer card I have had for ages for her. Tickets for Globe came. Fish and chips and apple pie. Meeting with Vickie - no Haydn Gloria at Easter. She said it was ragged at Christmas! Not keen on clapping Gloria on Easter Day prefer Peter Jones. Inwood setting. 4 in choir and rehearsed for Sunday as well - shortage of ...