The organist librarian

Swam 20. Do not like Liz's haircut much - too short. I loaded up the pots in the car and she took them to the tip - she fell over the old washing line. Set off early and went to Balham library - delay as only 3 staff on and not pleased when 3rd staff member came up to desk and did not ask who was next - result woman queue jumped - sent a message to Jeremy. Cannot remember her name - she used to work at York. Got to Heythrop around 12 noon which was OK. Schola out in force for Dominic's debut. The Purcell Hear my prayer actually was OK but little sense of ensemble singing. Everybody grimly holding on to lines - 8 part and the tuning is tricky. Gemma was OK if a little bossy - I found it hard to hear her. I played Purcell, Watson and Karg-Elert. Michael Holman gave a great tribute to Rocco who finishes his degree next term and is posted to Japan by his order! Went to coffee and told Sr Mary about Rocco concelebrating at the cathedral - I will miss it! To Acton on 452  - long det...

Friday swam 20. To Heythrop to see Michael and some changes to both essays so worked in library on Knitter one. Home to change into black tie. The left hand back tyre is flat. Walked to Norwood Junction and trains to Charing Cross. The Horse Guards hotel very convenient - we went to a wedding reception there. The reading room and library were a perfect venue - was the Liberal club with wonderful pictures and books from Gladstone's day. Met Brice and Anna Cassar (in my last module class) and sat with Michael Holman who was excellent company. Lorraine Ward and her husband Gerarde - he is a taxi driver studying philosophy. The food and service were excellent and the wine kept coming. Had a dance and then headed home feeling decidedly tiddly. Home about 12.30. It was a great night made even better by the fact that I had won my ticket. Nice to see people I know and Fr Rocco was dancing brilliantly! 

Wed 9th to Balham library to return books and then on to Watermans. This was Ciarán's last session as he starts nursery every morning next week and 3 afternoons - £90 instead of £180. He was playing on his scooter with Loki and Rufus and had coffee discussing travel with Amelia. We then went to Osterley garden centre for lunch (shepherd's pie) and soft play. Rufus can be quite bossy and has to be watched! Louise dropped me at Gunnersbury and there was time to go to the library before the lecture - this module has some new blood in it and Michael Barnes was interesting on the evangelical approach to interfaith although I was drooping with jetlag near the end. Xavier is back safely too. Slept a bit better and went swimming - 24 lengths. The temperature is around 10 degrees quite a contrast to 22 degrees in Kerala and high humidity. Liz working on her essay and has a cold. Took Bruce to Post Office for second time and more big parcels sent off. To Heythrop library and got more b...

Up early and found a contact at Croydon council about the torch relay. Swam 24 and chatted to Claire at the pool and Chai at Barber stores about the relay. Shocked to hear the council charge the traders to put on the Thornton Heath festival - £4000 including extra security because of the riots! To mosaic class and grouting. Skipped tai chi and to Heythrop. Saw Fr Rocco and Jerry and returned books to library. Did not get to Mass as collared by Ben about his late essay. To seminar on "The soul in Christian spirituality" Dr Edward Howell - lots on Augustine and Teresa of Avila. Met MA student working on Rowan Williams and Islam and an MA Spirituality from Cheshire working on celibacy. Damian was at first lecture. Chat to Tony Moynihan and applied for June booking in Fulham. Watched programme on Shakespeare and James I.