The organist librarian

Sunday so caught some of Mass from Wimbledon and Portsmouth cathedral. Shocked to see 3 servers on the altar and there was one last night too. Cantor and organ. Lovely virtual tea with the family (no Sean) panetonne, cucumber sandwiches and chocs from Bruce. Lovely hour of prayer on Zoom with Catholic spirituality network and Chris Chapman and Julie McCann. Great sermon by Father John Pritchard online. Watched Bartok Concerto for orchestra and Bluebeard's castle with Nina Stimme from Bayerisches staatsoper. Chilling production. Ian Hislop's Olden days and British railways. 

On Monday the last day of the 3 day SPIDIR refresher course was led by Chris Chapman who was most inspiring. To 1125th and final meeting of Norwood circle and dinner. Liz came later after Maths. It was an excellent evening.  Henry had fun! To Bromley picture house to see Agrippina from the Met. Finally got going with subtities an hour late! A stunning cast with Joyce DiDonato and Eistyn Davies. Liz stayed on to see Riverdance live. I came home and watched Great pottery throwdown.  Mass at Addiscombe and coffee and then took my organ shoe to be mended at Traditional shoe repairs, Wallington. To West Norwood picturehouse to see Parasite which is fantastic! Liz still in a lot of discomfort from hurting her shoulder when she slipped on the stairs. Watched Vietnamese boat people and how well the younger generation have done in UK, Alan Bennett diaries, University challenge, Asian railways. 

Got to Trinity House in time. Excellent first day of refresher course for spiritual directors with Chris Chapman. They loved Mum's fruit loaf! Now on crowded tube to go to Louise's for birthday dinner.Guildhall Art gallery has a lovely exhibition on London architecture until end of October.The end of a lovely day. Miserable crowded journey to Acton. Lasagne and wine and Louise working on art auction plan for Jan. Sean gave me a big hug. Ciaran is away at camp and Tom is in Dublin. Watching Paul Merton finding out his family history.Served at the Red Mass for the judges. Bishop Nicholas. Splendid National anthem with both verses. Byrd 4 part Mass. Henry came. Heavy to carry  -he has a proper cast on leg. 

Excellent day Catholic Spirituality network with Chris Chapman at St Aloysius Euston. Got to part of the amazing Scott brothers organ /piano duo at Bloomsbury Baptist. Not thrilled to find Paul and Rebecca came for confirmation with Bishop Mark Jabale who is 84. Paul Ryan was there wiith Mayfield school choir who sang Saint-Saens and Malcolm well. Neither of us had anything to do. Massenet Cendrillon from the Met on radio 3. 

Excellent spiritual directors refresher day with Chris Chapman at Sisters of St Andrew Lewisham.

Tuesday swam 24. To Trinity House Chapel Court for session with Chris Chapman - turned out to be  Angus Anderson talking about his painting The Fall based on Paradise Lost. It was a stimulating reflection on institutional evil - he used to work for GLC. I came home for lunch and Liz went to Acton. The train to London Bridge was packed and my train was stopped due to somebody on the line at Streatham Common. Result I reached Chiswick Park at 6.30 instead of 5.30 having left at 4. Nelson was great and said stay for the second session so I drew the portrait on the board and painted the imprimatura and white highlights - we are using egg tempera! Glad the Toplises took the Mastersinger ENO tickets as I would have been very late for it! Got to Acton at 9. Wed Louise was working at home so went to music as normal. Sean fell over but seemed OK. Picked up Ciaran from school. We both went to ENO and sat in dress circle for Purcell's Indian Queen with additional material and excellent dance...

Liz went to Anthony Albery's funeral in Sussex. Chris Chapman led a session on spiritual warfare at St Matthew's. He is excellent and was formerly a Catholic priest. Had a good chat to Anne Marie and Larissa led prayers based on Peter's denial. An excellent day the best so far - only 9 there. Watched carols from Kings' and Arundel cathedral midnight Mass -  the celebrant was not joyful. Deacon snag gospel well and the choir and Daniel Mount did well.