The organist librarian

Up at 6.30 a.m. 2 buses to Caterham as train replaced by bus at that time but now running. Played Gordon Slater on "St Botolph" as we sang my favourite Marian hymn "For Mary mother of our Lord". Beautiful tune. I am afraid " Shall we not love thee mother dear" feels very Victorian. We sang "People look East" which seems very appropriate as people were very busy after service preparing for Christingle and Midnight. I think I have 4 sopranos tonight so descants are on. Lloyd Webber on Helmsley a great piece and also played Noel pour L'Amour de Marie. Compliments about carol service but more importantly ecumenical first.  Washing put away, presents wrapped, dishwasher loaded. Delicious ham lunch with squeak and Aldi Chrstmas pudding. Can now settle down to listen to King's - let Christmas begin!  Served at 6 p.m. mass at the cathedral which was packed. Blessing of the crib. Ex-choristers sang lovely Reger and Stille nacht. Missa de angelis...

Nice chat to Ann. To 11 a.m. mass at Lakeside home. The place has been brightened up with a nice view over the garden and Fr John did a shortened service with a nice booklet. We sang some carols and then went upstairs to sing to Robert Fraser's wife. Nice to see Benjo again. Coffee and cake was appreciated. It is so hot in there I could never stand that! Amahl extract was on the radio and that brought back happy memories. Listened to our 2005 CD Christmas in Coulsdon  - it comes up fresh. I suppose being in India last year gave a good break! 

We took advantage of the fine Sunday weather to do work in the garden and brought the numerous pots and hanging baskets full of growing begonias from Louise's room down to the garden presuming that frosts are now over. I got the water feature going again and sorted out the bird bath and feeding things. Sadly we do not see many birds - 2 large doves and a blackbird and a robin, the occasional starling and sparrow. Next thing is to get the bits of rowan tree round to the front ready for recycling. Watched 3 episodes of "The Speaker". I enjoyed the final very much and Duncan was a worthy winner at only 14 but the other 2 were also very good. Kaykay reminded me of Junior who I met on Wednesday and Yvonne was just so passionate and warm. Have written a card to the Cardinal with 2 of our CDS the Coulsdon and Addiscombe ones to present to him. Watched the video of David Hill preparing "O for the wings of a dove" and redid the 10 pin RSCM bowling poster. Frank and Lero...

Oxford tube back to London and Liz went shopping and to the Advent schools service in the cathedral (complete with donkey). To work and then to Anchor centre, Garratt lane for Wandsworth pensioners forum Christmas party at which I sang and played carols on an out of tune piano. They really enjoyed it and I sold more CDs! Back to work on the bus and to the Power station community forum. The news here was more positive about remedial work and plans which will take around 3 years. I cried off Kevin's Catenian membership meeting.