The organist librarian

Lie-in after last night's late night. Liz to servers Mass in Newcastle and fireworks. To coffee concert at St John's humorous delightful wind sextets by Mozart and Beethoven by Sonnet. Sat with Ray who comes to meditation - his daughter Elaine went to St Chad's a year ahead of Dennis. Watched cellists and listened to Romero and Salisbury evensongs. Also 3 Living with the Gods. Did C of E safeguarding online training. Paul Tobin as sacristan thurible stand in wrong place and no gospel book on altar. Engaged couples blessed by Fr Martin who gave us a thumbs up. Claudia back. Cleaned wax of cassocka and left one for Paul. Programme on Harry Potter and magic uninspiring. Golden gate bridge programme. 

Swam, got scores from Central music library, brilliant Prom at Cadogan hall by Stile Antico and Fretwork - beautiful singing and playing. To V and A to see Ove Arup which is well worth seeing especially Sydney Opera House, Crossrail and soundlab. Early at the hall and delightful discussion of Beethoven 8 and Prokofiev 1 which for some reason were reversed in order in the prom and no announcement made (we do not buy programmes at £4 a go!) The new pieces by Ades and Coll were interesting. A day for meeting people -  Elizabeth Butler , Bob Reiss, Graham and Mary Smith, Barry, Warren!

:Liz is thurifer and I am mitre. Oddly I did not feel as though I had been to Mass. I hardly heard the readings or homily. Don't know why because Paul shows exactly what to do! Arrived at church to be met by Paul and Hayley. He announced he is leaving. Apparently some people have complained to the patrons whoever they are and he is going. He is fed up with John and we agreed he is impossible. It is confidential at the moment. Carrie confirmed it after service. It's a blow and I might need to consider my position as an interregnum will not funny and the church might close if the money runs out. It is of course very convenient. The flies in the ointment are the tuning of the organ and the treasurer! I gave Paul 2 magazines which he was pleased about "Music and liturgy" and PMM newsletter. I wonder if he will go to Rome? I played Willan on Bishopthorpe and Song 34 and Hurford on Song 34. For a change I played the Intermezzo from Cavaliera rusticana which Andrew like...

I was delighted that Geoff was so complimentary about the library after the senior training session on Thursday. I finished "Broken places" by Wendy Perriam and watched the last night of the Proms 1910 conducted by Paul Daniel with the lovely "Dark pastoral" played by Stephen Isserlis and based on Vaughan Williams. Friday's practice and no bass. I drove to Acton which took about 1 hour and 15 minutes and arrived at 10 p.m. Saturday we babysat Ciarán who was as good as gold. Louise and Tom were at a wedding in Ireland but had left full instructions and rang to check. We went to the park to enjoy the swings and a coffee and after lunch had a sunny walk. The Last Night of the Proms was great with Renée Fleming superb. It has been a wonderful season and I am only sorry that I only got to one Prom this year but I have listened to many on radio, Iplayer and BBC4. A highlight of the concert was Jonathan Dove's new piece and Dvorak's Hymn to the moon. We enjoyed...