The organist librarian

To Westminster cathedral hall for course on Catholic evangelisation run by CASE. At my table were Rosaleen from Potters Bar, Leonard from Purley and Maureen and Vicky from Hanwell. Excellent course but had to leave to go and serve at the Catenians centenary Mass. I was cross and brought up the readers. Bishop John preached excellently. Not impressed by the new Catenian hymn. There was a good turnout but I did not see any other Norwood brothers! Tea with Gerry and Liz and back for vespers and Mass with Fr Michael Durand. David again played the Widor Toccata which is always a joy. To St John's RC Islington for Dame Gillian Weir's recital of Bach Clavierubung III. I do not like this Walker organ much but of course she plays marvellously. "Christ the Lord to Jordan came" was so fast! I did not enjoy a Duetto on the crummhorn! Peter Wright, Stephen Disley, James O'Donnell and Anne Marsden Thomas were there. Chatted to Caroline Vaughn in the loo queue!

A busy day at work. 28 lengths. To tai chi after a gap of a month. My left shoulder and left knee twinging a bit. To Catenians and lots of visitors. I reported on conference, sick brothers, Elizabeth O'Reilly's 90th birthday, the need for publicity, strategy report. Provincial councillor’s report June meeting The centenary conference was held in Manchester. David and Rene Barrett and Laurence and Kate Jones were present. Liz and I went to the Mass at St John’s Cathedral Salford celebrated by Bishop Brain on the Thursday and I attended the Manchester No. 1 circle centenary meeting on Friday afternoon. This was the second biggest meeting ever with 550 brothers present. David Barrett and I actually attended the biggest Catenian meeting ever – the inauguration of London Northern Heights. The meeting was very well conducted with President Phil Barnes in the chair. After the meeting I went to the central library to see the exhibition about the association. Bill Beach’s contribution w...

Set off Thursday on bus to Euston. On arrival there found that there was major signal failures and our train was cancelled. We got one one hour late and Laurence and Kate Jones were on it too. Got the metrolink (we had to pay for this) to Old Trafford and booked into Old Trafford Lodge. Liz had chosen this because of the dinner/dance at the football ground on Saturday and we were in an executive suite with a lovely view over the cricket ground! We took buses to Salford Cathedral for the centenary mass of Manchester No. 1 circle. We sat in front of the tabernacle behind the altar. Could not hear the bishop or readers well. The cathedral was pretty full. Martin Barry directed the choir who were placed at the side next to the unimpressive Makin organ which ahd speakers in the tower and around the building. Spoke to the organist afterwards and met several friends. We ate at Pizza Express in Piccadilly gardens before getting the bus back to the hotel. Friday Liz met up with Helen and went t...