Christchurch

P.1238 we went by train to Newcastle and Philip Mathias made us very welcome. Played the cathedral organ and the university organ. Philip's son Lachlan mentioned the new ophicleide a lot. It was eagerly awaited. We all went to the Zoo. Dad watched the video of Pirates of Penzance from Coloma. We went to Bondi but it was too cold to swim.I attended a Guild committee meeting. The restaurant at the new casino was good.p.1240. Photos were taken in various costume poses. I played for the service at St John's. P.1241 played Sydney Town hall organ! We went to see the film "Sliding doors". Dad does not mention that he slept through it! Manly trip and the Catenian meeting was at the then most expensive golf club in the world! P.1242 swam at Bronte beach. Louise's results came through.in fact she did not go to university much to Liz's disappointment. Dennis went to the Cook Islands. P. 1243 we f lew over Mr Cook to Christchurch and enjoyed going to Hanmer Springs with Malcolm.  I was quite calm on parting as I felt we were closely linked through music, letters and the Eucharist. The mountains also helped a lot to be at peace. We had a wonderful train trip to Greymouth and when we came out of the long tunnel the whole train went "Aah!"at snow covered mountains. We enjoyed Akaroa.I met Daphne Griffiths 83. She gave me a lot of Vernon's music. P.1349.I played Anglican, RC cathedral organs and Town Hall. The ladies in the shop at the Anglican cathedral were very appreciative. At the town hall I won Martin Setchell by asking him to sign his piece. The RC Organists could not believe that I had been allowed to play as locals are kept off it. How silly! We renewed our acquaintance when the RC cathedral choir sang at Westminster cathedral.p.1248 Los Angeles where universal studios was again visited and the wonderful Getty gallery. A great concert at the Hollywood bowl conducted by Ivan Fischer. I bought a lovely tie.