The organist librarian

A quiet morning and the talks prepared for August 1. Listening to lovely evensong from Rugby school including Hear my prayer. Phoned for assistance on both flights. Cut out poppies 4 to a sheet of red felt so I have 2 spare buttons! Conducted London Mozart players at Centrale Croydon. Pizzicato polka went well! An hour at the Lambeth country show on the interfaith Stand which was in a more prominent spot next to the ice cream van! Hot! Truth is it is an ordeal! The crowds at the crossing to the station! Superb singing of Amy Saunders, Rheinberger and Paul Patterson from Nottingham cathedral choir and Fr Thomas. We heard them at Simon Gillespie's ordination. Listening to the Prom on phone on train many interruptions. Trying to follow the score of Sinfonia da Requiem was awful. Good thing I did not plan to go to the Prom as there was an appeal from Missionary sisters which went on far too long although she got a round of applause! Hilarious tribute to Victoria Wood. Tony Robinson ...

Swam 20. To mosaic and the green tiles are perfect for Mary's robe, did the orange sections and started on the gold. Cadogan for an excellent Prom Apollon Musagette quartet playiing lovey early Webern written as a love piece (very suitable for our 41st anniversary), Coln Matthews and Beethoven. Excellent lunch at Ask Italian Gloucester Arcade with Pimms - 25% off too! I went to see the Luxury and Indian and Burmese 19th century photos at V and A. Liz went to OLV and shopping.  Most interesting discussion of the trial of Oscar Wilde but my question was not broadcast! Wilde's grandson was there.  Bravo BBC Scottish and Donald Runnicles Triumphant Mahler 5! Much as we liked parts of James MacMillan's 4th symphony there was just too much going on! Had he been in the monastery enjoying the bells? Home to water garden and watch CBeebes Prom which Ciaran went to. Whitlow on middle finger of right hand still hurting a but. 

Up at 6.20 and to vigils and lauds. Gave Liz the special card with our photo and told her about the spa package and champagne tea at the Montcalm. She gave me a lovely card and a lovely ring. Breakfast together and Louise and Tom went picking your own. Mass at 11 a.m. was farewell to Tony Hemson the organist. Only knew one of the Laudate hymns but a good setting by Peter Jones. Blessing for us by Fr Nicholas in St Benedict's chapel and then to the Parish centre but the people even those who had been on pilgrimage with us were not at all friendly! Photos outside and then an excellent carvery lunch at Hedley Lodge.Lovely framed tribute from family and hanging from Carol. Family and Carol left after lunch and had a nice rest and listened to the War Horse prom on radio and after Vespers and Benediction with Dennis the Prom of Strauss and Elgar 2 on TV so missed Compline. Dennis to the station and had wine and sandwiches in the room. Monday a little late for vigils - could not hear bel...

The match between Federer and Juan Martin del Potro is engrossing and a real battle. Watched the people's history and History of art in 3 colours - blue also Michael Portillo so gradually catching up. To prom Siegried Idyll and Bruckner's 8th BBC Scottish with Donald Runnicles on great form. Came home to Carte d'Or ice cream and Montepulciano wine and watched some of the TV of the Bruckner.

Liz went to hospital for preop assessment. The Prom was gorgeous. Elgar violin concerto with score played by Tasmin Little. There is sweet music. Percy Grainger and Strauss Till Eulenspiegel. Andrew Davis conducting BBC. Stayed on for late prom which was Grainger and folk music from Northumbria and was great fun, including smallpipes. Grainger's arrangements are quite extraordinary! Just missed a 70 and got to Acton at 12.30. Wednesday our 37th wedding anniversary - to Mass at Acton. Met Louise and Ciarán in park and he enjoyed waterplay. She took us for a lovely lunch at the Station House sea bream and she had lobster with Marlborough white wine. Delicious and a very hot day. Ciarán loved the paddling pool and playing being showered. To Prom BBC Scottish conducted by Donald Runnicles. Ravel and Debussy. The Dutilleux cello conerto a bit too dreamy and soft for the Proms? Lynn Harrell played a lovely Bach encore. Score for Prelude a l'apres, Bolero and part of Daphnis and Chlo...