The organist librarian

Swam 20. Used Oystercard to be at cathedral by 10. I was boat - Jess insists in walking ahead as thurifer. Liz was consecration torch. The funeral was beautiful and well attended especially by priests and parishioners. Canon Christopher gave the best homily I've ever heard him give! At the end the Cardinal looked near to tears as were many of us. Good to see Fr Dennis and Fr Swavek. As Fr Tim Dean said Fr Michael was gold standard! He will be much missed. Had sandwich and tea downstairs - we ate there yesterday as well! To St Paul's cathedral for interesting talk on women commemorated in the crypt including Maria Hackett the Choristers' friend who has no blue plaque! To Tate Modern to see the excellent Malevich exhibition - sad at the end of his life he had to go back to realism in order to paint thanks to Stalin. The Friends room was too full so to Pret and watched skateboarders in Old Chancery court which looked dangerous! Health and safety would not approve. Buses to th...

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...

Did some work on dissertation. Served at 2.30 wedding - big Nigerian affair -  I was holding the radiomike for Fr Archer. Tea at M &S and had snacks. Vespers and Mass with Fr John and Fr Xavier. To Tooting Banana Leaf Sri lankan restaurant - lovely food and a great chat with Xavier. He liked his mosaic very much. Home by 11.

At Coulsdon we sang Praetorius "The Lord ascendeth" and Walford Davies "O King enthroned on high" and Richard Jones "Mass for Hilary". I played Bach prelude for Ascension. Train from Coulsdon South to be at 12 noon Mass at the cathedral to mark Fr Michael Archer's golden jubilee. Eleanor was an excellent cantor (Lourdes setting) and Thomas Wilson on the organ. Bach again! Reception afterwards - nice chocolate cake made by Peter - not many there. Train back in good time to get a wrap at Waitrose and play for marriage blessing at 3.30 p.m. Karen sang Schubert Ave Maria beautifully. Evensong from Lincoln and Songs of Praise from Liverpool. It was hot so I changed from suit into shorts! Garden bits and pieces. Watched BBC "South Pacific".

To the cathedral for penitential service - lovely organ playing and Fr Archer was great. Met Liz and came home. Tuesday a lot of clearing up and rearranging - took the car as had old decorations to take in and set up. Place looks much better and started making contacts encouraging people to borrow more. Sandria Cruise event went well. We were very green and turned plugs off. Electrical checks done but some how the heaters were missed. Watched more Christmas oratorio and enjoyed roast pork.