The organist librarian

Set off in good time to get tram only to find them all full and infrequent because of BUPA run in the city. Eventually got a taxi who came to wrong side of station and we walked the last bit with cases to reach Bridgewater Hall at 9.50 a.m. for the 10.30 a.m. Mass. Cardinal greeted us and we were mitre and crozier. Fr Mark O'Toole looked after us and Fr Simon was very helpful from St John's cathedral, Salford. Martin Barry directed the cathedral choir and Anthony Hunt played the organ. There was an excellent pianist and brass ensemble. Deacon Peter Tibke too. It was a fine mass and I had chance to thank Fr Timothy for his talk. Some nice Bob Hurd and Joncas and Martin's Spring Sanctus. Had coffee afterwards and rescued my case which was going on the van back to the cathedral with the vestments! Walked to coach station and 5 hours on an extra coach which did not stop at Marble Arch so got train from Victoria. Home at 7.30 p.m.

We actually got to the church Our Lady of Grace and St Edward Chiswick at 3.05 p.m. and were greeted by the photographer (who was excellent) and Father Peter. What a joy to walk down the aisle to the Trumpet Voluntary and Louise was anxious to get there! Liz sang the psalm "As the deer" by Bob Hurd beautifully. The Haydn Little organ mass worked perfectly and the choir did well in the Rutter anthems "Gaelic blessing" and "For the beauty of the earth" at communion. There wasn't time to rehearse "Greater love" but Kirsty sang the Haydn Benedictus superbly. Best of all the Widor toccata and the bells rang out. Grandma made it in time too! The recording was OK despite some slipping on the tape - the recorder needs replacing with a CD machine. Ann read a lesson and they spoke their vows very confidently. It was such a pleasure having Fr Peter there. Fr Allen couldn't come. The readings were Genesis 2; 18-24; Colossians 3; 12-17 and John 15; 9-...