The organist librarian

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".

Thursday had staff meetings.Straight to church after work to rehearse for Karen's Archbishops' Award exam with Helen Burroughs - nice to see her again. All went well although I felt Alison could have sung out more in the "Ave Maria" duet. Practice was good although I found it hard to sing. My side is better but the cold is still lingering on. I went to Compline at Croydon Parish church on the way home - it was pouring again and this was a moment of peace in a busy day. Surprised to find Malcolm Hubble had not been paid for deputising for the 2 June Sundays when I was away.

At Coulsdon we sang Statham in D and "What wondrous love is this" beautifully arranged by Geoff Weaver. The baby to be baptised was keen to fall into the font! I played "Come unto me" from Messiah (gospel of the day) and Toccata and Fugue in D minor. This was much appreciated especially by Molly and Ella who seem keen to join the choir in September which is great. The problem will be fitting in choir practice in the their busy lives. Rehearsed with Karen for her ACertCM exam on Friday and she told me more about Jo Richards (formerly Richard Jones). To Vespers at the cathedral and we were acolytes. Stunning "Great is the Lord". Liz stayed to turn over for the Czech recitalist who played an odd programme. To evensong at St John's Upper Norwood. Paused for a moment in the rain where the ashes are buried - it will be 2 years next month since Mum and Dad were called to glory. We sang Noble in B minor and "O Lord my God" by Purcell. Dad's favou...