The organist librarian

To doctor Ojo who sucked wax out of my ears and showed a 2nd year student how to do it. Liz went to osteopath and I went to St Mary Abchurch. Ian Shaw played Bach loudly and rather sloppily. He also played Handel and Hylton Stewart at which point I left to get to St Mary at Hill to hear James Johnstone playing Bohm, CPE Bach, Sweelinck and Scheidermann. A very good player and Liz joined me there. We went to the Angel and walked along the Regent's canal to visit Jean in her new abode at Bridgeside Lodge nursing home where she has a nice view of the canal. Her neighbour Jenny came. Liz went to Acton and I got the 4 bus to the Temple church for evensong for the Annunciation. Excellent choir although one alto tended to anticipate Roger Sayer's beat. Parry prelude on Eventide, Tavener, Burgon and Robert Parsons. Whitlock Paean on the refurbished organ. The Lord Mayor Master Woolf was there and they went off to dinner in their finery. Car was at Selhurst as our journey home last nig...

Swam 22. At court for 10 and after some deliberations defendant found guilty on both counts and sentenced for 4 and half years for drug possession. Once again the loop was not on and I had to use my hearing aids instead. The defendant's mother was there when we got out of the jurors lift but didn't say much. Glad it's all over but feel I have done my duty to society. Met Liz at Norwood Junction and parked the car ready for late home coming. Had tea at cathedral and Liz served at Vespers of Immaculate conception. Rowan Willams gave a fine address. I sat with Sylvia behind Mrs Williams. Robert Parsons Ave Maria beautifully sung. The sad but was the congregation only got to sing Lord's prayer and Alma. Why no fine hymn like "Ye who know the Lord is gracious" or "For Mary mother of our Lord"? Bach at the end. Shook the great man's hand and he signed my book for me thanks to Liz. Ate at nice cafe in Covent Garden where there is a splendid Christmas...

Spoke to Ann. Eye is healing well but didn't swim again. Dreamed about Fr Peter asking about Mendelssohn Song of Praise which somebody else was playing at Addiscombe! Paul Knitter's book is fascinating and involves a serious rethink about Christ and Buddha. Listened to Southwell Minster evensong including Guy Turner and Armagh cathedral vespers featuring Parsons and Howell Coll Reg Te Deum. Also listened to Edington Priory evensong featuring Matthew Martin's Nunc Dimittis.

Woke at 6 and wrote first draft of the Christmas letter. To Islamic centre near Ladbroke Grove - we were late and only 4 turned up for the tour. Faheem made is very welcome and we stayed for middday prayers and answered questions. To Kensington High Street Trailfinders to find out about New Zealand and draft tour came this evening. I was acolyte with Ross at broadcast vespers from the cathedral and at Mass of the Immaculate conception. The choir were superb - Parsons Ave Maria, Palestrina Magnificat. The Archbishop gave an excellent homily but it was very hot sitting on the bench. The Apprentice was good but Liz should not have gone! Bruce has arrived!

Super evensong from St Alban's repeated from Wednesday - Stanford in G, Philip Moore anthem and Simon Preston toccata. To St John's for evensong. Trouble at mill - Psalms unaccompanied to chant instead of plainchant and Parsons Ave Maria instead of Rheinberger. Kit Perona-Wright conducted and 2 choristers walked out as the changes had not been indicated and the items should have been rehearsed on Friday. Chris Wardle was there with Eleanor - he sang alto - good to see him. The Choir featured David Hill and Latin american music. Dining room now finished and tidied up - looks great!

Put a new hook on bedroom door and got the water feature working again. Did tax forms for church. To Kent House and left car there and got train to Rochester. Tea at Cathedral tearooms and to evensong sung very well by the voluntary choir. Sopers there and Dan was playing. Lovely setting by Grayston Ives and anthems by WHitlock and Parsons. Served at Catenian province 7 Mass. Liz was mitre and I was book. Both Bishop John Hine and Bishop Michael very friendly - latter knew Mum and Dad! Good music Dan played and voluntary choir sang Rutter "For the beauty of the earth". Dan played Thalben-Ball Elegy and Boellmann Suite Gothique. Train back.