The organist librarian

Spent the whole of Thursday with a runny tummy. Did go to art but did not stay long and abandoned any ifea of going to interfaith lunch and ENO to see Girl of the Golden West. Liz went and enjoyed it. As it happens I was OK until bedtime! Watched The Apprentice, the rest of the WWI commemoration day services from Glasgow cathedral and the two programmes on immigrants with Nick and Margaret which were most interesting. I also did the programme for the day in Notting Hill visiting 4 organs on the 8th. Friday all seems OK but have stayed home and not gone to the cathedral for St John Southworth guild first dummy run! Nor did I go to Beckenham to hear Rosemary Field. Spoke to Bruce on Skype. Josie is fading fast which is so sad. Did two Tablet crosswords and have caught up with only one to read!

I played pieces on Rockingham it being Holy Cross day and Land of hope and glory went down well. Stephen deaconed and did well. To Stephen and Judith's lovely home for a delicious buffet and sat in the garden. I was amused at Paul saying one of the Southwark babes would get the Coulsdon job which has finally been advertised! Liz came. I went to Corpus Christi hall Brixton and saw Fr Adrian - he is overworking and not eating properly. Sayed was late but answered all the questions very well on extremism and what we can do about it. He said Muslim young men were not marginalised. Met a lady who works for Prevent and chatted to David who thinks the West should not intervene. To 5.30 Mass at the cathedral and Fr Michael D did his first sung Mass guided by George. Mark, Lerone and Marcus and Larry. To Hinsley room for basic Guild of St John Southworth training on being a cathedral welcomer and guide - not sure it has been thought through properly. Got to Selhurst and car would not start...

To the cathedral for 10 a.m. and the confirmation candidates gathered in the chapel where St John Southworth lies. Fr Paolo led us across Hyde Park past Buckingham Palace. Once in the park we started saying the rosary which is not something I ever do. I found it strangely rhythmic walking and calming. People didn't seem to mind! It was hot and sunny. I left them near Speakers corner and handed my bags to Mark. Park Lane was closed so had to walk to Marble Arch and then via Oxford Circus and back to Kent House where the car was parked. I arrived at church in good time and started playing at 12.50. The bride arrived 35 minutes late - this is the worst I ever experienced. By then I had played lots of Handel and Stanley! Quite a nice hymn to I vow to thee my country and One more step. Paul was on good form but afterwards he seemed a bit deflated by it all. I then could not get the car out because they took photos in the front of  the church and the photographer was a pain! I was sketc...