The organist librarian

Fr Michael at the cathedral, a lovely homily at Fisher House bringing in music and Salcombe but speech kept breaking up. Lovely to have auto generated text. Come dine with me. I have sorted old Catenian materials and had a good clear out. I have started photographing Bill Beach's history and loading it onto the Norwood Catenians Facebook page. Also onto the Norwood Catenians blog. I will be adding photos as well. Ariadne auf Naxos from the Met. What a cast! Jessye Norman, Tatiana Troyanos, Kathleen Battle,James King, Barbara Bonney. Enjoyed laying Haydn, White horse inn and Carousel and recorded Ps 99 for deacon Tito in Acton. Mark Cazalet on Catholic creators zoom sacramental artist rather than a Christian artist. Liked his use of meditation and colours to reflect people. Real Marigold hotel. Liz doing maths and Alpha.

To Old Coulsdon for the funeral of Bill Beach who was 96 and 29 years secretary of Norwood circle. A good turnout. Daniel got me to turn over in the first hymn "Praise my soul" and we had "Love divine" to Blaenwern. No other music apart from organ so rather a plain Mass with no incense or server. Kevin read a lesson and Fr Bliss did the eulogy/homily. Kevin embraced me afterwards and Liz helped with tea at Bill's house. I walked down to Coulsdon South and was at Balham by 12.30. Went looking for plug covers and bought some plastic crates. Several queries kept me busy all afternoon and I finally left at 5.30. Sandwiches left from funeral at home and then to Croydon parish Church for the concert of Tudor music by the Sixteen. We sat at the back and could not see much but the sound was superb. Byrd, Tallis and Shephard and introduced beforehand. Most of Croydon's musicians were there. It was David Squibb's funeral today - I never met him alas. Liz saw Ian w...

Colin was supposed to give me a lift to council but had another meeting and forgot to tell me. I got there in time in our car but knocked my beer over when Declan arrived - I got up to let him in. I was also grumpy with Philip and Jim! Thursday was election day so I was up early to vote at the Polish hall and so no swim. The library hall was being used as a polling station and with all the activity I forgot Andrew Green was coming. I'm not sure of the purpose of his visit but it did not inspire. I worked until 8 and Bruce and Dennis spent the evening at the hospital as Grandma was in the stroke unit. There had been trouble with the care manager wanting her to go to Mayday's new unit which is not on. Fell asleep watching results in an extraordinary election and woke to find Martin Linton had lost Battersea. Whatever one may think of his politics, he was a good M.P. now replaced by some unknown Tory. A hung parliament could give the Lib Dems the chance to improve our ridiculous e...

To Coulsdon for recital in the church of Bach cello suites 1 and 2 by David Tabbat who recently became a Catholic in Milan. Lovely sound in the church and nice tea with lemon cake and chatted to David about keys. Minor keys particularly and I must seek out Mozart String quintet in G minor. Watched South Africa in photographs and Mrs Mandela, walk in the Kruger park and sex education in Ugandan schools. Kitchen is full of small plants and lots of compost going to the tip. Bill Beach in hospital for bowel obstruction.

A fine Sunday. No choir and played Neils Gade and Walter Webber on "Lobe den herren". Molly enjoyed Rhosymedre by RVW at communion. Clapping Gloria and the yellow card for 6 weeks. Dennis's wedding announced. Molly and Ella will try choir end of September. After practice to Bill Beach's to discuss archives and history update. He has many good photos. Delivered directory to Eamonn at Windmill and cheque to Adrian.