The organist librarian

Friday watched the Placido Domingo Royal Opera house tribute with Joyce DiDonato and Stefan Popp. Liz brought Ciarán over and we went to bed happily in Bruce's room and slept well. We set off for Sheffield Park in good time and were on the first train to Horsted Keynes. Father Christmas gave him a Coronation Scot board game which we enjoyed. There were mirrors, model railway, games and Ciarán got a sweet! It was great. He enjoyed the carousel roundabout and a lolly. We ate at nearby Stables restaurant. Drove to Acton but I got out at Earls Court. Anthony served and was impressed by the servers. Eugene was smoke. Advent wreath candles lit before Mass again! Liz still not well. Worked on Christmas letters and cards. Byzantium and Michael Portillo on the Continent.

Spent the day resting in bed. Listened to radio 3, watched English heritage on Battersea Power station, Strawberry Hill and Sandcombe House, master chef, Simon on Byzantium. The news broke of the passing of Nelson Mandela with great tributes.Liz went to Acton. Recalling the day of his release, the first multiracial vote and visiting Robben Island.

Friday's practice went well. Bob and Monica swelled our numbers as Karen and Janet were both off sick and we worked on "The Cross of Christ". Molly arrived in an outlandish outfit for Red Nose Day! Dennis arrived safely from Ireland with lovely linen napkins and a hilarious tea towel about tourists. Saturday was a delightful day. Dennis and I met Bruce at the Royal Academy and we went round the Byzantium exhibition using the excellent audio guide -saw several things I had missed before despite the crowds. Spotted the Bishop of London arriving with black hat! Had tea in the members room - much less crowded than last time. Dennis bought us the lovely catalogue and I got some postcards. Bruce is off to Birmingham to the new job and had been complimented by the managing director of Evans! Dennis went off the bank, cycle shop and hairdressers. I got the tube to Guys Hospital chapel for the RSCM event with Hilary Lystan Jones. She was excellent on the physiology of singing whic...

Karen's throat and sinus still bad. Said farewell to the trumpet with Stanley and Purcell Trumpet tune. Sunday to recital at the Cathedral by Ben Giddens of St George's Chapel, Windsor. Jeanne Demessieux Tu es Petrus, Buxtehude Praeludium in C, Franck Choral No 1 and Leighton's Paean. He plays very well. Liz stayed up for rite of election. Good TV - Antiques roadshow, Lark rise, Jeremy Paxman on Victorian art and life. Monday to chair organists committee at Moira's - many of the dates fall on my day on on Saturdays despite my best efforts. Home by 11 p.m. Carlo Curley is unwell. Tuesday home for chocolate pancakes with orange, lemon and Drambuie. Could not decide what to give up - chocs, biscuits, alcohol, cappuccino so decided to do something extra and started reading Timothy Radcliffe and Gordon Giles Lent books. Wednesday up too late to go to Fairtrade breakfast at Croydon College. Met Louise at her office foyer and had lunch at the Phoenix- salmon and brie fishcakes...