The organist librarian

Mass then John Fisher school to talk to year 7 about Thomas More and the Catenians a lively group. The Captain Cook exhibition at the British library has a wealth of treasures notably his journals, Banks and Hodges pictures. Fascinating and new insights. Vespers with the choirs of the cathedral and Westminster Abbey featured Anthem by Patrick Gowers and Beaven magnificat. Thrilling sound. Marchand at the end. How marvellous to see a woman Canon censing the statue of Our Lady with Canon Christopher. TV programmes on Chile hotel and David Hockney.

Watched Come dine with me and that nice Frenchman won in Birmingham! To the cathedral for combined vespers between the Abbey and the Cathedral - Beaven and Byrd and Martin Ford played Couperin. Nice reception afterwards - good chat to Ian. TV programme on Wagner's Ring by Pappano.

To chorus on Thursday at 7 p.m. Edward quite rightly insisted on silence and no talking. We worked on 2 Mendelssohn motets both new to me and the Kodaly Laudes organi. Swam 40 lengths both days. My right leg twinging, left hip bruised but O.K. A fall certainly shakes you up! Friday left 4.30 and was acolyte with Liz at solemn vespers with combined choirs of Westminster Abbey and the cathedral. Splendid David Beavan Magnificat, Ave maris stella setting and Mendelssohn Ave Maria. Congratulated Ian on his marathon success. He was sun burnt from watching cricket! To church and practised Mendelssohn 3. I got annoyed during practice over arguments about Murrill's tempo settings - if I'm conducting I set the speeds! Also a dismissal after one sing through of a Hildegard of Bingen item. Music must be given a chance! Why do we dismiss things so quickly? In any case such discussions should be at meetings not at practices! Altos stayed to rehearse Murrill and I kept reasonably calm. Louis...