The organist librarian

On the way back from swimming turning from Buller Rd into Mersham Road where it is always difficult to see car drove into my side. Some damage to wheel arch and door. The young woman was incredibly rude shouting at me and calling for witnesses. The boy with her was in tears but she did nothing to comfort him. I did not have phone or pen. Her parting shot was that she was late for school. I phoned the insurance company and he was very helpful. I was pretty shaken. Her car had some damage to the light and bumper. There was no phonecall from her! Marnie from the Met proved to be interesting but surtitles were badly needed! To the Horniman museum to see the World gallery and have a meal. Catching up on Songs of Praise who do we find but Daniel Moult and Ashley Wagner at Birmingham conservatoire!

Only twice this Proms season have I had a shiver down my spine. The first was the trumpet solo in Leonore No. 2 - like a royal silver trumpet. The second the clash when the main theme returns at the end of the first movement of Bruckner 9 - thrilling. Excellent discussion of Bruckner and his symphonies. I do not think the Bach cantata worked in the hall at all (at least in the gallery). Mahler youth orchestra conducted by Philippe Jordan. Had a lovely time taking Sean to Wetland centre while Ciaran was at circus skills workshop. Very interesting discussion on Tagore and I would like to read his short stories. Bryan Northcott's concerto not great, lovely Mozart Violin concerto 5 and Zemlinsky with the wonderful Christopher Maltman. Home in 45 minutes and wached Bakeoff.

Swam 20. To Bromley library and Marks for mints and WHSmith for torch batteries. Liz went to Sr Audrey's funeral in Salford. John enjoyed Measure for measure at the Globe and the first night of the Proms was a joy especially the Mozart and Sibelius. Belshazzar well done! Sat with Marilyn and Adrian - nice to see everyone again. 

To swim but pool closed because no fire alarm! To see film of King Henry IV part 2 from Stratford. Liz set out with me only to find only one ticket had been purchased so she got off train at Thornton Heath! Sir Anthony Sher was excellent as Falstaff. This is a much darker play than part 1 with a sick and dying king poisoning the country. Home for a meal and then both to the dentist. Metal plate which is very light fitted and 2 more sessions. Have paid. Traffic bad but we got to Selhurst by 6 p.m. We waited 40 minutes for a train to Balham and as a result missed the first 5 minutes of Manon Lescaut from the Opera House. Great singing especially Kaufman and Pappano conducting. The modern setting worked apart from the scene of the shipping of prostitutes to Louisiana unless this was meant as a comment on human trafficking. We got to Acton around 11. To school picnic and Sean loved running about the playground and the chickens. To soft play and lunch at Osterley garden centre. To Brixton...

Swam 22 and put down black stuff in front garden then stones came and Bruce spread them out. To mosaic and tai chi - Tony was late and I left at 1 to get to Heythrop. Got vouchers for restaurant for filling in student surveys. Spoke to Eddie Howells and Bob Thomas about Eckhart. The seminar was on love and knowledge in Christian spirituality in relation to Augustine, Bonaventure and the Cloud of Unknowing. Stefan had some great cartoons! Paul was good on Bonaventure. Had dinner and then to Covent Garden for a most enjoyable Zauberflote on student ticket £8! Christopher Maltman was excellent as was Brindley Sherratt. Home to watch final of University challenge.