The organist librarian

Having not had a swim I set off to St George Hanover Square in rain to hear Jonathan Vaughn. He played much the same programme as at Bromley but I agree with his mother that it sounded better on this organ. The Bach brightened the dull day, the Bridge was a lovely moment and the Vierne was a good ending -  a well balanced programme including the Sweelinck. So much better than the superficial Daniel Moult! To National Gallery £7 to see the stunning Veronese - 50 great pictures, wonderful colours and fabrics. He seemed to be able to do everything! His animals are particularly fine. I thought the shop items were pathetic reproductions. Also saw the small exhibition on architecture in paintings which The Tablet reviewed and the 5 short films accompanying it. To National portrait gallery and enjoyed the special displays especially the one on the blind in the 19th century and the Boer war. To Cassart and bought brushes set (Father's Day present from Louise) and acrylics - this is gettin...

Bruce finished the boxes and cleared up - looks great. Saturday Liz to college and missed confirmation visit to to Tyburn much to Fr Paolo's dismay! To St George Hanover Square - fine new American organ and played Handel. Sat in Hanover Square to eat my lunch and saw 7/11 memorial in Grosvenor Square and sat in Mayfair library reading papal documents on dialogue. To Grosvenor chapel and another fine Bill Drake organ where I played Stanley and Handel. A good visit and sat in Hyde Park and saw the London bombings memorial. Met Liz at M & S. Fr Archer at Mass. Sunday played Guest on St Fulbert, Harker on Westminster Abbey and Willan on Vulpius -got a clap! Only 15 there. On tram to Merton Park for party for first communion of Tracy's daughter. Met a nice Mum but the Irish music was loud - had to take hearing aids out! Liz was needed at evensong to sing alto - Howells Coll Reg and O pray for the peace plus Benediction. Watched Antiques roadshow and The Village was moving. Prog...

Sunday to Corpus Christi Brixton for Xavier's first Mass there. This was a joyful occasion with a full church at 10.30 a.m. and coffee afterwards with cakes. Chatted to Colette the keyboard player about the Mass of Joy and SSG. Only one item was hard to sing - Foley because of gaps between lines. Needed a flute rather than a guitar. Pity they did not do psalm for the day. Took some photos. Saw Fr Tom. Then to St George's Hanover Square for Simon Williams' 12.30 recital on the new American organ. Mendelssohn 6. He plays really well and is moving to Croydon Minster. Liz working on essay and I did some more reading. To evensong and we sang Stainer in B flat and Stanford O for a closer walk with God. Chatted to Jeremy about India and Frank and Phillipa were there. P. not keen on India at all. Adrian and Terence are off to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Worked on Liz's powerpoint all evening. Monday to Addiscombe for Kitty Duggan's funeral - she was 89 and such a happy pe...

Sunday afternoon to the organ recital at Westminster Cathedral given by Huw Williams assistant DofM of St Paul's cathedral. Bach, Heiller (not to my taste - too loud), Leighton and Durufle all based around Veni creator. To Churches together in Westminster service at St George's, Hanover Square which is a magnificent building where Handel and George II worshipped. Simon Williams of RCO fame played and directed the professional choir in 3 anthems. The service was based on materials for the Week of Prayer for Christian unity and there was an opportunity to share news so I spoke about the interfaith plans and spirituality centre at the cathedral. As a result I met lots of people who take the info leaflets! Mary Maxwell was also there from the cathedral. Indian Pentecost from PadreRob!