The organist librarian

Liz to Heythrop and I went to  Bromley Parish church to park. Returned a Stravinsky score to Bromley libray and French stalls in full swing. Fast train to Victoria and in good time. Ordination of 8 priests and well went well. Choir sang Palestrina, Gabrieli and Mozart Ave verum. Widor Marche pontificale at the end and very stirring improvisation beforehand. Dished out cards and very nice lunch in the hall provided by the Neocats for Oscar. Liz eventually arrived and he gave us a lovely blessing. I set off to try and get to Bloomsbury Baptist to here Robert Munns but abandoned it as traffic jammed and buses on diversion. Tea at M & S. Vespers and Mass for SS Peter and Paul with Fr Paolo giving a great sermon. Train to Bromley and taxi and arrived for the organists dinner in good time. Unfortunately we were at the end of the table and Michael Bailey proved to be a bore going on about golf in South Africa and talking to Martin How. Ronnie Krippner was there and I took some photos...

Had a lie-in and read my large book on English cathedrals by Jon Cannon. Planned Pentecost liturgy for Clerkenwell for the interview and rang the church and spoke to Fr Perry. I asked about resources and he was most unforthcoming. He also said I could not play the organ before the interview which means that someone internal would have an unfair advantage. All very unsatisfactory. Dennis set off early for the hospital. I went to Southwark cathedral for Paul Brough's excellent conducting workshop. Learnt a lot about posture and being boring and simple. I conducted first part of "Locus iste". 16 people made up the choir and most had a go with Peter Wright playing. Simon Hillier and Ginette were there. It was all very helpful. Had tea with a tenor from Herne Hill who are looking for an organist. Trains to Denmark Hill and visited Grandma. She is battling to speak to us and it is all very frustrating for everybody. Liz came home from cathedral the same time as us. Bishop John ...