The organist librarian

A quiet morning at home - played piano for a bit. Got to Bloomsbury Baptist for 1 only to find Philip Norman doing an illustrated talk on British organ building of the last 1000 years - didn't learn much. The organ students were down to play later. I got to London interfaith centre at Queens Park in good time and met a Catholic, Alan Rainer and Fr David Standley. Dr King spoke on ecology and faith and was excellent. Could have led to a really good discussion but I grabbed a tea and got to vespers. Liz went to Charlie Merritt's retirement mass at Northfields. Eugene was thurifer and he and the boys were a bit dopey. Visiting priest went up to the altar at the offertory so I had to politely ask him stand to one side so the censing could happen! Arthur Wills piece at the end from Ben. Simon Augustus cried off our pub drink so home to learn Seán had gone to hospital with Louise and Dennis so she missed her girls night out. Ciaran went to Ann Marie's and they are all now in bed...

Swam 20 and Liz came. She went to West Norwood to collect her repaired jacket. Later she went to Claire's to get trousers repaired. I started on the India picture. To interfaith lunch and there was discussion about Charlie Hebdo. Ivor and Ken saw the photos in video form. Gisela sent a CD and some more came from Peter.To Bromley Court hotel for joint Bromley/Beckenham Catenian meeting which was not that well attended. It was a great pleasure to meet the Grand President Bob Butler and his wife and they have known Eric Tope for years. They had visited Cardinal Vincent this afternoon and found hm very supportive. I had delicious pork and pavlova and we sat with the Smiths from South London and the president of Sevenoaks who was hard work - an accountant. Many congratulations and thanks and offers of support from Province. Hone by 10.15 and Liz won lavender shelfliners in the raffle - elderly? The snow held off. Friday a day at home swam 20 and listed Peter Myers' scores and put ...

Got up in the night to take Ibuprofen as left ankle hurting and bottom teeth twinges. Swam 20 and we both went  -the woman with the hand paddles annoyed Liz - she is very inconsiderate to other swimmers. BBC coverage from Auschwitz. Drove to Swanley for Catenian provincial council. Luis has vacated all positions so  Fergus of Maidstone stepped up to become Provincial President in April and I offered to be Vice-President as there will not be a provincial weekend this year. It was agreed to say a prayer for the Pope although the original email is probably a scam. It was all quite light-hearted. Drove to Selhurst and in an hour I was at Acton 11.15. Wednesday to Tamar's and Seán was much more interested and liked the train song and animals song. He recognised the maraca. He can be quite naughty and did not sleep all day. Ciaran seemed a bit off colour and came home from Isobel's. Watched Wolf Hall, Up the women and Starkey on Magna carta. 

Swam 20 and we both went. Started elephant mosaic as we could not decide on the corners of the border! Qi gung and meditation. To West London synangogue for a moving service including Peter Tatchell and lovely singing. Great to see Michael Redman, Jon dal Din and the nuns. Sat with Stefan Byron. Briefly met Mrs Gryn. The concert by the London International orchestra was good with lovely singing. Most moving was the Schindler's list theme and Nimrod at the end. Lady next to me impressed by my sketching. First woman bishop consecrated in York Minster. 

:Liz is thurifer and I am mitre. Oddly I did not feel as though I had been to Mass. I hardly heard the readings or homily. Don't know why because Paul shows exactly what to do! Arrived at church to be met by Paul and Hayley. He announced he is leaving. Apparently some people have complained to the patrons whoever they are and he is going. He is fed up with John and we agreed he is impossible. It is confidential at the moment. Carrie confirmed it after service. It's a blow and I might need to consider my position as an interregnum will not funny and the church might close if the money runs out. It is of course very convenient. The flies in the ointment are the tuning of the organ and the treasurer! I gave Paul 2 magazines which he was pleased about "Music and liturgy" and PMM newsletter. I wonder if he will go to Rome? I played Willan on Bishopthorpe and Song 34 and Hurford on Song 34. For a change I played the Intermezzo from Cavaliera rusticana which Andrew like...

To St George's cathedral for Peter Gould's excellent recital. Tate Modern for Conflict, Time, Photography - lots there. Nice walk over Blackfriars to Somerset House for Bryan Adams photos Wounded; the legacy of War. This is the exhibition Liz went to see. Bus to Marks for tea. The Cardinal celebrated confirmations. I started out as book but when Richard arrived i became mitre. I insisted he walk behind us but on the way out he got in front again! Sanctimonious creep. He never said Hello! I even congratulated Fr Andrew on his sermon at St Paul's! Watched programme on Holbein and Christmas lecture. 

Swam 18 as I was late because of frost on the car. Wrote an articel about recent events called Bewildered? Guiding at the cathedral with Maureen who told me some interesting things. Lady on about wooden statue of Mary turned out to be a Padre Pio and anti-abortion fan and loves Our Lady of Guadelupe. Had a few questions. To St Paul's for vespers sung by Westminster cathedral choir. Guess what the servers with Paul M, Paul T, Jess, Rebecca, Jack and a blonde stranger. Saw Martin Ball and Anne Welch. Buxtehude Magnificat and Victoria O quam gloriousum. Home for dinner and beer. Watched War horse prom and Still open all hours. Luis has resigned as Provincial President elect and all offices in his 2 circles so I have offered to be PP at some stage.