The organist librarian

Dec 22 Posted blog on internet and checked emails. Sent a complaint email about Delhi guide. Had a very nice Rajasthani meal at our hotel the Golden Tulip. A buffet with delicious sweets. Dec 23. Downstairs for 7.30 and found St Xavier’s church next to big school with balloon for Christmas! Jesuits. Turned out mass was at 8.30 a.m. so ended up having coffee with 3 of the priests. The school principal older and wiser and he made some interesting observations. In India people may be poor but they are not alone whereas in the west they are lonely and nobody has time to talk to you. The Mass was in English with 2 priests and a music group which used their own hymnal compiled by young people. This seem to contain most of the worst 70s American hymns and we had nothing to do with Advent or Mary! All the proper texts were incorrect even the Lord’s prayer and after a while everything seemed to sound the same. The Swedish mass for the Kyrie. Noted one item by Kavin Mathew (Kevin Mayhew?)....

Sunday 16 th Dec packed and picked up Dennis and his presents. Arrived at Acton – both boys had been asleep. Had an excellent lunch at The Rocket. Bruce produced cards from which we were supposed to read words in turn to make up the message and clever boxes inside each other with sweets – Ciaran loved that. Back to the house in the rain for presents. C and S had big piles of course and the real highlight was the train turntable which went up and down! Watched Sports personality of the year and it was obvious Bradley Wiggins would win despite a strong field including 3 paralympians. Slept reasonably and taxi arrived early so we were at Heathrow early. Monday 17 th a good flight to Abu Dhabi on Etihad. I watched 2 films Cheerful weather for the wedding and Ruby Sparks. Also listened to Elgar while dozing. Had a wait for plane to Delhi but it left on time. I watched an interesting Indian film called “Beautiful” which was set in Kerala. Having left London at 9.30 a.m. we reached De...

We took Liz's cakes for servers and clergy and they were much appreciated. Fr Michael at Mass so he leant on me to get up and down the steps. Took clothes to the passage. Have got most of the things out that we need for the trip. Took present to Josie and Ken was there so had a good chat. Saw the end of "The Hour" and watched 2 programmes on Rome by Simon Sebag-Montefiore.

Took Li to station and then found swimming pool closed - should have gone to South Norwood pool!  Completed Clooney essay 2200 words and submitted it. Christmas cards and letters all done. Ran out of cards so if email sent no card! Watched The Hour final episode and Westminster Abbey featuring Mark Langham and An Island Parish. To serve at Santa Lucia service which was lovely. Excellent cathedral choir and Swedish choir. Baritone not loud enough?  He sang a Sibelius carol. The great moment is the Santa Lucia song in procession with girl crowned with lit candles and all carrying candles - so pretty! Looked for David Lester and Chris Hollis but didn't see them.Home to get fish and chips. Daphne Sherwood rang in response to the letter.

Swam 20. Finishing touches to Clooney coursework. Sang at Mass and we did de Severac Tantum ergo - gorgeous. Jerry thanked me for singing - he too graduates next year! Good homily by Fr Peter Gallagher. Having lunch and met a Muslim MA philosophy student who suggested some Sufi wrters for my dissertation subject! To Royal Academy for the Gainsborough, Turner and Constable exhibition. The Constables stood out! Back for meal and more reading on modern Hinduism. Martin Ganeri actually asked a question this evening. Got wide choice of essay topics. Red wine and then to pub and Michael Barnes came for a while. John Park (from South Korea) as incomprehensible as ever! Home at 11.20. Liz had been at John Lewis carol service and meeting with Tony and Ausra.

Liz went to take sample. I swam 20 - very cold outside. To Watermans - there was no music so enjoyed lunch and Helen paid for me as she says we paid for her. Seán and Ciarán on good form and heard all about Thomasland and Winter wonderland. He was much amused by the word "Popadoms". To graduation reception Kensington Town hall foyer and took photos. Only Saira and Luke came from our class - met Luke's parents from Gibraltar - they have been to Kerala. Also saw Fr Kim, Philip and his parents and Diana Liz's teacher. To Heythrop Jewish society Chanukkah party - nice doughnuts and lighting of candles. 2 girls sang the song but we couldn;t cope with new tune and transliterated Hebrew text as well!

1800 words of Clooney essay written - only 200 to go! To cathedral to steward choristers concert. We were checking tickets on the door and it was freezing. Still we enjoyed a superb free concert. Ceremony of carols, Stanford 4 biblical songs, Britten Missa Brevis, Handel all beautifully sung and  mostly from memory - what stamina! To the Friends reception in Francis Street  -bit of snobbery but enjoyed the champagne and chatting to Jack the Queen's coachman. Home to freezing fog and heavy frost on the car.