The organist librarian

Liz went on bus to the cathedral as the trains were awry. Bill rehearsed for next Sunday and so did Fr Paul. We finished we 'O praise ye the Lord' and I played Karg-Elert. To South Norwood Children's centre in Cypress Road - amazed to find a London open day venue so close to home and a lovely playground and building. There was a match but I was able to get home and pick up the laptop and later Lousie sorted out the Microsoft word problem. To Sean's first birthday party and he loved the presents. Cara and Jack came and Pat and Mark dropped in. Wrote article on 'How green is the cathedral?' at last and watched Antiques roadshow, Educating Yorkshire and Downton Abbey is back! 

Woke with back ache again. Watched Mrs Thatcher's funeral which was all done in perfect British style - very stiff upper lip. Lovely music especially Stanford in G Nunc Dimittis. Pity we heard none of the organ music from St Paul's but we did get some Albinoni at St Clement Danes. David Dimbleby said De Klerk had said Mrs Thatcher opposed apartheid but she did oppose sanctions. In effect she supported the South African government. The Bishop of London gave a good sermon in which he said the line about "no such thing as society" was a misquote and Barry Mellish in fact supplied the full quote so it was a misunderstanding. To Hinsley room and 6 came for good discussion on Sharing Eden - now have the points for next month clearly laid out. Jon Dal Din was there so I paid for the June walk. The meeting next week at Hendon on Tuesday has been changed to Wednesday to suit Sr Margaret so I won't go.

Tuesday did the write-up of the interview with Sayed and did a summary of Sharing Eden points for tomorrow. Decided not to go to Kensington roof garden for lunch as Ciaran had glue on forehead!

Took car to Selhurst and bus to Norwood Junction. Train and bus delayed so arrived at St Paul's cathedral at 10 to 11. Result no booklet for the service - about 40 people had the same problem. 3 less well known hymns Christ triumphant, Jesus shall reign, How shall I sing that majesty. Wesley Thou wilt keep him, Byrd introit, Walton Coronation Te Deum. Will Todd spoke. Michael Parkinson and Willard White did not show but Dame Kiri did! Duchess of Gloucester was there. Spotted Alistair in the procession. Frankly the echo doesn't help and I had no idea what the new anthem was about -it was a Jubilate by Alec Roth! Saw Chris Hollis and got a booklet. Grabbed an EAT sandwich and very slow bus ride as there had been a big student demo - 10,000 in the rain. The Lost Prince at National Portrait Gallery worth seeing - he died in 1712. Much of his legacy has gone. COleridge-Taylor, Alma-Tadema and Booth centenaries exhibitions. Bought cathedral guide in case I do have to do the Heythrop...

Swam 21. I think I have gained weight having not been at the pool for a week! To Watermans and Ciaran really enjoyed the session with Merle. To Sainsburys for fish and chips then I left to get to the Hinsley room in good time. Excellent first session on Sharing Eden with David and Natan 2 of the authors giving invaluable insights. To Marks for tea and toasted sandwich. Chat to Francis and Michael and then to Peter Ste vens recital which was excellent and a reasonable audience. Bach, Buxtehude, Franck, Fricker, Messiaen and Durufle. Rosa and Fr Dominic were there - results not posted until Friday - most annoying!

Did some work this morning and then to St George's Beckenham for recital by Jon Payne of St Thomas Stourbridge and RSCM music advisor (Central and East). Preferred the way he played Bach concerto 593 to Catherine Ennis's version on Tuesday. Much more contrast and subtlety and slow movement more reflective. Lovely Lloyd Webber Benedictus and Hesse variations on the National anthem. Coffee and cake in aid of Macmillan cancer. To Beckenham bookshop and bought calendars - Gruffalo family planner and Monet.  At Victoria to St Paul's bookshop and got diary and Advent calendar for Ciarán. To Church House bookshop and finally used my book token from Marie and Caroline to buy Rowan Williams' latest on Faith in the public square. Also got a nice Celtic calendar for Ann and Paul and posted it off and a copy of "Sharing Eden" for Miriam. I kept meeting people - Reuben, Kate, Miriam. To Marks for tea with Duncan to plan Catenian conference Mass next May! Served at 5.30 Mas...