The organist librarian

HAd a lie in reading Sketches by Boz. To Clapham picturehouse to see Falstaff from Met. brilliant production and singing - great to see the scene changes. Liz went to serve at John Lewis carols. Iw ent to vicarage for organists supper which was delicious. some discussion about outreach to schools encouraged by Fr John

Liz to Heythrop and I went to  Bromley Parish church to park. Returned a Stravinsky score to Bromley libray and French stalls in full swing. Fast train to Victoria and in good time. Ordination of 8 priests and well went well. Choir sang Palestrina, Gabrieli and Mozart Ave verum. Widor Marche pontificale at the end and very stirring improvisation beforehand. Dished out cards and very nice lunch in the hall provided by the Neocats for Oscar. Liz eventually arrived and he gave us a lovely blessing. I set off to try and get to Bloomsbury Baptist to here Robert Munns but abandoned it as traffic jammed and buses on diversion. Tea at M & S. Vespers and Mass for SS Peter and Paul with Fr Paolo giving a great sermon. Train to Bromley and taxi and arrived for the organists dinner in good time. Unfortunately we were at the end of the table and Michael Bailey proved to be a bore going on about golf in South Africa and talking to Martin How. Ronnie Krippner was there and I took some photos...

We had snow flurries Saturday and a little this morning but the wind made it very cold.  Drove to West Dulwich and left car there. Timothy Penrose welcomed us to All Saints Dulwich and I played Oldroyd and Murrill on the organ which came from Barnes. I was at the opening recital. The church has been beautifully restored after the 2000 fire and much improved. Adrian gave me a lift to Goose Green and John Webber gave us tea and a short recital - the vicar told us the history. I had to leave after the Sweelinck. The organ is a Walker. Vespers and Mass for Palm Sunday with Canon Christopher. Watched Come dine with me episodes. Sunday took Liz to West Norwood. The Palm Sunday procession went ahead and I took my pitch pipe so they started on B flat! I then made my way back through the church ready to play Ride ride on when they arrived and all went well. I played St Matthew Passion final chorus at the end and we practised. To British Museum to see the outstanding Pompeii and Herculaneum...

To evensong at St John's and Fr John certainly has presence. We sang Blow Salvator mundi. Had wine last night having given up alcohol for Lent but it was a special occasion! The Lady vanishes on BBC1 was well done. Watched Antiques roadshow and Come dine with me.

Swam 22. On Monday watched 3 University challenge episodes. Slept right through the night which is good! Impressed by John Pritchard last night and he is to say morning and evening prayer in church every day. It would be good if there were better links between St John's and St Alban's which is a daughter church but of course do not like women clergy. There were only 4 women priests there last night.

Woke in the night so did not get up for swim. Very cold and snow flurries. Mosaic and finished latest project. I need some grout for Seán's mosaic - a few tiny gaps. Tai chi. Did some dissertation research on Google scholar. I got 56 for my Dupuis essay which is fine as I did not think it was that good. To St John's and we were joined by the excellent choir from St Peter Great Berkhampstead and 60 of that congregation. Fr John very affable and Bishop Christopher was on good form. We sang Vierne Messe solenelle and I give you a new commandment by Peter Nadrone. Chris Moore was there and chatted to the vicar of St Alban's and St Luke's Woodside.