The organist librarian

I have an infection in right ear so operating on one ear for a month and right in the middle of the Proms! I was lucky to see Dr Ojo and he will remove mole on my arm. I got the ear drops. Delightful lunch at Rosemary Callan's. Miss Lyn. She has great plans for the house. The talk was on writing about London. Strange that South London is so neglected by authors. Sad that so many 20 year olds are leaving the city. I commented that Dad said you could tell a Londoner as they were know it alls. Not so true I think now. It is more that Londoners are mostly from somewhere else. A superb concert BBC Scottish and Manze London symphonies of Haydn and RVW. Lovely to have Haydn and very atmospheric and NO applause between movements!!

Henry stayed overnight as good as gold. Mosaic then amazing Prom Joseph Tawadros playing the oud.Mosaic group visit to Orthodox cathedral Hagia Sophia Moscow Rd and Rita Day came. Early at Guys and seen immediately about hearing aids. Infection in right ear so operating on one ear only.  Pre prom talk on mountains. Enjoyed Mozart Nocturne for 4 orchestras, fell asleep in the Haas work for 4 alpenhorns, nearly got the brolly out in Alpine symphony! Big organ part. Ivan Volkov and BBC Scottish.

On iplayer the Prom of Holst Ode to death and Vaughan Williams Martyn Brabbins conducting - lovely way to start the day! We sang Bread of the world arranged by Alan Bullard. I played Poco adagio from Saint-Saens organ symphony and Flor Peeters on Cwn Rhondda and Lasst uns erfreuen. Train times changed again so home in time to listen to "I'm Sorry I haven't a clue". Played Dancing years Novello selection and Brewer Marche heroique on piano. Took music to David Dibbs miserable rain. Great singing and playing from Southern Cathedrals festival at Salisbury Blair in B minor, Jonathan Dove, Vierne. RVW Pastoral symphony and Parry Symphony No. 5 on Iplayer. Poldark came to an end for the moment (sad). Watched Shostakoich, Beethoven and Rachmaninov from prom. Henry came to stay overnight and went off to sleep happily. 

Quiet day. Got ready for Wednesday. Andy at No. 11 has upset us with notes wanting branches cut off the birch tree. Of course bits will come off especially in hot weather. Playing from memory Andras Gabor Virag impressed at Bloomsbury Baptist. Windy but warm. Andrew Bowden at vespers and Mass and spoke about Lourdes to servers, Shireen and Andrew. Also saw the 3 organists. Watched 2 Proms extras. Liz went to the Beethoven Prom.

The Lourdes pilgrimage really was very special. Highlights the Cardinal's homilies, the torchlight procession with a stunning view from the Basilica steps where the choir were, the Cathedral of the trees Mass and the St Sabin abbey. Feeding Fred was very special and the parties were fun. Such lovely people we were looking after and hugely impressed by the Sant Frai volunteers and the redcaps. Joy, tears and healing said the Cardinal and he was so right! So many happy smiling faces. 

Toulouse. Taxi to the hotel Ibis and shower and rest. Walked to find dinner and we enjoyed the organic food and craft beer at Roulez Papilles. After breakfast Liz went to the market and I went with Veronica to the basilica of Saint Sermin which is splendid and has an 1889 Cavaille Coll organ. Did some sketches including the wedding cake tower from the tea room. We got a taxi to the get the Navette at the station and were very early at the airport. Had a salad meal after checking in and had assistance. Easyjet were 50 minutes late. Collected car at Gatwick and home by 8.30. Signs of rain at last! House hot so opened up doors and windows to cool it down. Tablets not come! Heard part of the Prom and watched Room 101. Unpacked. 

Woke early and got to church by car 8.40.No bells or junior church. Played Mascagni Intermezzo and Easter hymn for Mary Magdalene. Also Tambling on  O filii as we sang O sons and daughters. Visiting preacher good and finished 11.10. Gatwick 11.40 I had not noticed I needed to contact the driver but he appeared in 10 minutes. Assistance from Easyjet. I had time to get  a salad and coffee. Taken to wrong gate and chatted about NHS. Flight delayed 70 minutes lots of kids and crowded. Got his into Toulouse centre seems a charming place with canals. Missed train at 6.30 so got 8.30 one. Ate at Pauls at station found could not read books on Fire without internet but watched downloads Art of Scandinavia and Songs of Praise and read old Oremus. Arrived at 11 and got a taxi with the Oxford ladies. Hotel Metropole room has 2 double beds and we overlook courtyard. Had a beer. Monday to morning prayer and saw the Cardinal and Bishop John. Good breakfast. Choir a bit cramped open air ou...