The organist librarian

Swam 20. To Croydon to buy a new jacket - ended up in Marks and chose a nice blue blazer and light trousers to match -very smart! Home to eat and then to Royal Academy where we met David Walker and had tea. Had a quick look at the huge Richard Rogers show and then to talk on Tchaikovksy - dropped off. Liz did shopping. Bournemouth Symphony Janacek Sinfonietta, Beethoven piano con 2, Tchaik 3. Stayed on for Tallis scholars Taverner and Gesualdo but tired so left before end. Little variety of tone.Home by 12 and Liz to Acton.

The news that Pope Francis washed the feet of a woman Muslim prisoner will certainly upset the traditionalists and I hope it does! The Tablet says he washed the feet of 12 mothers on a previous occasion. To the cathedral for Morning prayer and I was book bearer. Superb Victoria responsories and Anerio Christus factus est. To St John's for 12 noon liturgy. Sanders Reproaches. I had book open at Casals O vos omnes instead of Gesualdo - oops! Nice soup and cheese lunch. I had leek and potato and the pasta and vegetable. Sat with Joy and Geoff. Feeling annoyed by Mary Smith who commented on us not being at rehearsal which Adrian had agreed. To St Michael's and 30 there and all went well - relatively simple. Fr Paul took off sandals and chasuble to venerate - very dramatic and he sang the prayers very well. Perhaps he was a professional singer. I somehow doubt it. He certainly has stage experience. Liz was up late baking a second batch of hot cross buns which were delicious. Seems ...

To 10am Morning prayer at the cathedral with magnificent singing from the choir (Anerio, Victoria, Gesualdo). Chat to Deacon Peter and he has commented about Palm Sunday. Invited him to dinner and thanks to him for this lovely image. Joined the Westminster procession led by members of the Passage and Sister Ellen Flynn to the Abbey and at the end met Janet Whiting the chair of Churches Together in Westminster, Lots of people took part. We sat in the front for the 3pm liturgy. The Cardinal gave a wonderful homily on how all are welcomed and accepted by the Church. The choir on stunning form (Bruckner, Victoria, Gesualdo, Casals). The servers led the veneration at the end. Picked up Micky and drove to Coulsdon. The St Luke Passion went really well and the recording is good although the tape recorder is showing signs of its age. About 30 in the congregation. Adrian did a great job at the organ and the augmented choir sounds excellent. All the soloists coped well and Karen's 2 arias ar...