Bruce

1983 gathering

Congratulating Lionel Dakers CBE 1983

Grainne in Hungarian national costume to greet the new baby

Dad with grandson No. 2

Louise little Mum

Claire after Bruce's birth

• One sad incident should be recounted. Just before Christmas Liz had a miscarriage. I was playing for school carols and felt I had no choice but to go home to relieve the babysitter. I could have got Mrs Earl or Karen across the road .When I got to the hospital the next morning the lady in the next bed said Liz had cried so much for me. I was mortified and said I would never do such a thing again. Family was more important than music. I have recounted this story in high schools when we talked about our marriage as I think young people need to know this kind of situation. I  still think I made the wrong decision. The chorus held a 25th anniversary reception at Ironmongers' hall, Barbican 26 Nov 1982.

Page 151 Lionel Dakers in Tasmania - he always spoke of Mum and Dad when he saw me. Dad mentions the carols at St Margaret's - we had a small group formed for Easter and Christmas. Also singing in the semi-chorus of Gerontius with Janet Baker - we have a photo in the hall of this concert at the Festival hall with Andrew Davis. Page 155 Margaret Phillips visit to Hobart - I met her at the Abbey and she remembered it well. Page 157 the arrival of Bruce George. October 24. Page159 Bruce turned over in cot in the car and sinosed but Clare came to the rescue and he was OK. Page 165 Dad describes meeting Douglas Mews and Vernon Griffiths in New Zealand. I was later to meet Vernon's widow. Both of us were given lots of his wonderful organ music - beautifully crafted. He was a pupil of Rootham.
We have been incredibly lucky in our travels all over the world and some things always happen in cities. Cathedral or main temple, the zoo, if a river or lake a cruise, art gallery for me, concerts or organ recitals, try to play organs. A good meal out. If a mountain cable car trip!

Clare at Louise's wedding 2007