The organist librarian

Liz to servers Mass. Road closed by police outside Safeways so just missed train. I went to Queen's chapel of the Savoy. Philip Berg welcomed us and played Bach and Elgar Imperial march and a piece by a Victorian organist of the church. I played Andrew Moore and really enjoyed looking round the robing room and the Lancaster Hall. Steak and kidney pudding at the Wellington in the Strand - long wait for it but it was very good. For some reason the Strand one way was closed so got bus from Trafalgar Square to St Patrick, Soho where  Breda eventually arrived. I played some Stanley - the short swell was confusing. All agreed it is a lovely instrument. Bloomsbury Baptist I turned for Philip Luke who played some Bach and Bedard based on a Canadian Huron carol. I too played some Bedard then off to Vespers and Mass with Fr Alexander and choir of St George Sudbury. Dennis came down for dinner with Louise and the boys were in bed.

Woke early and then late so no swim again. It is hot! Worked on dissertation and reached 8200 words. Stephen rang (ex-Ajahn Santacitto) and we will meet on the 23rd. Michael asked to change the tutorial date from Friday. Invited for interview for Spidir course next Friday which doesn't really suit as Ann will be here. Cleaned bathroom and toilet. Took bike back to garage as buyer never came and got keyboard for Saturday. To St Patrick Soho for the last of 4 excellent recitals by Patrick Russill. Sat behind William Whitehead who was chatty. Good programme including Stanley and William Russell. Home to watch 3 leave the Apprentice. 

Swam 20. Saw Dr Attard about bruise on upper leg - cortisone cream - he asked if I had had shorts on - fat chance the weather we have been having!  To Acton for when Ciarán came out of nursery - met the nanny for the autumn - very nice. To Carluccios for a lovely lunch - had asparagus risotto and lemon sorbet and white wine - starter with gorgonzola. Ciaran had made a card for me and presented with a lovely hat - very smart. To Interfaith group after tea at M & S. Got ticket for Venice concert. Only 3 there to hear an excellent Power Point by Morten Thuysen from the World Development movement. Shocking to hear how government are linked to finance and fossil fuel companies even Vince Cable! Their campaign is Carbon Capital. To Foyles bookshop and impressed by their religion section - in fact found some Eckhart references! To Soho Square but by then the sun had gone. Earlier had met Fr John O'Leary and Fr Michael Archer and commented that I wished I had my shorts on. To St Patri...

To National Gallery and saw pictures from Barber institute and the Turners and Constables then to National Portrait gallery with fine new picture of the Duchess of Cambridge. Walked through Soho which is fascinating to St Patrick's for William Whitehead's recital on the restored 1793 organ. Rome to Home. That organ really sings.Samuel wbbe (was organist of the church) Maurice Greene, Haydn, de Grigny, Pepusch - a fine programme. Home and then to West Norwood to pick up Liz. She has had her hair cut very short. The Apprentice.

Wednesday woke late to find Bruce peering round the door - ha had come down as the topsoil and compost was delivered. To Watermans and Seán enjoyed music. We all had a snooze in the afternoon while Louise went to the dentist. I may have to go again as I lost a bottom filling eating the dessert last night! Liz went on RCIA cathedral tour but I went to St Patrick Soho for first recital on refurbished historic organ by Martin Baker. Brilliant improvisations and a good programme - Bach, Stanley, Bull, Wesley. Wine afterwards and saw Martin and Paddy Russill. Met Patrick Ramsay who had been in Vallodolid seeing David Knight. Thursday out all day. LBFForum with Faith exchange at Central hall Westminster on volunteering. Met Bishop Peter of Edmonton and he knew about my St Michael's appointment. he is flying Bishop for 60 parishes. Pascal Ryan and Bishop Tripp were there - so unusual to have Catholic clergy present. To Heythrop for coffee and worked on essay. Somebody hacked our email ac...

To St Lawrence Jewry to hear Catherine Ennis play - interetsing programme includign Delius and Durufle. To St Stephen Walbrook for walk round city churches. Chose St Bartholomew the less, St Sepulchre, St Andrew Holborn and Tony Tucker who is outstanding took us also to St Etheldreda's - quite a walk but lots of fascinating detail including an unusual clock and garden near St Paul's Greyfriars where queens are buried. Henry Wood's ashes at St Sepulchre, windows to Nellie Melba and John Ireland and Sargent memorial. St Andrew's has lovely icons and organ Handel played from Coram foundling chapel. Served at volunteers mass and to the Abbey to hear Margaret Phillips play Guilmant, Alcock, Bach and Fredrik Sixten. Had an excellent seat so could see her at the console. Wed last music session until Sept. Very nice soup at vegan cafe in Bethnal Green and Liz took Ciarán to the museum of childhood. To London Buddhist centre and 8 came - excellent guide and beautiful Buddha pain...