The organist librarian

Thursday to Acton and fixed the track which Jack had changed! Friday to the gym where we watched the tennis class which the boys enjoyed. We then set off for Southwell. Decided to go a bit further on the busy M1 to Hardwick Hall which was well worth a visit. Elizabethan house and a nice cream tea. Arrived in Southwell from Mansfield without problem. The Reindeer pub proved not to be great but we did eventually get the ensuite room which was not really big enough to move around in bathroom or beside the bed! We had eaten at Hardwick so did not go out with Simon for a meal. At breakfast there were no cereals! The wife of the owner is a cardiac nurse with a small baby and very new to b and b! Rehearsed in the Great hall and evensong went well. Hadley and Willan My beloved spake and Sumsion in G. Fr Simon came to evensong and to the Wheatsheaf pub. We then went in the party to the Bamboo Garden Chinese restaurant and enjoyed chatting to Michael and Jonathan basses - the latter from Wales.

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.

Liz to course on Excel at Battersea library. I worked on the essay. To St Paul's cathedral and we sat in the South Transept for a change - it was not full. There was distraction from a noisy boy and a lady in a natty cap in front of us. Why bring a small child to such a service? Good sermon from the Primus of Scotland. Pigeon flying around inside! Magnificent organ Bach and Vierne. Byrd, Bruckner, Holst from Southwell (but girls not singing!) Mealor from Bristol. The big anthem was Elgar Great is the Lord with its thrilling ending. Walton Orb and sceptre at the end. Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Mayor in procession - all very grand! To Acton so did not go to City Hall meeting about interfaith walks or the South Norwood partnership meeting! Watched Great Ormond street and enjoyed pizza. Started the book on Centering prayer.