The organist librarian

Bananas in Natal. Coulsdon celebrated harvest festival. Molly and Ella sang in the choir for the first time. We learnt about Uruguay - there are only 1000 Anglicans in a population of 3 million. Harvest samba with the CD, Through our lives for the prayers and Rutter's !All things bright and beautiful". I played Vernon Griffiths on "St George" and Flor Peeters on "Wir plufgen" "We plough the fields and scatter". At noon sat down to a lunch for £7.50 of tortillas, chili and salad and cheesecake with fruit. To Hyderi Islamic centre in Streatham for Lambeth interfaith forum on Prisons. Ebrahim confirmed he is coming to cathedral interfaith group on 22nd although he thought it was at the Abbey. 3 excellent speakers. Ivor Smith-Cameron asked me to reserve some books for him at which point I discovered I did not have my credit card holder so I missed the discussion and came back on train and checked in the car. Tony had picked it up in the church hall so...

Cycad 36 lengths Thursday and 40 on Friday!

Protea A busy Saturday - Ryan did turn up! No email as the computer had thrown me out and no administrator available to reinstate me! To vespers and Mass Fr Michael Dunne and confirmation candidates dedication. Wesley and Harvey serving (9 a.m. lot and pretty vague). Spoke at end of Mass about the Appointed by God groups on Paul. All went well. Patricia and Norma signed up for Wednesday evening group and Connie said she would try and come on Wednesday morning - she is looking very frail. enjoyed the park at lunchtime in the sunshine!

Soweto squatter camp, St John's College between Pelican and David quad, John, Richard Else, John Fulton, Michael Matthews on the morning of the reunion Posting the South African photos on Face book has led to some great comments and information about those present. It really was a super trip. Tony Palik comments on the Soweto photos too. A house costing $100! Makes you think in the present economic climate! Been busy at work. Thursday to Age concern meeting and did minutes. Claire Kakembo was holding forth a lot about how she can fix computers! Gillian McGrandles has settled in well. To park in glorious autumn sunshine and the trees all turning. Spoke to Dennis on phone and Liz went to Bow for the national energy survey. At choir Molly and Ella are greatly improved and wearing cassocks after all! Only 4 there. Jenny cross that choir not singing at evening confirmation but it when I am away and the choir has a large workload. Watched "Beautiful people" - hilarious comedy a...

Wednesday spoke to Ann and Dennis. Ann had enjoyed the wedding DVD. To Appointed by God group. 5 came. Problems getting key - nobody in clergy house but Indra knew that there had been a leak in the Hinsley Room gents loo and John Daly let us in through the kitchen and brought the keys. Interesting chat about suffering and offering up our weakness to God. To St Michael's for part of Peter Litman's recital - Terence there. Francaix, Handel and Borowski. Train and tube to British Museum. Got student discount so hired audio guide which was very good. Hadrian exhibition is smashing - in the reading room and very well presented although a lot of people there and never saw Jewish revolt stuff. Bought postcards of Antinous and Egyptian mummy portraits. To cathedral for Opus Dei 80th anniversary Mass with Cardinal who tripped after the homily.He left out Kyrie and Gloria and said "Lamb of God" instead of Behold the Lamb of God! Communion torch with Liz - too many chiefs again!...

Thursday to Berlioz rehearsal. At the weekend it was announced that Edward Caswell is to be our new chorusmaster with Madeleine Lovell as associate. So Mark Griffiths, Aidan Oliver and Stefan Bevier are passed over. It remains to be seen how this will work out. Edward is always on about voce inarlare or something similar! Madeleine is a bit school marmish for my taste but an excellent musician. Friday to choir practice. Molly and Ella's attention span rather short but we did do some good work for Harvest. Only 4 there but John was back after his dental work. I did the November music list and wrote an article about St John's visit on Sunday afternoon. Ryan did not turn up on Saturday (again!) but Gillian was there and Francis and Urbain have made a good start. To Vespers and Mass - Fr Michael's first. Paul Clubb accompanied us to Pizza Hut for a special half price offer - enormous pizzas and unlimited soft drinks! Sunday we sang Howells My eyes for beauty pine" at Couls...

I abandoned my swim on Tuesday as had to get to South Thames college branch in Putney for first of 10 seesions of course for union health and safety representatives. 16 on course including railway workers, immigration and probation officers. Should be interesting. To cathedral for vespers and Mass and served. The boys sang Faure's "Messe basse" which was a birthday treat. To Newton prep school for wine and canapes and a tour given by one of the boys who informed that Isaac Newton founded the school! The actual founder was present and started it in 1991! He is very keen on interfaith and full scholarships are available. I see Tay and Lexa on the train most days. The deputy head said the parents are mostly media people and not posh. Home and there was a match so Liz came later having been at Gill's. A nice birthday! Wednesday to first "Appointed by God" session on St Paul - 6 came. Excellent spirituality day led by Claire on "Letting go, Letting God...