The organist librarian

Swim, mosaic and to St Michael Cornhill. Jeremiah Stephenson played Widor 6 at short notice - bravo! Dennis and family popped in. Saw Darren and John's funeral is arranged. To Catenians and secret vote was equal with one abstention. Several changed position from last month. Mass and gave a tour of the cathedral for Elmbridge multifaith Forum. Very chatty group. To Maudsley to talk about Dennis's childhood which is hard to recall! To Crow on the Hill bookshop Westow Street for the launch of Professor Robert Fraser's "Pascal's tears" which we look forward to reading.

Woke late and got to the library around midday. It had been tidied! Liz's class took a lot of books out many of them not in stock and messed the place up! To Shakespeare Road and watched programmes on art in Baku and Lisbon. Seems we missed some goodies . Peter Stevens played well at the cathedral. I am no fan of Messiaen or Guillou but the Franck and Widor were splendid. Nice to see Madeline Smith Marko Sever Graham and Jonathan Holmes. Paul Moynihan barely greeted me and he went and sat near George - pathetic. Worked out I have been playing for 55 years!

Played for Harry Mellor's funeral with Marie-Christine Gordon on sax. Congregation got way behind in Lord of all hopefulness. Their fault not ours. Panis angelicus , Pie Jesu, Faith of our fathers. Nice reception at Alleyn's Head. Catenians well represented.  Late at Holy Trinity Sloane Street as bus slow over Chelsea bridge. Jamie Rogers played well. Tea at Peter Jones not impressed by their Christmas fruit cake. To the cathedral for superb recital by Martin Baker. Buxtehude, Orgelbuchlein project, Widor Symphony No. 3. The Fox and Widor arrangements of Bach were OTT. How Widor can end Tears of grief with a major chord beats me! Good audience. Home to watch The Apprentice.

Yesterday I missed art, guiding, final varnishing and display of finished oil paintings and Pirates at ENO (Louise enjoyed it!) Liz got the Proms seasons in without a problem but she has a nasty bruise where she feel in the kitchen at No. 7. Thank God for Radio 3 -Mozart violin concert, Mahler 4, Widor Antique smphony, Brahms trio, Schubert, Poulenc, Durufle and Tavener, Prokofiev Symphony No. 3.

Swam 22. Short chat to Ann who had been in Perth. Art and worked on clothing. Home for quick lunch and to the cathedral for a memorial service which we thought was at 2.30. It actually started at 2.15 so we just made it. The music was splendid - Allegri, Byrd, Burgon, Widor  -it must have cost a lot. The general conclusion was that you can be wealthy, marry a merchant banker, cook, shoot birds, be a great friend, get cancer and go to heaven. No mention of charity or the poor at all! Brian was helping the elderly priest and Paul Tobin was in charge. Liz went to Balham library and I went to The Works in Croydon to get another smaller art carrying case. Watched Come dine with me and Wolf Hall and a good programme about making the series with Mark Rylance. 

Swam 20 and Liz came. Chose a photo for next painting and sorted stuff for mosaic display. To Post Office to send off plugs to Paula. To St Michael's for Eleni's recital. While she played well it was nearly all loud and fast and needed some quieter contrast. I did a sketch of a candle bracket. I had not been in St Michael's for ages and it is good to see photos of people involved and some changes for the better. To Pret at Victoria to meet Teresa Whitney a PhD student from LSE from America who asked questions about the interfaith group and came to the meeting. There were 9 there and Jeremy Rodell did an excellent presentation on whether  you can be spiritual without being religious. He saw some overlap between the 2 and discussed Paul on body and spirit. We need to address evil and the soul/. I would argue for the heart affecting perceptions and not just a subjective reaction. To Westminster Abbey St Catherine's garden for wine and snacks but really needed some food! C...

Over slept so no swim. To art and not many there so did a charcoal and chalks drawing of a lantern (IKEA Christmas one like we have on our porch). I was pleased with it! Watched Come dine with me. Lots of rain. To St Paul's cathedral. Did not realise 17 bus not running due to earlier May Day march so ended up walking. As I reached the cathedral one came past and I missed the Brewer. Simon Johnson played well but the echo wrecks anything fast. Franck, Mendelssohn, rather underwhelming Brahms and splendid Widor 6. Friday swam 20 and did menu choices for OJ dinner. Phoned dentist and optician. To St John's for the funeral which had been postponed. Emma only 31. We sang Laudate dominum, Schubert Ave Maria and Kontakion. Cathy's breathing and vowels were dreadful and Frank sang flat.

