The organist librarian

Did not sleep well again. Put away short sleeved shirts and sorted out some to give away - I won't need so many now! Haircut and tidying up. Arrived at St Andrew's early and set out cakes for the break, Rather disturbed by man who came in and said he wanted to sit in the church. I said I was sorry but No as I was on my home, He said "What are churches for? " but he left. The recital went well. I played Peeters, Ireland, Howells, Jackson and Armstrong Gibbs and it was appreciated. Norman Harper was complimentary and did not know Howells Sine Nomine prelude. After juice and cakes Martin Ball spoke about King's Cambridge organ and Rodney Williams spoke about being a chorister under Boris Ord. He was amusing and Charles Hazell joined in. Ann was there too - nice to see her again. To Cathedral and got diary at St Paul's. Vespers and Mass - Mill Hill fathers and Challoner choir singing Peter Hurford's In the hour of my distress and an unaccompanied Tantum ergo w...

To 8 a.m. Mass at St Mary's West Croydon - very elderly priest who I think uses a voicebox. He did not give out communion but there were lots of special ministers doing it. A man at the back of the church kept moaning and it was rather distracting although of course all are welcome. Played 3 pieces by Dr Cecil Armstrong Gibbs at Coulsdon. Folk song, Quiet thoughts and Postlude in D all well crafted. It is 50 years since he died. He was born in Chelmsford in 1889 and was a D Mus from Cambridge. He taught at the Royal College of Music from 1921 to 1939. To library for first staff meeting of Sunday staff which went alright. Various isssues were raised not least the washing up bowl which I have now removed! Watched BBCSO Prom of Huw Watkins new violin concerto and Shostakovich 5th.