The organist librarian

St Dunstan Woking Advent reflection for musicians with Bishop Richard Moth. I madethe mistake of coming out of the wrong exit at Woking station and it was quite a long walk to the church. Paul Inwood and Catharine Christmas did a great job and some nice music apart from the Oosterhuis which was too low. I did an Isaiah reading. Lovely church and Liz Brereton gave me a lift to the station. I was at the cathedral in good time but in a lot of discomfort. Thibault did well as thurifer and Gregoire lit the pink candle. We left before the end and got a taxi to Thomas's A and E. 3 and a half hours wait and got antibiotics. Home by 11 despite rain and a wait at Balham. Stayed in bed on Sunday and got Shona to cover. Listened to Radio 3 Christmas around Europe in its 25th year and Rugby school evensong. Monday to mosaic and pleasant party at Kew. Organ was tuned despite the school turning up - complete muddleup. To Bromley Christmas meeting and Liz went to UCM meal. It was fairly dull with...

The funeral of John Michael East at St Etheldreda's was beautiful with 3 male cantors singing the Latin requiem plainchant. Fr Tom sang the Mass in Latin. 29 present including many old and new friends. Enjoyable reception in the crypt. There were 3 Old Johannians present and 3 directors of music at St Etheldreda's. The Society of St Gregory, Latin Mass society and Monastic musicians were also well represented. We both went to the Royal Academy. Phyllida Barlow did not impress and as usual the Summer exhibition was a hotch potch! Liked the elephants and one or two paintings and prints. The architecture section was very interesting. Mali Morris RA had a small colourful display of works on paper. Ate at Itsu. Liz took robes back to the cathedral, went to servers council and dropped her Freedom pass. I went to an excellent lecture on the architecture of British mosques and I met 2 Muslim ladies one of whom asked a question about involving youth in planning mosques. Cambridge mosqu...

Got drenched going on the bus to the cathedral - we had to be there at 9.45 a.m. Enjoyed the ordination of Bishop Paul Mason at St George's cathedral Southwark. Being in the choir had a great view and lovely to see so many priests I know. Pity everybody was not together in the marquee afterwards especially the ecumenical guests as I know 3 of them! There was a great deal to sing but the people were able to join in as it was well-known.  I endured the choir rehearsal on Saturday for the consecration of our new bishop which happens today. I did find it irritating that the music booklet called it "the ordination" and some of the composers were not given. The hymn tunes not printed either - why? Some of the Diocesan choir cannot read music but lots can. For the first time some of the youngsters from the Cathedral choir are singing with us. It remains to be seen if the organ will be used.    As a tenor I find the attitude towards harmony puzzling. Why some items in harmony a...

Thursday lunchtime to the revived meeting of the Battersea community forum. It is so sad to learnt that so many agencies in the area have closed. Battersea Mission with its proud record is closed and the CAB are no longer in North Battersea despite the enormous demand. Yvonne Carr centre is awaiting reopening. The Garfield centre has closed. All that are left are the libraries, Katharine Low settlement. the Wilditch which has changed and South Thames college which now teaches building crafts and ESOL which is so badly needed is no longer provided. I made useful contacts with outreach workers based in schools. Sarah suggested that yet again the library might fill the gap! Liz went to Gill's to work on maths. I watched the rest of "The Apprentice" - there do seem to be some impossible people this time - some I could never work for like Debra who just does not listen! Friday to practice and I felt more relaxed. We looked at some new items in Oxford book of flexible anthems n...