The organist librarian

This is Kirk Maughold churchyard on the Isle of Man where Sir Thomas Hall Caine is buried. The grave was designed by Archibald Knox. He was a Victorian novelist who fought hard to change conditions which he observed. There are fine Celtic crosses and a Celtic graveyard reminiscent of Orkney. What a beautiful and holy place in whcih to be buried! Fr Duncan was an excellent guide and Wikipedia has a good article about Caine.

Duncan took me to the station for 9.50 train to Ballasalla where I changed and came back to Douglas. The original Thomas the tank engine railway founded 1873 and a lovely trip. Duncan picked me up and took me to the Manx museum which was excellent. Drove to Port Erin for a nice lunch of steak and ale pie and bitter then to the Calf of Man -  a lovely view and a walk round Castletown. Then to the airport and back at Gatwick at 7 and lift home. A great weekend!

Up early on Saturday and Adrian picked me up at 6.15 and at airport by 7.10 a.m. Flybe flight to Douglas and waited at airport with Graham while Adrian collected the minibus from Douglas. To the vicarage and dropped case and into town for lunch at delicatessen on quayside - excellent Manx ham. Drove up to see the view of the town and back to Empress Hotel. Walked to the station. Rehearsal and sang evensong at 5 p.m. Gibbons short service, Wood O thou the central orb, Lloyd Webber Sing the life. They liked "Christ triumphant" - they use old English Hymnal. To Italian Job for a very nice meal. Taxi back to vicarage. Sunday rehearsed and sang at Mass at St Matthew's. Very old fashioned like the vicarage which is pretty cold although had an electric blanket! Ghastly hymn by Gladstone to a Barnby tune and horrid Lord' prayer! Caesar Missa Brevis capella regalis. Creed Folk mass Martin Shaw. 2 anthems by Nicholson. Light lunch laid on for us in the hal...