The organist librarian

All went well this morning at 10 despite no choir! At 2 a.m. we Skyped Oz and had a lovely chat. An unforgettable Christmas! I played Paean on the morning of Christ's nativity Andrew Gant and Buxtehude In dulci. Gordon Phillips on O little town at communion and Noel Suisse. That great chord on the final verse of O come all ye faithful. On the way home enjoyed our 2005 CD Christmas in Coulsdon - lovely fresh sound. And here's a toast to the bus and train drivers enjoying a day off. I was startled to see 2 207s when I drove home at 1 a.m. The Queen was great as always and a great honour for King's a Royal foundation. Lunch at Dennis's fnally appeared at 4.15 fell asleep and then enjoyed Call the midwife. Walked home and watched Torvill and Dean.

An odd day. Slept in having woken early. To Mass. Looked up car seats and met Dennis at Halfords. AnnMarie insisted on coming despite having got spots from Henry and being off sick. There was no need for them to come. 30 minute wait at Halford so went to Mothercare where the young man eventually fitted the seat in the car. It is now on order -  it swivels.  It all took far too long. To quiet time. Ann was there. To Caterham and looked through carols. The Grow meeting was much more cooperative as AnnMarie was there. Home at 9 as trains not great. Watched Queen of the World.

Antiques roadshow featured dear Geoffrey giving a valuation of £1 million! Civilisations with David Olusoga very interesting. The programme on the arts scene in Beirut excellent - alas the one in Lisbon did not record. Started watching Simon Schama History of the Jews. To London Central 2 circle 1300th meeting and they were at Mass and a good dinner at the Passage. The roof terrace was much enjoyed and a lovely evening. The Queen is 92 today!

Swam 20, mosaic and tai chi. Life getting back to normal in spring sunshine! Absolutely fascinating talks at St Paul's on Who am I? John Swinton and Rowan Williams and some excellent questions on dementia. Huge audience. The Queen on trees. 

Caught up with stunning Australian tenor Kang Wang at Cardiff Singer final. What top notes! Very hot, quiet time at St John moved into the hall as Adrian Gunning was practising for Thursday's recital. To the cathedral for mass with combined boys and Palestrina choir from Dublin. Beautiful singing Franck and love the end of the Langlais Mass almost Britten will it end in major but no it is modal. District line train did go on to Richmond in the end. Boys loved tshirts, cards, drinks bottles and books from Africa. Sean said he had missed me and Ciaran was telling us geography details about the Falls.  Retired librarian postpones taking grandson to library. It must be hot besides I can only find 3 books.  Marius Twomey  postponed coffee meeting re getting Poles to join Catenians in South London and reading out to university students in London. Happy to relax at home and pulled some ivy off! Sean saw ants in front of fireplace.  State opening of Parliament. Must be...

Swam 20 - no sign of Max! To art and worked on copying Monet Poppies. Liz went to West Wickham and waited 40 minutes to be picked up. Looked up blog about Thornton Heath art project. Printed off the Catenian presentations and framed them. Look good. To Whitechapel East London mosque for launch of book Angry white people.3 good speakers especially the man from France. Good to see Juber. Home to watch the programme for the Queen's 90th birthday.

Monday swam 20. Quiet day at home and put Christmas cards up and watched programmes on defection of Nureyev and history of modern dance. Sent Catenian circular. Excellent programme on the Queen's Christmas broadcast and Downton Abbey. Louise came with Seán and Bruce arrived from Geneva at 11.40 p.m.

Liz dropped me at Anerley and I checked in the Catholic church for the key but no luck and walked to St Michael's. 35 there and played Gordon Phillips, Andrew Gant, Noels. We sang Christians awake - a first for me! Also A great  and mighty wonder. There were some nice comments about Liz and Louise's singing at the carol service. Stephen kindly brought me home. Liz came back from the cathedral later while I was looking after Seán and the cooks were hard at work. Lunch was superb. Turkey, ham, sausages in bacon, carrot with star anise, brussels, potatoes. Christmas pudding, chocolate log and trifle with Jersey brandy butter and other delights. Stilton and Taylors port. Montepulciano and champagne and Baileys. The Queen was excellent and we saw Prince George's christening photo session. All other TV programmes were recorded. We sang all our favourite carols round the piano and EJ enjoyed it. We tried to play Cerebrum but it was hard. It was a lovely Christmas.

Swam 20 and to Balham library to collect scores. Saw Ferelith she has officially retired. I missed her farewell. Came back to Selhurst and drove to Kent House. To interfaith lunch and a nice vegetarian meal as alaways. Left early and got to Odeon Beckenham early-  got a refund of Liz's ticket.The play was excellent and Helen Mirren and Edward Fox outstanding. Really enjoyed it. To Cathedral and heard end of mass with lovely Stanford and Dering motets. Rehearsal started late - this time i am on furniture duty moving chair and cushion and stool as well as Consecration torch and one of the 7 candles. Home to watch Apprentice and a long chat to Anne Nicholls about the funeral.

Had a dream where the Old Johannian reunion was at Sandringham at the village fete and the Queen was on a stall. Liz wanted me to buy some items but I said I should have worn my special cufflinks! Woke too late to go swimming. Read some Dupuis and preparations for this evening. Sent off letters to UK Old Johannians not on email. We have 9 for the May 7th dinner which is great! They include Tom Ridley and Brian Greaves who I have not seen for 50 years. At 7 Brian arrived with flowers for Liz and Xavier came later with Australian red wine. We had a lovely meal soup, fish curry, dhal, pavlova and Keralan rice sweet. Most enjoyable conversation.