The organist librarian

Woke late so only 16 lengths. A wierd day taking down pictures and clearing up, did game plan, interviewed staff and finished off some work, At lunch time to tai chi at Battersea. Only Howard there but good to be back with Tony again. Several people not coming to party. Liz brought stuff to the library and brought pictures and box home.

Cold! At Coulsdon we sang "Creator of the stars of night" arranged by John Scott, Kyries Byrd in 3 parts, Wood in the Phyrgian mode and I played Lloyd Webber's Rhapsody on "Helmsley". To Mass at Purley with David Palmer stuff - having a resident composer may not be a good thing! Soup and pizza for lunch - Liz bought party stuff at Iceland. Advent carols at St John's. Adrian gave me a funny retirement card. Guerrero Canite tuba, Stanley Vann (1910-2010) There is a flow'r, Jacob's ladder arranged by Stephen Darlington (I sang the solo - a charming piece), Veiled in darkness by Glenn Rudolph, Nun komm der heiden heiland of Bach at the end. Sorted out some songs for Tuesday but some missing from our Welsh visit!

My last Saturday and rather busy, Claire Corcoran came in and she said she remembered me at Addiscombe! Played for Songs of Praise for St Andrew's day featuring modern hymns. Lots of fish and chips and desserts followed by talent of auctions. Missed train by seconds so buses home on a very cold night.

To South London interfaith lunch and Jon was there. Lots going on for National Interfaith week. Meryl and Daphne said they would take me out to lunch in January - they were doing the training course in the hall. To Westfield - most impressive and met Louise and Ciarán - he is walking very well. To Islington for recording of soundtrack for Merlin 3 - no TV to watch this time and a new piece from Rowan at 9.30 p.m. Home at 10.30 cake and schloer for Dennis's birthday. Today to Putney for my last senior development forum - Liz made delicious cakes for it and Andrew mentioned it 3 times and I got a big clap! I got my hair cut in West Hill. Police came about a case left outside library but nothing came of it. Dennis and Anne Marie still here. Liz went off to serve for Mass for Christians in Iraq.

To St Dunstan in the West which is a Romanian Orthodox church as well, and heard part of the Medtner piano sonata in G minor, Op. 22 played by Chisato Kusunoki. To Tate modern to see the amazing sunflower seeds by Ai Weiwei and recorded 2 video comments for the artist. The Gauguin exhibition was excellent but so many people! Cream tea in the friends room with a wonderful view but hard to hear evensong on the radio. Also looked around the main exhibits and films by Rosa Barba. To chorus and saw Oxford Street lights - umbrellas and boxes and blue arches in New Bond Street. Merlin rehearsal with Rob Lane. Watched The Apprentice.

To Westminster Abbey - I was late so was greeted by the Dean in full rigout! A splendid service with msuic by Palestrina and Child. Wesley's Ascribe unto the Lord and a stunning commission Vast ocean of light from Jonathan Dove. The hymns were the Old 100th, I heard the voice of Jesus say and O praise ye the Lord. Horrid Messiaen at the end! Saw Adrian, Terence, bass from the Nicholson singers, Dorio and Anne Walsh from interfaith group. It doesn't work as well in the Abbey. Good sermon from Lord Griffiths. I did not get to speak to John Hawes. Nearly walked into Whitehall and missed student protests - police closed it off so tube to Temple for Matthew Martin's recital of Peeters, Schumann and Francis Pott Toccata. Oliver Brett was there.

I have been contemplating Fr Daniel's comment that "it is through our wounds that the Light shines into us". Cardinal Newman points out that in our ordinary work we can try to reach perfection. We do not stop our work to say the Angelus, the Angelus transforms our work. So it is in service that we show forth love. All we need to do is recognise the love of God for us weak as we are and allow the flow and the joy to shine through our lives in every part. How difficult this can be as we block the light in so many ways. I have been looking at websites about becoming an oblate. There does seem to be a group based in London. I have contacts in Worth, Minster, Belmont, Ealing and Doaui so the choice is wide. At this important time one must discern the right path to follow.