The organist librarian

To Bromley Parish church to hear Xavier Deprez from Brussels cathedral play Dorian toccata, Franck and Jongen as it should be done! Chat to Gary and gave out Beckenham recital posters. Dennis, Louise, Ciarán and Seán with Clare came for roast lamb lunch. Played in garden in the sunshine.

Family + Clare, Rosemary, Lyn, Josie and Daniel

To St John's Redhill and examined 5 for RSCM awards with Chris Greenhalgh. Played for 1.30 wedding at Coulsdon - all over in 40 minutes. To hospital and not sure Grandma even knew I was there as she was on oxygen for breathing problems. To vespers and Mass and girls choir of St Nicholas Harpenden sang well. Sunday we sang "Be still" and Richard Jones's Mass for Hilary which has poor notation. Molly rehearsed and I practised. To Clare's 70th birthday party at Falkland Park Avenue and a rare opportunity for a photo of the whole family! Eventually came home for a rest and finished unpacking. Dennis and AnneMarie went to see Grandma. Booked 10 pin bowling. Monday swam 38 and back to work and 85 emails! It has been busy. Delighted by grade B PRP! Watched first programme on fatherhood.

Now to catch up using a very full diary! Aug 2 spirituality day with Fr Robin Burgess - having not seen him for so long I had forgotten how good he is! The chorus was much occupied with carols and Liz only sang in one of the concerts. Louise, Tom and Ciarán came over on 11th to consult Clare about breast feeding and once that had happened he regained his birth weight and all was well. He had been back at the hospital on the 9th. 7th to tai chi group Christmas lunch at excellent Italian opposite the library. 8th Liz at servers council. I missed Catenians on the 7th for obvious reasons! 9th Unison committee meeting. 10th to ENO for "Messiah" for some reason both of us thought it started at 7.30 instead of 7 p.m. so we stood at back of gallery for first part - the singing was superb. Some of the staging was odd but we did enjoy it. I think this work is so popular that it must be hard to be original. Some of it was rather twee! Lots of shaking hands and the chorus should have mov...

My feast day. The Anglicans have my favourite gospel which was always read at St John's College at school Masses about Peter asking if John will live to see the return of Jesus. Catholics read about Peter and John running to the tomb "he saw and believed". To St John's for Eucharist - attractive Mass of St Cedd by Peter Nardone, Philip Ledger's Christmas gloria and Eyre's O fragrant the lilies. Gave out carol CDs which were much appreciated. Jo Richards said he had seen me as crucifer at the cathedral. Josie, Clare and Grandma for lunch which was very nice. To vespers and Mass for feast of Holy Family - 4 priests at Mass. Told Fr Swavek Liz had opened Polish gherkins and had to be eaten in 48 hours! Here is John Keble's great hymn for today. 1. Word supreme, before creation Born of God eternally, Who didst will for our salvation To be born on earth, and die; Will thy Saints have kept their station, Watching till thine hour drew nigh. 2. Now...