The organist librarian

Swam 18. We set off for Salisbury and drove via the A3 and M3 and A303 to Salisbury. The speed limit on the motorway was 50 mph and we had one stop so we did well to get there by 2. The Panel of Monastic Musicians is always a pleasure and it was good to see old friends and note that many familiar faces were missing not least Abbot Richard from Roscrea who is on sabbatical. Our room has a lovely view of the cathedral spire so I draw it and also did a drawing of the cathedral font. Retired bishop David Stancliffe gave us two excellent sessions on his online resource on the Sunday gospels with art, music and literature. He wants us to produce our own imaginative linkups. Canon Jeremy Davies retired Precentor spoke on Sarum use and Shakespeare and showed us a DVD of a medieval liturgy staged in the cathedral and Sr Jean asked me to write it up. Martin Foster did an excellent session on choosing Mass settings just what I need. We did 3 new. Mass settings Missa Camino with. Paul Stubbings w...

My "day off" was a busy one. Visited Grandma (89 next month) in Mayday hospital and she is still waiting for news. To St Michael's for recital by Paul Stubbings of Ramsgate. He alternated Nicholas Choveuax with Karg-Elert's Triptych which was effective. To British Library where 13 of us were given a tour of "Sacred" exhibition by Simon. Delighted by the turnout and comments and photos were taken for Oremus the Cathedral's excellent magazine! Nice cup of tea on the piazza and discovered the Proms exhibition had closed. To Guys hospital to see Roger Snewin 70 year old organist and former head teacher. Richard Riley and Mario Pinto were there. We had to wear aprons and gloves as he has lung cancer and crushed spine so cannot walk. He is so cheerful despite it all! Home to listen to splendid Bruckner 7 from the Proms conducted by Kurt Masur on his 80th birthday! Today Thursday forgot my towel and swim stuff so found out when I got to Sainsbury's so my sw...