The organist librarian

Having woken again in the middle of the night as a result of jetlag I was reading my dear Mum's diary from the 1967 European tour and realised it sounded just like my blog! So many of the incidents come back to me vividly and I was telling Souk and Craig about the transforming moment on Dad's birthday Aug 23rd in Salzburg when we tossed for the tickets (2 between 4) and I went with Dad to hear the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Karl Bohm with Barenboim at the piano. Never again could I accept the musical standards of Joburg - this was where I had to be! Watched Young Apprentice last night and managed to keep Liz awake. Ashleigh was a worthy winner. Am now up again and putting more videos on Facebook.

Still jet lagged - woke at 1 a.m. and did some reading. Liz was also up. To Bethnal Green Mission for Christian Muslim forum conversations for the soul led by Zahra who provided lunch as well. Met a Muslim lady Nabeela from Wandsworth,  Fr. Michael from St George in the East and Rev June Boyce-Tillman who is a larger than life character and a composer. Most interesting discussion on faith and society. Bought 2 calendars.  Shared a taxi to Old Street and collected car from Glyn Close. Took Bruce to Post Office - rather brought it home that he really is going. Watched Westminster Abbey programme and Young Apprentice. Have caught up on college work and emails and posting videos on Face book.

At Seán's baptism at Acton. Swam 30. To court and left at 1.10 p.m. To Heythrop coffee downstairs and chatting to Xavier. Worked in library and had dinner (not very good chicken potatoes and carrots - I think it was the gravy). Lecture from Martin Ganeri. Asked Michael about dissertation - he said he couldn't see me until next term. I voted in the by election this morning and Liz went this evening - very low turnout. Watched Young Apprentice and David finally went.

Swam 30! Listened to Liverpool cathedral evensong from yesterday - Vaughan Williams, Whitlock and Howells - who could ask for better on this special day! So sad about the General Synod decision against women bishops - how disappointing and out of touch can you be? Went in good time to rehearse for Mass as Westminster cathedral tour was off (pity about that as I had bought the guidebook but maybe I can volunteer as a verger/guide next year). Ended up rehearsing harmonies of Praise my soul and Hail redeemer King divine. The psalm which was about singing was said - why? Jerry is lazy that's why! 2 plainchant chunks sung by soloists from gallery. We did not even run through Proulx Alleluia! Fr Michael Barnes gave a brilliant homily on interfaith - first time I have ever heard one at Mass. To coffee and chat about Synod decision. Took my cartoon to Lion office and met Daniel Tripp at last - he edits culture features. My review of art exhibitions is published! To library and lots of re

Gareth is a National Treasure - the final programme of the choir was most moving with the military wives singing at the Royal Albert Hall. Also watched Frozen Planet (amazing) and Young Apprentice HarryM escaped again - he must go as he is a pain! My first Christmas cake smells gorgeous. Spoke to Lyn and Rosemary. We are now on BT Infinity.

Swam 30 as I was a little late. A nice surprise at 11.45 when I was in the music and Louise and Ciarán arrived. He managed to roll himself up in his blanket on my office floor! Had lunch with them. Grandma had the peg put in successfully so we are off to Cyprus tomorrow all being well with the proviso that we would return if things turned for the worse. Packed case and watched Young apprentice final with a worthy winner in Arjun. Met John who swims on the train and bus home.

Watched Tutu discussion on whether religion is good for Africa on Iplayer - I missed the others in the series. Spoke to Ann. Hoovered downstairs and washed kitchen floor. Glued drawer and organ pipe together again but drawer will have to be replaced. To St Michael's. Ilya Kudryatsev was unable to come from Switzerland because of volcanic ash stopping flights again so Martin Ellis of Dorking stepped in at short notice and played Welsey, Arne, Schumann, Karg-Elert and Widor. Bridge Adagio was left out! I am enjoying Eric Siblin's book on Bach cello suites. Lit 3 candles one for Grandma. David, Ken, Howard, Frank Millington, Gervase and Terence all there. Bus to King's - Grandma more cheerful and saying more - counting and whole sentences. Clare dropped in. I missed Rosemary and Lyn's visit by seconds yesterday! Watched Young apprentice with Lord Sugar. Same formula as before. 5 lib Dems in cabinet - Vince Cable is Business secretary, Nick Clegg is deputy PM! Will it last?