Scanned a lot of photos and printed some off to take to York. Dropped everyone at Selhurst and to Bromley Parish church for Jonathan Vaughn's excellent recital of Franck, Bach, Sweelinck, Widor and Parry. He played well and I bought his new CD of Wagner played at St Mary Redcliffe. His programme for St John's sounds great! He is now at Wells. Back to Selhurst and to South Bank where we sat outside in the sun and then got the London Eye cruise which was very enjoyable. The boys enjoyed playing in the Jubilee gardens. We came home for dinner and I again played the piano and sang a bit. Voice is rusty! Packed small case and fell asleep during Rev. Saw the mouse again this time in the lounge - horrid things.

Liz went to the cathedral where they sang Langlais. Picked up Dennis and took Ann and Paul to St Michael's. 61 there. We did sing the psalm as I found a chant for it. All went well and Fr Paul thanked choir and me at the end. Widor Toccata was appreciated - I have practised this hard and not played it in public for some years! It went reasonably well. To Rosendale pub for an excellent lunch of lamb. I had a lucky escape and did not get chocolate on my best trousers!  It was raining so the boys could not play outside. The Gruffalo eggs were appreciated. They all came back to us and I had some nice wine after surviving Lent (like Fr Paul). Later we went for a walk and had Baileys and ice cream. Dennis went back to Salford and will join us in York. Watched quiz about BBC2 featuring Gareth Malone and Brian Cox. Leicester cathedral TV broadcast was good. Pope Francis was impressive and last night's Vigil was on TV news!

Olivier Latry's recital started with intriguing piece by Jean-Louis Florentz. I skipped the Messiaen. Widor's 5th symphony featured a slow Toccata!

Got to the cathedral at 4.15 and found a good place on the centre aisle. Liz was serving - the rehearsal was on Wednesday so I could not do that. Several servers were in the congregation including 2 Michaels and Tony. A very fat man sat next to me but eventually he moved up which was a relief. The choir rehearsed and the cathedral was full! Splendid Bruckner Ecce sacerdos and I had a good view of the pectoral cross. The 3 pontificals were carried in procession and mentioned in the homily Cardinal St John Fisher, Cardinal Pole and Cardinal Allen. Schubert Mass in G, Victoria Te Deum, Mawby Ave verum. At the end Widor Marche pontificale. I saw sister from Heythrop and Ann Welch who said how much she enjoyed the Buddhist centre visit. I then went straight to the V and A but found the tunnel entrance closed and a huge queue in the rain. As the Islamic art meetup group were meeting at 6.30 and it was then 7.30 and I do not know anyone in the group I abandoned it and came home. Liz arrived ...

At service played Purcell, Oldroyd and Sumsion Pastoral. Lovely to have the organ in tune. Bill sang the psalm really well - the chant by Harry Bramma. Debbie away - what a treat! Excellent sermon from Fr Paul on the woman washing Jesus's feet with her hair. Practised Buxtehude. Home for lunch and then back for 2 and picked up Liz. She had been at Mass at Acton. Composite recital worked really well and 35 there especially United Reformed folk. Ian Verran very musical Rutter, Borodin and Sousa Liberty Bell. Michael Toplis Handel and Festing. Ken Baker played Croft, Greene, Burney and Bennett all ideal for this organ. Widor Toccata from Gloria Toplis worked well. Had some wine. I went to evensong which celebrated Sumsion. Bruce rang for Father's Day and I told him we were doing "Stagger like a drunken man". "Oh I like that one Dad". Spoke to Ann in Nuremberg. Dennis and Louise rang. Watched The White Queen about Edward IV and Review show, also Antiques roadsh...

On buses and tram to Wimbledon for a free organ recital given by David Gammie and others to celebrate the centenary of the Walker organ in Sacred Heart church. Bach Passacaglia and Ad Wammes Miroirs, Widor. Nice to have the screen. Soler duet and Robert Ampt's Variations on Waltzing Matilda for 4 feet. Nice cake like an organ and wine in the hall. I told David Gammie I had met Robert Ampt and Amy but he didn't seem very interested. Andrew Cessana was there.

Ciarán had a great day. The weather turned hot and we went on the bus to Kensington gardens to what must be one of the best playgrounds in the world. He loved the sand, the musical chimes, slide and especially the pirate ship. In fact unwillingness to share the steering wheel was the only barney of the day. He did go on the potty but produced nothing so had 2 disasters. He enjoyed ice cream and we saw a helicopter. He slept on both bus journeys which was good. I was exhausted and slept well on Tuesday evening. To the cathedral for Martin Baker's superb recital. I had the score for the Bach B minor BWV 544, the choristers sang beautifully in Olivier Latry's Salve regina and Widor Symphony No. 8 was splendid. I did take my hearing aids out for the last movement as it was so loud! Andrew Cessana, Christian Strouver and Simon Lloyd were there.

