The organist librarian

We sang O sons and daughters so I played the voluntary by Christopher Tambling and in the same book Barry Ferguson on Maccabeus. Finished with Worthy is the Lamb and Amen. Bit tired. Buses both ways. Listening to Choir and Organ. Still tired so am not going to choral evening at St Mary Caterham. It's just too far from home and it has been a stimulating but exhausting week. To Mass at Anerley. How dull it was compared to Anglican He is risen indeed Alleluia! The Orthodox really know how to celebrate Easter! We have emasculated the Alleluia! Enjoyed The Durrells and Victoria very much. Easter from King's was excellent. Jennifer Johnston superb and Stephen Cleobury is to be complimented. The boys sing with expression but why do the men adopt such bland faces? Is no enjoyment allowed? How can you sing Hallelujah without using the eyes and express joy? I did laugh at the male altos singing Ingemisco.

Drove to Caterham as trains cancelled. Miserable day. We sang O sons and daughters and I played Christopher Tambling on the tune and Worthy is the Lamb which was much appreciated. Annual meeting was interesting. Annual report not as comprehensive as Upper Norwood. I did a small display about the choir and there was discussion of the school and my efforts were appreciated. Ingrid Bergman programme interesting - she had 3 husbands and just left her children! Painting challenge excellent. Enjoying Keble college Radio 3 broadcast - a splendid organ! Programme on Jesus' women disciples.

To Selhurst train delayed so drove to Norwood Junction. Train on time then delayed at East Croydon. Why can't trains run on time?  Played Sheep may safely graze and Finlandia favourites of Liz's Mum and Dad. I also played Come unto him from Messiah. Train cancelled so on buses home.  Enjoyed the sunshine at Friends of Grangwood park picnic and excellent Norwood society tour of the park. Bought some good local history books. Saw Claire Kedves  Dennis Woodhouse   Ann- Marie Woodhouse  and Henry.  How I enjoy a recital where we smile and Bridget West certainly achieved that. Very elegant playing at Dulwich. The Tambling based on Sagina prompted me to sing "And can it be that Daniel is wearing shorts?" Nice eats. Interesting programme on 90 years of Wimbledon. 

The Triduum marathon is completed! I played for the 8 p.m. vigil at Anerley RC 3 hymns and Hallelujah chorus. 2 baptised, 1 received, 3 confirmations. It was much appreciated by Fr Sunith and Fr Stuart who sang superbly. So nice to have  Dennis Woodhouse  with us for dinner of pork and apple frangipane tart and at Mass. Home by 10.30 and straight to bed! Clocks forward and woke at 3.30 a.m. I was at St John Caterham by 5 a.m. magnificent full moon. It's 10 miles by car. The rain which had meant everything was indoors last night held off for the kindling of the new fire outside at 5.45 a.m. and we were launched on all 6 readings and Mawby psalms ably sung by Jill and Peregrine. Finished with Hallelujah chorus and off to a cooked breakfast. 10 a.m. at St John Caterham and an Easter egg well earned! Bach Christ lag in todesbanden, Christopher Tambling O filii and Rosalie Bonighton Easter hymn. Greening setting and Shephard "Sing choirs of heaven". New vestments blessed and ...

Played Ave Maria and Tambling on Slane and Cashmore Processional March. Stephen lead a communion service. Andrew took posters for the station! I told Fr Paul who was off to Walsingham that brides should be told if they are 10 minutes late my fee doubles! Nice lunch and then to St John's for 2. Fr John and James played piano duet version of Brahms How lovely and All flesh is grass. Stanford in A. Nice tea and wine afterwards. Watched final of Young musician with a worthy winner Martin James Bartlett.

Saw a little of the canonisation of John XXIII and John Paul II from Rome on the computer. Ann and Paul came to St Michael's and I played Christopher Tambling on O filli, Gordon Slater's Easter Alleluya and Michael Fleming on Noel nouvelet. We sang Jesus lives! Love's redeeming work is done and Now the green blade. Unfortunately none of the psalm settings fitted the version on the sheet. We had Celtic alleluia. Paul was on good form. Finished with the Hallelujah chorus which got a clap. Lovely pork for lunch. Seán was absolutely fine waking up with us. Louise took the boys to the lake and Kelsey Park and I took Paul Down house which he enjoyed. I saw things about Darwin I had missed the first time. We watched Rev and Antiques road show, Rev, also the rest of the Young musician percussion final (Simone Rebello was one of the judges) and the programme on Messiah and Coram.

Friday to St George's Beckenham for Norman Harper's recital. Super Liszt BACH and Wachet auf then hilarious hornpipe by Noel Rawsthorne and Departure of the Queen of Sheba by Paul Ayres - great jokes. Gave Mass music to Dorio who is still having problems with bullying priest and bishops have been! Liz went over to Chiswick and to Enfield for Swavek's induction. To St John's for recording of superb evensong by King's London - Vittoria and Bach. At choir Tony Trent came but no Karen or John. Janet went home sick. Oh dear. Saturday to Heythrop for Advent retreat Prof Richard Price Heythrop prof of theology on Augustine - I commented on the words from the Cross. Met Liz and she came for tea int he convent. Sr Hilda gravely ill. Talk on Marie Eugenie Assumptionist founder - a remarkable woman. To Vespers (late) and Downside Abbey school choir sang well at Mass - Bruckner, Christopher Tambling conducted by Edward, Byrd. Farewell party for Sr Bridget with some Irish singin...