The organist librarian

A quiet morning and the talks prepared for August 1. Listening to lovely evensong from Rugby school including Hear my prayer. Phoned for assistance on both flights. Cut out poppies 4 to a sheet of red felt so I have 2 spare buttons! Conducted London Mozart players at Centrale Croydon. Pizzicato polka went well! An hour at the Lambeth country show on the interfaith Stand which was in a more prominent spot next to the ice cream van! Hot! Truth is it is an ordeal! The crowds at the crossing to the station! Superb singing of Amy Saunders, Rheinberger and Paul Patterson from Nottingham cathedral choir and Fr Thomas. We heard them at Simon Gillespie's ordination. Listening to the Prom on phone on train many interruptions. Trying to follow the score of Sinfonia da Requiem was awful. Good thing I did not plan to go to the Prom as there was an appeal from Missionary sisters which went on far too long although she got a round of applause! Hilarious tribute to Victoria Wood. Tony Robinson ...

At practice last night delighted that Vickie joined the sopranos. We rehearsed "Rejoice in the Lord alway" and worked on diction in the carols. Louise came to stay overnight to borrow the car to go to Basingstoke for Rufus's birthday party - she had her work do and looked very glam. Ciarán did not like her silver shoes! To St Laurence Catford and arrived early. Michael Bonaventure played Games by Paul Patterson (enormous score) and a piece called The Swim which did nothing for me and Toccata by David Bedford who died this year. Coffee afterwards and interesting chat to choir member on art. To Heythrop for end of term party of Liz's course. Jon Dal Din came and good chat to Fr Dominic Robinson. Friendly bunch and loads to eat and drink. Did some more reading and Liz came home with tummy trouble from milk last night. I served at Mass and Fr Gerard sang beautifully (in pink). Nick was there and spoke to Eugene and I spoke to his Mum. To Turnham Green and taxi to Acton to...

Redid painting above porch and got water feature going again, put up hanging basket and cleared up garden table. Tried again to get roof down on wendy house and fixed water butt which was blocked up. A lovely day! To Royal Academy - we were early so had a look at Hungarian photography again with Liz and into the Degas and movement exhibition at 4 with headphones. Soent a happy hour - the photography sections and pastels of dancers particularly fine. Had tea and chelsea bun in Friends room. On way out saw free lecture at Linnaean society on biology of ageing so Liz went to that. Tube and bus to Alexandra Palace. What a view! Had ale and ate sandwiches. Carl Jackson gave a fine recital. Elgar, Parry's Elegy, Howells Psalm prelude Set 2 no 1. Watching him on the big screen you see his sensitive and considered approach. I dropped off in the Liszt Invocation. After interval Alain, Bouvet Tango, Patterson. 1 and a quarter hours to get home - bus, tube, train, car.

The finished silk paintings! 24 lengths on Thursday and 34 on Friday - Dan was there and I was in fast lane again. Liz to Bath with Grandma. The second recording session for "Merlin" went well although more music was produced on the night again! I laughed at the bass who reacted to Rohan Atkinson, the Australian composer's request for a low E flat "Easy Skippy!" Tuesday and Wed rehearsals and recording on Thursday at Islington. Had a chat to Hana about her family. Friday after work to Trafalgar Square and enjoyed BP Portrait award exhibition at National Portrait gallery and "From Corot to Monet" at National Gallery. Back to NPG for excellent harp recital by Keziah Thomas including Faure and Paul Patterson "Spiders". Lots of people about and young man on 4th plinth singing and playing away! Trains to Feltham and checked in at Travelodge. Breakfast not until 8 a.m. so to Asda to buy supplies. Bus to Heathrow Terminal 1 in good time - their ...