Sorted out reading for degree. Played for wedding at 3 p.m. - new hymn to "I vow to thee my country". Met with Vickie to choose music July/August and then did music list on laptop and took practice. By the end my back was hurting a lot but I got a good night's sleep after watching Paul Merton on Hollywood. To Southall for interfaith march for peace. Visited Visnu hindu centre and then to Southall Park for most impressive stage and marquees put on by Sai centre. Miriam, Clare, Alfred and Barry Mellish and his wife there. Nice lunch provided by Birmingham Sikhs. Bahai choir sang and Buddhists sang. Amazing Grace was used as an interfaith song! Bus and tube delayed so arrived at 3 p.m. for Mass for married couples. Liz serving so we did vows in the well. Good hymns - Come down O love divine, Praise to the Lord, Jesus my God,Now thank we all our God. Widor Toccata. Madeleine was cantor. Tea at M and S. Smoke vespers and Mass with Father Tim. Drinks for confirmation in corrido...

Watched Tutu discussion on whether religion is good for Africa on Iplayer - I missed the others in the series. Spoke to Ann. Hoovered downstairs and washed kitchen floor. Glued drawer and organ pipe together again but drawer will have to be replaced. To St Michael's. Ilya Kudryatsev was unable to come from Switzerland because of volcanic ash stopping flights again so Martin Ellis of Dorking stepped in at short notice and played Welsey, Arne, Schumann, Karg-Elert and Widor. Bridge Adagio was left out! I am enjoying Eric Siblin's book on Bach cello suites. Lit 3 candles one for Grandma. David, Ken, Howard, Frank Millington, Gervase and Terence all there. Bus to King's - Grandma more cheerful and saying more - counting and whole sentences. Clare dropped in. I missed Rosemary and Lyn's visit by seconds yesterday! Watched Young apprentice with Lord Sugar. Same formula as before. 5 lib Dems in cabinet - Vince Cable is Business secretary, Nick Clegg is deputy PM! Will it last?

Photos MMazur/CCN Up early and parked at Selhurst where we met Vincent Liu's Dad who still goes to St Chad's, South Norwood. Arrived at 10 a.m. and got ready. Greeted by Archbishop of Southwark who is limping and Bishop Tripp. We set off at 11.10 a.m. leading the clergy. All went well and it was a wonderful ceremony with stunning Mawby fanfares and MacMillan pieces. The Mawby Ave verum was a highlight. Our movements as 6 consecration torches went perfectly. The Archbishop spoke so well and is so human. I was particularly impressed by the way he gave communion to the deacons. The Cardinal spoke well too - we shall miss him. What a joy to see Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop of York, Bishop of London, Dean of Westminster and Salvation Army president of CTE on sanctuary behind the cardinals and warmly greeted. The chief rabbi was in Archbishops house and there were many faith representatives in the congregation. Fantastic Widor Marche pontificale with added brass. I helped cle...

Up early and long chat to Ann on Skype. A lovely day so enjoyed picnic in the park - lots of young families. Gillian's husband brought Laurence to the library - he is a lovely little boy. To Vespers and Mass - Liz was cantor and Fr Denis celebrated. An excellent talk about vocations from Andrew Gallagher which unusually followed the homily. John Thing in the prayers. We had 7 servers. The Challenor choir murdered Messiah "Since by man came death" Widor Tantum ergo was better and the Terry mass setting was passable. On the way out through the small choir school car park I tripped on the iron fitting in the paving for the gates and knocked my head against the iron gate. Ended up on my back. My left hip is now sore but head is OK. Woke early Sunday and took Ibuprofen and put on arnica and heat - stairs are tricky - it's like a dull ache. Watched Henry VIII part 3 and The Apprentice first part - had seen the rest on Wednesday.

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!

Trevor and Dave It was great having Louise home for lunch. To 10 pin bowling - buses were dreadful so I was a little late. However 11 teams took part and St John's Redhill won complete with a turkey by Alistair in their last round. Royal Russell school sent 6 teams. I took photos and gave out the certificates and trophy. A good time was had by all despite the NOISE and the darkness! Much moaning about RSCM! To St Gertrude's South Croydon for Mass. Asked Fr McCarthy if he was coming to Catenian clergy supper. To Hyderi Ismaili centre in Streatham for meal and Ramadan prayers - everything translated for us on screens! Excellent talks on interfaith co-operation by Rev Alan Gadd, an excellent young sheikh born in Streatham and an Orthodox rabbi who is totally opposed to Zionism! Most interesting but it did go on rather late! Met Ebrahim and he expressed interest in coming to meet our cathedral group. Also a delightful man rather like Zia called Rahman who was most helpful. Sunday ...