The organist librarian

Claire and Mick's baby is born - a boy. Spoke to Ann about half an  hour before the birth. Later named Owen.

Swam 20. Liz went to Mass and to get shopping and in the afternoon the servers council met the Cardinal! So we both saw him this week at Archbishop's house. I went to Methodist central hall to see the simple cross in the chapel and to the Gandhi statue in Trafalgar Square then to see Sr Catherine -  a very helpful session. To Cavendish Square on the bus to see the Epstein and the Wallace collection which had  a useful guide to the Crucifixion in art even on armour! To the ctahedral and guiding with Monica, John and David. Met some nice Americans and saw Fr Christopher, Francis and Nick, also Bianca practising the school play! Then to Royal academy for the superb Giorgione friends day - not too crowded and met Rita Day and her friend. To Regent Street for art class with Nelson and did outline. Picked up Liz on her return from visiting Claire in Orpington hospital. Watched Land of hope and glory about Country Life. I now only have 3 stations left! Got a menu from Ryde for Oct 1...

Li to the cathedral and I read 3 articles listening to radio 3 including Poulenc Concerto for 2 pianos. Wrote art exhibits round up for The Lion. Bruce came for his suit adn I picked up Dennis and Ann Marie at 1 p.m. Claire drove us over to Acton using Satnav so we went a diifferent way There were 8 baptisms but it was a lovely occasion. Dennis was godfather and at last we got a photo of the whole family. To the George and Dragon for hot food and delicious chocolate cake. Both boys were impeccably behaved and Ciaran did some good colouring-in. Home by 8.30 and dropped off during Antiques roadshow. Watched Michael Wood on India. Lovely Songs of Praise on choral singing from Soctland.

Just been working on plans for next year and trying to fit in 3 organs in Holborn on March 27th. Spoke to Ann and looked at the lovely photos on facebook from Claire's 21st. Bad duststorm in Sydney also featured on Facebook. Also discovered Edward Davey's blog and SSG correspondence following PMM.

Monday July 13th to swim, tai chi and to Battersea Park school for Outward Bound film, demo and speeches by students very well delivered. To Only Bar One near Selfridges to meet Liz, Claire, Louise, Tom and Bruce and then to Pizza Express which was great. Had some strong Prague beer and Italian one 6%. Four seasons pizza and tiramisu. Buses home. It was a great evening. Claire and Bruce had been to the shops. Tuesday 36 lengths. Claire flew out. To Wandsworth Pensioners forum for 4th time to do Songs from the shows. Remaine the work experience student and I had spent time on restapling the booklets from last time and crossing out songs we were not doing. Did 40 minutes playing and singing and it went really well. My musical tie was appreciated and Tony Tuck held the mike for me. Back at the library by 3.30 p.m. so only had to take 90 minutes leave! Home to upload photos from Scotland.

Music for a summer’s evening Croydon Parish Church marathon Friday 10th July 2009 9.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. played by John Woodhouse ACertCM FGMS Director of music St Andrew Coulsdon and President of Bromley and Croydon Organists Association Prelude on “Aurelia” Father Andrew Moore (b.1954) This prelude on the tune for “The church’s one foundation” was composed to mark John’s 50th birthday in 1996 and published by Mayhews in the book Consecration. The tune is in the right hand with a gentle accompaniment in the left hand. John has had many years of ecumenical involvement and so the hymn is an appropriate choice. Father Andrew is now a parish priest in Portsmouth. Suite from “The Water Music” George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) Introduction, Minuet, Air, Siciliana, Hornpipe, Aria, Bourree, Finale What more suitable choice for a quiet evening than the well-loved music of Handel whose anniversary we mark this year? 2 Songs without words Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) arranged by John E.West ...

I found these photos from last year's birthday and Claire getting a Gold award so thought they were so nice I'd post them to mark Claire's birthday today far away in Sydney and yet so close!