The organist librarian

Went in the rain to sing carols at the Eucharist with St John the Evangelist Upper Norwood at Lakeside nursing home. Many were in their rooms so not so many in the lounge this year. I pray I never end up in such a pl ace losing my mind and it's so hot - I like fresh air! Thank God for the blessings we have! Christmas can now officially start having listened to King's - lovely to hear Rutter, Willcocks, John Scott, Darke and Howells and the Richard Causton words and music stunning!  Carols from King's on TV included a wonderful O magnum mysterium by Ola Gijola with cello. 

Woke early and went to the pool only to find it closed and no notice up! Sang carols at Lakeside home which was appreciated. Very hot in there especially as I had my Christmas jumper on! To Glyn Close to borrow Ann Marie's car which has a nifty camera for reversing! King's carols excellent. Played for crib service and 50 adults there and 40 kids charging round the church. One shepherd has lost his head! It was much shorter than last year and went well. I got train at Kent House and was at the cathedral in good time for 6 p.m. Mass. Lucky to get a seat. Liz was thurifer. Saw Peter Tyler who is going to Bangalore in January and Catherine, also Fr Michael and Fr John. Liz got home just before me. The pictures are up in our bedroom and the New Zealand photo has been retired for a while! I watched Gareth Malone's triumph at the Proms and then went for a rest which was disturbed by a delivery! Midnight Mass went well and we managed Mary's song at communion and the 6 car...

Nice chat to Ann. To 11 a.m. mass at Lakeside home. The place has been brightened up with a nice view over the garden and Fr John did a shortened service with a nice booklet. We sang some carols and then went upstairs to sing to Robert Fraser's wife. Nice to see Benjo again. Coffee and cake was appreciated. It is so hot in there I could never stand that! Amahl extract was on the radio and that brought back happy memories. Listened to our 2005 CD Christmas in Coulsdon  - it comes up fresh. I suppose being in India last year gave a good break! 

To Lakeside home to sing carols at the simple communion service conducted by Bev. It is so hot in there and many of the elderly have dementia but it was appreciated. Sally gave me a lift home. Liz was baking rolls and mince pies - very delicious. Why does one eat so much at Christmas? I recorded King's carols as I had to play for crib services at 4 and 5 p.m. (an hour earlier than last year). What I heard in the car was excellent. There was lots of kids at the services. I played some French noels. On return home King's were on TV finishing with the stunning Tavener God is with us. I recorded from TV the Midnight Mass from Westminster Cathedral and this was stunning. Liz was serving at First Vespers, 6 p.m. mass and Midnight. I had a sleep. Bruce went to St John's. Coulsdon Midnight went really well. The Haydn Mass is just right - full of joy. Carols round the tree and we ended with "Ding dong" which we had not rehearsed. Stille nacht at the back. O holy night at c...