The organist librarian

I am way behind on the blog which is unusual! We got the train to Manchester on Monday and tram to Salford Quays to the Etap hotel - clean and basic but fine. Dennis did not see us as he had to go to London after work! It was wet! Went to the Lowry centre. Gill and Chich Hewitt picked us up and we had an excellent Italian meal - lovely to see him again - last saw him at school in 1963 and he was Dean of Grahamstown and is now losing sight. Tuesday to the Lowry centre and had salad lunch there. To RNCM for Howard Skempton celebration - free concert of string quartet Tendrils with an outstanding cellist. A new guitar work played by the composer David Futers. To the Manchester museum and an interesting collection. In the evening had Harry Ramsdens fish and chips at Lowry centre and to Journey's End at the Lowry theatre. Very moving play especially the curtain call with the Last Post. Very powerful! Wednesday to Clare's for a lovely lunch - she is married to John who plays cla...

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.

Up early to be at the conference in the Bridgewater Hall by 9.15 a.m. Grand President David Taylor spoke very well but the highlight was Fr Timothy Radcliffe. He spoke about friendship and marriage. He was an inspired choice. To the Manchester Art gallery which has interesting modern works and older items plus social history displays. To the John Rylands library which has a new entrance and fine collection of bibles and manuscripts and a special exhibition about Edward Carpenter. To Manchester cathedral for evensong well sung by mixed choir of boys and girls. Schutz Deutches Magnificat (in German) and Monteverdi Ave maris stella from the Vespers. The Schutz Nunc was less successful with a small group in the organ loft. Bach Piece d'orgue at the end immaculately played. Back to hotel to change into evening dress and short walk to Manchester United football ground. The museum very interesting and a guide in the magnificent 78,000 seater stadium. A good dinner with Province 7 brothers...