The organist librarian

Lots of nice cards and a lovely book from Liz of icons of Jesus introduced by Wendy Beckett. To Crystal Palace park to meet Calix and Boyan. Ciarán enjoyed the scooter and the helter skelter slide in glorious sunshine. Had coffee and cake and then back up to the zoo (it was not open earlier). Not much to see but saw ponies, alpacas, goats, rabbits and guinea pig. Had an ice cream. Home for a short rest. New nursery rhyme book came and I was playing them when Bruce arrived which was a lovely surprise. Ciarán unusually not keen to keen to be bathed after water play. He watched Night garden and eventually went off to sleep. Bruce took me to choir and got chocolate cake and Ferrero rocher. 14 came to White Hart Chipstead and it was delightful. More funny cards incuding hilarious one from Vickie. Bob and Jenny brought Liz. Home at 11.30 and David babysat. A great birthday!

Wednesday was our day out by coach. We crossed to Anglesey and visited St Siriol's cell and well at Memnon Priory which houses some fine crosses. At Beaumaris we had a simple lunch and ice cream at the Red Boat. The parish church is fine and in each place we had a simple liturgy. The misericords are fine and it was a pity we could not play the organ. At Bangor cathedral we sang vespers with organ interludes in the Magnificat. This did not work as well as it should have done as there was no censing! About 30 people came to listen. Abbot Richard was on the organ beforehand so I never got a chance to play. After supper we much enjoyed a traditional Welsh harper who sang and played. The weather was great after lunch with stunning views on the drive back over the Menai bridge. My 64th birthday was celebrated with chocolate cake and an informal concert. Sr Julian also has her birthday on the same day - she is from Stanbrook now moved to Yorkshire and is a delight! On Friday we had a free...

Woke at 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Watched rest of "The Choir" with Gareth Malone and boys of Lancaster school and Rachmaninov 2 from Leeds piano competition with Rachel Cheung of China - only 17. Wasp man came and smoked and poisoned nest under eaves at back. There were bats up the road and of course we have fox, wood pigeons, squirrels and we have had rats and mice -yuk! Nice sportshirts from Liz and card, messages on Facebook.

Trevor and Dave It was great having Louise home for lunch. To 10 pin bowling - buses were dreadful so I was a little late. However 11 teams took part and St John's Redhill won complete with a turkey by Alistair in their last round. Royal Russell school sent 6 teams. I took photos and gave out the certificates and trophy. A good time was had by all despite the NOISE and the darkness! Much moaning about RSCM! To St Gertrude's South Croydon for Mass. Asked Fr McCarthy if he was coming to Catenian clergy supper. To Hyderi Ismaili centre in Streatham for meal and Ramadan prayers - everything translated for us on screens! Excellent talks on interfaith co-operation by Rev Alan Gadd, an excellent young sheikh born in Streatham and an Orthodox rabbi who is totally opposed to Zionism! Most interesting but it did go on rather late! Met Ebrahim and he expressed interest in coming to meet our cathedral group. Also a delightful man rather like Zia called Rahman who was most helpful. Sunday ...